A response spectrum approach for seismic performance evaluation of actively controlled structures

To evaluate and measure the effectiveness of active control schemes in reducing the response of structures subjected to earthquake excitations, it is common to use recorded or artificially generated earthquakes as input motions. This paper introduces the response spectrum analysis to evaluate linear control systems for seismic inputs defined by code‐prescribed or site‐specific ground response spectra. Using such a method one can evaluate a control system in a single analysis for the ensemble of time histories that are represented by the input response spectra. The response spectrum analysis can also facilitate the implementation of comprehensive parametric studies. A generalized response spectrum method is used to analyse systems with non‐symmetrical matrices that are caused by the general nature of the control actions imposed on the structure. The application of the method is demonstrated on several numerical examples of a building structure where the control force is applied through an active tuned‐mass damper. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bayesian probabilistic damage detection of a reinforced‐concrete bridge column

A Bayesian probabilistic approach for damage detection has been proposed for the continuous monitoring of civil structures (Sohn H, Law KH. Bayesian probabilistic approach for structure damage detection. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics 1997; 26 :1259–1281). This paper describes the application of the Bayesian approach to predict the location of plastic hinge deformation using the experimental data obtained from the vibration tests of a reinforced‐concrete bridge column. The column was statically pushed incrementally with lateral displacements until a plastic hinge is fully formed at the bottom portion of the column. Vibration tests were performed at different damage stages. The proposed damage detection method was able to locate the damaged region using a simplified analytical model and the modal parameters estimated from the vibration tests, although (1) only the first bending and first torsional modes were estimated from the experimental test data, (2) the locations where the accelerations were measured did not coincide with the degrees of freedom of the analytical model, and (3) there existed discrepancies between the undamaged test structure and the analytical model. The Bayesian framework was able to systematically update the damage probabilities when new test data became available. Better diagnosis was obtained by employing multiple data sets than just by using each test data set separately. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of ERS-1 data for the extraction of flooded areas

The aim of this study, undertaken by Geoimage, was the setting up of a fast and precise location method of flooded areas over two sites in southern France. The use of satellite imagery seemed to be the appropriate tool for this study. Two types of flood had to be distinguished: (i) an oceanic flood, of long duration characteristic, and of low intensity on the Rhône Valley, (ii) a torrential flood, of short duration characteristic, but of high intensity, on the Var Valley. As we distributed of ERS-1 images over both sites, during the floods, we could test our methodology. A multitemporal approach using ERS-1 images in PRI mode, acquired before, during and after the flood, was set up. In the case of oceanic flood, the radar images characteristic answers, enabled us to extract and identify areas under water at each date of acquisition of the images. Therefore, if we distribute images at each step of the flood, its evolution can be precisely reconstituted (in terms of time and surface). In the case of torrential flood, it is more difficult to localize the flood with precision. This can be explained by the change of water surface, which has a large swell in this case. Radars are sensitive to these changes in the turbidity, an interaction occurs and thus the results were ‘turned off’. Nevertheless, simulation studies from other satellite data make possible the location of more or less strong hydrological risk accident areas. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element analysis of steady-state natural convection problems in fluid-saturated porous media heated from below

In this paper, a progressive asymptotic approach procedure is presented for solving the steady-state Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problem in a fluid-saturated porous medium. The Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problem possesses a bifurcation and, therefore, makes the direct use of conventional finite element methods difficult. Even if the Rayleigh number is high enough to drive the occurrence of natural convection in a fluid-saturated porous medium, the conventional methods will often produce a trivial non-convective solution. This difficulty can be overcome using the progressive asymptotic approach procedure associated with the finite element method. The method considers a series of modified Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problems in which gravity is assumed to tilt a small angle away from vertical. The main idea behind the progressive asymptotic approach procedure is that through solving a sequence of such modified problems with decreasing tilt, an accurate non-zero velocity solution to the Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problem can be obtained. This solution provides a very good initial prediction for the solution to the original Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problem so that the non-zero velocity solution can be successfully obtained when the tilted angle is set to zero. Comparison of numerical solutions with analytical ones to a benchmark problem of any rectangular geometry has demonstrated the usefulness of the present progressive asymptotic approach procedure. Finally, the procedure has been used to investigate the effect of basin shapes on natural convection of pore-fluid in a porous medium. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于震灾图像维度分析下景观带毁损程度评估的探讨

地震灾害是所有自然灾害中破坏程度最为严重的灾害之一,当景观带遭到地震破坏时,景观带中的规则建筑结构发生改变,景观带毁损程度评估是城市避震减灾体系研究的重点内容,因此对景观带中规则建筑毁损程度研究有重要意义。为深入探讨景观带毁损程度评估的问题,基于震灾图像维度分析下对景观带毁损程度的评估方法进行尝试。根据规则建筑震灾图像质量,按图像维度的变化特征对规则建筑结构的破碎程度进行划分,获取破碎概率分布,根据破碎概率划分最佳阈值,采用分数维方法提取图像维度特征,根据提取到的规则建筑震灾图像维度特征,将毁损的规则建筑空间自相关程度转换成正态分布曲线,进而构建评估模型对规则建筑毁损程度进行评估。针对实例分析,实现基于震灾图像维度分析下景观带毁损程度评估方法并进行了探讨。     

Evaluation of force-based and displacement-based out-of-plane seismic assessment methods for unreinforced masonry walls through refined model simulations

The performance of force-based and displacement-based seismic assessment methods for the life-safety limit state check of out-of-plane loaded unreinforced masonry walls is evaluated on the basis of refined numerical simulations. For this purpose, a discrete element model of a vertically spanning wall is built and validated against experimental results from static and dynamic test conditions. The model is then analysed for a large range of wall configurations. For each configuration, a static pushover analysis and a series of incremental dynamic analyses are run, the latter permitting to determine the capacity of the wall under dynamic loading. The accuracy of the assessment methods in predicting the acceleration at which the walls collapse is evaluated. It is found that the displacement-based method is more accurate, robust, and safe than the force-based method. The comparison also shows that for walls characterised by a relatively high ratio of axial load to Euler's critical load, both assessment methods lead to an overestimation of the wall capacity. As a remedy, a modification to the methods based on a recently developed mechanical model is put forward and tested. For the force-based method, it is additionally suggested to set for walls with relatively high overburden ratios the behaviour factor equal to 1. To ensure reproducibility of this study, all input and output files of the numerical simulations are made publicly available.     

基于年际增量法的卷积神经网络模型对中国夏季降水的预测研究

将前冬的500 hPa位势高度、向外长波辐射和海表温度的年际增量作为预测因子,建立基于卷积神经网络(Convolutional Neural Network, CNN)的非线性预测模型,对中国160个测站夏季降水展开预测研究,并与基于线性奇异值分解(Singular Value Decomposition, SVD)的预测模型进行效果对比。结果表明：CNN在1981—2020年的交叉检验中所回报的降水平均PS评分和距平相关系数(ACC)分别为74.33和0.12,比SVD高2.15和0.06,说明CNN比SVD在整体上对夏季降水具有更好的预测能力。其中,CNN对SVD预测较好年份的预测效果提升较为明显,对SVD预测较差的年份则改进不大。CNN对中国降水预测存在一定的系统性偏差,订正后CNN对拉尼娜年的降水预测改进较大。结果表明,基于年际增量法的CNN预测模型展示出较好的潜在应用价值。     

The missing middle: Central Arctic Ocean gaps in fishery research and science coordination

The warming global climate is reducing sea-ice coverage in the central Arctic, transforming a mostly inaccessible marine region into a 'new' and relatively poorly studied ocean. History shows that exploitation of newly accessible natural resources tends to precede effective research and management measures. But in response to increasing access to the central Arctic, a precautionary approach has been taking hold, with broad political and scientific support culminating in the Oslo Declaration of 2015, which aims to prevent unregulated high seas fishing in the central Arctic. Negotiations toward a full binding agreement are continuing. Formal efforts toward assessing knowledge of the Arctic marine ecosystems and coordinating research are underway, and practitioner-based research coordination and collaboration in the region is also ongoing. Yet broad gaps in our current marine research and coordination exist, and this paper draws attention to the spatial middle, middle trophics, and the middle scale — an Arctic 'missing middle'. Scientific activity in the central Arctic Ocean region is burgeoning in recent years, and a large number of initiatives, projects, and arrangements are meeting some of the need for coordination. But full pan-Arctic scientific coordination does not yet exist. In support of ecosystem-based and precautionary management of the central Arctic Ocean, this paper considers a fully Arctic-focused organization that can both orchestrate and prioritize marine research in the Arctic in view of policy imperatives, and bring emerging scientific understanding of the region directly into the discussion and formation of new policy.     

Evaluation of the carrying capacity of marine industrial parks: A case study in China

Carrying capacity is an important index used to evaluate the status of regional resources, ecological environment, and regional economic development. Marine industrial parks have gained substantial attention from domestic and foreign investors and governments at all levels; in particular, these parks are an essential part of the national blue economy development plan of the Chinese government. The carrying capacity of a marine industrial park is important to all related stakeholders. In this study, an evaluation system was established based on the literature review and expert interviews by using 32 indices under three dimensions (pressure, bearing, and transformation) to determine the carrying capacity of a marine industrial park. The carrying capacity of marine industrial parks in Shandong Province was evaluated using this system across diverse dimensions by incorporating state space and analytic hierarchy processes. Results indicated that carrying capacity significantly differed among regions, parks, and specific dimensions. Comparison among different types of marine industrial parks indicated that the modern marine service industry and fishery industrial parks showed improved and efficient development with relatively high bearing rates. By contrast, the modern marine manufacturing industry and strategic emerging industrial parks were significantly underdeveloped. This study proposes academic approaches and practical implications for the involved governments and managing committees. Furthermore, suggestions on park planning, policy support, industrial cluster, and industry–university–research institute alliances are provided to the government and enterprise perspectives to increase the carrying capacity of marine characteristic industrial parks.     

Satoumi concept illustrated by sustainable bottom-up initiatives of Japanese Fisheries Cooperative Associations

“Satoumi” is a Japanese term meaning a seascape where human-ecosystem interaction has resulted in increased biodiversity and productivity, thus improving the health of the environment and its ecosystem services. However, this definition does not do justice to the universality of the concept, and the holistic ideas and related valuable practices promoted by the term, applicable to fisheries science, contributing thus to the neglect of the term in the international stage. This article explores the importance of environmental, commercial, and research activities related to Satoumi, based on actions implemented by Fisheries Cooperative Associations (FCAs) of different prefectures in Japan. The examined case studies are bottom-up initiatives undertaken by Japanese fishermen and constitute effective means towards sustainable and competitive fisheries management. Such initiatives play an important role in disseminating the positive effects of the Satoumi approach in Japan, and promote therefore its adoption in other regions of the world as well.