Exposing water samples to ultraviolet light improves fluorometry for detecting human fecal contamination

Fluorometry identifies human fecal contamination by detecting optical brighteners in environmental waters. Because optical brighteners are sensitive to sunlight, we determined if we could improve fluorometry by exposing water samples to ultraviolet (UV) light to differentiate between optical brighteners and other fluorescing organic compounds. Optical brighteners were likely present when the relative percentage difference in fluorometric value of the water before and after UV light exposure was >30% (glass cuvettes, 30 min exposure) or >15% (polymethacrylate cuvettes, 5 min exposure). In a blind study, we correctly identified the presence or absence of optical brighteners in 178 of 180 (99%) of the samples tested with a more expensive field fluorometer and in 175 of 180 (97%) of the samples tested with a less expensive handheld fluorometer. In the field, the method correctly identified two negative and three positive locations for human fecal contamination. When combined with counts of fecal bacteria, the new fluorometric method may be a simple, quick, and easy way to identify human fecal contamination in environmental waters.     

Consistent boundary conditions for flows within the atmospheric boundary layer

In computational wind engineering the neutrally stable atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is often simulated using the standard k-ε model. The application of boundary conditions that are inconsistent with the profiles used at the inflow boundary causes streamwise gradients in the solution and prevents the simulation of a horizontally homogeneous boundary layer. In the present work these problems are overcome by applying a simple extension of the shear stress boundary condition at the top of the domain and by using one-dimensional models to generate inflow profiles in equilibrium with the ground boundary condition. This procedure allows the impact of the inconsistent boundary conditions to be quantitatively assessed. It is shown that inconsistent boundary conditions at the top of the domain result in erroneous streamwise gradients throughout the domain. These errors are reduced by enlarging the domain in the vertical direction but are not removed. The errors are also found in simulations with idealised and real topography included in the domain. A brief discussion of the impact of the errors on simulations of wind energy projects is given.     

Numerical studies on air flow around a cube

In this paper, air approach flow moving towards a cube will be studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The Reynolds Averaging of Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation types of k-ε turbulence model are used. Some RANS predicted results are compared with different upstream air speeds. Flow separation at the corner above the top of the cube, level of separation and reattachment are investigated. Reference is made to the experimental data on wind tunnels reported in the literature.A method similar to ‘recirculation bubble promoter’ is used for different approach flow speed distributions. Problems encountered in numerical simulations due to the sharp corner are discussed with a view to obtaining better prediction on recirculation flow in regions above the top of the cube. Correlations between the turbulent kinetic energy above the cube and the recirculation bubble size are derived for different distributions of approach flow speed.By limiting the longitudinal velocities in the first cell adjacent to the sharp edge of the cube or rib, and making good use of the wall functions at the intersection cells of the velocity components, positions of maximum turbulent kinetic energy and the flow separation and reattachment can be predicted by a standard k-ε model. The results agree with those obtained in the experiments.     

Selection of NF membrane to improve quality of chemically treated surface water

The requirement for higher quality drinking water necessitates the application of more efficient water treatment techniques. Nanofiltration is one promising option for enhanced water treatment, for example, in enhanced organic matter removal. The characteristics of different nanofiltration membranes vary remarkably, and the selection of a membrane has to be made according to the requirements of an application. In this study six nanofiltration membranes (NF70, NF255, NTR-7450, NTR-7410, Desal-5 and TFC-S) were evaluated in improving the quality of chemically pre-treated surface water in a pilot-scale process. The results indicate that the membrane with high organics removal and slightly reduced ion removal characteristics (NF255) performed best in terms of product water quality as well as membrane productivity and fouling. The most permeable membrane (NTR-7410) suffered intensive fouling and insufficient product water quality. An interesting finding was that the permeates of all the tested membranes possessed a significant potential for microbial growth, despite the low nutrient contents.     

Magnetic binary oxide particles (MBOP): a promising adsorbent for removal of As (III) in water

Magnetic binary oxide particles (MBOP) synthesized using chitosan template has been investigated for uptake capacity of arsenic (III). Batch experiments were performed to determine the rate of adsorption and equilibrium isotherm and also effect of various rate limiting factors including adsorbent dose, pH, optimum contact time, initial adsorbate concentration and influence of presence cations and anions. It was observed that uptake of arsenic (III) was independent of pH of the solution. Maximum adsorption of arsenic (III) was ∼99% at pH 7.0 with dose of adsorbent 1 g/L and initial As (III) concentration of 1.0 mg/L at optimal contact time of 14 h. The adsorption equilibrium data fitted well to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of adsorbent was 16.94 mg/g. With increase in concentration of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ from 50 mg/L to 600 mg/L, adsorption of As (III) was significantly reduced while for Fe³⁺ the adsorption of arsenic (III) was increased with increase in concentration. Temperature study was carried out at 293 K, 303 K and 313 K reveals that the adsorption process is exothermic nature. A distinct advantage of this adsorbent is that adsorbent can readily be isolated from sample solutions by application of an external magnetic field. Saturation magnetization is a key factor for successful magnetic separation was observed to be 18.78 emu/g which is sufficient for separation by conventional magnate.     

Performance of cable-stayed bridge pylons subjected to blast loading

Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, concern about potential car bomb attacks on buildings and infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels has increased tremendously. Design for better performance of these structures subjected to blast load is important to prevent progressive collapse of the structure and catastrophic loss of lives. The objective of this research was to study the performance of hollow steel box and concrete-filled composite pylons of a cable-stayed bridge subjected to blast loads. Car bomb detonation on the deck is assumed to be the most likely scenario to occur. A coupled numerical approach with combined Lagrangian and Eulerian models was used to consider the interaction of the deck and pylon with the air that transfers the explosion effect to the bridge. The non-linear explicit finite element analysis program, MD Nastran SOL700 was used to simulate the spatial and time variation of the blast load as well as blast shock wave-bridge interaction response. The blast resistance of two different types of pylons was investigated in a comparative study. The study established damage patterns of the pylon and showed superior performance of the concrete-filled composite pylon over the hollow steel box pylon. For the hollow steel box pylon, the P-Δ effect on the instability of the pylon subjected to blast load was significant.     

Algorithms for seismic analysis of MDOF systems with fractional derivatives

Viscoelastic dampers are often considered for use in structural systems to reduce their dynamic response. The frequency dependent storage and loss moduli of the viscoelastic material are sometimes modeled using the fractional derivatives. This introduces fractional derivatives in the equations of motion. Herein, several schemes, specialized for arbitrary inputs such as earthquake induced ground motions, are presented for direct numerical integration of such equations to obtain the dynamic response of multi-degrees-of-freedom damper-structure systems. Relative numerical accuracies of the proposed schemes are examined. The numerical analyses with fractional derivatives require that all previous time response values be used, but this is invariably time consuming. The possibility of discarding some early time response values without compromising the accuracy of the calculations is, thus, of natural interest. It is shown that such truncations are, indeed, possible but a straightforward omission of preceding time values can introduce unacceptable errors in the calculated responses. To reduce such errors a new algorithm is proposed.     

Steel moment frames column loss analysis: The influence of time step size

This paper applies two well-known structural dynamics computational algorithms to the problem of disproportionate collapse of steel moment frames applying the alternate load path method. Any problem of structural dynamics strongly depends on the accuracy and the reliability of the analysis method since the parameters involved in the selection of the appropriate algorithm are affected by the nature of the problem. Disproportionate collapse is herein simulated via a time history analysis used to “turn off” the effectiveness of an element to the structure. For this kind of problem the time step size of the computational algorithm is of major importance for the accuracy of the method and thus, remains a variable throughout the present analyses. Two plane steel moment frames are used for the numerical examples, while all the analyses are performed independently. Firstly the β-Newmark method is applied and secondly the linear Hilbert-Hughes-Taylor a-method is applied and the respective results are compared and discussed in the last part of the paper.     

Blind bolted moment connection to unfilled hollow section columns using extended T-stub with back face support

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study into a new bolted moment connection between unfilled hollow section columns and open section beams, referred to herein as the extended T-stub connection with back face support. The connection is comprised of T-stubs connecting the top and bottom flanges of the beam to the face of the column and channels connecting the T-stubs to a backplate at the back face of the hollow section column. The addition of the channels to a standard T-stub connection helps to distribute the beam flange tension load to the back face of the hollow section column thus reducing demand on the flexible column face which often will compromise the stiffness of the connection. The extended T-stub connection with back face support was found to be comparable to a previously tested side connection and is much stiffer than a typical face connection. Comparison of the test results and three dimensional finite element (FE) model indicates that FE analysis can be used to predict the connection behaviour with sufficient accuracy. The experimental results and analytical sensitivity analysis demonstrate that this new connection can offer a robust and reliable moment connection for application in the low rise construction industry.     

Mesh modelling and analysis of cracked uni-planar tubular K-joints

In this paper, a new modeling method is proposed for a uni-planar tubular K-joint containing an arbitrary surface crack located along the chord weld toe. The crack is defined first in a 2-D plane and then mapped onto a 3-D curved crack surface. Subsequently, an automatic mesh generation is developed for producing the complete finite element mesh model. This technique can be realized by sub-dividing the entire structure into distinct zones. In each zone, the mesh is generated separately. After the mesh of all the zones have been completed, the complete model is obtained by merging the mesh of every zone. It has been proved to be efficient and effective in producing different quality mesh at different zones. In order to locate the likely crack initiation position, the hot spot stresses and hence the stress concentration factors (SCFs) need to be determined precisely. The hot spot stress correlated to the number of cycles, i.e. the S-N curve, has been used to predict the life of uncracked tubular K-joints. For a cracked tubular K-joint, its remaining service life depends on the fracture parameter called the stress intensity factors (SIFs). Two different methods, namely the displacement extrapolation and J-integral methods, are used to evaluate the SIFs along the crack front for different crack shapes in this study. Convergence tests for numerical analysis have been carried thoroughly to check the accuracy of the computed SIFs. The two sets of numerical results are in complete agreement. To evaluate the accuracy of numerical modeling, a full-scale fatigue test on tubular K-joint subjected to combined axial load and in-plane bending load was conducted. Comparison between the numerical and experimental results again shows a good agreement. Therefore, the proposed modelling and mesh generation methods demonstrate that the estimated stress intensity factors for any tubular K-joints are both accurate and reliable.     

Cyclic response characteristics of retrofitted moment resisting connections

Experimental studies were conducted in order to investigate the behavior of the weld in steel moment resisting connections. A total of forty seven reduced-scale subassembly model specimens were tested that represent welded moment resisting connections of the beam to box column. These specimens were used to study the following aspects in fabrication and retrofitting of moment resisting connections: Complete joint penetration (CJP) groove weld behavior, transversely loaded fillet weld behavior, grinding and rewelding influence on weld behavior, reinforcing of connection with T-stiffener and rib plates, strain rate effect on weld and material characteristics and electrode toughness effect on weld behavior. Following test result interpretations, five full-scale moment resisting connections of beam to box column were fabricated and tested. These models included one specimen fabricated with details of an outdated connection, two specimens with an improved CJP groove weld detail, and two specimens retrofitted by T-stiffeners. Each specimen was subjected to a standard quasi-static cyclic load pattern. Overall, the improved and retrofitted specimens performed well, achieving total (elastic plus plastic) story drift ratios of at least 4% radians in magnitude before experiencing 20% strength degradation.     

Numerical evaluation of wind effects on a tall steel building by CFD

A comprehensive numerical study of wind effects on the Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Council (CAARC) standard tall building is presented in this paper. The techniques of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), such as Large Eddy Simulation (LES), Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANS) Model etc., were adopted in this study to predict wind loads on and wind flows around the building. The main objective of this study is to explore an effective and reliable approach for evaluation of wind effects on tall buildings by CFD techniques. The computed results were compared with extensive experimental data which were obtained at seven wind tunnels. The reasons to cause the discrepancies of the numerical predictions and experimental results were identified and discussed. It was found through the comparison that the LES with a dynamic subgrid-scale (SGS) model can give satisfactory predictions for mean and dynamic wind loads on the tall building, while the RANS model with modifications can yield encouraging results in most cases and has the advantage of providing rapid solutions. Furthermore, it was observed that typical features of the flow fields around such a surface-mounted bluff body standing in atmospheric boundary layers can be captured numerically. It was found that the velocity profile of the approaching wind flow mainly influences the mean pressure coefficients on the building and the incident turbulence intensity profile has a significant effect on the fluctuating wind forces. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly simulate both the incident wind velocity profile and turbulence intensity profile in CFD computations to accurately predict wind effects on tall buildings. The recommended CFD techniques and associated numerical treatments provide an effective way for designers to assess wind effects on a tall building and the need for a detailed wind tunnel test.     

Fatigue crack growth analysis of a square hollow section T-joint

Stress concentration sites are always found at the brace and chord intersection corners of any rectangular welded tubular joint. As a result, fatigue cracks are liable to be initiated and propagated from these corners. In this paper, the 3D fatigue crack growth under the weld toe of a square hollow section welded T-joint is simulated using boundary element method. In accordance with the 3D analyses, fatigue crack growth is predicted using a model based on the Paris’ law and stress intensity factors. Good agreement between the experimental and predicted crack growth and crack shape development is obtained. Based on this crack growth analysis, the fatigue life of a specimen is predicted and compared with the standard S-N curve for hollow section joints. It is found that the standard S-N curve is safe and slightly conservative.     

Wind and structural modelling for an accurate fatigue life assessment of tubular structures

Based on the joint probability with regard to wind speed and its main direction, the current paper presents a practical and efficient approach for calculating wind induced fatigue of tubular structures, the effects of the wind direction, across wind and wind grid size on the high cycle fatigue of the structure are addressed. In each time step of the dynamic response calculation, the large deformation effects and the wind induced drag forces due to the updated structural deformations are taken into account. It is found that, the directional wind effects on the fatigue damage mainly depend on the orientation of the structure, the location and the support condition of the selected joints, and the relative probability of occurrence for the high winds speed in each direction, etc. Furthermore, the across wind components are proved to be a significant contributor on the fatigue damage and cannot be ignored. The fatigue damage is also found to be rather sensitive to the wind grid size for generating the wind fields. It is also concluded that vibration of each individual member interacts with the global dynamic response and the wind loading, and a fatigue check should therefore be against both individual member and global response. The wind fatigue calculation procedure presented in the current paper has the merit of reducing uncertainties without degrading a required safety level, this may lead to a positive economic impact with regard to construction and maintenance costs. It has been applied on quite a few industry and research projects and can be widely applied on the similar study of structures.     

Estimating fundamental periods of steel plate shear walls

Seismic design codes generally specify empirical formulae to estimate the fundamental vibration periods of buildings. Currently, most building codes provide the same empirical formula to estimate the fundamental periods for steel plate shear walls and reinforced concrete shear walls. The work presented in this paper shows that the code formula predicts periods that are generally shorter than the periods obtained from a validated finite element analysis of a series of steel plate shear walls of different geometries. An improved simple formula for estimating the fundamental period of steel plate shear walls is developed by regression analysis of the period data obtained from analysis. In addition, the effectiveness of a simple shear-flexure cantilever formulation for determining fundamental periods and P-Δ effects of steel plate shear wall systems is presented. The effects of perforations in the infill plates and column base support conditions on fundamental periods are also explored.     

FEM analysis of conventional and square bird-beak SHS joint subject to in-plane bending moment — experimental study

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of square hollow section joints subject to in-plane bending moment. A theoretical model of an X-type traditional joint and the same one with the chord rotated through 45^° about its longitudinal axis is considered. Models are analysed with the Finite Element Method and the results are compared with those obtained from the experimental study. The geometry, the material and the overall parameters concerned are in agreement with the general requirements of the EC3. A classification of joints due to their stiffness and M-φ diagram is examined according to the last CIDECT guide No. 9 and Part 1.8 of EC3. The results showed that EC3 underestimates the design resistance of the conventional joints about 50%-70% and joints with β→0.5 according to the rotational stiffness are classified almost as pinned while those with β→1.0 react as semi-rigid connections.Chord orientation showed that has a very important effect in joints with β<0.85 and increases their strength up to double when β→0.50. In this same area for ratio β, connections react as rigid while for β→1.0 they have strength almost equal to the conventional ones and behave as semi-rigid connections.     

Determination of the behaviour factor of steel moment-resisting (MR) frames by a damage accumulation approach

In most countries, seismic codes are changing, reflecting a new design philosophy based on multiple performance levels. A procedure that defines behaviour factors to reduce the elastic spectrum for different types of structures, considering all possible types of failure, is needed. The paper presents a method for the definition of the behaviour factor (q-factor) for multi-storey steel frames, accounting for cumulative damage in structural components, by means of linear elastic time history analysis, of the Palmgren-Miner rule and of S-N (constant stress or strain range versus number of cycles to failure) curves extrapolated in the low-cycle fatigue range. This technique has been verified by a non-linear procedure that is different from the previous one, as a non-linear time history analysis with damage control has been performed instead of a linear one. The proposed approach can be useful in performance based design, since the linear procedure allows the definition of the q-factor corresponding to different level of damage or collapse prevention.     

Elastic distortional buckling of continuously restrained I-section beam-columns

Doubly symmetric steel I-section members with thin webs and stocky flanges that have their tension flange restrained fully against translational and lateral rotational buckling deformations and elastically against twist rotation during buckling by the flexibility of a continuous restraint have been shown in previous studies to buckle in a so-called restrained distortional buckling (RDB) mode, involving distortion of the web of the I-section in the plane of its cross-section. These bifurcative buckling modes must necessarily occur in the negative moment region of composite T-beams and in half-through girder bridges. The present paper describes the elastic RDB analysis of a simply supported doubly symmetric I-section beam-column subjected to combined uniform axial force and moment gradient. The study adopts an energy method of analysis. The numerical solutions are used to develop a simple method of predicting the elastic RDB loads of beam-columns for use in design.     

Computer simulation of atmospheric flows over real forests for wind energy resource evaluation

The increased number of wind parks and the shortage of ideal sites have forced us to consider the possibility of installing wind farms in the vicinity of or within forests. Measured wind data at two potential wind farm sites, in Scotland and in France, were used for appraisal of a computer model of the wind flow over forested regions, where the trees are mimicked by momentum sinks. The results of the Scottish case were an improvement over previous computer simulations without the canopy model, and showed the difficulties of comparing detailed three-dimensional computer simulations with field data point measurements. In case of the French site, agreement was excellent between mean velocity field measurements at seven heights above the ground, between 40 and 100 m, and computer results. It was found that the presence of the canopy could increase the turbulence levels by almost two orders of magnitude, when compared to the results obtained without the canopy model.