A design supporting simulation system for predicting and evaluating the cool microclimate creating effect of passive evaporative cooling walls

As a passive cooling strategy to control increased surface temperatures and create cooler urban environments, we have developed a passive evaporative cooling wall (PECW) constructed of pipe-shaped ceramics that possess a capillary force to absorb water up to a level higher than 130 cm. The current paper presents a simulation system to predict and evaluate microclimatic modifying effects of PECWs in urban locations where PECW installation is under consideration at the design stage. This simulation system is composed of a CFD simulation tool and a 3D-CAD-based thermal simulation tool. Simulation methodology of coupling the two simulation tools was developed and described in this paper. Numerical models for simulating surface temperatures and evaporation of PECWs were proposed based on analysis results of experimental data. Validation of the proposed numerical models was confirmed by comparing simulated results with measured data. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed simulation system, a case study was then performed to predict and evaluate the microclimate in a rest station where PECWs were assumed to be installed. Spatial distributions of air temperature, airflow, moisture and surface temperature in the rest station were simulated under a sunny weather condition in the summer of Tokyo. Furthermore, thermal comfort indexes (mean radiant temperature and new standard effective temperature) were used to evaluate thermal comfort in the human activity spaces of the rest station. Simulation results show that this simulation system can provide quantitative predictions and evaluations of microclimatic modifying effects resulting from the application of PECWs.     

Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian simulation of a modified direct shear apparatus for the measurement of residual shear strengths

The simulation of large-strain geotechnical laboratory tests with conventional Lagrangian finite element method(FEM) techniques is often problematic due to excessive mesh distortion. The multiple reversal direct shear(MRDS) test can be used to measure the residual shear strength of soils in a laboratory setting. However, modelling and simulation generally require advanced numerical methods to accommodate the large shear strains concentrated in the shear plane. In reality, when the standard direct shear(DS) apparatus is used, the MRDS method is prone to two major sources of measurement error: load cap tilting and specimen loss. These sources of error make it difficult or even impossible to correctly determine the residual shear strength. This paper presents a modified DS apparatus and multi-reversal multi-stage test method, simulated using the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian(CEL) method in a finite element environment. The method was successful in evaluating equipment and preventing both load cap tilting and specimen loss, while modelling large-deformation behaviour that is not readily simulated with the conventional FEM or arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian(ALE) analysis. Thereafter, a modified DS apparatus was created for the purpose of analysing mixtures of organic materials found in an Australian clay. The results obtained from the modified DS CEL model in combination with laboratory tests show a great improvement in the measured residual shear strength profiles compared to those from the standard apparatus. The modified DS setup ensures that accurate material residual shear strengths are calculated, a factor that is vital to ensure appropriate soil behaviour is simulated for numerical analyses of large-scale geotechnical projects.     

A preliminary coupled MT-GA model for the prediction of highway runoff quality

Pollutants accumulated on road pavement during dry periods are washed off the surface with runoff water during rainfall events, presenting a potentially hazardous non-point source of pollution. Estimation of pollutant loads in these runoff waters is required for developing mitigation and management strategies, yet the numerous factors involved and their complex interconnected influences make straightforward assessment impossible. Data-driven models (DDMs) have lately been used in water and environmental research and have shown very good prediction ability. The proposed methodology of a coupled MT-GA (model tree-genetic algorithm) model provides an effective, accurate and easily calibrated predictive model for EMC (event mean concentration) of highway runoff pollutants. The models were trained and verified using a comprehensive data set of runoff events monitored in various highways in California, USA. EMCs of Cr, Pb, Zn, TOC and TSS were modeled, using different combinations of explanatory variables. The models' prediction ability in terms of correlation between predicted and actual values of both training and verification data was mostly higher than previously reported values. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the relative significance of each explanatory variable and the models' response to changes in input values.     

Application of CFD plug-ins integrated into urban and building design platforms for performance simulations: A literature review

The transformation of urban and building design into green development is conducive to alleviating resource and environmental problems. Building design largely determines pollutant emissions and energy consumption throughout the building life cycle. Full consideration of the impact of urban geometries on the microclimate will help construct livable and healthy cities. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations significantly improve the efficiency of assessing the microclimate and the performance of design schemes. The integration of CFD into design platforms by plug-ins marks a landmark development for the interaction of computer-aided design (CAD) and CFD, allowing architects to perform CFD simulations in their familiar design environments. This review provides a systematic overview of the classification and comprehensive comparison of CFD plug-ins in Autodesk Revit, Rhinoceros/Grasshopper, and SketchUp. The applications of CFD plug-ins in urban and building design are reviewed according to three types: single-objective, multi-objective, and coupling simulations. Two primary roles of CFD plug-ins integrated into the design process, including providing various micro-scale numerical simulations and optimizing the original design via feedback results, are analyzed. The issues of mesh generation, boundary conditions, turbulence models, and simulation accuracy during CFD plug-in applications are discussed. Finally, the limitations and future possibilities of CFD plug-ins are proposed.     

A condition assessment model for oil and gas pipelines using integrated simulation and analytic network process

Even though they are safe and economical transportation means of gas and oil products around the world, pipelines can be subject to failure and degradation generating hazardous consequences and irreparable environmental damages. Therefore, gas and oil pipelines need to be effectively monitored and assessed for optimal and safe operation. Many models have been developed in the last decade to predict pipeline failures and conditions. However, most of these models used corrosion features as the sole factor to assess the condition of pipelines. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to develop a condition assessment model of oil and gas pipelines that considers several factors besides corrosion. The proposed model, which uses both analytic network process and Monte Carlo simulation, considers the uncertainty of the factors affecting pipeline condition and the interdependency relationships between them. The performance of the model was tested on an existing offshore gas pipeline in Qatar and was found to be satisfactory. The model will help pipeline operators to assess the condition of oil and gas pipelines and hence prioritise their inspections and rehabilitation requirements.     

A grouting simulation method for quick-setting slurry in karst conduit: The sequential flow and solidification method

It is difficult to temporally and spatially track and characterize the slurry viscosity in flowing water during grouting simulation. In this study, a sequential flow and solidification (SFS) method considering the spatial-temporal evolution of slurry viscosity in flowing water in karst conduit is proposed. First, a time-dependent model for the threshold function of slurry viscosity is established. During the grouting process, the spatial-temporal evolution of slurry viscosity is revealed by tracking the diffusion behavior of the slurry injected at different times. This method is capable of describing the gradual solidification process of the slurry during grouting. Furthermore, a physical model of grouting in a karst conduit is developed. Second, the effectiveness of the SFS method in grouting simulation is verified by the experiment of grouting conduit in flowing water. The SFS method enables real-time monitoring of fluid velocity and pressure during grouting in flowing water and provides a feasible calculation method for revealing the grouting plugging mechanism in complex karst conduits at different engineering scales. In addition, it can be used to guide the design of grouting tests in flowing water, improve cost efficiency, and provide theoretical basis for optimizing grouting design and slurry selection.     

基于网络口碑大数据的城市步行与自行车交通廊道选线规划--以北京市海淀区为例

通过大数据分析城市公共服务空间对公众出行的影响是步行和自行车交通廊道选线规划的重要步骤。已有研究主要聚焦空间分布规律展开分析,对公共设施服务能力内在差异性考虑较少。引入网络口碑大数据,通过口碑分值表征城市公共服务空间的吸引力,在此基础上构建基于网络口碑大数据的城市步行和自行车交通廊道选线规划思路,并以北京市海淀区为例展开实证分析。结合最小累积阻力模型和网络分析法等方法,最终构建由商业综合、休闲娱乐、生活服务3类廊道组成的步行和自行车交通廊道网络。网络口碑大数据兼具空间分布和口碑质量的双重属性,能够帮助规划者和决策者立足区域视角识别与量化部分类型公共服务设施的内在差异性,其支撑下的步行和自行车交通廊道规划更加强调公众使用满意度对选线过程的影响,在未来城市交通规划领域有较好的应用前景。     

Geometry-based graphical methods for solar control in architecture: A digital framework

The form of a building is among the most critical design aspects concerning building energy consumption. Form-based passive design strategies, like solar control, can significantly reduce heating and cooling demands if implemented early in the design process. In this sense, there is an evident need for tools that can adequately support designers in their decisions. This paper aims to illustrate how geometry-based graphical methods (GGM) can provide effective support in the conceptual design stage. The paper introduces a novel digital framework for designing and analysing shading devices that leverages geometrical models and graphical methods. The digital implementation of GGM allows extending their applicability to three-dimensional and non-planar geometries. A comprehensive review of existing methods and tools for the design of shading devices lays the ground for the proposed digital framework, which is then demonstrated through two case studies. The results show that the diagrammatic nature of GGM facilitates a better and more direct understanding of the relationship between form and performance.