Priorities in environmental health

The purpose of the inventory is to present a comprehensive range of environments analysed in terms of their hazard to three levels of health, namely fitness, health itself and illness (both physical and mental). Part I outlines the conceptual design of the inventory and examines the first categories of health impediments titled Man as Primary Pathogen. Part II (to be published in the next issue) deals with the two remaining categories of environmental health hazards.     

$206线博湖至库尔勒公路沿线地质灾害初探

对s206沿线常发生的地震液化、地面沉降、盐渍土病害等地质灾害问题进行了分析，初步探明了沿线地质灾害的类别及成因，提出了设计、施工中应采取的措施和原则，为类似复杂地质条件地区的工程建设提供了参考。     

Organizational behaviour and safety management in the construction industry

This research paper examines the relationship between organizational theory and accident causation/prevention theory as applied in practice to the construction industry. Part of the research work consisted of an information survey of groups of various categories of workers, managers and owners to establish their perceptions of accident causation. The findings indicate that the emphasis of current accident prevention measures in force is more suited to mechanistic organizations than to organic types of which the construction industry is one. The conclusions reached are that the emphasis must be concentrated more on education and training and the spread of information on the hazards of the working environment and their avoidance.     

Methodologies for hazard analysis and risk assessment in the petroleum refining and storage industry — Part II

The report briefly describes the consecutive steps in the identification, assessment and comparison of hazards and associated risk. These techniques can be helpful in setting the priorities for the decision on measures to reduce risk. When quantifying risk for the comparison of alternative cases, the use of a consistent data base is stressed. It is pointed out that the risk assessment techniques described in the report, although potentially valuable tools for improving overall safety performance, have short-comings particularly in dealing with human factors. A glossary is appended to define terms as they are used in this report and a list of recommended further reading is included. Part I appeared inFire Technology, August 1984. Prepared by the Ad-Hoc Risk Assessment Group of the Oil Companies' International Study Group for Conservation of Clean Air and Water in Europe (CONCAWE) Reference: CONCAWE's Ad-Hoc Risk Assessment Group; “Methodologies for Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment in the Petroleum Refining and Storage Industry, Part II,” Fire Technology, Vol. 20, No. 4, November 1984, p. 43     

Response in piled raft foundation of tall chimneys under along-wind load incorporating flexibility of soil

The present paper deals with the numerical analysis of tall reinforced concrete chimneys with piled raft foundation subjected to along-wind loads considering the flexibility of soil. The analysis was carried out using finite element method on the basis of direct method of soil-structure interaction (SSI). The linear elastic material behavior was assumed for chimney, piled raft and soil. Four different material properties of soil stratum were selected in order to study the effect of SSI. The chimney elevation and the thickness of raft of piled raft foundation were also varied for the parametric study. The chimneys were assumed to be located in terrain category 2 and subjected to a maximum wind speed of 50 m/s as per IS:875 (Part 3)-1987. The along-wind loads were computed according to IS:4998 (Part 1)-1992. The base moments of chimney evaluated from the SSI analysis were compared with those obtained as per IS:4998 (Part 1)-1992. The tangential and radial bending moments of raft of piled raft foundation were evaluated through SSI analysis and compared with those obtained from conventional analysis as per IS:11089-1984, assuming rigidity at the base of the raft foundation. The settlements of raft of piled raft foundation, deflection of pile and moments of the pile due to interaction with different soil stratum were also evaluated. From the analysis, considerable reduction in the base moment of chimney due to the effect of SSI is observed. Higher radial moments and lower tangential moments were obtained for lower elevation chimneys with piled raft resting on loose sand when compared with conventional analysis results. The effect of SSI in the response of the pile is more significant when the structure-foundation system interacts with loose sand.     

Methodologies for hazard analysis and risk assessment in the petroleum refining and storage industry — Part I

The report briefly describes the consecutive steps in the identification, assessment and comparison of hazards and associated risk. These techniques can be helpful in setting the priorities for the decision on measures to reduce risk. When quantifying risk for the comparison of alternative cases, the use of a consistent data base is stressed. It is pointed out that the risk assessment techniques described in the report, although potentially valuable tools for improving overall safety performance, have shortcomings particularly in dealing with human factors. A glossary is appended to define terms as they are used in this report and a list of recommended further reading is included. Part II will appear inFire Technology, November 1984. Reference: CONCAWE's Ad-Hoc Risk Assessment Group; “Methodologies for Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment in the Petroleum Refining and Storage Industry”, Fire Technology, Vol. 20, No. 3, August 1984, p. 23.     

Nonlinear finite element method models for ultimate strength analysis of steel stiffened-plate structures under combined biaxial compression and lateral pressure actions—Part II: Stiffened panels

The present paper (Part II) is a sequel to the previous paper (Part I) [Paik JK, Seo JK. Nonlinear finite element method models for ultimate strength analysis of steel stiffened-plate structures under combined biaxial compression and lateral pressure actions—Part I: Plate elements. Thin-Walled Struct 2008, this issue, doi:10.1016/j.tws.2008.08.005.] on the application of nonlinear finite element methods for ultimate strength analysis of steel stiffened-plate structures under combined biaxial compression and lateral pressure actions. In contrast to Part I dealing with plate elements, the present paper (Part II) treats stiffened panels surrounded by strong support members such as longitudinal girders and transverse frames. In similar to Part I, some important factors of influence such as structural dimensions, initial imperfections, loading types and computational techniques in association with ultimate limit states are studied. Some useful insights in terms of nonlinear finite element method modeling are developed using ANSYS code together with the ALPS/ULSAP semi-analytical method, the latter being for the purpose of a comparison.     

山地灾害对成品油管道的危害及其防护对策

随着山区管道建设的发展,山地灾害对成品油管道的危害问题日益突出。山地灾害使管道裸露悬空、发生位移、产生弯曲变形甚至拉断断裂,导致成品油泄漏、爆炸。因此,充分认识山地灾害对管道的影响和危害,制定管道安全防护对策,是山区成品油管道建设的一项紧迫工作。现结合管道滑坡、泥石流、崩塌等主要山地灾害类型,在分析管道山地灾害发育特点的基础上,按管道敷设方式讨论分析各类山地灾害对山区管道建设的不同工程危害方式和机理,针对性的提出了滑坡、泥石流、崩塌等主要山地灾害的工程、生物措施相结合的综合防护对策。     

A statistical analysis of occurrence and association between structural fire hazards in heritage housing

Reported in this paper is a novel application of statistical analysis of structural fire hazards that were found in heritage housing stock in a metropolitan area. The structural fire hazards in terms of non-compliances to the building regulations are digitised and then subjected to statistical analysis to obtain estimates of probabilities of occurrence under various conditions. The concepts of Hamming distance, Jaccard distance, virtual distance and pairwise Phi correlation coefficients are employed in the analysis to estimate the association between the fire hazards. Estimates of the probability distribution over the number of joint occurrence of hazards and pairwise joint probabilities are also obtained. In addition the 3-tuple and 4-tuple joint probabilities are analysed. Finally, logistic regression models are established to correlate each fire hazard with the others. The results show that not only the probability of occurrence of structural fire hazards is high, but probability of multiple occurrence is also significant. There are indications that some structural fire hazards are correlated. The findings of this study may assist certifying authorities, building surveyors, fire safety engineers and fire services in identifying fire hazards in heritage buildings and developing alleviating and effective strategies or solutions to protect life safety of building occupants as well as the cultural heritage values of the relevant building stock.     

Adsorption of Zn(II) in Oxisols as affected by selective removal of soil fractions

The relative contribution of organic matter, amorphous and crystalline Fe oxides and Al oxides to soil Zn adsorption was evaluated in contaminated and uncontaminated Brazilian soils. Soil samples were equilibrated with Zn solutions and Zn adsorption was determined using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Fe and Al oxides (non‐silicated clays) and the organic matter contents of the soils were the main contributors to the variation in Zn adsorption. The Zn maximum adsorption capacity in the soil with the greatest sand and organic carbon contents was higher than in the higher clay content soil, which was second in organic carbon content. Related to the whole soil samples, as the soil organic matter was removed, the Zn maximum adsorption capacity decreased in most of the observations. The removal of Fe and Al oxides decreased the soil Zn maximum adsorption capacity in some cases and increased it in others, with no clear variation in the pathway. For both whole soil and soil fractions, the isotherms for Zn adsorption to soil, fitted to the Langmuir equation, showed two linear portions or pathways (Part I and Part II). The bonding energy coefficient was higher in Part I (related to specific chemical adsorption) than in Part II (related to electrostatic interactions), which suggests a higher affinity between Zn and soil particles in Part I as compared with Part II.     

关于工程建设行业危险源管理的思考

对工程建设行业中存在的危险源进行了分析,并对我国目前"重大危险源"的安全管理现况进行了论述,提出了工程建设行业"危险作业"的概念,达到了明晰施工安全风险管理类别的效果,解决了工程建设行业危险源辨识概念不清的问题。     

Life-cycle reliability assessment of reinforced concrete bridges under multiple hazards

This paper proposes a novel probabilistic methodology for estimating the life-cycle reliability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) bridges under multiple hazards. The life-cycle reliability of an RC bridge pier under seismic and airborne chloride hazards is compared to that of a bridge girder under traffic and airborne chloride hazards. When conducting a life-cycle reliability assessment of existing RC bridges, observational data from inspections can provide the corrosion level in reinforcement steel. Random variables related with the prediction of time-variant steel weight loss can be updated based on the inspection results using Sequential Monte Carlo Simulation (SMCS). This paper presents a novel procedure for identifying the hazards that most threaten the structural safety of existing RC bridges, as well as the structural components with the lowest reliability when these bridges are exposed to multiple hazards. The proposed approach, using inspection results associated with steel weight loss, provides a rational reliability assessment framework that allows comparison between the life-cycle reliabilities of bridge components under multiple hazards, helping the prioritisation of maintenance actions. The effect of the number of inspection locations on the updated reliability is considered by incorporating the spatial steel corrosion distribution. An illustrative example is provided of applying the proposed life-cyle reliability assessment to a hypothetical RC bridge under multiple hazards.     

Investigations of plate-type windborne debris—Part II: Computed trajectories

In Part I, trajectories of plates, carried by strong winds, were studied experimentally by wind-tunnel and full-scale tests. The application is to windborne debris occurring in severe windstorms such as hurricanes. In this paper (Part II), a numerical model of square plate trajectories is described and compared with experimental data from Tachikawa, and that described in Part I. Generally, good to excellent agreement is found; lift forces induced by the Magnus effect were found to be significant in determining trajectories.     

大型商场火灾的危险性特点与预防对策研究

针对大型商场火灾的危险性特点进行了归纳,分析了大型商场火灾产生的原因,从消除隐患和加强管理两方面入手,探讨了如何搞好大型商场火灾的预防工作,指出应采取有效的措施及时消除隐患,并强化消防安全管理。     

Environmental and health hazard ranking and assessment of plastic polymers based on chemical composition

Plastics constitute a large material group with a global annual production that has doubled in 15 years (245 million tonnes in 2008). Plastics are present everywhere in society and the environment, especially the marine environment, where large amounts of plastic waste accumulate. The knowledge of human and environmental hazards and risks from chemicals associated with the diversity of plastic products is very limited. Most chemicals used for producing plastic polymers are derived from non-renewable crude oil, and several are hazardous. These may be released during the production, use and disposal of the plastic product. In this study the environmental and health hazards of chemicals used in 55 thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers were identified and compiled. A hazard ranking model was developed for the hazard classes and categories in the EU classification and labelling (CLP) regulation which is based on the UN Globally Harmonized System. The polymers were ranked based on monomer hazard classifications, and initial assessments were made. The polymers that ranked as most hazardous are made of monomers classified as mutagenic and/or carcinogenic (category 1A or 1B). These belong to the polymer families of polyurethanes, polyacrylonitriles, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resins, and styrenic copolymers. All have a large global annual production (1-37 million tonnes). A considerable number of polymers (31 out of 55) are made of monomers that belong to the two worst of the ranking model's five hazard levels, i.e. levels IV-V. The polymers that are made of level IV monomers and have a large global annual production (1-5 million tonnes) are phenol formaldehyde resins, unsaturated polyesters, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and urea-formaldehyde resins. This study has identified hazardous substances used in polymer production for which the risks should be evaluated for decisions on the need for risk reduction measures, substitution, or even phase out.     

利用AutoCAD和AutoLISP对建筑物防雷等效面积进行计算

建筑物的雷电风险评估是一个相当繁琐的工作,有不少人利用C语言,Delphi语言等多种计算机语言将建筑物的雷电风险评估过程编译成一套软件。但这些软件都存在瓶颈,那就是不能正确计算复杂建筑物的等效面积。而目前在业内极少被人使用的Auto LISP语言同样可以实现建筑物的雷电风险评估,如果综合应用Auto CAD软件,可以对复杂建筑物的等效面积进行相当精确的计算。经研究发现,IEC62305-2英/法文版及其汉译版对面积参数的加减特性规定不太恰当。利用Auto CAD和Auto LISP,既可以自成体系地形成功能强大的风险评估软件,又可以为其它风险评估软件提供一个基础性的技术支持,解决雷电风险评估存在的不足之处。     

外界扰动诱发地质灾害的机理分析

从非线性科学的角度较为深入地探讨了扰动（即地震、暴雨、人类工程活动等外荷载）诱发地质灾害发生的机理。将扰动诱发地质灾害发生的机理归结为两种效应：临界微扰效应和超前强扰效应，这两种效应能很好地解释扰动诱发地质灾害发生的多种现象。研究结果表明，当地质体的演化已经处于临界稳定状态时，微小的扰动便可以诱发地质灾害的发生。当地质体的演化仅处于接近临界稳定状态时，强烈的扰动也可以诱发地质灾害提前发生。     

工程结构在多灾害耦合作用下的研究进展

我国地处亚欧板块、太平洋板块和印度洋板块之间，且疆域辽阔、海岸线绵长，这就自然形成了我国地震、强风和降雨等自然灾害频发。工程结构，包括高层建筑、村镇低矮房屋建筑群、输电塔线体系等生命线工程，在其全寿命周期内会遭受地震、强风和降雨等多种灾害的单独或同时作用。传统设计方法基于最不利荷载对结构进行设计，忽略了多种灾害耦合作用对结构全寿命周期抗灾性能的影响。文章总结了该课题组近年来在多灾害研究领域所取得的主要成果，包括：①根据中国强震台网中心和中国气象局数据中心提供的地震、风和降水数据，开展了极端事件单独作用和耦合作用的危险性分析；同时，提出了基于Copula函数的联合概率模型分析方法；②提出工程结构在多种灾害耦合作用下的性能评估和荷载修正系数计算方法；③开展了高层建筑在地震和强风单独作用以及同时作用下的风险分析及荷载修正系数计算；进行了村镇低矮房屋在地震和洪水耦合作用下的风险分析；对风雨耦合作用下的输电塔线体系进行了易损性分析。结果表明：①在考虑灾害发生概率时，不同灾害(例如，地震、强风和降雨)同时作用对结构性能评估具有显著影响；②由本文方法计算的荷载组合系数均不小于规范值，建议对现行规范中地震和风荷载的设计强度进行适当修正。因此，在对工程结构进行抗多灾耦合作用的性能分析和设计方法研究时，应综合考虑多种灾害的耦合效应。     

Lead contamination of inexpensive seasonal and holiday products

Lead is a potent neurotoxin and because of this, the US regulatory limit for lead content of paint on items intended for children is 0.06% by weight. There were numerous recalls of name-brand toys in the United States for lead paint contamination during 2007. Most of these items were manufactured in China. Seasonal and holiday items are inexpensive and often directed specifically toward children, yet the use of lead paints in these products has not been widely recognized. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of lead contamination in this product category. Ninety-five samples were tested, including primarily Halloween and Easter products. Twelve of the products were found to contain lead in excess of the current US regulatory limit of 0.06% by weight for lead in paints on items intended for children. The high percentage of products found to be contaminated in this limited sampling implies that many more lead-painted items are being sold. These results suggest that the potential hazards of seasonal and holiday products deserve the attention of government agencies seeking to limit the exposure of children to lead.     

Thermal sensation and comfort models for non-uniform and transient environments, part II: Local comfort of individual body parts

A three-part series presents the development of models for predicting the local thermal sensation (Part I) and local comfort (Part II) of different parts of the human body, and also the whole-body sensation and comfort responses (Part III). The models predict these subjective responses to the environment from thermophysiological measurements or predictions (skin and core temperatures). The models apply to a range of environments: uniform and non-uniform, transient and stable. They are based on diverse results from literature and from body-part-specific human subject tests in a climate chamber. They were validated against a test of passengers in automobiles. This series is intended to present the rationale, structure, and coefficients for these models so that others can test them and develop them further as additional empirical data becomes available. The experimental methods and some measured results from the climate chamber tests have been published previously.Part II describes a thermal comfort model with coefficients representing 19 individual local body parts. For each part, its local comfort is predicted from local and whole-body thermal sensations. These inputs are obtained from the sensation models described in Part I and III, or from measurements.