Establishing safety distances for wildland fires

In wildland fires, safety zones should be considered concerning people who are intervening in the emergency or attempting evacuation. To establish such zones, the solid flame model, together with the view factor calculated from a previously selected equation, was used to estimate the thermal radiation emitted by the flame front of a wildland fire. After determining the flame heights yielded by the 13 fuel types in the Rothermel classification for surface fires, and for crown fires in various Mediterranean forests, the thermal radiation was calculated for each scenario as a function of the distance. These data, together with threshold values for the vulnerability of people (protected or unprotected) and houses to thermal radiation, allowed for a set of safety distances for different situations to be obtained. These safety distances can be applied both in territory planning and in emergency situations.     

Exploring the interactive effects of safety investments,safety culture and project hazard on safety performance: An empirical analysis

This study aims to explore the interactive effects of safety investments, safety culture and project hazard on construction safety performance. Data were collected using multiple techniques from 47 completed building projects in Singapore. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis, regression analysis, moderation analysis and mediation analysis. The results show that: (1) safety performance improves when there is a higher level of safety investments, a higher level of safety culture or a lower level of project hazard; (2) the effect of any individual factor on safety performance varies with the changes in other factors; (3) the effect of voluntary safety investments on safety performance is mediated by safety culture; and (4) the relationship between accident frequency rate and accident severity rate is moderated by project hazard level. The study suggests that safety performance of building projects is determined by the synergy effect of safety investments, safety culture and project hazard.     

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 and safety parameters on energy project performance with an analytical hierarchy process

COVID-19 has destabilized the global economy, disrupted the lives of billions of people globally, and caused the workforce to suffer. Furthermore, the spread of this disease has caused most nations to impose strict lockdown regulations and shutdown most industries. This study aimed to highlight the key issues of energy project performance alongside construction activities that were halted during the COVID-19 outbreak to follow social distancing, lockdown, and public safety parameters. A questionnaire survey was administered to accomplish the purpose of this study. The responses of 42 energy project professionals and experts were evaluated using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for group decision-making. AHP shows that the biggest influences on project performance during COVID-19 pandemic were government measures and personal factors. The findings provide insight to support energy project planning and management during and after the pandemic, including prioritization of labor force health and safety.     

Reliability based determination of material partial safety factors for cast iron beams in jack arched construction exposed to standard and natural fires

Cast iron beams were extensively used in many 19th century structures, especially in fireproof flooring systems (such as jack arch). Many such structures are still in use today and it is important that they fulfil the current requirements of fire resistance when there is a change of use. These structures are out of scope of modern design codes and old design codes do not provide guidance for fire resistance design. Furthermore, cast iron is a brittle material weak in tension, and there are many uncertainties in its mechanical properties at ambient and elevated temperatures due to material flaws. It is necessary to quantify the probability of structural failure and to introduce safety factors to reduce the probability of structural failure in fire to an acceptable level. This paper presents the results of a detailed study whose purpose is to derive appropriate safety factors to achieve different levels of reliability, for fire safety design of cast iron beams. In this study, a fibre analysis method has been used to calculate the moment capacity of four different types of cast iron cross section. Using randomized stress-strain-temperature relationships, based on variability of the different governing parameters (under tension: maximum stress, 0.2% proof stress, corresponding strains at maximum stress (strength) and failure; under compression: Young's modulus, proportional limit, 0.2% proof stress and the maximum stress), the probability distribution of moment capacity has been calculated. Based on the criterion of cast iron beam failure not exceeding probabilities of 10⁻¹, 10⁻² and 10⁻³, material safety factors of 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 respectively have been obtained.     

An analytical analysis of the full-range behaviour of grouted rockbolts based on a tri-linear bond-slip model

This paper presents an analytical solution for predicting the full-range mechanical behaviour of grouted rockbolts in tension based on a realistic tri-linear bond-slip model with residual bond strength at the grout–bolt interface. The full-range behaviour consists of five consecutive stages: elastic stage, elastic–softening stage, elastic–softening–debonding stage, softening–debonding stage and debonding stage. For each stage, closed-form solutions for the load–displacement relationship, interfacial shear stress distribution and bolt axial stress distribution along the bond length were derived. The ultimate load and the effective anchor length were also obtained. The analytical model was calibrated and validated against two pullout experimental studies. The predicted load–displacement curves as well as the distributions of the interfacial shear stress and the bolt axial stress are in close agreement with test results. A parametric study is also presented, providing insights into the behaviour of the rockbolts.     

基于强度折减的边坡动力安全系数确定方法研究

地震边坡稳定性分析已成为岩土工程界和地震工程界抗震减灾研究的重要课题之一。通过数值分析对土质边坡地震动力响应规律进行研究,发现边坡上PGA分布突变点的连线与潜在滑动面位置存在较好的对应关系。据此可通过PGA分布突变点的连线轮廓来大致确定边坡的潜在滑裂面,同时,这些PGA分布突变点可以选定为判定坡体临界稳定状态的关键点。基于强度折减法,以关键点的相对位移作为边坡动力破坏的控制性指标,结合地震特征位移和安全系数来评价边坡的动力稳定性,以特征位移与强度折减系数曲线上的特征位移产生突变时对应的强度折减系数作为边坡的地震动力安全系数。     

基于温度预测模型的供暖系统热源预测控制

分析了实现建筑节能的控制策略。设计了较为先进的基于温度预测模型的供暖系统热源最佳起始时间自适应控制器。利用MATLAB和SI MULINK对具体对象进行了仿真实验,预加热时间的预测值误差未超出预计范围。结果表明,基于温度预测模型的热源系统自调节控制器能够良好运转,与传统控制方法相比较,具有更好的操作性能,能够实现建筑节能的目的。     

基于模型试验的边坡二、三层毛细屏障导流长度分析

毛细屏障（CB）导流长度是评估边坡加固效果的关键。先前对于导流长度的推导以二层覆土结构为基础,而地质调查工程中发现,上部土层厚度影响显著,计算缺乏适用性评估。本次研究在二层结构试验基础上改变上部土层厚度,并针对三层覆土结构的降雨入渗进行分析,阐明了二、三层CB导流长度近似方程的应用。研究结果表明：（1）二层结构中,与经典分析不一样的是,当上部土层厚度小于30 cm时,试验导流长度极限值小于计算值,而上部为微细砂时,计算值至少需要考虑一个空气渗透值的厚度;（2）三层CB结构试验中,含有细砂上部适用厚度为30～50 cm,80%的渗透率对于解析解的适用性最佳。一系列大型土槽试验具体指出极限长度预测公式的适用范围,大大提高了计算结果的适用性及准确性,可为边坡加固的评估提供更精准的预测。     

基于生态竞争模型的岩土本构模型辨识新算法

为了进行模型类间辨识及参数反演 ,基于分子生物学原理 ,模拟自然界多物种竞争的现象 ,以更能反应生物进化本质的进化规划为框架 ,提出了一种模拟生态竞争模型。在此基础上进行了岩土本构模型类间辨识及参数反演的研究 ,提出了一种模型辨识新算法 ,初步解决了从一组模型类中抉择最佳模型并同时反演参数的问题。最后 ,用一个简单算例证明了该算法是可行和有效的。     

GisFFE—an integrated software system for the dynamic simulation of fires following an earthquake based on GIS

Fires following earthquake (FFE) are dangerous secondary disasters occurring after large earthquakes, leading to severe property and life losses in certain cities with dense wooden buildings. In order to explore the complicated behavior of fire-spread and to assess the fire-induced losses after a large earthquake scenario, an integrated software system based on GIS (called GisFFE) was developed to perform a dynamic simulation of FFE. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the details of GisFFE, including its architecture, models and simulation flow, and to present a case study. The architecture of GisFFE consists of 4 components: an urban geo-database, a model library, a simulation center and outputs. The urban geo-database provides basic spatial and statistical data used in the GIS platform for FFE simulation; the model library contains three sub-models (ignition, fire-spread and fire-suppression models), which correspond to the three key stages involved in FFE; the simulation center serves as an operation center that integrates data and models; after the simulation is complete, statistical maps and charts are the resulting output.     

一种改进的Pasternak地基模型及层合地基板的解析解

从三维弹性力学基本方程出发,建立了正交异性材料层合板的状态方程,并提出一种改进的Pasternak弹性地基模型,给出了四边简支层合地基板的解析解。此解满足层合板的基本方程和层间连续条件,适合任意厚跨比,计及了所有材料常数,考虑了基底切向接触应力的影响。算例讨论了地基参数对几种地基模型的影响。计算结果表明,随着地基刚度的增大,剪应力的影响是不可忽略的。     

Simplified analytical method for evaluating the effects of overcrossing tunnelling on existing shield tunnels using the nonlinear Pasternak foundation model

The excavation of a new tunnel above an existing shield tunnel at close proximity may cause a series of adverse impacts on the underlying tunnel. Thus, a reasonable assessment of the existing shield tunnel’s responses to overcrossing tunnelling is crucial to ensuring the safety and serviceability of the existing shield tunnel. In this study, a simplified nonlinear analytical method is proposed to rapidly assess existing shield tunnel responses to overcrossing tunnelling. A nonlinear Pasternak foundation model (NPFM), considering the nonlinear deformation of the ground as well as the interaction between adjacent springs and upward tunnel displacement, is proposed for modelling the tunnel-soil interaction associated with unloading stress. An effective Newton’s iterative computational program, combined with the finite difference method, is developed for the nonlinear responses of the existing shield tunnel. The reliability and applicability of the proposed method are subsequently validated by a comparison with the results of three-dimensional finite element analyses and two well-documented and published field measurements. The predictions are also compared with the results of six elastic simplified analytical methods based on different subgrade reaction moduli.     

A model for earthquake risk management based on the life-cycle performance of structures

Over 50 years of design life, buildings are exposed to different magnitudes and frequencies of earthquakes that require consideration of life-cycle cost (LCC). The LCC entails quantifying the building performance under seismic hazard and investments throughout the life of the structures. Traditional LCC utilises probabilities of being in different damage states. However, for buildings with inherent irregularities (e.g. vertical irregularity and plan irregularity), these probabilities are not readily available. In this paper, a system-based approach, utilising fuzzy set theory, is used to quantify the possibility of being in different damage states. The analysis is limited to study the effect of seismic exposure on the building LCC. The proposed method is illustrated with two case studies, a six-storey reinforced concrete (RC) building located in Vancouver, Canada, and vulnerability of an urban centre with 1000 RC buildings. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is carried out to highlight the impact of different building performance modifiers on the LCC.     

A model for the frequency of extreme river levels based on river dynamics

A new model for predicting the frequency of extreme river levels is proposed which encapsulates physical knowledge about river dynamics. The central idea is the use of continuous time stochastic processes that use hydrological equations and ergodic theory to model extreme events, rather than relying on statistical fits of classical models to local maximum data. A simple example shows how changes in discharge characteristics change the extreme river level frequencies. Solutions are provided for special cases, and directions for more general techniques are provided.     

A new model based on experimental results for the thermal characterization of bricks

The development of fast and reliable protocols to determine the characteristics of building materials is of importance in order to develop environmentally friendly houses with an efficient energy design. In this article heat flux evolution on different types of clay and concrete bricks has been studied using a guarded hot-plate. The studied bricks were purchased from local commercially available sources and included a solid face brick and a range of honeycombed and perforated bricks. From the data collected a new model to study heat flux is proposed. This model is based on the shape of the typical sigmoidal curves observed for the time dependent heat flux evolution. The model allows the calculation of the thermal resistance (R) and the heat flux in the steady-state (φ_∞). The model also calculates two new parameters, t_B and τ_B. t_B represents the time at which half φ_∞ is attained. This parameter (t_B) has additionally been found to be dependent on the thermal diffusivity and the geometric characteristics of the brick.     

基于熵权的模糊评价模型在建筑方案优选中的应用

以建筑工程的综合评价为基础,结合建筑工程的特点,分析和归纳了影响建筑工程方案优选的因素指标.提出熵值理论与模糊建模相结合的项目评价方法,建立了基于熵权的模糊评价模型.引用信息熵所反映数据本身的效用值来计算指标的权重系数,有效地避免了权重分配困难的问题.以某建筑工程为背景,基于专家经验对该项目方案进行了优选,取得了预期的结果.     

混凝土结构耐久性的未确知—AHP综合评估模型

根据混凝土结构耐久性包含众多未确知性的特点,选择最能影响结构耐久性的因素作为评估指标,定义了指标未确知测度以及指标对确定构件耐久性等级所起作用大小的指标分类权重,建立了构件耐久性未确知综合评估系统;采用层次分析法,计算各构件对整体结构耐久性的重要性权重.建立了未确知综合评估系统与AHP相结合的混凝土结构耐久性评估模型.应用实例表明,所建模型的正确性和适用性.     

试论建构主义教学理论指导下的施工专业课教学模式改革

本通过采用建构主义教学理论指导教学实践,对专业课、施工课等的教学内容和教学方法进行改革,应用现代化教学手段和现代化教学理论,探索出一符合建筑类专业课、施工课的新型教学模式。     

Refunding ETS proceeds to spur the diffusion of renewable energies: An analysis based on the dynamic oligopolistic electricity market model EMELIE

We use a quantitative electricity market model to analyze the welfare effects of refunding a share of the emission trading proceeds to support renewable energy technologies that are subject to experience effects. We compare effects of supporting renewable energies under both perfect and oligopolistic competition with competitive fringe firms and emission trading regimes that achieve 70 and 80% emission reductions by 2050. The results indicate the importance of market power for renewable energy support policy. Under imperfect competition welfare improvements is maximized by refunding 10% of the emission trading proceeds, while under perfect competition the optimal refunding share is only 5%. However, under both behavioral assumptions we find significant welfare improvements due to experience effects which are induced by the support for renewable energy.     

New model for performance prediction in fixed-bed reactors based on the approach of the unused bed zone

In the present study a practical model useful for designers dealing with pilot scale reactors for pollutant control has been developed. Investigations were undertaken for a single-component lead study on New Zealand clinoptilolite at the temperature of 25+/-1 degrees C. Fifteen runs under different operating conditions such as particle characteristics (expressed as d*(p)/D), column geometry (as l*/D) and flow speed (as R*e) have been performed. The results were interpreted by a response surface method (RSM) from which an equation giving the unused bed zone (UBZ) was obtained. From those dimensionless parameters, a sequence of contour plots was drawn, making it easy for a designer to choose optimum design parameters while controlling the operation performance. The flow rate (R*e) range was established over the laminar flow conditions from 1 to 8, (l/D*) was extended from 7 to 20 and (d(p)/D*) varied from 3% to 10%. Optimization of performance of the reactor as UBZ could vary from 10% to 40% of the material operating capacity.