A Fuzzy-Neural Network Method for Modeling Uncertainties in Soil-Structure Interaction Problems

Abstract:   Uncertainty often recurs in structural system characterization as well as in choosing the mechanical model and in calibrating it. When analyzing a structure founded in cohesionless soils, the uncertainty in system modeling comes from soil inherent variability, site conditions, construction tolerance, and failure mechanisms. In this research, a Fuzzy-Neural Network method to predict the behavior of structures built on complex cohesionless soils is proposed. The method is based on an Artificial-Neural Network (ANN) for modeling the soil-foundation interaction. Its learning process analyzes over 200 records of building foundations, tanks, and embankments settlements on sand and gravel. Once validated, ANN is introduced in the soil-foundation-sovrastructure interaction model. Using fuzzy sets to define vague and ambiguous variables, the Fuzzy-Neural Network method predicts the system behavior and quantifies the uncertainty of its response. A numerical example shows the method effectiveness in the case of uncertainty in soil parameters and gives suggestions for successive applications.     

Weitere Erfahrungen bei der Blaus?uredurchgasung

Ohne ZusammenfassungMitteilung aus dem Hygienischen Staatsinstitut Hamburg.     

Simultaneous degradation of nitroaromatic compounds TNT,RDX, atrazine,and simazine by Pseudomonas putida HK‐6 in bench‐scale bioreactors

BACKGROUND: Environmental contamination by nitroaromatic compounds such as 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐s‐triazine (RDX), atrazine, and/or simazine (TRAS) generated as waste from military and agricultural activities is a serious worldwide problem. Microbiological treatment of these compounds is an attractive method because many explosives and herbicides are biodegradable and the process can be made cost‐effective. We explored the feasibility of using cultures of Pseudomonas putida HK‐6 for simultaneous degradation of TRAS with the aim of microbial application in wastewater treatment in bench‐scale bioreactors. RESULTS: Experiments were conducted to study the effects of supplemental carbons, nitrogens, and Tween‐80 on the degradation of Ps. putida HK‐6 in media containing TRAS as target substrate(s). The most effective TRAS degradation was shown in the presence of molasses. Addition of nitrogen sources produced a delayed effect for the target substrate(s). Tween‐80 enhanced the degradation of target substrate(s). Simultaneous degradation of these compounds proceeded to completion within the given period. CONCLUSIONS: Ps. putida HK‐6 was capable of growth with TRAS, and the effects of supplements on TRAS degradation and simultaneous TRAS degradation were evaluated in bench‐scale bioreactors. The results of this study have practical applications in the processes of industrial waste stream treatment where the disposal of TRAS may be problematic. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparative Study of Rubidium and Cesium as Promoters in Carbon-supported Ruthenium Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis

Sibunit-supported Ru-catalysts promoted with cesium or rubidium compounds have been comparatively studied with XPS. The cesium promoter interacts both with support and with active component. The absence of the promoter–support interaction in the case of rubidium provides a stronger interaction between promoter and active component compared to the cesium-based catalysts. These differences in the promoter–support and promoter–metal interactions are exhibited when a sequence of ruthenium and alkali introduction are changed.     

Smart phones and interactive reports leave traffic in the rearview mirror

To convey the dynamic information related to traffic conditions in various parts of a city, we propose an environment utilizing the technology of smart phones to provide information anywhere and anytime. Called ";The Interactive Traffic Beat Project,"; it uses a Web-based service to deliver this information to people through their cell phones at the right time so that valuable time can be saved and the chaos on the roads can be managed.     

管内装元件强化传热的技术经济评价

提出了一种管内装元件强化传热的技术经济评价方法，此方法综合考虑了强化换热器管内传热膜系数的提高和管内流体阻力的增大，与普通的管壳式换热器相比，所带来的投资费用和使用费用变化，这个变化量可用净现值增量△NPV来表示。根据△NPV值来评价强化传热技术，从而为强化传热技术的开发和推广及进行决策提供指导。