A dynamic programming method for analysis of bridges under multiple moving loads

A dynamic programming (DP) method is presented for analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate bridges subjected to moving loads such as those specified by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications. These loads consist of uniform lane loading, two-axle truck loading and two-axle truck plus one-axle semitrailer loading. The solution of the DP problem is based on the use of influence line diagrams and extremum functions. Recurrence formulae have been developed for various types of AASHTO live loads. The procedure presented in this article is quite general and can be applied to any type of structures with linear behaviour and any type of moving loads. Six examples are presented: a simply-supported beam, a simply-supported Pratt truss, an arch bridge, a continuous Pratt truss, a continuous frame and a cable-stayed bridge.     

Improving the Pressurized Flushing Efficiency in Reservoirs: an Experimental Study

Sediment flushing in many reservoirs of the world is accomplished with low efficiency. In this study, a new configuration was proposed for reservoir bottom outlet to increase the pressurized flushing efficiency. In the new configuration, a projecting semi-circular structure was connected to the upstream edge of bottom outlet. It was observed that by employing the projecting bottom outlet, the sediment removal efficiency increased significantly compared to the flushing via typical bottom outlet. In the case of new-configuration bottom outlet with L _sc /D _outlet  = 5.26 and D _sc /D _outlet  = 1.32, the dimensionless length, width and depth of flushing cone increased 280%, 45% and 14%, respectively, compared to the reference test. The proposed structure can ensure the sustainable use of reservoirs.     

Wavelet-Hybrid Feedback Linear Mean Squared Algorithm for Robust Control of Cable-Stayed Bridges

Cable-stayed bridges are flexible structures, and control of their vibrations is an important consideration and a challenging problem. In this paper, the wavelet-hybrid feedback least mean squared algorithm recently developed by the writers is used for vibration control of cable-stayed bridges under various seismic excitations. The effectiveness of the algorithm is investigated through numerical simulation using a benchmark control problem created based on an actual semifan-type cable-stayed bridge design. The performance of the algorithm is compared with that of a sample linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller using three different earthquake records: the El Centro (California, 1940), Mexico City (Mexico, 1985), and Gebze (Turkey, 1999) earthquakes. Simulation results demonstrate that the new algorithm is consistently more effective than the sample LQG controller for all three earthquake records. Additional numerical simulations are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the new control algorithm. It is concluded that the algorithm is robust against the uncertainties existing in modeling structures.     

Investigating the effect of nano-silica on efficiency of the foam in enhanced oil recovery

Due to the vast production of crude oil and consequent pressure drops through the reservoirs, secondary and tertiary oil recovery processes are highly necessary to recover the trapped oil. Among the different tertiary oil recovery processes, foam injection is one of the most newly proposed methods. In this regard, in the current investigation, foam solution is prepared using formation brine, C₁₉TAB surfactant and air concomitant with nano-silica (SiO₂) as foam stabilizer and mobility controller. The measurements revealed that using the surfactant-nano SiO₂ foam solution not only leads to formation of stable foam, but also can reduce the interfacial tension mostly considered as an effective parameter for higher oil recovery. Finally, the results demonstrate that there is a good chance of reducing the mobility ratio from 1.12 for formation brine and reservoir oil to 0.845 for foam solution prepared by nanoparticles.     

Physics‐based search and optimization: Inspirations from nature

This paper presents a review of recently developed physics‐based search and optimization algorithms that have been inspired by natural phenomena. They include Big Bang–Big Crunch, black hole search, galaxy‐based search, artificial physics optimization, electromagnetism optimization, charged system search, colliding bodies optimization, and particle collision algorithm.     

Sustainability in highrise building design and construction

This paper presents a review of the recent literature on sustainability in construction and design with a focus on highrise buildings. The paper is divided into the following main sections: energy consumption, environmental effects and green practices for highrise buildings. A number of concepts in sustainable design are reviewed including passive solar design, renewable energy resources, cogeneration and tri‐generations, embodied energy reduction, net zero energy building, carbon emission reduction, envelope environment quality, green materials, efficient mechanical design and innovative structural systems. Their applications in a dozen signature and iconic structures are described. In order to achieve net zero energy in a new highrise building, first, multiple green solutions need to be evaluated using two categorical solutions: passive solar and envelop environment design and renewable energy resources along with efficient energy generators. Next, a robust optimization algorithm should be used to select the optimum set of solutions. This is worth pursuing in future sustainable design of highrise buildings because they are massive and complex structures with many components. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of pH,salts and sugars on the rheological properties of cress seed (Lepidium sativum) gum

Effect of shear rate (15–600 s^?1), gum concentration (1–2%), pH (3–9), sucrose (10–40%), lactose (5–15%), NaCl (100–300 mm ) and CaCl₂ (5–50 mm ) was evaluated on apparent viscosity (η_a), flow behaviour index (n), consistency coefficient (K) and yield stress (τ₀) indices of cress seed gum (CSG) solutions. Different rheological models were used to fit the experimental data, although the Herschel–Bulkley model was found the best model. An increase in gum concentration led to an increase in τ₀, η_a, and k and a decrease in n values. The addition of salts lowered the k value; however, the n value showed slight significant change. The presence of sugar resulted in the enhancement of n, k, τ₀ and η_ap values. The existence of yield stress and pseudoplastic behaviour of CSG, its stability against salts, wide range of pH and synergic effect of sugar make it a good thickener and stabiliser in food formulations.