Search results for " Structural"

Testing the USLE-M family of models at the Sparacia experimental site in south Italy

2017

The modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE-M) was empirically deduced by a statistical analysis of the original data set of soil loss measurements used to derive the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The USLE-M, including the effect of runoffin the event rainfall-runofferosivity factor, is characterized by a better capacity to predict event soil loss. At first, in this paper, using the soil erosion representative variables of USLE-M and the reference condition adopted in the USLE, the dimensional analysis and the self-similarity theory are applied to theoretically deduce a multiplicative equation similar to the USLE-M. Then using the database of the Sparacia experimental site, the a…

New Theoretical Solution of Stage-Discharge Relationship for Slit Weirs

2018

In this paper, the flow-process of a slit weir was analyzed on the basis of a theorem of dimensional analysis and incomplete selfsimilarity theory. The theoretically deduced stage-discharge formula then was calibrated using experimental data obtained for a ratio between the weir and the channel width, ranging from 0.05 to 0.25. The deduced stage-discharge relationship allowed measuring discharge values characterized by errors that, for 98% of the measured values, were less than or equal to 5%. The performance of the proposed theoreticalstage-discharge formula also was improved by introducing the Reynolds number (for 98.5% of the measured values the error was less than or equal to 5%, and th…

Analytical prediction of ultimate moment and curvature of RC rectangular sections in compression

2013

This paper presents closed form expressions linking the ultimate bearing capacity to the ultimate curvature of rectangular RC sections subjected to axial load and bending moment acting in one of the two symmetry planes of the section. With respect to possible simplified formulations the following effects are also considered: confinement of the concrete, hardening of the longitudinal reinforcement, and presence of reinforcing bars distributed orthogonally to the neutral axis. The formulation is proposed in dimensional terms after a preliminary definition of the geometrical and mechanical parameters governing the structural response of the class of sections considered. The analytical expressi…

Modelling mode choice for freight transport using advanced choice experiments

2015

Abstract In this paper we use advanced choice modelling techniques to analyse demand for freight transport in a context of modal choice. To this end, a stated preference (SP) survey was conducted in order to estimate freight shipper preferences for the main attributes that define the service offered by the different transport modes. From a methodological point of view, we focus on two critical issues in the construction of efficient choice experiments. Firstly, in obtaining good quality prior information about the parameters; and secondly, in the improved quality of the experimental data by tailoring a specific efficient design for every respondent in the sample. With these data, different …

Random analysis of geometrically non-linear FE modelled structures under seismic actions

1990

Abstract In the framework of the finite element (FE) method, by using the “total Lagrangian approach”, the stochastic analysis of geometrically non-linear structures subjected to seismic inputs is performed. For this purpose the equations of motion are written with the non-linear contribution in an explicit representation, as pseudo-forces, and with the ground motion modelled as a filtered non-stationary white noise Gaussian process, using a Tajimi-Kanai-like filter. Then equations for the moments of the response are obtained by extending the classical Ito's rule to vectors of random processes. The equations of motion, and the equations for moments, obtained here, show a perfect formal simi…

A Structural Theorem for Metric Space Valued Mappings of Φ-bounded Variation

2009

In this paper we introduce the notion of $\Phi$-bounded variation for metric space valued mappings defined on a subset of the real line. Such a notion generalizes the one for real functions introduced by M. Schramm, and many previous generalized variations. We prove a structural theorem for mappings of $\Phi$-bounded variation. As an application we show that each mapping of $\Phi$-bounded variation defined on a subset of $\mathbb{R}$ possesses a $\Phi$-variation preserving extension to the whole real line.

Impacts of roundabouts in suburban areas on congestion-specific vehicle speed profiles, pollutant and noise emissions: an empirical analysis

2019

Abstract Increasing concern about global warming and air quality has meant an increasing use of energetic and environmental indicators in roundabout design. This research compares different suburban roundabouts in terms of traffic performance, pollutant and noise emissions through an integrated empirical assessment. Field measurements were carried out with a light duty vehicle in single-lane (SL), compact two-lane (CTL) and multi-lane (ML) roundabouts using Portable Emission Measurements Systems, On-Board Diagnostic scan tool and Sound Level Meter, to measure real-world exhaust emissions, engine activity and acoustic data, respectively. Afterwards, predictive discrete choice models that cor…

Discrete variables structural design of frames safe against buckling

2014

Ultrasonic Guided Waves-Based Monitoring of Rail Head: Laboratory and Field Tests

2010

Recent train accidents have reaffirmed the need for developing a rail defect detection system more effective than that currently used. One of the most promising techniques in rail inspection is the use of ultrasonic guided waves and noncontact probes. A rail inspection prototype based on these concepts and devoted to the automatic damage detection of defects in rail head is the focus of this paper. The prototype includes an algorithm based on wavelet transform and outlier analysis. The discrete wavelet transform is utilized to denoise ultrasonic signals and to generate a set of relevant damage sensitive data. These data are combined into a damage index vector fed to an unsupervised learning…

An unsupervised Learning Algorithm for Fatigue Crack Detection in Waveguides

2009

Ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) are a useful tool in structural health monitoring (SHM) applications that can benefit from built-in transduction, moderately large inspection ranges, and high sensitivity to small flaws. This paper describes an SHM method based on UGWs and outlier analysis devoted to the detection and quantification of fatigue cracks in structural waveguides. The method combines the advantages of UGWs with the outcomes of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to extract defect-sensitive features aimed at performing a multivariate diagnosis of damage. In particular, the DWT is exploited to generate a set of relevant wavelet coefficients to construct a uni-dimensional or multi-di…