Pre-design Tool Research Articles

Seismic Performance Prediction of RC, BRB and SDOF Structures Using Deep Learning and the Intensity Measure INp

The motivation for using artificial neural networks in this study stems from their computational efficiency and ability to model complex, high-level abstractions. Deep learning models were utilized to predict the structural responses of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings subjected to earthquakes. For this aim, the dataset for training and evaluation was derived from complex computational dynamic analyses, which involved scaling real ground motion records at different intensity levels (spectral acceleration Sa(T1) and the recently proposed INp). The results, specifically the maximum interstory drifts, were characterized for the output neurons in terms of their corresponding statistical parameters: mean, median, and standard deviation; while two input variables (fundamental period and earthquake intensity) were used in the neural networks to represent buildings and seismic risk. To validate deep learning as a robust tool for seismic predesign and rapid estimation, a prediction model was developed to assess the seismic performance of a complex RC building with buckling restrained braces (RC-BRBs). Additionally, other deep learning models were explored to predict ductility and hysteretic energy in nonlinear single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems. The findings demonstrated that increasing the number of hidden layers generally reduces prediction error, although an excessive number can lead to overfitting.

Analytical method for new tunnel crossing pile foundation of existing bridge: a case study

This paper describes an analytical method for investigating the tunnel–pile interaction for new tunnels crossing the pile foundation of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, with a case study using a cavity expansion-based model. The three-dimensional analytical model developed in this study evaluates the ground deformation and pile response induced by the construction of tunnels for the two Metro #13 lines and the Wanghai Road tunnel, and assesses the effectiveness of mitigation measures such as ground stabilisation and isolation walls. The study reveals significant vertical displacement and surface settlement caused by the Wanghai Road tunnel, and horizontal deformation and bending moments in specific pile foundations. The results show that reinforcement measures can effectively control formation deformation disturbance, and metro jet system isolation walls can limit horizontal and vertical displacements caused by excavation. To ensure the safe operation of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the study highlights the importance of comprehensively evaluating the safety of shield crossing schemes. The proposed analytical method could also serve as a pre-design tool and reference for optimising tunnel construction, providing valuable guidance for future reinforcement schemes. In general, this study provides significant insights into the tunnel–pile interaction, which will be useful for bridge and tunnel engineering design and construction.

Safe drinking water in remote rural communities in present era

Background: Groundwater is important source of drinking water particularly in rural communities though river, dam water too is also used globally. Many sicknesses, deaths are due to water, major media for carrying causes of illnesses. Community based study was carried out to know about drinking water sources, action before consumption by rural communities.
 Methods: Community based qualitative study using predesigned tool was carried out in tribal communities of 140 villages of forestry hilly region over one year with 25 women of 15 to 60 years randomly included from each village, total 4500. 
 Results: Reported sources of drinking water at home were public taps in 1671 (37.1%), public borewells 1195 (26.6%), wells in outskirts of villages 929 (20.6%), rivers 381 (8.5%), other sources 324 (7.2%) (harvested rainwater, dams). Of 4500 study subjects, total 1522 (33.8%) women reported no road for going to collect water. Only 1936 (43.0%) women had drinking water at work places, (310 (16.0%) borewell, 313 (16.2%) matka (mud pot), 999 (51.6%) well, 314 (16.2%) other sources. Those who did not have water at work places, 393 (15.3%) took water from home, 767 (29.9%) went to river. Before use at home, 3510 (78.0%) women did filtration, usually with cloth torn from old saree, 690 (15.3%) boiled, 300 (7.3%) used other methods (bleaching powder or alum).
 Conclusions: In present era in well doing province untreated river water for drinking at home, work places are real dangerous practices, much more dangerous at work places as water is consumed directly from river without any action.

Impact of Biomass Ratio as a Synthetic Parameter in Soft Computing Approaches for a Decision-Making Tool for Biogas Plants in Urban Areas

The EU’s energy transition strategy highlights the significance of developing innovative energy models to encourage the utilization of renewable energy sources in urban areas. Utilizing local urban biomasses, including food waste, sewage, and green waste, can contribute to the establishment of energy systems that harness bio-waste for energy generation, thereby promoting circular economy principles and urban metabolisms. This paper proposes using a pre-design tool (based on soft computing approaches) that incorporates an initial analysis of the multidisciplinary feasibility of such systems as an effective strategy and valuable support for preliminary studies. It focuses on validating three “biomass ratio” parameters, integrating urban morphology and district characteristics with the amount of bio-waste in a peri-urban district comprising multifamily buildings. These parameters can be incorporated into a pre-design tool that facilitates multi-criteria decision analyses, aiding the design of innovative models that promote renewable energy sources in urban areas. The findings suggest that synthetic parameters can guide initial considerations, but they may overestimate the energy potential and should be further investigated. Hence, future research should explore complementary strategies for estimating biomass energy potential and extend the application of this methodology to other types of districts.

Auto-responsive technologies on opaque facades: Worldwide climatic suitability under current and future weather conditions

Climate adaptivity can be introduced into building envelopes without processors or external power by technologies that operate on an intrinsic mode, enabling the usage of their reactions to environmental stimuli in a positive way. Thirteen of these technologies, i.e. auto-responsive technologies (ARTs), were studied for climatic suitability on opaque facades under current and future weather conditions. An expeditious method, that can be used as a pre-design tool, is presented, which allows mapping out the potential use of ARTs in different climates allocating them to thermal adaptive strategies (TAS). Using the Climate consultant tool 6.0, building bioclimatic charts (BBCs) based on hourly weather data, were generated to determine the best passive design strategies (PDS) for nine locations. Correspondence between TAS and some PDS, based on the weather conditions in which they are effective, was proposed in order to assess the ARTs' climatic suitability, i.e., the time percentage in which the analysed strategy, employing specific ARTs, can contribute to occupants’ comfort. Cold climates present short suitability times concerning all the studied TAS. Higher suitability times for TAS, exclusively for cooling, were found in Equatorial and Arid climates, which are expected to increase worldwide in the future. The solar reflectance adaptation strategy is expected to increase its suitability time and achieve a more balanced mode of usage (similar heating and cooling times). This will boost the technology which enables its implementation, i.e. thermochromics.

Evaluation of the significance of different mix design variables on asphalt mixtures’ cracking performance measured by laboratory performance tests

Cracking is one of the primary distresses for asphalt pavements. This study is motivated to investigate the significance of the various mix design variables in determining the cracking performance of asphalt mixtures including both intermediate and thermal cracking performance, contributing to a better understanding of the mix design to improve the mixture cracking performance and promoting the development and implementation of the performance related specification and performance based specification. Total 20 mixtures were tested and evaluated in this study. The most current state of the practice mixture performance tests, including the Complex Modulus (E*) test, Semi Circular Bending (SCB) test, Disk Shaped Compact Tension (DCT) test and Direct Tension Cyclic Fatigue (DTCF) test were conducted on these mixtures for characterization of their cracking performance. The advanced statistical analysis methods were employed on the generated data base to investigate the significance of the mix design variables on determining the cracking performance parameters measured from the laboratory tests. The correlations between the various cracking performance parameters measured from the tests were also evaluated in this study. The results show that the binder related mix variables play the significant role for determining both the low temperature and durability cracking performance of asphalt mixture. For evaluation of the mixture fatigue cracking performance, several aggregate related variables in addition to binder variables are identified as the significant factors. Correlation analysis shows that mixture rheological based cracking parameter G-Rm does not show the strong correlations with neither the facture indices measured from the DCT and SCB tests nor the fatigue parameters measured from the DTCF test. This study also develops a simplified linear regression model as a predesign tool for evaluation and prediction of mixture cracking performance in general.

International travels and transmission of multidrug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Europe: A systematic review

BackgroundThe increase of gonococcal infection cases in Europe and rises in Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance (AMR) have become an urgent concern globally. In the last few years international tourism has increased, which might contribute to the spread of different strains of multiresistant gonococcal infections. This study aimed at assessing the effect of international travel on the transmission of multidrug resistant N. gonorrhoeae in the European Union and associated European countries. MethodWe conducted a systematic review and searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CENTRAL between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2021 for gonococcal infection, antibiotic resistance and international travel. Articles were screened in title, abstract and keywords. The quality of the articles was assessed using a pre-designed tool. Individual, travel related and susceptibility to antimicrobials data were collected. ResultsA total of 18 studies met our criteria, of which 88.9% concluded that international travel directly influences the transmission of multidrug resistant N. gonorrhoeae from the country of travel to the country of return. Travelers mainly visited South East Asian countries (66.7%) and returned to the UK (38.9%). Half of the included studies reported ciprofloxacin resistant strains and the most frequently prescribed drug used for treatment was ceftriaxone. ConclusionsInternational travels might be an important factor in the spread of multi-resistant sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There is a need to strengthen AMR surveillance in international travelers for prompt investigation and notification of drug resistance in STIs.

Multi-Criteria Optimal Design for FUEL Cell Hybrid Power Sources

This paper presents the development of a global and integrated sizing approach under different performance indexes applied to fuel cell/battery hybrid power systems. The strong coupling between the hardware sizing process and the system supervision (energy management strategy EMS) makes it hard for the design to consider all the possibilities, and today’s methodologies are mostly experience-based approaches that are impervious to technological disruption. With a smart design approach, new technologies are easier to consider, and this approach facilitates the use of new technologies for transport applications with a decision help tool. An automotive application with a hybrid fuel cell (PEMFC)/battery (Li-Ion) is considered to develop this approach. The proposed approach is based on imbricated optimization loops and considers multiple criteria such as the fuel consumption, reliability, and volume of the architecture, in keeping with industry expectations to allow a good trade-off between different performance indexes and explore their design options. This constitutes a low computational time and a very effective support tool that allows limited overconsumption and lifetime reduction for designed architecture in extreme and non-optimal use. We obtain, thanks to this work, a pre-design tool that helps to realize the first conception choice.

Using mix design information for modelling of fundamental viscoelasticity of asphalt mixtures

Fundamental linear viscoelastic (LVE) characteristics of asphalt material is a critical component of pavement performance analysis and modelling. This study presents a practical and innovative approach to predict the complex modulus (E*) if terms of dynamic modulus (|E*|) and phase angle (δ) for asphalt mixtures by means of predicting the shape parameters of master curves using the advanced statistical analysis methods. Twenty distinct mixtures were evaluated and included in this study. The complex modulus test was performed on the mixtures and the |E*| and δ master curves were constructed. The statistical stepwise regression (SSR) model associated with F-test was employed to determine the significant factors and further develop the models for prediction of the shape parameters of these master curves. The prediction models developed only requires the general mixture design information that are readily available during any preliminary mixture design procedure, reducing the needs and efforts of preparing the samples and performing lab tests. The developed models show the good effectiveness and capability to predict the |E*| and δ values at any given frequency and temperature while incorporating the time–temperature superposition principle (TTSP). The developed models show the ability to be used for balanced mix design (BMD) as a predesign tool for evaluating mixtures’ cracking and rutting performance, and be incorporated into the advanced pavement performance simulation and prediction programs for predicting mixtures’ field performance in context of pavement structure, traffic and climatic conditions.

Developing a prediction model for low-temperature fracture energy of asphalt mixtures using machine learning approach

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an augmented full quadratic model (AFQM), artificial neural network (ANN) and an innovative machine learning technique called self-validated ensemble modelling (SVEM) approaches to predict low-temperature fracture energy of asphalt mixtures. An experimental database including 852 fracture energy values obtained from low temperature disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) testing was utilised to develop the prediction models. The fracture energy was predicted in terms of several variables that are available during the mix design process. The collected data were categorised into three groups based on the availability of the data at different points during the mix design process. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of the design variables on fracture energy. Based on the model development results, both ANN and SVEM methods showed higher prediction accuracy than AFQM. Prediction models based on the ANN were time-consuming and computationally expensive due to the optimum model architecture. The SVEM technique was found to be a reliable prediction method with high prediction reliability even with a limited amount of data. Based on the sensitivity analysis, design traffic level, PG low temperature (PGLT) binder grade, amount of aggregate passing 9.5 mm sieve, and the voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) are the most effective factors impacting low-temperature asphalt mixture fracture energy. A web-based prediction model platform was developed using prediction models based on the SVEM technique which can be utilised as a predesign tool to evaluate low-temperature fracture energy of asphalt mixtures when laboratory testing is not feasible.

Assessment of Perceived Compliance and Barriers to Personal Protective Equipment Use Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic's Second Wave Surge: "Walk to Talk" Cross-Sectional Correlational Study.

This study aimed at investigating HCWs' perceptions of PPE compliance and barriers, as well as influencing factors, in order to develop methods to combat the rise in their infection rates. During the 'second wave' surge, a cross-sectional correlational analysis was conducted over a 1-month period. It consists of HCWs from various hospital sectors that admit COVID-19 patients using an online self-administered predesigned tool. Out of the 285 recruited participants, 36.1% had previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. Around 71% received training on PPE use. The perceived compliance was good for (PPE) usage (mean 2.60 ± 1.10). A significant higher compliance level was correlated with previous diagnosis with COVID-19, working with patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and having a direct contact with a family member older than 45 years old (P < 0.01). The main perceived barriers to the use of PPEs were unavailability of full PPEs (35%), interference with their ability to provide patient care (29%), not enough time to comply with the rigors of PPEs (23.2%) and working in emergency situations (22.5%). With regards to perceived barriers, those working with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and those who reported having a direct contact with a family member older than 45 years old showed significantly higher level of barriers. A series of measures, including prioritization of PPE acquisition, training, and monitoring to guarantee appropriate resources for IPC, are necessary to reduce transmission.

Mechanical Behavior comparison of aircraft joints modeling / Comparação de comportamento mecânico da modelagem de juntas de aeronaves

The procedure of structural design for aircraft parts is widely known and discussed in the academy and in the industry, although it has been improved along the time. It is based on a detailed process of aerodynamics loads study coupled or not with specifications required by regulatory agencies. Further, several interactions of analysis are done to define the critical stress state of the structure submitted to load conditions, because it is a complex structure that needs to be often improved and updated (considering the requirement of assembly/disassembly simplicity). There are several components in an aircraft attached to each other by the use of fasteners, rivets or nuts made of different materials (aluminum, steel, Inconel among others). In fact, it is not to easy to obtain stress state of the aeronautical structure for real loading conditions. Further, it is also difficult to calculate the load acting on each one of the joints. Several studies were already performed in order to obtain the correct understanding of how actual loads is distributed through the joints. The present work aims to compare results in aircraft joints (focusing in spar and skin regions), considering three levels of fidelity to understand the differences in the structural response using different type of modeling approach. Finite Element Analysis modelings made using Nastran software were performed. Preliminary results show good response agreement even for high and intermediate detail levels. Low detail level present promisor response as a tool for predesign.

Retraction: Roche et al. An Accessible Pre-Design Calculation Tool to Support the Definition of EV Components. World Electr. Veh. J. 2015, 7, 101–113

The journal retracts the article, “An accessible pre-design calculation tool to support the definition of EV components” [...]

A design of experiment approach as applied to the analysis of diffuser-augmented wind turbines

Since the 1930s ducted-wind-turbines have received considerable attention due to the possibility of obtaining a significant increase in the extracted power compared to an open turbine with the same rotor swept area. The incomplete knowledge of the flow phenomena occurring in these devices and the large design-space to be explored generally hampers the development of an effective and robust design-procedure. This work investigates the performance of ducted wind turbines through a fully automated analysis procedure based on a Computational-Fluid-Dynamics-Actuator-Disk approach. The method duly takes into account the effects of the design parameters, the rotor-duct coupling, the wake rotation and expansion, and the spanwise variability of the rotor load. A Design-of-Experiment analysis is carried out to quantify the impact of the change of all geometric parameters and their mutual interactions. The latter explicitly account for the simultaneous variation of all design parameters. As such, it is a powerful pre-design tool that allows to reduce and confine the design space. It is found that the chord and stagger angle of the duct contribute more than 85% to the improvements of the turbine performance, while the effects of the thickness are negligible. Finally, the sensitiveness of the performance to the variation of the operating conditions is also analysed revealing that the optimal configuration is also the most robust.

Development of a performance-based design framework for multifunctional climate-responsive façades

Climate-responsive facades (CRFs) present a new paradigm for high-performance building façade design as they provide a dynamic response to exterior environmental loads. CRFs represent a new approach compared to typical façades constructed as static barriers with a fixed performance to separate the indoor and outdoor conditions. CRFs regulate the multiple environmental loads simultaneously through dynamic responses of different components. This study aims to develop a pre-design tool to support the selection of suitable technologies to create multifunctional CRFs. The proposed framework includes five steps that lead to a qualitative assessment of the façade requirements based on quantitative metrics. These steps include defining the objectives of a CRF, setting performance constraints based on environmental and building contexts, defining a responsive operation scenario, selecting the most suitable technology, and finally creating a conceptual design of the CRF. The framework's application is verified in designing a transparent and opaque CRF module based on the layout of a ventilated cavity Trombe wall. The discussion section shows that the specific metrics in the framework and their quantitative ranges are generalizable and can be adjusted to match case-specific architectural, environmental, and technical criteria. The applicability of the framework for the early decision-making stages of façade design is finally discussed, looking at the future steps for better integration of climate-responsive facades.

Contrasting climate-based approaches and building simulations for the investigation of Earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) cooling sensitivity to building dimensions and future climate scenarios in North America

Evolving cooling needs have promoted the examination of passive low energy cooling solutions such as Earth-to-air heat exchangers (EAHE). These systems heat or cool passing air based on the seasonal air-soil temperature differences, therefore exhibiting a natural correlation between system performance and climate. Key performance indicators (KPIs) of EAHE cooling potential generated from climatic indicators were compared to building simulation results, for a multitude of system and building configurations, baseline cooling thresholds, and future climate scenarios to identify sensitivity of these indices useful for pre-design evaluations. The analysis was conducted for nine representative locations in North America. Using weather files representative of future climate scenarios, the potential for EAHE cooling was shown to persist in cooler climates in contrast to cooling dominated regions like Miami and Phoenix whose use of the EAHE was not effective. In terms of building and system design, shading and control natural ventilation (CNV) were identified as the ideal additions to promote EAHE cooling. Mean soil temperature was also identified as a possible metric for estimating EAHE cooling as cooler soil temperatures expectedly perform better. The comparison between the two approaches demonstrated climate indicators consistently reflected the behaviour predicted by building simulation despite changes to building dimensions. As a result, climate indicators have been shown to be effective pre-design tools in estimating EAHE cooling potential. These can be used by stakeholders evaluating the benefit of EAHEs in providing sustainable cooling in various climates and future climate conditions.

Evaluation of Daylight Parameters on the Basis Simulation Model For the Tropical Climate

Use of natural daylight in the building is energy saving with respect to illumination levels and health benefits. However in, the hot and dry climatic zone increase in daylight availability may result into thermal ingress. This might lead to excess energy conservation. The aim of this paper is to evolve the methodology which could be used as a pre design tool for assessing the lighting provisions and thermal performance of spaces within buildings adopted by designers during the design process. The field measurements were conducted on the liveable spaces of a dwelling unit of the Nagpur region. Simulation studies using Ecotect Analysis 2011 was conducted for both illumination and thermal energy. The field measurements were compared with the simulated results. It has been found that the percentage difference (PD) between the Ecotect measurements (EM) and field measurements (FM) for both thermal loads and an illuminance level was less than 15%, the simulated model was considered precise for further study. The result imply that the simulated model would be ample for designers to evaluate the parameters associated to wall to window ratio, shading devices with respect to orientation of the building which helps to achieve the optimum useful daylight index.

Is a differentiated care model needed for patients with TB? A cohort analysis of risk factors contributing to unfavourable outcomes among TB patients in two states in South India

BackgroundTB is a preventable and treatable disease. Yet, successful treatment outcomes at desired levels are elusive in many national TB programs, including India. We aim to identify risk factors for unfavourable outcomes to TB treatment, in order to subsequently design a care model that would improve treatment outcomes among these at-risk patients.MethodsWe conducted a cohort analysis among TB patients who had been recently initiated on treatment. The study was part of the internal program evaluation of a USAID-THALI project, implemented in select towns/cities of Karnataka and Telangana, south India. Community Health Workers (CHWs) under the project, used a pre-designed tool to assess TB patients for potential risks of an unfavourable outcome. CHWs followed up this cohort of patients until treatment outcomes were declared. We extracted treatment outcomes from patient’s follow-up data and from the Nikshay portal. The specific cohort of patients included in our study were those whose risk was assessed during July and September, 2018, subsequent to conceptualisation, tool finalisation and CHW training. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to assess each of the individual and combined risks against unfavourable outcomes; death alone, or death, lost to follow up and treatment failure, combined as ‘unfavourable outcome’.ResultsA significantly higher likelihood of death and experiencing unfavourable outcome was observed for individuals having more than one risk (AOR: 4.19; 95% CI: 2.47–7.11 for death; AOR 2.21; 95% CI: 1.56–3.12 for unfavourable outcome) or only one risk (AOR: 3.28; 95% CI: 2.11–5.10 for death; AOR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.29–2.26 for unfavourable outcome) as compared to TB patients with no identified risk. Male, a lower education status, an initial weight below the national median weight, co-existing HIV, previous history of treatment, drug-resistant TB, and regular alcohol use had significantly higher odds of death and unfavourable outcome, while age > 60 was only associated with higher odds of death.ConclusionA rapid risk assessment at treatment initiation can identify factors that are associated with unfavourable outcomes. TB programs could intensify care and support to these patients, in order to optimise treatment outcomes among TB patients.

Lead poisoning; a neglected potential diagnosis in abdominal pain

BackgroundAbdominal pain may be a presenting symptom of lead poisoning and is often difficult to diagnose. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abdominal pain in patients seen in the Laghman Hakim Hospital ED and GI clinic who were lead-intoxicated, with or without opiate use disorder.MethodsBetween July 2017 and January 2018, patients seen in the ED and GI clinic of Loghman Hakim Hospital with unexplained abdominal pain or abdominal pain resistant to treatment were enrolled. Informed consent was obtained from potential enrollees. For standardization, a pre-designed data collection tool was developed for uniform data acquisition. Opiate use was determined historically. For this study, lead poisoning was defined as a blood lead level (BLL) greater than or equal to 30 μg/dL (1.45 μmol/L) with concomitant GI symptoms.ResultsOf 125 patients admitted, 28 (22.4%) had BLLs higher than 30 μg/dL. None of the patients had signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome during evaluation. Elevated BLLs were significantly correlated with oral opium use/abuse, history of addiction for over the preceding 12 years. The daily opium use was more than 2.75 g. There was a statistical correlation between lead toxicity and abdominal pain consistency and intensity, constipation, and paresthesias. Anemia, leukocytosis, and abnormal liver enzyme tests were laboratory findings associated with lead toxicity. Four patients died, one of whom was diagnosed with lead toxicity.ConclusionLead toxicity should be considered in the potential differential diagnosis of severe and resistant abdominal pain in patients referring to general EDs or GI clinics if a positive history of opium abuse exists.

A new simplified model for the unsteady response of concrete passive sensible TES systems

Abstract In this paper a new simplified model of a passive sensible TES system is presented, using concrete as storage medium and thermal oil as HTF. The transient heat transfer problem in a concrete structure embedded with pipes is analyzed. Transient results of interest in the TES module such as the concrete average temperature, the amount of heat absorbed/released or the HTF outlet temperature are presented through simple and easy to use closed-form mathematical expressions. The input parameters in the model are: internal diameter, center-to-center distance between tubes, HTF velocity and temperature, TES initial temperature, module dimensions, number of tubes and contact resistance in the interface pipe-concrete. Tests and comparisons of the correlations are made through a successful comparison of the results against experimental data found in the literature, with relative errors below 2% in the mean temperatures. From the outcome of the investigation it is possible to conclude that accurate estimates of mean temperatures and heat transfer are obtainable by means of compact closed-form equations applicable for the entire time domain. The proposed model is suitable to be used as a TES pre-design tool or as an independent component to be integrated in other modular transient simulation programs of SPPs.