Site-specific Design Research Articles

Site-specific design response spectra proposed for Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in Iran and seismic hazard analysis

Site-specific design response spectra proposed for Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in Iran and seismic hazard analysis

Towards Hydraulic Design Optimization of Shaft Hydropower Plants: A 3D-CFD Application Based on Physical Models

The shaft hydropower plant (SHPP) is a novel hydraulic concept for low-head hydropower sites with several environmental and operational advantages over conventional layouts. However, the first two projects implementing this concept have shown comparatively high construction costs and project risks. Therefore, further optimization is required to increase economic attractiveness and enable broader market adoption. Initial model tests recommend a square-shaped shaft inlet with a three-sided approach flow for low-loss and fish-friendly inflow conditions. Yet, this design requires significant space for structural implementation and may be unsuitable for use with multiple shafts or as an extension of non-powered dams and weirs. This research paper presents the application of a computational fluid dynamics simulation setup to evaluate the hydraulic performance of various design configurations, especially alternative design layouts with a one-sided approach flow without further physical model tests. The simulation setup is calibrated against observations including head loss and velocity measurements from the physical model tests, and its satisfactory performance enables the analysis of alternative design layouts. This study aims to derive the most significant design parameters for achieving the desired hydraulic conditions at the intake. Increasing the flow depth before the intake and enlarging the inlet area have the most significant impact, while increasing the overflow of the front gate has the least significant effect. The chosen CFD application is deemed suitable for hydraulic design optimization and provides guidance on the key parameters to focus on for tailored site-specific design development.

Cartographic analysis as spatial determinant for climate change adaptation in the Hunter River Estuary, Australia

This paper explores the hydrological history of the Hunter River and Estuary (Newcastle, Australia), to identify pathways for incorporating climate-sensitive adaptation approaches into urban development and planning. The research method utilises mapping as a methodological discovery tools to visually articulate the correlation of pre-colonial hydrological landscapes, the transformation of the estuary over two centuries, the areas identified as at risk, and the opportunities for developing a climate-resilient estuary. This research aims to contribute to the redefinition of the discourse on the role of estuary planning for changing climate, focusing on four critical aspects: identify the impacts of urbanisation and industrialisation on ecosystems and its correlation with climate hazard at the estuary; visualise such transformations over time and space to identify critical spatial and climate factors threatening inhabitation; propose strategic spatial practices towards adaptation and resilience; and synthesising the options to foster reflective thinking and establish a correlation with novel policies, governance and practices. The study highlights that adopting new urbanism aligned with cultural and ecological principles can mitigate future climate impacts through re-naturalisation and urban adaptation to sea-level rise by focusing on proactive approaches to building resilient communities. This paper also acknowledges the need for site-specific adaptive design and planning strategies at multiple scales and governance levels.

A semi-empirical model for time-domain tower Vortex induced Vibration load simulations of wind turbines

A new method for simulating aeroelastic resonances between vortex shedding and structural eigenfrequencies of a wind turbine tower is presented in this publication. This aero-elastic effect of Vortex induced Vibrations (ViV) has the potential to disrupt installation processes and cause fatigue and extreme loads on the tower. Despite this issue, there are no established simulation methods available in literature, able and sufficiently efficient to predict the ViV in turbulent and site specific design load conditions. This state-of-the-art is extended by introducing an efficient semi-empirical, time-domain simulation method, which is capable of analyzing the tower ViV excitations and aeroelastic responses in wind turbine load simulations of the isolated tower or the full turbine for fatigue and extreme loads. The method is based on an adaptive harmonic equation, which is automatically tuned to the instantaneous tower motions.

The Power of Place: Unleashing the Potential of Place-Based Green Energy Landscapes

This research explores the role landscape architects can play in shaping renewable energy infrastructure in the Southwest United States. Conventional energy development often neglects the impacts on landscapes and communities, resulting in community frustration and project terminations. To address this issue and tackle the need for decarbonization, the Southwest Regional Virtual Workshop was convened to foster co-creation and generate innovative ideas for new energy solutions. The Southwest Regional Virtual Workshop (SRVW) aimed to unite landscape architects, architects, engineers, and energy professionals to craft place-based, at-scale, and environmentally sensitive solutions. Key insights from this study demonstrate landscape architects have the capacity to help transform renewable energy projects into attractive, engaging, and productive infrastructure. Their expertise in community engagement, site-specific design, and interdisciplinary collaboration positions them as ideal designers for energy landscapes that go beyond mere functionality. By adopting a landscape-centric approach, landscape architects can help seamlessly integrate energy infrastructure with the environment and aesthetics to gain steadfast community support. Harmonizing functionality with visual appeal can instill a deep sense of pride and ownership among community members, ultimately fostering increased acceptance of renewable energy development. In conclusion, landscape architects can expand upon their expertise to include energy and help create projects that align with the values of local communities and contribute to a resilient energy future.

An adapted method for Cas9-mediated editing reveals the species-specific role of β-glucoside utilization driving competition between Klebsiella species.

Cas9-based gene editing tools have revolutionized bacterial genetics, yet, their application to non-model gut bacteria is frequently hampered by various limitations. We utilized a two-plasmid Cas9-based system designed for gene deletion in Klebsiella pneumoniae and demonstrate after optimization its utility for gene editing in three members of the Klebsiella oxytoca species complex (KoSC) namely K. oxytoca, Klebsiella michiganensis, and Klebsiella grimontii. We then adapted a recently developed protocol for functional complementation based on universal "bookmark" targets applicable to all tested species. In summary, species-specific adaptation of state-of-the-art genetic tools allows efficient gene deletion and complementation in type strains as well as natural isolates of KoSC members to study microbial interactions.

Optimization of Structural Design in Steel Buildings Based on the Site-Specific Design Spectra of the Mexico Seismic Regulations

Optimization of Structural Design in Steel Buildings Based on the Site-Specific Design Spectra of the Mexico Seismic Regulations

Nonlinear time domain seismic response and performance evaluation of A-frame jumbo-size container cranes

Seismic responses of A-frame jumbo-size container cranes are comprehensively studied by exciting them as realistically as practical to evaluate the adequacy of the conventional static approach routinely used for their design. Multiple design earthquake time histories corresponding to the structure and site-specific earthquake design spectra corresponding to specific return periods are selected for the nonlinear time domain dynamic analyses. Cranes are considered to be in service (i.e., boom down), (2) at rest (i.e., boom up or stowed) with a friction contact support condition, and (3) at rest with tie-downs installed conditions. They are represented by finite elements, and appropriate dynamic properties are used following the practices commonly used in the profession. The seismic responses, in terms of base shear force, vertical wheel load, main member stress, portal drift ratio, and uplift, are estimated to define several performance objectives and their corresponding limits. Two container cranes with different dynamic properties and their responses are used to make the final recommendations. The in-service operating condition appears to be the most critical. The variation in the stress responses between the cranes in the at-rest and in-service conditions is about 17 %. However, the uplift in the stowed crane can be about 82 % higher than that in the in-service crane. The commonly used lateral load method using the static concept may not always be conservative, especially for the base shear force and vertical wheel load. For example, the method significantly underestimates the base shear force by about 52 % for the slender crane and 26 % for the relatively stiffer crane. Thus, the nonlinear time domain approach proposed here should always be used. It will satisfy the performance-based seismic design concept under development at present.

Empowering Site-Specific Bioconjugations In Vitro and In Vivo: Advances in Sortase Engineering and Sortase-Mediated Ligation.

Sortase-mediated ligation (SML) has emerged as a powerful and versatile methodology for site-specific protein conjugation, functionalization/labeling, immobilization, and design of biohybrid molecules and systems. However, the broader application of SML faces several challenges, such as limited activity and stability, dependence on calcium ions, and reversible reactions caused by nucleophilic side-products. Over the past decade, protein engineering campaigns and particularly directed evolution, have been extensively employed to overcome sortase limitations, thereby expanding the potential application of SML in multiple directions, including therapeutics, biorthogonal chemistry, biomaterials, and biosensors. This review provides an overview of achieved advancements in sortase engineering and highlights recent progress in utilizing SML in combination with other state-of-the-art chemical and biological methodologies. The aim is to encourage scientists to employ sortases in their conjugation experiments.

Site-Specific Aseismic Design of Multi-Storeyed Buildings Using Optimum Tuned Mass Damper Inerter

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of the tuned mass damper inerter (TMDI) in reducing the vibration of building structures under site-specific earthquake excitation is investigated. The site is Guwahati, Assam, which lies in the most severe seismic intensity zone in India. In this paper, the optimization of the TMDI design parameters is carried out for the site-specific input derived for the building site by a modulated Clough-Penzien (C-P) spectrum fitted to the power spectral density function obtained from a strong motion model of the site. All possible topologies of the TMDI, with one terminal of the inerter being connected to the damper mass attached to the top storey of the example buildings, and the other terminal being connected to any other floor, are investigated. The structure-TMDI system is analyzed both in the frequency-domain and in the time-domain. A numerical study is conducted with two example building structures. Optimization of design parameters of the TMDI is carried out using the technique of simulated annealing in the frequency-domain using the site-specific modulated Clough-Penzien spectrum as input. The performance of the optimal TMDI cases is evaluated by subjecting the example structures to 10 site-specific synthetically generated accelerograms. Results indicate that the TMDI is superior to the TMD for all topologies of the TMDI in case of the 3-storieed structure; and for topologies of the TMDI in which the inerter spans more than 4 floors for the 8-storied structure, with improved reductions in top-floor displacement, acceleration, and stroke length.

Site-specifically tailored microstructures with enhanced strength and hardening through laser powder bed fusion

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has emerged as an additive manufacturing technique that offers unprecedented design freedom. Besides being capable of producing complex and near net shape objects, L-PBF can impact tremendously the engineering materials community due to the possibility of locally manipulating metallic microstructures. Here we exploit the latter potentiality of L-PBF, to produce site-specifically tailored stainless steel components, in terms of their crystallographic texture. The tailored materials are tested and exhibit superior energy dissipation capabilities under bending deformation compared to uniformly textured materials. This is enabled by the strong dependence of the secondary hardening mechanisms, namely the deformation twinning and/or martensite formation, of these materials on the locally tuned microstructures. With the aid of finite element simulations, it is possible to identify the stress state and hence, the crystallographic orientations that facilitate twinning or martensite formation. Then, by engineering favorable crystallographic textures, matched to the complex stress state during bending, enhanced work hardening behavior is obtained. This site-specific microstructure design enabled by L-PBF provides a new pathway for the design of “smart” components that exhibit superior mechanical response under complex stress states.

Impact of climate change on the design of multi-megawatt spar floating wind turbines

Increased frequency and intensity of extreme events can make offshore constructions unsafe due to the rapidly shifting wind-wave pattern. The consequences of climate change are disregarded by the current performance-based design of offshore wind turbines (OWT). The Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm are used to present a simplified approach to enable the inclusion of future climatic projections in the design of spar-floating wind turbines. A two-variable statistical equation employing an Artificial Neural Network is established for calculating wind-induced wave height for the North Sea and West Coast of India, which is a valuable parameter for the site-specific design of offshore constructions. Under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, the North Sea's most likely wind speed is anticipated to decrease by 11 %, whereas the west coast of India experiences a slight decrease in wind speed. Serviceability responses, such as tower deflection, rotation, and nacelle acceleration, are expected to rise by 8–10 %. In contrast, a decrease in these responses is projected in the North Sea due to a decrease in future wind speed and wave height. Climate change has a greater impact on shutdown conditions than on normal operations, primarily due to the pronounced shifts in extreme climate conditions.

Futuristic study on seismic response analysis of North Indian soils– A sustainable approach

India's growing population and extensive unscientific structures put the country at risk of suffering major casualties during earthquakes. To make buildings more earthquake-resistant, and develop safe and durable structures for future, we need seismic sustainability. For this purpose, Cities should adopt ‘seismic microzonation’, which includes Site response analysis (SRA). In this paper, SRA for eight places in Varanasi (India) was performed using the equivalent linear technique subjected to four significantly different strong motions (Bhuj, Uttarkashi, Chamba, and Kobe motion). Geotechnical data from various government and private entities have been gathered for this purpose. Analysis has been conducted using equivalent linear approach in DEEPSOIL software. The results of the study have been formulated in terms of surface time histories, response spectra, Fourier spectra and PGA along the depth. These findings may be applied to dynamic analysis and structural design, as well as the preparation of advanced dynamic lab tests. Furthermore, sites in Varanasi have been found to considerably enhance ground motion, thus a site-specific design approach must be implemented for important constructions.

Contemplating Light: Experiencing Victor Moscoso’s Psychedelic Lithographs in the Museum

Beginning in 1966, Victor Moscoso designed many of his psychedelic posters for the stroboscopic light shows of the San Francisco dance halls. Moscoso innovated a new mode of print that depended on its environment—kinetic lithography, a product of creative experimentation. He developed multiple iterations of this medium; however, installing it outside of its original context of the psychedelic dance hall continues to pose a unique challenge for preparators and curators alike. Today, museum display of his works relies upon experimental settings to activate his site-specific design. This article considers how immersive displays and antistatic artworks demand a new kind of relationship between visitor and artwork by decentering the museum’s longstanding emphasis on the optical, a regime that has long served to frame posters and ephemera in contexts of display rather than as active objects. By analyzing two recent exhibitions displaying Moscoso’s kinetic lithographs (The Summer of Love Experience, 2017, and Moscoso Cosmos, 2021), this article considers the mechanics of the print itself, curatorial decisions, and visitor engagement to assess the site-specific demands of a genre-bending medium.

The Complex Case of Carbon-Measuring Tools in Landscape Architecture

As the world takes a more strategic approach to the climate crisis, carbon in its various forms has become a key factor in ascertaining the sustainability of the landscape. Landscape has been recognised as a resource and mechanism for addressing the role of carbon in the environment, with literature focused on the landscape’s carbon capacity as interconnected systems of land, soil, water and organic life. It has, however, largely neglected the crucial role of the cultural, social and historical aspects of the landscape, particularly at the level of design. This paper acknowledges and explores the complexity of landscape as a natural-cultural system with the consequent difficulties this poses in legislating, calculating and measuring carbon for global, national and local targets for low/zero carbon and carbon offsetting. The discussion takes place in the arena of landscape architecture at regional/city/local scales and the life-cycle of a project including its integration into its wider social, cultural and environmental setting. This paper develops the discourse in three major areas: first, by examining how the complexity of landscape is obscured in the context of carbon-measuring tools used in landscape architecture; secondly exploring one such tool in practice to demonstrate how site-specific design decisions can impact carbon levels; and third by proposing how an integrated understanding of landscape can be built into projects to embrace complexity and operationalise low carbon visions.

A rigorous random field-based framework for 3D stratigraphic uncertainty modelling

Sustainable development goals for site-specific and customized design have brought needs to assess and quantify the stratigraphic uncertainty in three-dimensional (3D) modelling. The interpretation of uncertainty distribution with limited boreholes has always been challenging in 3D space, which is curial in engineering applications such as borehole sampling. In this study, we propose a rigorous random field-based framework to model the 3D stratigraphic uncertainty distribution with improved physical interpretation. Rather than offering constants or physically ambiguous models for Scales of Fluctuation (SoFs) as previous research, the framework adopts a series of SoFs calibrated by fitting stratum characteristics, to cope with local site-specificity in large geological sites. To evaluate the performance of the proposed framework, hypothetical cases are firstly used to demonstrate its applications in both 2D and 3D scenarios. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by borehole layout scheme optimization. Then, the proposed framework is applied to the 4 km-long geological site of the immersed tunnel of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge using 246 boreholes, which is to date the first study on large 3D stratigraphic uncertainty modelling. Finally, a comprehensive discussion is presented for correct physical interpretation of SoFs, comparative studies and determination of important parameters, aiming at evaluating the compatibility in all scenarios. The novel method is proved to be effective in 3D uncertainty modelling for geological stratigraphy with improved physical interpretability, which provides guidelines for underground design.

Improved Delivery of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Particles and Simplified Design Tools for Effective Aquifer Nanoremediation

The subsurface injection of nanoscale zero-valent iron particles (nZVI) for the in situ reductive remediation of contaminated aquifers has grown over the last 25 years. However, several efforts are still being made to improve the stability and delivery of nZVI and to simplify the procedure for site-specific injection design. In this study, the injectability and mobility of a commercial nZVI-based reactive gel was tested in a radial geometry laboratory setup. The gel proved to be highly mobile in sandy porous media, allowing for the achievement of a radius of influence (ROI) of 0.7 m with a homogeneous nZVI distribution within the domain. The experimental results therefore confirmed that nZVI permeation injection with a good radius of influence is possible in conductive formations. The software MNMs 2023 (Micro- and Nanoparticle transport, filtration, and clogging Model-Suite) was then applied to model the radial transport experiment and extrapolate results with the aim of developing a new graphical tool for simple and effective nZVI permeation injection design. For this purpose, 1800 numerical simulations were performed to build two multiparametric maps to predict the expected ROI in two typical aquifer lithologies and over a wide range of operating conditions.

THE ARISTOTELIAN CAUSALITIES IN LOCALISED DISTRIBUTED MANUFACTURING

AbstractHalf of the total greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of biodiversity loss come from resource extraction and processing. (EC 2020). To counter this, we must switch to sustainable, long-lasting products and slow down the use of resources. It is clear that these systems will not be fixed by incremental changes but by a series of disruptions. This article uses the Aristotelian causalities as a vehicle to break down the concept of “why” industrial design and discuss the underlying value propositions of distributed manufacturing. This critical perspective allows designers and engineers to bridge the knowledge-siloes and rewire the way a product is designed, sourced, built and consumed in relation to the four Aristotelian causalities. The paper discusses the limitations and potentialities for each causality in relation to a distributed manufacturing paradigm and argues for a new sustainable design concept: The Local Limited Edition. A site-specific product design, realised by brands to enrich brand value on local markets, improve market fit and increase attachment, ultimately improving the products' longevity and value of the products.

Designing Site Specificity in the Mechanochemical Cargo Release of Small Molecules.

Mechanical force can trigger the predictable and precise release of small molecules from macromolecular carriers. In this article, based on mechanochemical simulations, we show that norborn-2-en-7-one (NEO), I, and its derivatives can selectively release CO, N2, and SO2 and produce two distinctly different products, A ((3E,5Z,7E)-dimethyl-5,6-diphenyldeca-3,5,7-triene-1,10-diyl bis(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate)) and B (4',5'-dimethyl-4',5'-dihydro-[1,1':2',1''-terphenyl]-3',6'-diyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl) bis(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate). Site-specific design in the pulling points (PP) ensures that by changing the regioselectivity, either A or B can be exclusively generated. Controlling the rigidity of the NEO scaffold by replacing a 6-membered ring with an 8-membered ring and concomitantly tuning the pulling groups makes it mechanolabile toward the selective formation of B. The diradical intermediate formed during I → A is predicted to be persistent for ∼150 fs. The structural design holds the key to the trade-off between mechanochemical rigidity and lability.

The Climate-Proof Planning towards the Ecological Transition: Isola Sacra—Fiumicino (Italy) between Flood Risk and Urban Development Prospectives

The increasing concentration of people and economic activities in urban areas intensifies the pressure on the urban environment and hastens environmental degradation processes. Therefore, addressing the impact of climate change on cities is an urgent matter that demands the immediate attention of policymakers, researchers, and the general public, not only for its environmental but also socioeconomic ramifications. Within this framework, the research focuses on the effects of climate change on coastal cities and aims to define guidelines for the innovation of urban planning tools from a climate-proof perspective. Specifically, the study analyses the effects of two phenomena related to climate change: heavy rainfall, river overflow, and sea-level rise, to establish a replicable approach for updating the documents that constitute the cognitive framework of the Local Urban Plan through the preparation of a multi-risk map (that considers different time horizons) and consequently the prescriptive apparatus of the Plan through the definition of a toolkit of site-specific design actions oriented towards urban adaptation. The proposed methodology is tested on the case study of Isola Sacra, Fiumicino (Italy), and is intended to apply to other territorial contexts. The aim of this study, in accordance with the principles of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) framework, is to furnish theoretical-methodological and operational guidelines to translate risk knowledge, despite its limitations due to variables and uncertainties in measurements, into effective urban adaptation measures.