Slab Surface Research Articles

Atomistic Mechanisms of Binary Alloy Surface Segregation From Nanoseconds to Seconds Using Accelerated Dynamics

Although the equilibrium composition of many alloy surfaces is well understood, the rate of transient surface segregation during annealing is not known, despite its crucial effect on alloy corrosion and catalytic reactions occurring on overlapping timescales. In this work, CuNi bimetallic alloys representing (100) surface facets are annealed in vacuum using atomistic simulations to observe the effect of vacancy diffusion on surface separation. We employ multi-timescale methods to sample the early transient, intermediate, and equilibrium states of slab surfaces during the separation process, including standard MD as well as three methods to perform atomistic, long-time dynamics: parallel trajectory splicing (ParSplice), adaptive kinetic Monte Carlo (AKMC), and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC). From nanosecond (ns) to second timescales, our multiscale computational methodology can observe rare stochastic events not typically seen with standard MD, closing the gap between computational and experimental timescales for surface segregation. Rapid diffusion of a vacancy to the slab is resolved by all four methods in tens of ns. Stochastic re-entry of vacancies into the subsurface, however, is only seen on the microsecond timescale in the two KMC methods. Kinetic vacancy trapping on the surface and its effect on the segregation rate are discussed. The equilibrium composition profile of CuNi after segregation during annealing is estimated to occur on a timescale of seconds as determined by KMC, a result directly comparable to nanoscale experiments.

The foam concrete temperature measuring during its microwave heat treatment

The actual problem of accelerating and reducing the energy costs of the foam concrete slabs heat treatment technological process is considered. It is shown that to solve this problem, it is advisable to use the microwave radiation energy as a heat source. The main advantages of the microwave method of foam concrete slabs heat treatment in comparison with traditional methods are considered. The design of a microwave installation for the foam concrete slabs heat treatment has been developed. The installed microwave radiation sources have energy outputs in the form of a rectangular waveguide openings, which are used as radiating antennas. Huygens-Kirchhoff method was used to calculate the temperature distribution on the foam concrete slab surface; the method of loaded long lines was used to calculate the temperature distribution over the foam concrete slab thickness. A method for measuring the foam concrete slab temperature distribution is proposed. The results of theoretical and experimental temperature distribution studies on the surface and the cross-section of foam concrete slab with a width of 1500 mm, a height of 1000 mm and a thickness of 200 mm, a density of 1000 kg/m3 on the electromagnetic fields oscillation frequency of 2450 MHz are shown. The obtained experimental results showed a high efficiency of using microwave radiation for the foam concrete slabs heat treatment technological processes. Microwave technologies can be used for heat treatment of products made of concrete, reinforced concrete and polymer composite materials.

Thermal structure of continental subduction zone: high temperature caused by the removal of the preceding oceanic slab

The thermal structure of the continental subduction zone can be deduced from high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure rock samples or numerical simulation. However, petrological data indicate that the temperature of subducted continental plates is generally higher than that derived from numerical simulation. In this paper, a two-dimensional kinematic model is used to study the thermal structure of continental subduction zones, with or without a preceding oceanic slab. The results show that the removal of the preceding oceanic slab can effectively increase the slab surface temperature of the continental subduction zone in the early stage of subduction. This can sufficiently explain the difference between the cold thermal structure obtained from previous modeling results and the hot thermal structure obtained from rock sample data.

A new method for determination of the theoretical reduction amount for wide-thick slab during the mechanical reduction process

Mechanical soft reduction (MSR) is an effective method for elimination of the centerline segregation and porosity of the continuous casting steel slab, and the reduction amount is a key parameter that determines whether the MSR could be applied successfully. In the present work, a 2D heat transfer model was developed for predicting the non-uniform solidification of the wide-thick slab. The measured shell thickness by nail shooting experiment and the measured slab surface temperature by infrared camera were applied to validate the 2D heat transfer model. A new calculation method of theoretical reduction amount that could consider the influence of non-uniform solidification of the wide-thick slab was then derived. Based on the predicted temperature field by the 2D heat transfer model and the newly-proposed calculation method, the required theoretical reduction amount and reduction gradient/rate for the wide-thick slab were calculated and discussed. The difference between the newly-proposed method and the previous method, the influence of the casting speed and slab thickness on the required theoretical reduction amount and reduction gradient/rate were also investigated.

Performance of fiber-reinforced concrete link slabs with embedded steel and GFRP rebars

Expansion joints in bridge superstructures are often difficult to maintain, leading to the problems associated with water leakage and debris accumulation. As a potential solution, link slabs can be placed at the expansion joints, providing a continuous deck system. Despite the promise of such a system, there have been standing questions on the materials of choice and structural configurations appropriate for link slabs, especially in their transition zone from the bridge deck to their debonded region. This motivated the current study to investigate various reinforcement alternatives using full-scale laboratory tests and numerical simulations. To achieve a satisfactory crack resistance, a fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) mixture was developed for the tested link slabs. In addition, two rebar alternatives, i.e., steel and GFRP rebars, were evaluated to ensure a proper transfer of stresses induced by negative bending moments (due to continuity) and to limit the width of cracks on the top surface of the link slabs, where they are directly exposed to water and deleterious agents. The full-scale performance was examined under increasing vertical loads applied to the midpoint of two individual spans connected by a link slab. This included an investigation of various structural response measures, such as strains in the FRC and embedded rebars. The study was then extended by performing a set of finite-element simulations to understand the effects of reinforcement details. The outcome of this study provided holistic information on how flexible link slabs can be utilized for jointless bridge superstructures, addressing the concerns regarding their performance and durability.

Numerical Simulation of the Interaction between Fibre Concrete Slab and Subsoil—The Impact of Selected Determining Factors

Shape and material optimization of building structures, including reducing the amount of concrete used, are very important aspects in sustainable construction. Numerical modelling is currently used very effectively to design optimized and sustainable structures, including their interaction with the surrounding rock environment. This paper is focused on the three selected factors of numerical modelling of fibre concrete slab and subsoil interaction: (1) the constitutive model of fibre concrete slab, (2) deformational and strength characteristics of subsoil, (3) effect of interface elements. The specialized geotechnical software Midas GTS NX, based on the finite element method, was used for the modelling of this task. Numerical results were compared with the experimental measurement of vertical displacements on the upper surface of slab. In the presented study, three constitutive models of slab recommended in MIDAS GTS NX code for modelling concrete behaviour (elastic, Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager) were applied. In addition, the sensitivity analysis with respect to the deformational and strength characteristics of subsoil was performed. The numerical study also presents the effect of the interface elements application on the slab behaviour. The numerical results of maximum vertical displacements based on the Drucker-Prager and elastic model underestimated both the experimental results and numerical results based on the Mohr-Coulomb model. From the qualitative point of view (shape of deflection curve), the numerical simulation showed the better agreement of the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model with the experimental measurements in comparison with the other two investigated constitutive models. The performed parametric study documented that reduction of the strength and deformational characteristics of subsoil leads to the increase of maximum vertical displacements in the centre of slab, but the experimentally measured deflection curve, including uplift of slab and gapping occurrence between the slab and subsoil, was not achieved without the interface application.

Numerical Development of Heat Transfer Coefficient Correlation for Spray Cooling in Continuous Casting

The desire to remain competitive and continuously produce high quality and high strength steel at the maximum production rate in continuous casting requires dynamic control over the spray cooling rate. Efficient and uniform heat removal without cracking or deforming the slab during spray cooling is critical. The challenge is to obtain accurate Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) on the slab surface as boundary condition for solidification calculations. Experiment based HTC correlations are limited to handful operating conditions and they might fail when changes occur. The current study presents a numerical model for spray cooling featuring the simulation of atomization and droplet impingement heat transfer in continuous casting. With the aid of high-performance computer, parametric studies were performed and the results were converted into mathematically simple HTC correlations as a function of essential operating parameters. Finally, a Graphic User Interface (GUI) was developed to facilitate future applications of the correlations. The HTC prediction is stored in the versatile comma-separated values (csv) format and it can be directly applied to solidification calculations. The proposed numerical methodology should benefit the steel industry by expediting the development process of HTC correlations and can further improve the accuracy of the existing casting control systems.

Experimental Study on Anode Life and Effective Distance of Sacrificial Cathodic Protection in Reinforced Concrete

The purposes of this study were to examine influences of concrete quality and environmental severity on anode life and to determine effective distance of sacrificial cathodic protection in reinforced concrete. 100 x 100 x 400 mm3 concrete beams embedded with a reinforcement at distance of 25 mm from top surface were prepared and sacrificial zinc anode plates were attached on top surface of specimens. 700 x 700 x 75 mm3 concrete slabs embedded with reinforcement mesh of 150 mm spacing were prepared and sacrificial anode were attached on top surface of concrete slabs at lower-left corner. The concrete beams and slabs were then exposed to wet-dry cycle and impressed voltage corrosion accelerations. The anode life was determined by time taken for total consumption of anode in concrete beams and the effective distance was determined by distance influenced by polarization effect of sacrificial anode in concrete slabs. Time taken for total consumption of anode and polarization effect were interpreted from corrosion potential data conducted in accordance with the ASTM C876. As a result, the anode life increased with increasing of concrete quality and decreased with increasing of the environmental severity. The effective distance was approximately 500-600 mm from the anode-installed position.

Damping ratio as an indicator of void space beneath the concrete face slab of rockfill dams

The objective of this study was to develop a practical solution for detecting the void spaces beneath the concrete face slab of a rockfill dam using the damping ratio measured at the top surface of the concrete face slab. The damping ratio acted as an indicator of energy leakage at the bottom surface of the concrete face slab and provided a basis for detecting void spaces. The damping ratio was rapidly and accurately measured using the wave-group resonance identification technique. Finally, the proposed method was validated through coring at a concrete-faced rockfill dam in Korea.

Variability of Seismic Loading over the Surface of a Concrete Slab in Interaction with the Subsoil

This article is aimed at the analysis of the behavior of a fiber-reinforced concrete slab in contact with subsoil during dynamic loading in close proximity. The properties of such slabs are important for evaluating their dynamic response, though the properties of the subsoil environment through which the vibrations propagate must also be taken into account. The analysis itself was performed on the basis of the results obtained from experimental measurements during seismic excitation with a calibrated impact. There were three concrete slabs tested, with varying amounts of fiber. The standard Vistec seismic instrumentation was used for measuring the dynamic response. The results of the experiment were processed in both the amplitude and frequency domains, and a graphic comparison in the waveform and frequency fields was made. The results acquired from this experimental research may support a more objective approach during the evaluation of dynamic impacts ranging from anthropogenic impacts to building structures.

Nonradiative Relaxation Dynamics of a Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Architecture: Effect of External Electric Fields

Lead halide perovskites have attracted much attention as an active material in solar cells. In this first-principles study, we consider a cesium lead halide perovskite slab interfacing with electron transport and hole transport layers, relevant to the practical photovoltaic architecture. We apply external electric fields normal to the surface of the perovskite slab and explore the induced changes onto optoelectronic properties. It is found that the bandgap increases linearly and the conductivity diminishes exponentially with decreasing electric field strengths. Furthermore, we study the influence of electric fields onto nonradiative relaxation of photoexcited electrons and holes using the reduced density matrix in the formalism of Redfield theory. Our calculations provide relaxation rates and relaxation pathways, illustrating the mechanisms of modulations of electric field strengths onto charge carrier dynamics. Our results show that holes have longer lifetimes than electrons at various external electric fields. It is also found that the patterns of charge carrier dynamics depend on the direction of external electric fields. Specifically, in comparison with the system under zero field, our findings show that (i) the positive electric field facilitates the relaxation of electrons and holes and (ii) the negative electric field facilitates the relaxation of electrons but inhibits the relaxation of holes.

Experimental Behavior of the Curved Continuous Twin I-Girder Composite Bridge with a Precast Concrete Slab Subjected to Bending, Shear, and Torsion

In order to investigate the mechanical behavior, ultimate load carrying capacity, and failure mode of the intact curved continuous twin I-girder composite bridge (TGCB) with a precast concrete slab, one curved continuous composite bridge model with a scale ratio of 1 : 5 of a prototype bridge was designed and manufactured considering the influence of the construction sequence. Four symmetric point loads’ test was carried out. In this paper, load-deflection relationship and strain development of steel girders, concrete slab, and reinforcement at key sections were tested and analyzed. Failure mode, crack development, and major crack width at the top surface of the concrete slab in the hogging moment region were also reported. The experimental results demonstrated that the load capacity under the initial cracking level, cracking level with the width of 0.2 mm, and steel girder yielding state is about 1.7, 5.0, and 6.3 times of the design load, respectively. Due to the influence of curvature, the stiffness of the external girder is less than that of the internal girder. However, the ultimate bearing capacity is basically the same, approximately 13.6 times of the design load. During the loading process, plastic hinge was first observed at the intermediate support section as a result of the hogging moment which should be emphasized in design. The local buckling took place after yielding, indicating a class 2 section according to Eurocode 4. In addition, the TGCB had good ductility since the displacement ductility coefficients of the external and internal girders were 4.40 and 4.06, respectively.

Strong Coupling of Organic Dyes Located at the Surface of a Dielectric Slab Microcavity.

Strong coupling to the electronic or vibronic transitions of an organic semiconductor has been extensively studied in microcavity structures in which a molecular film is placed between two closely spaced mirrors. Recent experiments suggest that such strong coupling can be used to modify chemical reactions; however, the geometry of conventional microcavity structures makes such studies difficult as they limit the ability of molecules to interact with their local environment. Here, we show that optical strong coupling to a molecular film can be achieved even when such molecules are located on the surface of a dielectric slab. We then show that such molecules on the surface of the slab can undergo facile interactions with molecules in their surrounding environment, and evidence a reversible protonation/deprotonation reaction by exposing a surface-bound porphyrin to an acidic or basic vapor. Although our proof-of-principle measurements do not evidence any change in reaction rates, we believe our structures represent a promising system in which to explore polariton-driven chemical phenomena.

Atomic arrangements, bond energies, and charge distribution on Si(0 0 1) surfaces with the adsorption of a Ge dimer by DFTB calculations

The atomic arrangements and electrical properties of SiGe nanomaterials are of significance when used in novel nanoelectronic devices and optoelectronic devices. Atomic arrangements, bond energies, and charge distribution of a Ge dimer adsorbed on Si(001) surfaces with different initial heights and inclination angles are investigated by using the DFTB algorithm. Eight different stable adsorption modes of the Ge dimer on the Si slab surface are demonstrated. The variations of the structural and electrical properties of the eight modes are elucidated. Different initial conditions caused stable adsorption of Ge dimer on the surface or caused two single Ge atoms from the Ge dimer to fragment. The Ge dimer, with different inclination angles, is adsorbed on the top site, bridge site, or hollow site of the Si dimer on the surface. The bond length of the Ge dimer is stretched, and the two Ge atoms lose charges. The further the Ge atom is from the surface, the more charges it loses. The different adsorption sites of the Ge dimer affect the properties of the Si dimer on the surface. The top adsorption site mode exerts a greater influence on the bond length and bond energy of the Si dimer, while the bridge adsorption site mode exerts a greater influence on the electron distribution of the Si dimer. The properties of the Ge monoatomic adsorption are akin to the case of a Ge dimer being adsorbed on the bridge site. The different adsorption sites and inclination angles cause the EGap values of the systems to differ, and the effect of the inclination angle on different sites also differs. The Ge dimer and Ge monoatom not only have similar effects on the properties of the Si dimer, but also exert the similar effects on EGap, suggesting that changes in the Si surface are the main contributors to the change in EGap.

Surface Crack Detection in Precasted Slab Track in High-Speed Rail via Infrared Thermography.

The surface crack of ballastless track slab can seriously reduce the serviceability and durability of high-speed railway (HSR). Aiming at accurately and efficiently detecting the slab cracks, this research proposes an infrared thermography (IRT)-based method for the surface crack, which is the most serious and common crack type in track slab. A three dimensional finite element (FE) model of IRT detection of concrete slab with surface cracks is established. The relation between the width of detectable cracks and the ambient temperature can be thereby obtained by inputting the measured thermodynamic parameters in the model. Parametric study shows that with ambient temperature higher than 15 °C, cracks with a width of no less than 0.2 mm can be well detected. Scale model test and field test are conducted, IRT method can effectively locate the slab surface cracks with width as small as 0.14 mm when ambient temperature is no less than 20 °C.

Detailed tephrochronology and composition of major Holocene eruptions from Avachinsky, Kozelsky, and Koryaksky volcanoes in Kamchatka

Avachinsky, Kozelsky, and Koryaksky volcanoes form one of the most volcanically active clusters in the Kamchatka volcanic arc and are located in close proximity of the cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Elizovo – the most populated area in Kamchatka. In this paper, we report a compilation of new and revised previously published data on the eruptive history of these volcanoes during the past 13.5 kyrs. We identify 217 explosive eruptions of these volcanoes, determine their ages using 207 radiocarbon dates and Bayesian statistical modeling, and characterize their tephra geochemically using major and trace element compositions of bulk samples (40 samples) and volcanic glass (75 samples).Avachinsky has been the most active during the Holocene time and had >150 explosive eruptions; Koryaksky produced ~60 eruptions; and Kozelsky had only two eruptions in the early Holocene. Our new data confirm the onset of the Avachinsky postglacial activity at 11.3 cal ka BP and previously distinguished two major stages of Avachinsky Holocene eruptive history: stage I (8–3.8 cal ka BP) and stage II (3.8 cal ka BP – present). During stage I, eruptions were relatively rare, but they included at least six large pumice eruptions with tephra volumes exceeding 0.5 km3. Stage I tephras had low-K andesitic bulk compositions and low-K rhyolitic matrix glasses. The andesites likely sampled volatile-rich crystal mush from a long-lived magma chamber under Avachinsky volcano. The stage II started at ~3.8 cal ka BP with a powerful eruption and was related to the construction of the Young Cone inside the Avachinsky somma. The subsequent late Holocene eruptions were frequent, but most of them did not exceed the volume of 0.3 km3. The stage II tephras are mostly cindery basaltic andesites containing well-crystallized groundmasses of andesitic composition. These tephras originate from smaller, perhaps more shallow magmatic reservoirs, and their matrix glasses are likely products of in-situ crystallization of relatively mafic magmas on their ascent to the surface. Koryaksky volcano was mostly active in the early Holocene when Avachinsky was quiet. Koryaksky tephras had a relatively constant bulk medium-K andesitic composition during the Holocene.Thanks to characteristic compositions, high frequency, and well-constrained ages, tephras of Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes can be used for high resolution dating of local sediments. Some eruptions of Avachinsky volcano reached volcanic explosivity index (VEI) 5 and produced widely dispersed tephras. These eruptions could have had global environmental effects, and their tephras can be used for the correlation of disparate sedimentary archives.Some Avachinsky and Koryaksky eruptions were closely spaced in time. However, their tephras are easily distinguished by respective low-K and medium-K compositions and by different trace element patterns, which imply compositionally different sources in the mantle wedge. We interpret these differences to reflect the increasing slab surface temperature and transition of slab component from a relatively low-temperature fluid-like phase under Avachinsky to more high-temperature and solute-rich supercritical fluid or melt under Koryaksky. The transition appears to be very sharp in Kamchatka, causing a large compositional shift in magmas just behind the volcanic front.

Petrogenesis of the Higashi-Akaishi Ultramafic Body: Implications for Lower Crustal Foundering and Mantle Wedge Processes

AbstractRecycling of ultramafic lower crustal cumulates via delamination or foundering is often invoked as a mechanism to return mafic material to the mantle during continental crust formation. These recycled pieces of the lower crust are rarely sampled but are preserved in several locations including the Kohistan and Talkeetna arc sections, Sierra Nevada and Colorado Plateau pyroxenite xenoliths and, as discussed here for the first time, the exhumed Higashi-Akaishi (HA) ultramafic body in Japan. The HA is located in the Besshi region of the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt in southwestern Japan and is dominantly composed of dunite with lesser garnet pyroxenite and harzburgite lenses. Although the petrogenetic history of the HA body is still debated, our new bulk major and trace element compositions, radiogenic isotope data, as well as petrologic and field observations, are consistent with a lower crustal cumulate origin for the HA dunite and pyroxenite, with a later slab-derived fluid overprint. Clinopyroxene and olivine in the foliated HA dunite have compositions consistent with ultramafic cumulates with high Mg#s (Mg# clinopyroxene = 0·94, Mg# olivine = 0·88), high NiO in olivine (∼0·26 wt %) and low-Al clinopyroxene. In addition, the bulk major element chemistry of the HA dunite and garnet pyroxenite follow systematic behavior in Mg# vs SiO2 wt %, similar to those observed in other lower crustal cumulate lithologies and corresponding intrusive lithologies, pointing to different liquid lines of descent for the corresponding melts. Our new thermobarometric estimates (peak pressure–temperature at 2·6 GPa, 713ºC) are consistent with a hot slab surface subduction path, rather than the lower crustal temperatures recorded in arc sections (Kohistan & Talkeetna: 1 GPa, 800ºC). A pervasive slab-fluid influence is also indicated in the HA lithologies by LREE and Ce enrichments and strong Nb and Zr depletions. The trace elements and the pressure–temperature estimates, as well as the thermodynamic modeling results necessitate removal of the HA body from the lower crust and incorporation into cooler portions of a mantle wedge. At lower crustal conditions, the bulk density of the HA lithologies is greater than the background mantle, indicating the feasibility of lower crustal foundering into a mantle wedge where the HA was incorporated in the subduction channel to reach its peak conditions. Hydration of the HA body while in the subduction channel likely provided the change in density necessary to facilitate its rapid exhumation to the surface. Thus, the HA cumulate likely represents a piece of the subduction system that is rarely preserved, as well as a key component in the compositional evolution of the continental crust.

Seismological evidence of a dehydration reaction in the subducting oceanic crust beneath western Shikoku in southwest Japan

SUMMARYThe Philippine Sea plate (PHS) is subducting beneath southwest Japan from the Nankai Trough. In this region, deep low-frequency earthquakes/tremors (LFEs) are active and their epicentres are distributed along the downdip of the source region of M8-class earthquakes that have occurred every 100–150 yr. The LFE activity may potentially be strongly related to the occurrence of great earthquakes between tectonic plates. To investigate the structural features around the LFEs, we applied teleseismic receiver function (RF) analysis to the seismograms observed at permanent and temporal seismograph stations in western Shikoku and we detected seismological evidence of a slab dehydration reaction linked to LFE activity. Based on the first-order harmonic decomposition of RFs, we first estimated the average plunge azimuth of the PHS beneath western Shikoku. Considering the backazimuth dependence of converted phase amplitude, we constructed the cross-section of the radial component RFs, excluding the incoming waveform data from the updip directions of the dipping slab. In this profile, the parallel negative and positive P-to-S converted phase alignment within a distance of 10 km were imaged. These phase alignments corresponded to the top of the slab and the slab Moho discontinuity, respectively. At the northern side of the profile, the landward (continental) Moho was also detected. In the region where LFEs were actively distributed, both the landward Moho and slab surface were unclear. The second-order harmonic decomposition of RFs for several kilometres above the slab Moho indicated that the anisotropic symmetry axes suddenly changed at the southern limit of the LFE active region; the fast axes in the region were normal to the trench though axes in the southern area were parallel. According to the thermal and pressure condition, a phase transition with a dehydration reaction can occur in the oceanic crust near the southern edge of the LFE active region. Once the dehydration process advances, released water causes the serpentinization of the mantle material near the slab surface and the corresponding seismic velocity decreases. The impedance contrast decreases at the boundary between the lower crust and the mantle wedge, as well as that between the mantle wedge and oceanic crust; therefore, the amplitudes of the converted phases at these boundaries also become small. Considering that serpentinite ordinarily has strong anisotropy with a seismic fast axis direct to the shear direction, all features observed are evidence of the dehydration process in the flat slab.

A New Ground-Motion Prediction Equation of Japanese Instrumental Seismic Intensities Reflecting Source Type Characteristics in Japan

ABSTRACT A new equation for predicting Japanese instrumental seismic intensities at arbitrary surface sites in Japan for Mw 5.4–8.7 and distances ranging from 10 to 1000 km was derived from approximately 30,000 observed intensities for various types of earthquakes. The equation incorporates the differences in the subsurface characteristics immediately beneath each site using VS30. The equation can also predict the abnormal intensities (which are indispensable in Japan) due to subducting slabs using the depth of the slab surface beneath each site from the Crustal Activity Modeling Program standard plate model. The prediction equation can be applied to five source types: Pacific Ocean plate (PAC) interplate, PAC intraplate, very shallow crustal, shallow (≤50 km) Philippine Sea plate (PHS) intraplate, and intermediate-depth (>50 km) PHS intraplate earthquakes. Although the equation is applicable at various magnitudes and distances, the standard deviations (σ) are 0.5–0.6, which are smaller than those of other equations with narrower distance ranges. Smaller σ values were achieved by the inversion of 29,837 Japanese instrumental seismic intensities from 68 selected earthquakes of five source types with a common site effect at each station. A deep Mw 7.9 earthquake that occurred at a depth of 680 km in 2015 near the Ogasawara Islands and subjected all of Japan to long-duration shaking due to waves propagating through the mantle was effectively employed to constrain the VS30 term of the equation. The equations for PAC interplate and very shallow earthquakes were validated by seven earthquakes that were not used for the inversion; the standard deviations for these earthquakes fell in the range of 0.41–0.53. The formula for very shallow crustal earthquakes is also able to predict the intensities of PHS interplate earthquakes. Hence, this equation is useful not only for engineering applications but also for historical seismology to distinguish the source types of ancient earthquakes.

Targeted occupant surveys: A novel method to effectively relate occupant feedback with environmental conditions

Occupant satisfaction surveys are widely used in laboratory and field research studies of indoor environmental quality. Field studies pose several challenges because researchers usually have no control over the indoor environments experienced by building occupants, it is difficult to recruit and retain participants, and data collection methods can be cumbersome. With this in mind, we developed a survey platform that uses real-time feedback to send targeted occupant surveys (TOS) at specific indoor environmental conditions and stops sending survey requests when collected responses reach the maximum surveys required. We performed a pilot study of the TOS platform with occupants of a radiant heated and cooled building to target survey responses at 16 radiant slab surface (infrared) temperatures evenly distributed from 15 to 30 °C. We developed metrics and ideal datasets to compare the TOS platform against other occupant survey distribution methods. The results show that this novel method has a higher approximation to characteristics of an ideal dataset; 41% compared to 23%, 19%, and 12% of other datasets in previous field studies. Our TOS method minimizes the number of times occupants are surveyed and ensures a more complete and balanced dataset. This allows researchers to more efficiently and reliably collect subjective data for occupant satisfaction studies.