On the analysis of notched concrete beams: From measurement with digital image correlation to identification with boundary element method of a cohesive model

A way of coupling digital image correlation (to measure displacement fields) and boundary element method (to compute displacements and tractions along a crack surface) is presented herein. It allows for the identification of Young`s modulus and fracture parameters associated with a cohesive model. This procedure is illustrated to analyze the latter for an ordinary concrete in a three-point bend test on a notched beam. In view of measurement uncertainties, the results are deemed trustworthy thanks to the fact that numerous measurement points are accessible and used as entries to the identification procedure. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of subpixel measurement on digital camera calibration

The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of point measurements in images, with subpixel accuracy, and its contribution in the calibration of digital cameras. Also, the effect of subpixel measurements in 3D coordinates of check points in the object space will be evaluated. With this purpose, an algorithm that allows subpixel accuracy was implemented for semi-automatic determination of points of interest, based on Fõrstner operator. Experiments were accomplished with a block of images acquired with the multispectral camera DuncanTech MS3100-CIR. The influence of subpixel measurements in the adjustment by Least Square Method (LSM) was evaluated by the comparison of estimated standard deviation of parameters in both situations, with manual measurement (pixel accuracy) and with subpixel estimation. Additionally, the influence of subpixel measurements in the 3D reconstruction was also analyzed. Based on the obtained results, i.e., on the quantification of the standard deviation reduction in the Inner Orientation Parameters (IOP) and also in the relative error of the 3D reconstruction, it was shown that measurements with subpixel accuracy are relevant for some tasks in Photogrammetry, mainly for those in which the metric quality is of great relevance, as Camera Calibration.

Monitoring maximum peak power density values as a more reliable marker for measurement procedures to elucidate RF EMF health effects: Leganes project

Considering the measurement procedures recommended by the ICNIRP, this communication is a proposal for a measurement procedure based in the maximum peak values of equivalent plane wave power density. This procedure has been included in a project being developed in Leganés, Spain. The project plans to deploy a real time monitoring system for RF to provide the city with a useful tool to adapt the environmental EM conditions to the new regulations approved. A first stage consisting of 105 measurement points has been finished and all the values are under the threshold of the regulation.

An exploration into measurement consistency on coordinate measuring machines

In high precision industry, the measurement of geometry is often performed using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Measurements on CMMs can occur at many places within a long and global supply chain. In this context it is a challenge to control consistency, so that measurements are applied with appropriate levels of rigour and achieve comparable results, wherever and whenever they are performed. In this paper, a framework is outlined in which consistency is controlled through measurement strategy, such as the number and location of measurement points. The framework is put to action in a case study, demonstrating the usefulness of the approach and highlighting the dangers of imposing rigid measurement strategies across the supply chain, even if linked to standardised manufacturing processes. Potential mitigations, and the requirements for future research, are outlined.

Avaliação da qualidade do ar e classificação energética de uma piscina coberta e propostas de melhoria

A presente dissertação tem dois objetivos, o primeiro é a realização de uma auditoria energética e avaliação da qualidade do ar às instalações de uma Piscina Municipal, permitindo a sua classificação energética, e o segundo é o estudo de propostas de melhoria que contribuam para uma melhor eficiência energética do edifício. Na análise à qualidade do ar interior os parâmetros avaliados encontravam-se todos dentro dos limites estabelecidos por lei, com exceção dos valores de COVs que em dois pontos de medição (ambos na nave) ultrapassaram os limites estabelecidos por lei. A auditoria ao edifício permitiu verificar que o caudal mínimo de água nova nas piscinas imposto por lei é cumprido pela instalação. No que diz respeito ao caudal de ar novo introduzido, este apenas é respeitado quando a unidade de tratamento de ar está a debitar 100% da sua capacidade. Quando a unidade opera a 50% da sua capacidade apresenta um défice de 5% do valor mínimo estabelecido. Relativamente às perdas energéticas associadas aos tanques de natação, estas apresentam um valor de 95,89 kW, em que 59,09 kW dizem respeito às perdas por evaporação. Foi também possível concluir que as perdas por evaporação representam cerca de 39% da energia calorifica produzida nas caldeiras. O edifício apresenta um consumo anual de eletricidade de 166 482 kWh em que 69% deste valor é provocado pelas unidades de tratamento de ar e a iluminação apresenta apenas um peso de 3%. Em relação ao gás natural consumido pelas caldeiras o seu valor anual é de 1 317 240 kWh. A simulação dinâmica do edifício permitiu concluir que este apresenta um IEE de 1 269,9 kWh/m2.ano. O rácio de classe energética (RIEE) é de 1,24 o que significa que o edifício pertence à classe energética C. As medidas estudadas para a melhoria da eficiência energética, nomeadamente integração energética com uma central de ciclo combinado, aplicação de cobertura isotérmica nas piscinas e substituição do telhado na zona da nave, mostraram-se viáveis. O estudo da possibilidade da realização de uma integração energética permitiu concluir que a poupança anual é de 9 374 € e o investimento é recuperado em menos de 1,5 anos. Relativamente à aplicação de cobertura isotérmica o investimento é de 14 000 € e é recuperado em 2 anos. A substituição do telhado na zona da nave tem um investimento de 20 500 € e a recuperação realiza-se num período de 3,5 anos.

Strategic Noise Mapping with GIS for the Universitat Jaume I Smart Campus: best methodology practices

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

The multipoint Morisita index for the analysis of spatial patterns

In many fields, the spatial clustering of sampled data points has many consequences. Therefore, several indices have been proposed to assess the level of clustering affecting datasets (e.g. the Morisita index, Ripley's Kfunction and Rényi's generalized entropy). The classical Morisita index measures how many times it is more likely to select two measurement points from the same quadrats (the data set is covered by a regular grid of changing size) than it would be in the case of a random distribution generated from a Poisson process. The multipoint version (k-Morisita) takes into account k points with k >= 2. The present research deals with a new development of the k-Morisita index for (1) monitoring network characterization and for (2) detection of patterns in monitored phenomena. From a theoretical perspective, a connection between the k-Morisita index and multifractality has also been found and highlighted on a mathematical multifractal set.

Characterization and monitoring of the Åknes landslide using terrestrial laser scanning

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) provides high-resolution point clouds of the topography and new TLS instruments with ranges exceeding 300 m or even 1000 m are powerful tools for characterizing and monitoring slope movements. This study focuses on the 35 million m3 Åknes rockslide in Western Norway, which is one of the most investigated and monitored rockslides in the world. The TLS point clouds are used for the structural analysis of the steep, inaccessible main scarp of the rockslide, including an assessment of the discontinuity sets and fold axes. TLS acquisitions in 2006, 2007 and 2008 provide information on 3-D displacements for the entire scanned area and are not restricted like conventional survey instruments to single measurement points. The affine transformation matrix between two TLS acquisitions precisely describes the rockslide displacements and enables their separation into translational components, such as the displacement velocity and direction, and rotational components, like toppling. This study shows the ability of TLS to obtain reliable 3-D displacement information over a large, unstable area. Finally, a possible instability model for the upper part of Åknes rockslide explains the measured translational and rotational displacements by a combination of southward planar sliding along the gneiss foliation, gravitational vertical settlement along the complex, stepped basal sliding surface and northward toppling toward the opened graben structure.

Absence of progression as assessed by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors predicts survival in advanced GI stromal tumors treated with imatinib mesylate: the intergroup EORTC-ISG-AGITG phase III trial.

PURPOSE: From February 2001 to February 2002, 946 patients with advanced GI stromal tumors (GISTs) treated with imatinib were included in a controlled EORTC/ISG/AGITG (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Italian Sarcoma Group/Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group) trial. This analysis investigates whether the response classification assessed by RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), predicts for time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Per protocol, the first three disease assessments were done at 2, 4, and 6 months. For the purpose of the analysis (landmark method), disease response was subclassified in six categories: partial response (PR; > 30% size reduction), minor response (MR; 10% to 30% reduction), no change (NC) as either NC- (0% to 10% reduction) or NC+ (0% to 20% size increase), progressive disease (PD; > 20% increase/new lesions), and subjective PD (clinical progression). RESULTS: A total of 906 patients had measurable disease at entry. At all measurement time points, complete response (CR), PR, and MR resulted in similar TTP and OS; this was also true for NC- and NC+, and for PD and subjective PD. Patients were subsequently classified as responders (CR/PR/MR), NC (NC+/NC-), or PD. This three-class response categorization was found to be highly predictive of further progression or survival for the first two measurement points. After 6 months of imatinib, responders (CR/PR/MR) had the same survival prognosis as patients classified as NC. CONCLUSION: RECIST perfectly enables early discrimination between patients who benefited long term from imatinib and those who did not. After 6 months of imatinib, if the patient is not experiencing PD, the pattern of radiologic response by tumor size criteria has no prognostic value for further outcome. Imatinib needs to be continued as long as there is no progression according to RECIST.

Do walking strategies to increase physical activity reduce reported sitting in workplaces: a randomized control trial

Background: Interventions designed to increase workplace physical activity may not automatically reduce high volumes of sitting, a behaviour independently linked to chronic diseases such as obesity and type II diabetes. This study compared the impact two different walking strategies had on step counts and reported sitting times. Methods: Participants were white-collar university employees (n = 179; age 41.3 ± 10.1 years; 141 women), who volunteered and undertook a standardised ten-week intervention at three sites. Preintervention step counts (Yamax SW-200) and self-reported sitting times were measured over five consecutive workdays. Using pre-intervention step counts, employees at each site were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 60; maintain normal behaviour), a route-based walking group (n = 60; at least 10 minutes sustained walking each workday) or an incidental walking group (n = 59; walking in workday tasks). Workday step counts and reported sitting times were re-assessed at the beginning, mid- and endpoint of intervention and group mean± SD steps/day and reported sitting times for pre-intervention and intervention measurement points compared using a mixed factorial ANOVA; paired sample-t-tests were used for follow-up, simple effect analyses. Results: A significant interactive effect (F = 3.5; p < 0.003) was found between group and step counts. Daily steps for controls decreased over the intervention period (-391 steps/day) and increased for route (968 steps/day; t = 3.9, p < 0.000) and incidental (699 steps/day; t = 2.5, p < 0.014) groups. There were no significant changes for reported sitting times, but average values did decrease relative to the control (routes group = 7 minutes/day; incidental group = 15 minutes/day). Reductions were most evident for the incidental group in the first week of intervention, where reported sitting decreased by an average of 21 minutes/day (t = 1.9; p < 0.057). Conclusion: Compared to controls, both route and incidental walking increased physical activity in white-collar employees. Our data suggests that workplace walking, particularly through incidental movement, also has the potential to decrease employee sitting times, but there is a need for on-going research using concurrent and objective measures of sitting, standing and walking.

Mittaukset kostean höyryn turbiineille

Diplomityön tavoitteena oli selvittää Loviisan ydinvoimalaitoksen höyryturbiinin suoritus-kyvyn mittaamiseen käytettävissä olevia menetelmiä ja mittausjärjestelmiä. Tavoitteena oli selvittää mitkä tekijät aiheuttavat mittauksiin mittausvirheitä ja tutkia turbiineiden nykyisten mittalaitteiden epävarmuudet. Tässä diplomityössä selvitettiin millaisia standardinmukaisia testejä sekä muita varteenotettavia testejä turbiinin suorituskyvyn määrittämiseen on käytetty ja millaisia mittauksia ne vaativat. Lisäksi tutkittiin eri lähteistä millaisia mittalaitteita ja mittausjärjestelmiä voidaan käyttää turbiinin toiminnan mittauksiin. Soveltuvista mittausmenetelmistä esitettiin toimintaperiaatteet ja teoria. Kunnonvalvontaa varten esiteltiin värähtelyiden ja vääntö-momentin mittaamisen periaatteet. Epävarmuuksia arvioitiin mittalaitteiden teoreettisen epävarmuuden ja laitesijoittelun pohjalta. Työssä havaittiin, että suorituskyvyn arvioimiseksi on olemassa useita standardeja, mutta niiden mukaisiin mittauksiin tarvittaisiin nykyistä enemmän mittaustuloksia. Tarkkoja sekä luotettavia mittaustuloksia on haasteellista saada kaksifaasivirtauksesta. Mittalaitevalinnoilla ja mittalaitteiden määrää lisäämällä voidaan mittausten epävarmuutta pienentää. Loviisan ydinvoimalaitokselle ehdotettiin muutamia mittausjärjestelmiä turbiinin suoritus-kyvyn määrittämiseksi. Erityisesti turbiinin sisäiset olosuhteet tulisi määrittää nykyistä tarkemmin. Vääntömomentin mittaaminen olisi hyvä kunnonvalvonnan työkalu.

Tislauskolonnin pohjaosan likaantumisen vähentäminen sisärakenteita muuttamalla

Tässä työssä tutkittiin pohjaöljy-yksikössä sijaitsevan tislauskolonnin pohjaosan likaantumista ja likaantumisen vähentämistä kolonnin sisärakenteita muuttamalla. Tislauskolonnin likaantuminen aiheutuu raskaista molekyyleistä, asfalteeneistä, joita pohjaöljy sisältää. Pohjaöljyä krakattaessa kevyemmiksi tisleiksi asfalteenien liukoisuus pienenee. Asfalteenimolekyylit alkavat lopulta yhdistyä, minkä seurauksena muodostuu asfalteenejä sisältävä hiilimäinen mesofaasi. Radikaalireaktioiden kautta mesofaasista muodostuu koksia. Mesofaasi tarttuu tiukasti tislauskolonnin sisärakenteiden pinnoille aiheuttaen koksaantumista. Koksaantumisen seurauksena strippausvälipohjina käytettävien suihkupohjien tislausteho huononee. Koksaantumisen johdosta suihkupohjien ja kolonnin pohjaosan tukkeentumisen riski kasvaa. Suihkupohjien likaantumista pyritään vähentämään muuttamalla suihkupohjat sileiksi välipohjiksi ilman patolevyjä ja reikiä. Tällä tavoin saadaan neste virtaamaan vapaasti välipohjalta toiselle, mikä vähentää mesofaasin ja koksin muodostumista. Likaantumista voitaisiin myös vähentää tuomalla jäähdytyskiertopalautus välipohjille, minkä avulla neste saadaan jäähtymään nopeammin alle lämpökrakkautumislämpötilan, mikä vähentää koksaantumista. Kolonnin pohjaosassa sijaitsevan pohjaseulan likaantumista voitaisiin vähentää harventamalla pohjaseulan tankoja, mikä vähentää koksin tarttumapinta-alaa. Likaantumisen online-seurantaa saadaan parannettua lisäämällä pintalämpötilamittauksia järjestelmällisesti samoille korkeuksille kolonnin vastakkaisille puolille.

Talousveden tuotannon ja jakelun tietohuollon kehittäminen julkisomisteisessa vesilaitoksessa

Vesilaitokset kuluttavat merkittäviä määriä energiaa, johon on alettu kiinnittää huomiota viime vuosina. Energiatehokkuuden edistämisen hidasteeksi on noussut puutteellinen tietohuolto sekä vesilaitosten yhteisten tunnuslukujen ja kriteerien puuttuminen. Diplomityön tavoitteena on selvittää tietohuollon ongelmia Tampereen Vedellä. Työn tavoitteena on myös tutkia veden tuotannon ja jakelun energiatehokkaiden ohjaustapojen löytämistä tietohuollon ja tunnuslukujen avulla. Työssä käytetyt metodologiat ovat Tampereen Veden työntekijöiden haastattelut, prototyypin analysointi sekä vedenottamoiden ominaisenergiaan liittyvien mittauspisteiden läpikäynti. Diplomityön tuloksena saatiin laaja kuva Tampereen Veden tietohuoltoon liittyvistä ongelmista. Merkittävimmät tietohuollon haasteet liittyvät työntekijöihin, järjestelmiin sekä mittauspisteiden puuttumiseen. Mittauspisteet ja niiden tallentuminen ovat edellytys tunnuslukujen luomiselle. Tunnuslukuja voidaan hyödyntää energiatehokkaiden ohjaustapojen löytämiseksi, mutta vesilaitosten yhteiset kriteerit tunnusluvuille puuttuvat. Energiatehokkuustunnuslukuja on tarve tutkia lisää ja kehittää yhteistyötä vesilaitosten välillä tunnuslukujen luomiseksi sekä vertailutietojen saamiseksi.

Indoor air quality at a waste incineration plant in Finland

Waste has been incinerated for energy utilization for more than a hundred years, but the harmful emissions emitted from the incineration plants did not begin to cause concern until the 1980s. Many plants were shutdown and the waste incineration plant in Kyläsaari Helsinki was one of them. In later years, new landfill regulations have increased the interest in waste incineration. During the last year, four new plants were taken into operation in Finland, Westenergy in Vaasa among them. The presence of dust has been observed indoors at Westenergy waste incineration plant. Dust is defined as particles with a diameter above 10 μm, while fine particles have a diameter smaller than 2.5 μm, ultrafine under 0.1 μm and nanoparticles under 0.05 μm. In recent years, the focus of particle health research has been changed to investigate smaller particles. Ultrafine particles have been found to be more detrimental to health than larger particles. Limit values regulating the concentrations of ultrafine particles have not been determined yet. The objective of this thesis was to investigate dust and particles present inside the Westenergy waste incineration facility. The task was to investigate the potential pollutant sources and to give recommendations of how to minimize the presence of dust and particles in the power plant. The total particle number concentrations and size distributions where measured at 15 points inside the plant with an Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS) Spectrometer. The measured particles were mainly in the ultrafine size range. Dust was only visually investigated, since the main purpose was to follow the dust accumulation. The measurement points inside the incineration plant were chosen according to investigate exposure to visitors and workers. At some points probable leakage of emissions were investigated. The measurements were carried out during approximately one month in March–April 2013. The results of the measurements showed that elevated levels of dust and particles are present in the indoor air at the waste incineration plant. The cleanest air was found in the control room, warehouse and office. The most polluted air was near the sources that were investigated due to possible leakage and in the bottom ash hall. However, the concentrations were near measured background concentrations in European cities and no leakage could be detected. The high concentrations were assumed to be a result of a lot of dust and particles present on surfaces that had not been cleaned in a while. The main source of the dust and particles present inside the waste incineration plant was thought to be particles and dust from the outside air. Other activities in the area around the waste incineration facility are ground work activities, stone crushing and traffic, which probably are sources of particle formation. Filtration of the outside air prior entering the facility would probably save personnel and visitors from nuisance and save in cleaning and maintenance costs.

Determination of the thermal parameters of high-power batteries by local heat

A new approach to the determination of the thermal parameters of high-power batteries is introduced here. Application of local heat flux measurement with a gradient heat flux sensor (GHFS) allows determination of the cell thermal parameters in di_erent surface points of the cell. The suggested methodology is not cell destructive as it does not require deep discharge of the cell or application of any charge/discharge cycles during measurements of the thermal parameters of the cell. The complete procedure is demonstrated on a high-power Li-ion pouch cell, and it is verified on a sample with well-known thermal parameters. A comparison of the experimental results with conventional thermal characterization methods shows an acceptably low error. The dependence of the cell thermal parameters on state of charge (SoC) and measurement points on the surface was studied by the proposed measurement approach.