scholarly journals Innovative EC8-compliant solutions for selection of the optimum retrofitting scheme of buildings with special characteristics

2021 ◽  
pp. 875529302110235
Author(s):  
Konstantinos A Skalomenos ◽  
Konstantinos E Morfidis ◽  
Vassilios A Lekidis ◽  
Stavros A Anagnostopoulos

This article presents the seismic assessment and retrofit design of an existing old building in Greece of great regional importance. The Building is the “Administration building of Kalamata” located in the city of Kalamata, capital of the Messinia Prefecture. The Building, the largest in the city, is a seven-floor reinforced concrete (r/c) structure with a basement built in 1974. The seismic assessment procedure is based on the provisions of the EN 1998-3 code and the Greek code for structural interventions “KAN.EPE.,” introducing several novelties that give solutions to difficult practical problems with respect to the modeling, the analysis methods, and performance evaluation framework. The article presents details of the Building’s modeling, description of the analyses, and the corresponding results, as well as the most efficient retrofitting schemes that fulfill the safety demands (i.e. performance level B or “Life safety” and performance level C or “Collapse prevention” according to KAN.EPE.), considering cost and minimal disturbance both for the superstructure and foundation interventions. While considering the various intervention solutions, it proceeds with new simplified ways that optimize the proposed solution. As such, it can be used as a paradigm for finding clever, practical, and at the same time economical solutions. An interesting characteristic of the Building is that it has been strengthened already after the damaging earthquake of 1986, but the new usage requirements raised questions about the adequacy of that earlier strengthening. Last, but not least, it must be mentioned that this building is unique in the sense that the main earthquake record (a strong motion accelerogram) obtained during the damaging 1986 Kalamata earthquake was at its basement. This record is also used for the assessment.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Jens Andreas Barth

This article provides a practical approach to evaluate the performance level of a purchasing organization before (ex ante) and after (ex post) the execution of a cost optimization project.A purchasing organization is often questioned, when performance (output) is not provided at the expected level (for example poor EBIT contribution). Provided there is a connection between performance level and the positioning of a purchasing organization, the interesting questions are: which aspects influence the performance level (output) and subsequently how can the effectiveness (input) of a purchasing organization be measured.The aim of this paper is to examine an applicable positioning tool, that helps to analyse and assess performance level and supports the selection of appropriate and tangible measures for sustainable cost optimization as an integrated tool of a cost optimization approach in the analysis phase.The utilized methodology considers an internet and literature research of typical evaluation methods and approaches, authors observation and synthesis of knowledge.Based on the research and subsequently logical reasoning a positioning tool is derived. Initially two formulated hypotheses are tested and confirmed through the application of the tool in three executed cost optimization projects and finally validated by semi-structured interviews with six purchasing experts.More accurate and precise evaluation of a purchasing organization prior to execution of a cost optimization project could lead to a better selection of cost optimization approaches and can help to reduce waste of time, capacity and expenditures. Assessment after project closure help to demonstrate the lift in performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-411
Author(s):  
Elena Ju. Gorbatkova

Introduction. The important factors affecting health and performance of young people are the conditions of education, in particular, a comfortable microclimate in the classrooms of higher educational institutions. Materials and methods. In view of the urgency of this problem, an analysis was made of the microclimate parameters of educational organizations of different profiles (Ufa city, the Republic of Bashkortostan). 294 classrooms were studied in 22 buildings of 4 leading universities in Ufa. A total of 3,822 measurements were taken to determine the parameters of the microclimate. The analysis of ionizing radiation in the aerial environment of classrooms. There was performed determination of radon and its affiliated products content. In order to assess the conditions and lifestyle of students of 4 higher educational institutions of the city of Ufa, we conducted an anonymous survey of 1,820 students of I and IV years of education. Results. The average temperature in the classrooms of all universities studied was 23.9±0.09 C. The average relative humidity in all classrooms was 34.2 ± 0.42%. Analysis of ionizing radiation (radon and its daughter products decay) in the aerial environment of the classrooms and sports halls located in the basement determined that the average annual equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity of the radon daughter products (EROA ± Δ222Rn) ranged from 28 ± 14 to 69 ± 34.5 meter, which meets the requirements established by SanPiN. Conclusion. The hygienic assessment of the microclimate parameters of educational institutions of various profile revealed a number of deviations from the regulated norms. The results indicate the need to control the parameters of the microclimate, both from the administration of universities, and from the professors. According to the results of the study, recommendations were prepared for the management of higher educational institutions in Ufa.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Ghifari Arfananda ◽  
◽  
Surya Michrandi Nasution ◽  
Casi Setianingsih ◽  
◽  
...  

The rapid development of information and technology, the city of Bandung tourism has also increased. However, tourists who visit the city of Bandung have problems with a limited time when visiting Bandung tourist attractions. Traffic congestion, distance, and the number of tourist destinations are the problems for tourists travel. The optimal route selection is the solution for those problems. Congestion and distance data are processed using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. Route selection uses the Floyd-Warshall Algorithm. In this study, the selection of the best route gets the smallest weight with a value of 5.127 from the Algorithm process. Based on testing, from two to five tourist attractions get an average calculation time of 3 to 5 seconds. This application is expected to provide optimal solutions for tourists in the selection of tourist travel routes.


Author(s):  
Daniel Suter ◽  
Caio Victor Sousa ◽  
Lee Hill ◽  
Volker Scheer ◽  
Pantelis Theo Nikolaidis ◽  
...  

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of investigations analyzing the effects of sex, performance level, and age on pacing in various running disciplines. However, little is known about the impact of those factors on pacing strategies in ultramarathon trail running. This study investigated the effects of age, sex, and performance level on pacing in the UTMB® (Ultra-trail du Mont Blanc) and aimed to verify previous findings obtained in the research on other running disciplines and other ultramarathon races. Data from the UTMB® from 2008 to 2019 for 13,829 race results (12,681 men and 1148 women) were analyzed. A general linear model (two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)) was applied to identify a sex, age group, and interaction effect in pace average and pace variation. A univariate model (one-way ANOVA) was used to identify a sex effect for age, pace average, and pace variation for the fastest men and women. In our study, pace average and a steadier pace were positively correlated. Even pacing throughout the UTMB® correlated with faster finishing times. The average pace depended significantly on sex and age group. When considering the top five athletes in each age group, sex and age group also had significant effects on pace variation. The fastest women were older than the fastest men, and the fastest men were faster than the fastest women. Women had a higher pace variation than men. In male competitors, younger age may be advantageous for a successful finish of the UTMB®. Faster male runners seemed to be younger in ultramarathon trail running with large changes in altitude when compared to other distances and terrains.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2705
Author(s):  
Hagen Deusch ◽  
Pantelis T. Nikolaidis ◽  
José Ramón Alvero-Cruz ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle

(1) Background: Compared with marathon races, pacing in time-limited ultramarathons has only been poorly discussed in the literature. The aim of the present study was to analyze the interaction of performance level, age and sex with pacing during 6 h, 12 h or 24 h time-limited ultramarathons. (2) Methods: Participants (n = 937, age 48.62 ± 11.80 years) were the finishers in 6 h (n = 40, 17 women and 23 men), 12 h (n = 232, 77 women and 155 men) and 24 h (n = 665, 166 women and 409 men) ultramarathons. The coefficient of variation (CV), calculated as SD/mean, was used to described pacing. Low scores of CV denoted a more even pacing, and vice versa. A two-way analysis of variance examined the main effects and interactions of sex and race duration on age, race speed and pacing. (3) Results: More men participated in the longer race distances than in the shorter ones and men were older and faster than women. Comparing the 6 h, 12 h and 24 h races, the finishers in the 6 h were the fastest, the finishers in the 12 h were the oldest and the finishers in the 24 h showed the most variable pacing. Furthermore, the faster running speed in the 12 h (women, r = −0.64; men, r = −0.49, p < 0.001) and the 24 h (r = −0.47 in women and men, p < 0.001) was related to less variable pacing. (4) Conclusions: These data might help runners and coaches to choose the the proper duration of a race and training programs for their athletes.


Author(s):  
Sotirios Drikos ◽  
Karolina Barzouka ◽  
Maria-Elissavet Nikolaidou ◽  
Konstantinos Sotiropoulos

Author(s):  
Chaochao Lin ◽  
Matteo Pozzi

Optimal exploration of engineering systems can be guided by the principle of Value of Information (VoI), which accounts for the topological important of components, their reliability and the management costs. For series systems, in most cases higher inspection priority should be given to unreliable components. For redundant systems such as parallel systems, analysis of one-shot decision problems shows that higher inspection priority should be given to more reliable components. This paper investigates the optimal exploration of redundant systems in long-term decision making with sequential inspection and repairing. When the expected, cumulated, discounted cost is considered, it may become more efficient to give higher inspection priority to less reliable components, in order to preserve system redundancy. To investigate this problem, we develop a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) framework for sequential inspection and maintenance of redundant systems, where the VoI analysis is embedded in the optimal selection of exploratory actions. We investigate the use of alternative approximate POMDP solvers for parallel and more general systems, compare their computation complexities and performance, and show how the inspection priorities depend on the economic discount factor, the degradation rate, the inspection precision, and the repair cost.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110123
Author(s):  
Tiara Amelia ◽  
Hadi Pratomo ◽  
Asri C. Adisasmita ◽  
Evi Martha ◽  
Yeni Rustina ◽  
...  

Background: The infant and neonatal mortality rate in Depok City is still high, with low birth weight (LBW) and premature births being one of the main causes. In 2018, 14 out of 41 cases of early neonatal death were due to LBW. Studies show that Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) can prevent or reduce LBW deaths caused by hypothermia, but the implementation is still not evenly distributed. Objective: Describe KMC feasibility as a supporting material for a KMC policy umbrella at Depok City. Method: Qualitative research was conducted with a Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) design. A total of 56 informants were divided into 8 discussion groups, 7 in-depth interviews and 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The types of informants were families and inter-sectoral officers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: KMC implementation feasibility in Depok City in terms of facilities and infrastructure was still limited and the quality was insufficient. The number of human resources was still limited, and the competency was still not evenly distributed. LBW family readiness can be maintained if provided with complete and accurate knowledge; therefore, a strong commitment may develop to continue KMC at home. The potential sources of KMC financing are found at health facilities and inter-sectoral; however, to use it, a legal umbrella at the city district level is necessary. Conclusions: The factors of potential financing sources need to be followed up into a priority. This is to overcome the constraints of KMC feasibility implementation.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3066
Author(s):  
Michał Patyk ◽  
Przemysław Bodziony ◽  
Zbigniew Krysa

Selection and assessment of mining equipment used in open pit rock mines relies chiefly on estimates of overall exploitation cost. The rational arrangement of mining equipment and systems comprising loading machines, haul trucks and crushing plants should be preceded by a thorough analysis of technical and economic aspects, such as investment outlays and the costs of further exploitation, which largely determine the costs of mining operations and the deposit value. Additionally, the operational parameters of the mining equipment ought to be considered. In this study, a universal set of evaluation criteria has been developed, and an evaluation method has been applied for the selection of surface mining equipment and the processing system to be operated in specific mining conditions, defined by the user. The objective of this study is to develop and apply the new methodology of multi-criteria selection of open pit rock mining equipment based on multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) procedures, to enable the optimization of loading, handling and crushing processes. The methodology, underpinned by the principles of MCDM, provides the dedicated ranking procedures, including the ELECTRE III. The applied methodology allows the alternative options (variants) to be ranked accordingly. Ultimately, a more universal methodology is developed, applicable in other surface mines where geological and mining conditions are similar. It may prove particularly useful in selection and performance assessment of mining equipment and process line configurations in mining of low-quality rock deposits. Therefore, we undertook to develop universal criteria and applications for the selection and performance assessment of process machines for surface mines, taking into account environmental aspects as well as deposit quality.


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