Numerical simulation of the behavior of kinematically unstable slopes under dynamic influences

Introduction. The concept of estimating the dynamic parameters of the “base — weakened layer — block” system is proposed, taking into account the physical nonlinearity of the material and the kinematic method of excitation of vibrations. In accordance with this approach, the physical nonlinearity of the base and block material is considered using the Drucker- Prager model. The weakened layer is modeled by 3D spring finite elements. The verification procedure of the proposed methodology is carried out on the example of the dynamic calculation of the “base — weakened layer — slope” system.Materials and Methods. The computational experiments were performed using the ANSYS Mechanical software package in combination with a nonlinear solver based on the Newton-Raphson procedure. SOLID45 volumetric finite elements were used to discretize the computational domains. Combined elastic-viscous elements COMBIN14 were used to simulate the displacement of the block relative to the fixed base.Results. An engineering technique for the dynamic analysis of the stress-strain state of the “base — weakened layer — block” spatial system with kinematic method of excitation of vibrations is developed. The accuracy and convergence of the proposed method is investigated using specific numerical examples.Discussion and Conclusion. Based on the mathematic simulation performed, it is shown that the developed technique provides assessing the risks of the occurrence of real landslide processes caused by external non-stationary impacts.

General Spatial Pattern and Meta-Pattern Model for Problems That Need Analytical Approach in Complex Spatial Systems

Spatial Pattern (SP) Description, Identification, and Application Methodology (SPDIAM) was developed for describing and detecting spatial economic, social, and environmental phenomena and providing basic information technology (IT) artefacts that can be used for the spatial analysis development using GIS technologies. SPDIAM allows urban planning and design practitioners to describe SP in a computerized manner, identify SP automatically, and apply them in the spatial planning and design domain. In this article, we explain the general SP and spatial meta-pattern model, used in SPDIAM, that is based on the theory of Complex Spatial System (CSS), spatial configuration, and spatial capital concepts and is presented using UML diagrams as standard used for visualization of project models from structure and behavior points of views. The practical experiment of describing and identifying 6 basic spatial meta-pattern values is conducted using the new algorithm that combines Space Syntax method, Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA), and VGA measures to create a computer model of space and to quantify its configuration, which can then be used to handle geographic and geometric data associated with attribute information, to perform spatial, mathematical, and statistical calculations and to visualize SP. The results of the experiment show that the model and the algorithm are appropriate for spatial meta-patterns identification, and the best results can be achieved using VGA measure Isovist Compactness. In the future, general SP and the spatial meta-pattern model can be used to describe and identify complex SP and to solve problems in CSS with the help of the spatial meta-pattern values described in this article.

ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OBLIQUE CAISSON REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS

The distribution of forces in the beams of a straight and oblique monolithic reinforced concrete caisson fl oor of a square plan is compared. The forces in the beams are determined by well-known analytical methods and using fi nite element models of the SCAD PC. The calculations showed that the forces in the beams of the oblique caisson fl oor, determined analytically and using computer models, diff er signifi cantly, which indicates the complex operation of the spatial system, which is not taken into account by the analytical calculation method based on the theory of calculating plates supported by the contour. The obtained data indicate that a square caisson fl oor with beams installed at an angle of 450 to the reference contour has greater rigidity and lower values of bending moments compared to straight caissons. When the ratio of the sides of the overlap L2 > 1,5 . L1 to ensure the eff ect of supporting the contour, the location of the beams in relation to the outer contour should be at an angle of 45°.

Specific Design Solution for Covering Large Areas With Spatial Metal Truss

. The relevance of the research results given in the article lies in the need to apply new constructive solutions for large spaces. The purpose of this work is to search for new design solutions for covering large areas with spatial metal trusses. The problems of forming a computational spatial bar finite element model of a steel spatial truss of a dome-shaped radial-ring structure were solved. The calculation of the spatial system was carried out using the finite element method of current computer programs, new constructive solutions for spatial metal trusses were adopted. The stress-strain states of the model from a given load have been determined. The calculation of the spatial system was carried out using the finite element method of current computer programs, new constructive solutions for spatial metal trusses were adopted. The research results can be used in the formation of architectural and structural solutions of a building using a new structural arrangement of the elements of a spatial truss.

The transformation of the spatial system within the framework of the integrated development of the territory

The study is devoted to the problem of transforming the formed spatial system within the boundaries of the planning element. As a result of the analysis of the study area, the author identifies a number of basic problems of planning and development of an urbanized space, the elimination of which is possible when using the methods of renovating the housing stock. The author examines the compliance of the existing regulatory framework of the proposed method with modern requirements for the implementation of life, identifies the key aspects of changing the content of urban planning documentation of an element of the planning structure in the direction of the integrated development of the territory, and also describes the mechanism for implementing a systemic approach in the formation of a renovated spatial system.

Carbon Neutral China by 2060: The Role of Clean Heating Systems

Smog pollution is a severe social and environmental concern for the space-heating regions in China due to fossil-intensive space heating. To reduce polluting emissions and improve social and environmental performance, local government agencies should choose adequate cleaner space-heating technologies based on diverse local conditions. This implies that all cleaner heating solutions should be considered, including low-emissions fossil fuel district heating and low-emissions fossil fuel decentralized heating as transitional technologies, as well as biomass and electricity-driven heat pumps as long-term solutions. However, stakeholders such as policy makers, equipment manufacturers, and house owners, often lack necessary information to assess the feasibility for installing adequate heating solutions at the local level. It is therefore necessary to establish a systematic method to evaluate each heating solution in various geolocations of China. This paper reviews the current heating situation in China and proposes a spatial system analysis method as a tool for heating-solution feasibility evaluation. By applying the spatial system analysis method, a qualitative investigation on the choice of heating solution in different regions of China is provided.

Evaluating accessibility to city parks utilizing a space syntax method. A case study: city parks in Malang city

The government of Malang city has developed public space by increasing the number of city parks and revitalising the existing parks, functioned as active parks and city forests. Despite the development of individual city parks, about the debate has circulated regarding how the parks are integrated with the city’s spatial system. The focus of this research comprises the evaluation of city parks performance according to the parks’ relative position in the city’s spatial system. This study applies the two variables, including: the relative position of city parks and the visit frequency. The relative position is identified by employing the notion of spatial configuration and space syntax. The visit frequency is explored by utilizing questionnaires. The correlation between the two variables is investigated by using Pearson Product Moment. The research indicates that there is a correlation between the two variables. This finding additionally proves that the spatial configuration determined access to city parks, thereby encouraging the visits. Further, this study has navigated some other motives for the visits in addition to the access.

Architecture of Small Type Train Station in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The reason for the construction of the Ngabean (Yogyakarta)-Palbapang (Bantul)-Sewugalur (Kulon Progo) railway line with a length of 28 km was to accommodate 4 sugar factories along the line. In order to shorten the rail transport line on the Yogyakarta-Sewugalur railway line, 12 small stations were made. But unfortunately, in 1942 this line was closed causing some of these stations to be closed and disappeared. Among the available stations are Winongo Station, Bantul Station, and Palbapang Station. This study aims to look at the characteristics of 18th century Dutch Indonesian architecture in the station building. Knowing the architectural character of the station building can play as a reference for maintaining the conservation of historical buildings in Indonesia. This study employed a rationalistic-qualitative approach. To identify the architectural character of the station building, this study was conducted by looking at the spatial system, architectural system, and structural building system. From the results of the study, it was found that Winongo Station, Bantul Station, and Palbapang Station have a distinctive character both from the spatial system, architectural system, and structural system.

EEG Correlates of Middle Eastern Music Improvisations on the Ney Instrument

The cognitive sciences have witnessed a growing interest in cognitive and neural basis of human creativity. Music improvisations constitute an ideal paradigm to study creativity, but the underlying cognitive processes remain poorly understood. In addition, studies on music improvisations using scales other than the major and minor chords are scarce. Middle Eastern Music is characterized by the additional use of microtones, resulting in a tonal–spatial system called Maqam. No EEG correlates have been proposed yet for the eight most commonly used maqams. The Ney, an end-blown flute that is popular and widely used in the Middle East was used by a professional musician to perform 24 improvisations at low, medium, and high tempos. Using the EMOTIV EPOC+, a 14-channel wireless EEG headset, brainwaves were recorded and quantified before and during improvisations. Pairwise comparisons were calculated using IBM-SPSS and a principal component analysis was used to evaluate the variability between the maqams. A significant increase of low frequency bands theta power and alpha power were observed at the frontal left and temporal left area as well as a significant increase in higher frequency bands beta-high bands and gamma at the right temporal and left parietal area. This study reveals the first EEG observations of the eight most commonly used maqam and is proposing EEG signatures for various maqams.