Research

21 pages, 9504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Unified Earthquake Catalog for North East India

by Pallavi, Ranjit Das, Sandeep Joshi, Claudio Meneses and Tinku Biswas

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 2812; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13052812 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1619

Northeast India is one of the world’s most seismically active regions. The event data included in this research for the period 1737–2012 is mostly obtained from worldwide database agencies such as ISC, NEIC, and GCMT. Historical seismicity is collected from published and unpublished [...] Read more.

Northeast India is one of the world’s most seismically active regions. The event data included in this research for the period 1737–2012 is mostly obtained from worldwide database agencies such as ISC, NEIC, and GCMT. Historical seismicity is collected from published and unpublished documents and some earthquake events are collected from the Indian Meteorological Department Bulletins. As the M_w scale is developed and validated in the southern California region and overestimates the smaller magnitude earthquakes, therefore, recent literature suggested an improved version of the seismic moment magnitude scale (M_wg) applicable for the entire globe considering both long- and short-period frequency-spectra using modern instrumental data. To update the earthquake catalog of Northeast India, we prepared empirical relationships between different magnitudes to M_wg using robust statistical General Orthogonal Regression. A procedure is also suggested for converting different earthquake sizes towards seismic moment scale. The Magnitude of Completeness (M_c) and the Gutenberg–Richter (GR) recurrence parameter values for the declustered homogenized catalog in four time periods, namely 1737–1963, 1964–1990, 1964–2000, and 1964–2012, have been computed. Our analysis suggests that the use of the M_wg scale improves seismicity parameters ‘b’ up to 30%, ‘a’ up to 17%, and ‘M_c’ up to 18% for the Northeast India region. A complete unified earthquake catalog in terms of advanced seismic moment magnitude scale could help understand seismicity and earthquake engineering studies of the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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16 pages, 5419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning Based Urban Building Coverage Ratio Estimation Focusing on Rapid Urbanization Areas

by Quang Hoai Le, Hyunkyu Shin, Nahyun Kwon, Jongnam Ho and Yonghan Ahn

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11428; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122211428 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2146

Abstract

Urban parameters, such as building density and the building coverage ratio (BCR), play a crucial role in urban analysis and measurement. Although several approaches have been proposed for BCR estimations, a quick and effective tool is still required due to the limitations of [...] Read more.

Urban parameters, such as building density and the building coverage ratio (BCR), play a crucial role in urban analysis and measurement. Although several approaches have been proposed for BCR estimations, a quick and effective tool is still required due to the limitations of statistical-based and manual mapping methods. Since a building footprint is crucial for the BCR calculation, we hypothesize that Deep Learning (DL) models can aid in the BCR computation, due to their proven automatic building footprint extraction capability. Thus, this study applies the DL framework in the ArcGIS software to the BCR calculation task and evaluates its efficiency for a new industrial district in South Korea. Although the accuracy achieved was limited due to poor-quality input data and issues with the training process, the result indicated that the DL-based approach is applicable for BCR measuring, which is a step toward suggesting an implication of this method. Overall, the potential utility of this proposed approach for the BCR measurement promises to be considerable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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23 pages, 11949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of a BIM-Based Cyber-Physical System and Intelligent Disaster Prevention System in Taipei Main Station

by Chao-Hsiu Lin, Ming-Chin Ho, Po-Chuan Hsieh, Yan-Chyuan Shiau and Ming-Ling Yang

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 10730; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122110730 - 23 Oct 2022

Viewed by 2267

Abstract

Because of its large area and complicated space utilization, in the event of a disaster, rescue efforts in specific areas of Taipei Main Station would be difficult. In addition, rescue efforts are also difficult to implement, because each area is managed by different [...] Read more.

Because of its large area and complicated space utilization, in the event of a disaster, rescue efforts in specific areas of Taipei Main Station would be difficult. In addition, rescue efforts are also difficult to implement, because each area is managed by different units. In order to ensure emergency and safe evacuation of passengers and reduce the loss of related property during a disaster, a suitable disaster prevention system is required. This study conducted risk assessment based on the triggering factors of disaster types over the years. After synthesizing the results of the disaster risk assessment, a disaster preparedness contingency plan was designed. According to the Incident Command System (ICS), this study formulated the usual management measures and emergency response procedures for various levels of disasters. When an accident occurs, the system can automatically initiate various emergency disaster relief measures, monitor the development of the incident, transmit disaster information, and coordinate disaster emergency response procedures. This study established a building information modeling (BIM)-based cyber-physical system (CPS) and intelligent disaster prevention system integrated under the overall management of the Intelligent Joint Emergency Operation Center. The “Taipei Main Station Intelligent Disaster Prevention System” can manage the disaster prevention and relief information of various business entities in a unified way, and provide an intelligent disaster prevention function integrating BIM and virtual reality (VR). This system is functionally verified through exercises such as short-circuiting of wires in advertising boxes, firefighter disaster relief drills, indiscriminate violent attacks, and demolition of explosives. In this study, ICS was established through expert interviews, disaster-causing factors over the years, and a cloud-based electronic management system was established in combination with the BIM platform. The system provides emergency and safe evacuation of passengers in the event of a disaster, and reduces the loss of related properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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22 pages, 7225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Accuracy of CFD Simulations of Wind Environment around High-Rise Buildings: A Comparative Study of k-ε Turbulence Models Based on Polyhedral Meshes and Wind Tunnel Experiments

by Minghui Xiong, Bing Chen, Hua Zhang and Yao Qian

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7105; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12147105 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2656

Abstract

It is important to create a comfortable wind environment around high-rise buildings for outdoor activities. To predict the wind environment, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been widely used by designers and engineers. However, the simulation results of different CFD turbulence models might significantly [...] Read more.

It is important to create a comfortable wind environment around high-rise buildings for outdoor activities. To predict the wind environment, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been widely used by designers and engineers. However, the simulation results of different CFD turbulence models might significantly vary. This paper researched the wind environment around a typical high-rise building and verified the accuracy of the CFD simulations based on polyhedral meshes. The differences between the simulation results of the k-ε turbulence models and those of the wind tunnel experiments were compared from the perspectives of wind speed and turbulence energy. The results show that the modified k-ε models could still not perfectly match the wind tunnel experiment results. Specifically, in the low-wind-speed areas, the simulation results of the Realizable Two-Layer K-Epsilon (RTLKE) model were the closest to the experimental results of the wind tunnels, while in the high-wind-speed areas the simulation results of the Standard Two-Layer K-Epsilon (STLKE) model were the closest to the experimental results of the wind tunnels. Therefore, it is recommended that these two k-ε turbulence models are applied under different conditions—the RTLKE model should be used to simulate low-wind areas around high-rise buildings (e.g., defining the size of the static-wind area around high-rise buildings, predicting the diffusion time of pollutants around high-rise buildings, etc.); STLKE should be used to simulate high-wind-speed areas around high-rise buildings (e.g., the high speed wind area around high-rise buildings during a typhoon, the maximum wind speed area around high-rise buildings, etc.). It is expected that findings from this research study supplement some existing high-rise building design guidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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19 pages, 2092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Model to Select Indicator Species Based on Individual Species’ Contributions to Biodiversity

by Ta-Jen Chu, Yi-Jia Shih, Chun-Han Shih, Jia-Qiao Wang, Liang-Min Huang and Shu-Chen Tsai

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6748; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12136748 - 03 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

In both ecological research and engineering, the selection of indicator species is crucial. Biodiversity has always been an important policy objective for ecologists and environmental managers. Based on this target requirement, we developed a method that reveals the individual contributions of species to [...] Read more.

In both ecological research and engineering, the selection of indicator species is crucial. Biodiversity has always been an important policy objective for ecologists and environmental managers. Based on this target requirement, we developed a method that reveals the individual contributions of species to biodiversity to quantitatively identify indicator species for selection during environmental monitoring. The Siangshan Wetland in Hsinchu, Taiwan, was selected as an application case. The spread of mangroves not only changed the original habitat composition and function of benthic organisms in wetlands, but also led to problems such as estuary filling, flooding, and black mosquito breeding. Therefore, a large-scale mangrove removal project was undertaken by the Hsinchu City Government from October 2015 to March 2016. In this study, the biological effects of mangrove removal on benthic organisms and adjacent habitats were investigated from October 2015 to September 2016. According to biodiversity contribution algorithms, we identified five indicator species, namely, Mictyris brevidactylus, Macrophthalmus banzai, Uca arcuata, U. lacteal, and U. borealis. These indicator species had the most prominent biodiversity contribution, and they provided direct evidence of the beneficial effect of mangrove removal for wetland restoration. After mangrove deforestation, tidal flat species returned to their original habitats, and their related densities increased significantly in mangrove removal areas. Improving our understanding of the relationships between biodiversity and indicator species is crucial for the development of coastal management processes. Mangrove removal can be confirmed as an appropriate habitat rehabilitation strategy for benthic organisms. Consequently, these indicator species and the results obtained can provide valuable ecological information for those involved in coastal management or other officials seeking to control the spread of mangroves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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18 pages, 12769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inspection of Steel Bars Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Structures by Nondestructive Ground Penetrating Radar

by Che-Way Chang, Che-An Tsai and Yan-Chyuan Shiau

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5567; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12115567 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

In this study, the degree of corrosion of steel reinforcement is compared to the reflected voltage of electromagnetic waves and the ASTM C876 specification. This study conducted some tests on steel bars with different degrees of corrosion by transmitting electromagnetic waves in the [...] Read more.

In this study, the degree of corrosion of steel reinforcement is compared to the reflected voltage of electromagnetic waves and the ASTM C876 specification. This study conducted some tests on steel bars with different degrees of corrosion by transmitting electromagnetic waves in the reinforced concrete. In the test, a corrosion potentiometer was used to analyze and compare the experimental results. The electromagnetic wave reflection signals from the image generated by the ground penetrating radar were used to capture the different media in the concrete components. The reflection coefficient method was used to analyze the calculated relative dielectric constant of the media and to obtain the reflection energy and phase changes on the medium interface. We compared and discussed the corrosion potential and the reflected voltage from the corroded steel bars in the reinforced concrete. The reflected voltage analysis of the ground penetrating radar showed that the average corrosion potential on the corroded plate on the 3rd floor was −280 m V (Area C). According to ASTM C876, the steel bars in the concrete were moderately corroded. The reflected voltage analysis of the electromagnetic waves concluded that areas A and B were moderately corroded, which is consistent with the conclusion from ASTM C876. Using the innovative method, this study has established a reference standard for the degree of corrosion of steel bars based on ASTM C876 and has calculated the quantitative state of corroded steel bars. The variations of the electromagnetic wave reflected voltage of the ground penetrating radar can mark the changes in the corrosion interface of concrete and steel reinforcement with different degrees of corrosion and different thicknesses of the protective layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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14 pages, 2335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Coupling Characteristics of Tourism and Urbanization with Mechanism of High-Quality Development in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration, China

by Weili Shen, Zhenfang Huang, Shanggang Yin and Wei-Ling Hsu

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3403; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12073403 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

The Chinese economy has entered the phase of high-quality development. Urbanization is an important driving factor in promoting the domestic economic cycle, while tourism is an emerging force in the development of urbanization. The convergence of these two factors will contribute to the [...] Read more.

The Chinese economy has entered the phase of high-quality development. Urbanization is an important driving factor in promoting the domestic economic cycle, while tourism is an emerging force in the development of urbanization. The convergence of these two factors will contribute to the high-quality development of regional economies. By constructing an evaluation index system of tourism development and urbanization level, 26 cities in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration have been identified as the study area. The study has adopted the entropy method and the coupling coordination model to analyze the comprehensive development level of tourism and urbanization and the coupling coordination relationship between them from 2008 to 2018. The results show that the Yangtze River Delta presents a spatial pattern of orderly changes in the development of tourism, forming a spatial structure of “one pole and many centers”, with Shanghai as the core. In terms of spatial distribution, it generally presents the spatial trend characteristics of “high in the east and low in the west” in the east–west direction, and “protruding in the middle and lower at both ends” in the south–north direction. Coordination and interaction are steadily developing to a high level, with significant spatial dependence and spillover effects. Based on the research results, the study applies a new development vision to explore the coupling coordination high-quality development mechanism of tourism and urbanization in the Yangtze River Delta region; the corresponding policy recommendations are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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13 pages, 669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Location Optimisation in the Process of Designing Infrastructure of Point Pollutant Emitters to Meet Specific Environmental Protection Standards

by Marcin Majer, Piotr M. Dzierwa, Marek Deja, Mariusz Herz and Michal Podpora

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 3031; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12063031 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1382

Abstract

This article addresses the challenge of searching for the optimal location for a newly designed pollutant emitter (new factory or other facility) in relation to the requirements imposed by environmental protection regulations on the concentrations of selected pollutants in a given area, taking [...] Read more.

This article addresses the challenge of searching for the optimal location for a newly designed pollutant emitter (new factory or other facility) in relation to the requirements imposed by environmental protection regulations on the concentrations of selected pollutants in a given area, taking into account the currently existing levels of analysed substances. The paper presents the key issues of the dispersion of pollutants in atmospheric air and pollutant dispersion models. The Gaussian model of a plume, based on the Pasquill diffusion equation, is chosen to simulate the dispersion of pollutants in atmospheric air. The key issue within the paper constitutes the research section responsible for using the Monte Carlo global optimisation method in order to find the optimal location. The proposed algorithm is intended to offer measurable and subjective arguments and options to preliminary discussions on choosing a location for new factories, while such discussions choices should be fact-based and ecologically acceptable instead of fulfilling only political or economical goals. The paper is intended to present the need for easily interpretable arguments for discussions and responsible decisions on choosing the lowest-impact location of pollutant emitters to the scientific community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Science for Urban and Rural Planning)

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