Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Events for March
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New Advances on Structural Control of Civil Engineering In China
Tue, Mar 04, 2008 @ 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Prof. Hong-Nan Li, Ph.D.
Dalian University of Technology, ChinaAbstract:
The seminar outlines the new advances on structural control of civil engineering in China, which includes the passive control, active control, semi-active control and smart vibration control in structural control. The seminar especially focuses on the engineering applications of structural control methods. Finally, future developments of the research and implementation of structural control in China are also presented.About the Speaker:
Prof. Hong-Nan Li is the dean and the Chang Kong Scholar professor of School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering of Dalian University of Technology, China. He is also the vice-Chairman of China Panel of the International Association of Structural Control and Monitoring. Prof. Li's research interests are the structural analysis to earthquake and wind loadings, the structural health monitoring and control. He has published more than 200 journal papers and 5 books
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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A non-parametric approach to evaluating catastrophe risk and decisions: ..
Wed, Mar 05, 2008 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
...Financial and Infrastructure SystemsSPEAKER: Dr. Craig Taylor,Research Professor, USC, Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Sr. V.P., Baseline Management Company, Inc. (with help from many)Abstract:
Catastrophes raise many issues for financial and infrastructure systems. These pertain to the use of insurance, bonds, swaps, design, retrofit, upgrades and many other activities that require complex evaluations. A great deal of past and current work has emphasized the use of parametric formulations of catastrophe loss distributions as means to help on major catastrophe risk decisions. This presentation goes in an opposite directioneven opposite to my own research until very recently.
With ongoing research, I currently maintain that enormous advances in computer technology (speed and storage) illuminate how these parametric fits tend to produce dramatic sub-optimization in catastrophe decision-making. Moreover, these advances further help to show that efficiency gained through these fits is minor.
Other themes proposed in this presentation are that:
Parametric modeling can be very helpful on less major projects and especially on the sub-models developed in these complex evaluations
Averages are very important, but so are extremes (potentially impacted by tipping points, yield points, deductibles, attachment points, limits of liability)
Focus on efficiency should be on rendering systems evaluations (e.g., transportation systems given multiple bridge collapses) accurate yet faster
Of necessity probabilistic, criteria for finance should incorporate gains as well as losses
Use of equi-probable estimates such as for ROI (return on investment) in finance or for total costs in engineering greatly facilitates estimation and understanding of financial criteria
For the extreme distributions involved with catastrophes, variance reduction techniques have so far proven to be far less important than assumed; advances in computer technology (speed, storage, pre-processing) have had vastly greater impacts.
Complex catastrophe (or shock-based) evaluations should take advantage of these developments so that engineers, economists and others can focus on sub-models and assumptions.Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Ultra Clean Fuel via Modified Ultrasound-Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization Process at Room Temperat
Fri, Mar 07, 2008 @ 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Shun Sheng Cheng, Ph.D
Golden Eagle Oil Refinery
North Salt Lake City, UT Abstract: Limitation of 15 ppm has been considered for the content of sulfur in diesel fuel due to the sulfur regulation by the EPA. However, ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel has not been produced sufficiently by the current desulfurization technology. Various levels of sulfur content can be observed in different diesel fuels, for instance, Valley Oil (8000 ppm), F-76 (4200 ppm) and treated Valley Oil (500 ppm). In this regard, 99.9% removal efficiency in sulfur reduction can be demonstrated by solvent extraction, as well as solid adsorption, which is after the modified ultrasound assisted desulfurization process. Moreover, recycling of ionic liquid and acid catalyst which is usually contained in the spent aqueous phase can be achieved. Interestingly, high efficiency, as well as high selectivity can be exhibited. In the pilot study, unit containing treatment tank, pipeline system, as well as high shear mixer has been created for the development of practical application of a batch-type continuous flow system. In the development, appropriate time and mild condition were given during operations. The results show 99.9% desulfurization efficiency can be achieved by the process. Moreover, utilization of ionic liquid and acid catalyst had been done at a less extent by the pilot study, as compared to the batch study.
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Structural Health Monitoring using the Imote2 Smart Sensor Platform
Fri, Mar 07, 2008 @ 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Jennifer Rice, Ph.D. Candidate
Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignThe declining state of civil infrastructure has motivated researchers to seek effective methods for real-time structural health monitoring (SHM). Decentralized computing and data aggregation employing smart sensors allow the deployment of a dense array of sensors throughout a structure. The Imote2, developed by Intel, provides enhanced computation and communication resources that allow demanding sensor network applications, such as SHM of civil infrastructure, to be supported. This study explores the development of a versatile Imote2 sensor board with onboard signal processing specifically designed for the demands of SHM applications. The components of the accelerometer board have been carefully selected to allow for the low-noise and high resolution data acquisition that is necessary to successfully implement SHM algorithms.Jennifer Rice received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University. She received her M.S from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where her research focused on wind engineering and vibration mitigation devices for light truss structures. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois in the Smart Structures Technology Laboratory. Her research interests are in the area of structural health monitoring and wireless sensor networks.
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Simulation-Based Engineering and Science (SBES); Applications for Large Scale Systems
Thu, Mar 13, 2008 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Dr. Masanobu Shinozuka Professor & Chair, Civil & Environmental Engineering-UC IrvineThis presentation reviews the development of analytical models that evolved over the last decades for the prediction and evaluation of the performance of large-scale systems, including civil infrastructure systems, under probabilistic natural and manmade hazards. Key milestones in the evolution are highlighted in terms of notable analytical innovations, enhanced sophistication in modeling, quantum jumps in the spatial coverage, and broadening of the consequence domain into socio-economic dimensions from technical dimension only. The overall predictive model for the system is constructed by integrating a number of modular components each of which represents a subsystem model or a model of specific hazard impact. Such predictive models are used in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation techniques in the spirit of SBES. It is notable that in this process, the system can be improved (upgraded or retrofitted) virtually, and then subjected to various probabilistic hazard scenarios. This allows us to identify the most effective method of improvement under probabilistic hazard scenarios (e.g., a particular earthquake ground motion with an estimated probability of occurrence, or under a set of scenario earthquakes representing the regional probabilistic seismic hazard). However, the effectiveness can be measured in terms of the benefit-cost ratio derived for each of stakeholder groups. And hence, the optimal effective method chosen for implementation can be completely different depending on which stakeholder group prevails. Some examples of the use of such predictive models for seismic performance evaluation and for evaluation of cost-effectiveness of implementing a method of retrofit are presented for the utility networks of LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water & Power), MLGW (Memphis Light, Gas and Water) and for the highway network of Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). In these examples, engineering-wise fundamentalistic definitions of robustness, resilience and sustainability of these systems are used.
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Urban Engineering and Sustainability for Infrastructure Design
Fri, Mar 14, 2008 @ 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Heekyung PARK
Professor and Head
Department of Civil and Env. EngineeringKAISTAbstract
Generally speaking, sustainability emphasizes three principles; @ recognition of limitation of
carrying capacity (environmental conservation), A distributive justice (equity among inter- and
intra-generations, and inter-species), and B growth, but of a different kind (allocative efficiency
from savings, technology development and re-use). Since a great deal of human activities occur
in urban areas, civil engineers have played a key role in achieving sustainability, especially, in
urban dimensions through infrastructures they plan, design, construct, operate and maintain.
Engineering is a purposeful activity. To satisfy the three principles, therefore, the objectives in
design should be set up and system boundaries should be expanded until they contain all the
objectives. Moreover, system being newly defined requires quite tough works; dealing with
complexity and uncertainty with scientific application. Although it is possible to tackle the above
requirements for urban infrastructure design from various standpoints, we will introduce our own
approach, calling it by the name of ÂgUrban Engineering and Sustainability (UES)Âh. In designing
urban infrastructures, this is to fully consider the three principles, and to effectively coordinate
various technologies. To do this, UES should be based on more integrated, organized, and
scientifically validated views. Also, its methodology is synthetic, quantitative, and flexible.
Just like other countries, Korea has been promoting sustainability, especially, in carrying out
large development projects. In spit of its efforts, it is not easy to say Âgquite successfulÂh largely
due to the unbalanced approach as shown in Fig.1. We need to change our pathway so that the
sustainable development can be achieved more smoothly and thus effectively. To do this at least
in the urban infrastructure domain, the Korea government and KAIST proclaimed new initiatives
and launched a number of R&D projects. KAIST President set a research plan recently (Suh,
2007). It focused on energy, environment, water and sustainability (EEWS) to solve global
problems in 21st Century, and then established seven KAIST Institutes (KIs). MOCT VC10 &
urban regeneration project (Fig.2): Since 2007, the urban regeneration research center headed by
the author has participated in the Urban Regeneration project supported by Korea Ministry of
Construction and Transportation. The center is in charge of developing urban infrastructure
regeneration technology for sustainable urban development with a budget of $ 44 million USD
for 7 years. In this project, we are now trying to develop technologies and systems, using the
concept of UES, to establish urban infrastructure systems just like an eco-system. For that, the
researches are driven by ten keywords; @ technical innovation, A high-efficiency, B diversity,
C densification /compaction, D convenience, E stability, F ecological conservation, G
resource conservation, H recycling, I connectedness.
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Fig.1. Two types of pathways for sustainable development
Fig.2. Systems in the Urban Regeneration Project Unbalanced Sustainable
Nakdong River Contamination Crisis (1991)
Economy
Environment
Social
Equity
Range of
Sustainable
IMF & Green
Belt Dissolution
LeftistsÂf Fall
(2007~ ) - Uninformed & unbalanced
- Less adaptive & more rigid
- Frequent crises
- Vulnerability to uncertaintie
- Informed & balanced
- More adaptive & more flexible
- More effective
- Fit for engineering
Economy
Environment
Social
Equity
Balanced Sustainable Pathway
Regeneration of
Structural Capability
CUIRS P ackage
Urban Environmental
Regeneration
Urban Disaster Prevention
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Feedback Control Solutions for Microscopic and Macroscopic Traffic Control
Wed, Mar 26, 2008 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Pushkin Kachroo, Ph.D., P.E.,(Visiting)Assoc. Professor,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Nevada, Las VegasAbstract: The talk will present problems in microscopic (vehicle) and macroscopic traffic control. It will give a brief overview of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and how these problems are related to ITS. The mathematical modeling and control methods designed for these problems will be shown. The second half of the talk will present feedback control based pedestrian evacuation under macroscopic control. It will present system of hyperbolic partial differential equations as the model for pedestrian dynamics, present some analysis and control designs in this framework.Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes
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Total Maximum Daily Load for Trash
Fri, Mar 28, 2008 @ 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Eric Wu, Ph.D., P.E., TMDL Unit IILos Angeles Regional Water Quality Control BoardAbstract In 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency entered into a Settlement Agreement with Heal the Bay and other environmental groups regarding Clean Water Act requirements to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) in region of the State administered by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Los Angeles Region, including TMDLs for trash impaired waterbodies. Up to date, Regional Board has adopted eight trash TMDLs, seven of which have become effective after USEPA approval since 2001. Currently, Regional Board staff has one trash TMDL under development. Trash has been demonstrated to be detrimental to environment and ecological systems. To protect beneficial uses of waterbodies in the Los Angeles Region, including coastal waterbodies, a numeric target of "zero" trash was determined by the Regional Board. Both point sources, such as storm drains, and nonpoint sources, commonly resulting from random trash disposal, are significant contributors to trash impairments. Compliance with zero trash discharge compels municipalities to enforce and evaluate existing trash control practices and to develop innovative approaches such as "full capture" systems which prevent trash from entering municipal stormdrain systems. Many full capture systems have been designed and installed to remove point sources trash and a program of Minimum Frequency of Assessment and Collection in conjunction with Best Management Practices (MFAC/BMP) has been developed to manage nonpoint source trash. Zero trash is expected to be attained with schedules prescribed by the Regional Board for point and nonpoint sources trash.
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 210
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Evangeline Reyes