abstract: This research is aimed at studying the impact of building design parameters in terms of their importance and mutual interaction, and how these aspects vary across climates and HVAC system types. A methodology is proposed for such a study, by examining the feasibility and use of two different statistical methods to derive all realistic ‘near-optimum’ solutions which might be lost using a simple optimization technique. DOE prototype medium office building compliant with ASHRAE 90.1-2010 was selected for the analysis and four different HVAC systems in three US climates were simulated. The interaction between building design parameters related to envelope characteristics and geometry (total of seven variables) has been studied using two different statistical methods, namely the ‘Morris method’ and ‘Predictive Learning via Rule Ensembles’. Subsequently, a simple graphical tool based on sensitivity analysis has been developed and demonstrated to present the results from parametric simulations. This tool would be useful to better inform design decisions since it allows imposition of constraints on various parameters and visualize their interaction with other parameters. It was observed that the Radiant system performed best in all three climates, followed by displacement ventilation system. However, it should be noted that this study did not deal with performance optimization of HVAC systems while there have been several studies which concluded that a VAV system with better controls can perform better than some of the newer HVAC technologies. In terms of building design parameters, it was observed that ‘Ceiling Height’, ‘Window-Wall Ratio’ and ‘Window Properties’ showed highest importance as well as interaction as compared to other parameters considered in this study, for all HVAC systems and climates. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested to extend such analysis using statistical methods such as the ‘Morris method’, which require much fewer simulations to categorize parameters based on their importance and interaction strength. Usage of statistical methods like ‘Rule Ensembles’ or other simple visual tools to analyze simulation results for all combinations of parameters that show interaction would allow designers to make informed and superior design decisions while benefiting from large reduction in computational time. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Built Environment 2015

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:25:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:02:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 06213.pdf: 4263088 bytes, checksum: 543c6cb711764dac098c3b7d24f8c9cc (MD5) / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Este trabalho estuda os resultados obtidos da aplicação de um modelo tridimensional de previsão de comportamento de túneis profundos em rocha reforçados com tirantes passivos. Utiliza-se o método dos elementos finitos e simula-se a escavação pelo sistema de ativação e desativação de elementos. Os tirantes são tratados com uma lei de comportamento elastoplástica e o maciço reforçado com tirantes é considerado um meio homogêneo anisotrópico em escala macroscópica, através do método de homogeneização dos meios periódicos. Para a análise paramétrica foi verificada a influência dos parâmetros do sistema de reforço e do maciço. Resultados em termos de convergência do túnel e tensões são apresentados e indicam que, para o caso analisado, o comprimento dos tirantes é um fator de reduzida influência. A densidade de tirantes possui maior importância, porém, esta não é afetada por modificações na coesão e no módulo de elasticidade do maciço. A distância de aplicação dos tirantes à face de escavação se mostrou significativa somente para valores abaixo de 1/3 do raio do túnel, para valores acima, os deslocamentos já ocorreram e, portanto, não mobilizavam mais os tirantes. Verificou-se que a concentração de tensões σrr acontece na parte superior e inferior do túnel e, também, antes da frente de escavação. O ângulo de atrito demonstrou influência irrisória na convergência, diferentemente da coesão que diminui a convergência, tanto do teto como da parede do túnel, à medida que seu valor aumenta. O empuxo lateral exibiu ainda maior significância, revelando o quanto é importante sua correta determinação, especialmente na convergência lateral do túnel. Ainda, constatou-se a grande importância da combinação de tirantes com revestimento em concreto, que juntos, diminuíram em aproximadamente 25% os deslocamentos no teto do túnel. / This work studies the results obtained from the application of a three-dimensional model to predict the behavior of bolted reinforced rock mass deep tunnel. The finite element method is used to model and simulate the excavation through the activation and deactivation of elements. The bolts are treated with an elastoplastic law and the rock mass is considered as a homogenized anisotropic medium on the macroscopic scale through the homogenization method of periodic media. In the parametric analysis was studied the influence of the parameters of the reinforcement system and the rock mass. Results in terms of convergence of the tunnel and stresses are presented and indicate that, for the studied case, the length of the bolts is a factor of little influence. The density of bolts has a greater importance, however, its influence was not affected by changes in cohesion and elasticity modulus of the rock mass. The distance between the bolted zone and the facing of the tunnel was a significant parameter only for values below 1/3 of the tunnel’s radius, for distances greater than this, the displacements had already occurred and did not mobilize the bolts anymore. It was verified that stress concentration σrr occurs in the top and bottom of the tunnel, and also before the facing of the excavation. The friction angle demonstrated negligible influence on the convergence, unlike the cohesion, which decreases the convergence of the roof and tunnel’s wall as its value increases. The coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest, k0, exhibited even greater significance, revealing how important its correct determination is, especially for the lateral convergence of the tunnel. Still, it was observed the great importance of the combination of bolts and concrete lining, which together decreased by approximately 25% the displacement of the tunnel’s roof.

abstract: Urbanization and infrastructure development often brings dramatic changes in the surface and groundwater regimes. These changes in moisture content may be particularly problematic when subsurface soils are moisture sensitive such as expansive soils. Residential foundations such as slab-on ground may be built on unsaturated expansive soils and therefore have to resist the deformations associated with change in moisture content (matric suction) in the soil. The problem is more pronounced in arid and semi arid regions with drying periods followed by wet season resulting in large changes in soil suction. Moisture content change causes volume change in expansive soil which causes serious damage to the structures. In order to mitigate these ill effects various mitigation are adopted. The most commonly adopted method in the US is the removal and replacement of upper soils in the profile. The remove and replace method, although heavily used, is not well understood with regard to its impact on the depth of soil wetting or near-surface differential soil movements. In this study the effectiveness of the remove and replace method is studied. A parametric study is done with various removal and replacement materials used and analyzed to obtain the optimal replacement depths and best material. The depth of wetting and heave caused in expansive soil profile under climatic conditions and common irrigation scenarios are studied for arid regions. Soil suction changes and associated soil deformations are analyzed using finite element codes for unsaturated flow and stress/deformation, SVFlux and SVSolid, respectively. The effectiveness and fundamental mechanisms at play in mitigation of expansive soils for remove and replace methods are studied, and include (1) its role in reducing the depth and degree of wetting, and (2) its effect in reducing the overall heave potential, and (3) the effectiveness of this method in pushing the seat of movement deeper within the soil profile to reduce differential soil surface movements. Various non-expansive replacement layers and different surface flux boundary conditions are analyzed, and the concept of optimal depth and soil is introduced. General observations are made concerning the efficacy of remove and replace as a mitigation method. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering 2013

Este trabalho estuda os resultados obtidos da aplicação de um modelo tridimensional de previsão de comportamento de túneis profundos em rocha reforçados com tirantes passivos. Utiliza-se o método dos elementos finitos e simula-se a escavação pelo sistema de ativação e desativação de elementos. Os tirantes são tratados com uma lei de comportamento elastoplástica e o maciço reforçado com tirantes é considerado um meio homogêneo anisotrópico em escala macroscópica, através do método de homogeneização dos meios periódicos. Para a análise paramétrica foi verificada a influência dos parâmetros do sistema de reforço e do maciço. Resultados em termos de convergência do túnel e tensões são apresentados e indicam que, para o caso analisado, o comprimento dos tirantes é um fator de reduzida influência. A densidade de tirantes possui maior importância, porém, esta não é afetada por modificações na coesão e no módulo de elasticidade do maciço. A distância de aplicação dos tirantes à face de escavação se mostrou significativa somente para valores abaixo de 1/3 do raio do túnel, para valores acima, os deslocamentos já ocorreram e, portanto, não mobilizavam mais os tirantes. Verificou-se que a concentração de tensões σrr acontece na parte superior e inferior do túnel e, também, antes da frente de escavação. O ângulo de atrito demonstrou influência irrisória na convergência, diferentemente da coesão que diminui a convergência, tanto do teto como da parede do túnel, à medida que seu valor aumenta. O empuxo lateral exibiu ainda maior significância, revelando o quanto é importante sua correta determinação, especialmente na convergência lateral do túnel. Ainda, constatou-se a grande importância da combinação de tirantes com revestimento em concreto, que juntos, diminuíram em aproximadamente 25% os deslocamentos no teto do túnel. / This work studies the results obtained from the application of a three-dimensional model to predict the behavior of bolted reinforced rock mass deep tunnel. The finite element method is used to model and simulate the excavation through the activation and deactivation of elements. The bolts are treated with an elastoplastic law and the rock mass is considered as a homogenized anisotropic medium on the macroscopic scale through the homogenization method of periodic media. In the parametric analysis was studied the influence of the parameters of the reinforcement system and the rock mass. Results in terms of convergence of the tunnel and stresses are presented and indicate that, for the studied case, the length of the bolts is a factor of little influence. The density of bolts has a greater importance, however, its influence was not affected by changes in cohesion and elasticity modulus of the rock mass. The distance between the bolted zone and the facing of the tunnel was a significant parameter only for values below 1/3 of the tunnel’s radius, for distances greater than this, the displacements had already occurred and did not mobilize the bolts anymore. It was verified that stress concentration σrr occurs in the top and bottom of the tunnel, and also before the facing of the excavation. The friction angle demonstrated negligible influence on the convergence, unlike the cohesion, which decreases the convergence of the roof and tunnel’s wall as its value increases. The coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest, k0, exhibited even greater significance, revealing how important its correct determination is, especially for the lateral convergence of the tunnel. Still, it was observed the great importance of the combination of bolts and concrete lining, which together decreased by approximately 25% the displacement of the tunnel’s roof.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:48:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 09246.pdf: 5265828 bytes, checksum: 4d1524b4005b3c1696584a11c7c97252 (MD5) / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:25:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:02:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 06213.pdf: 4263088 bytes, checksum: 543c6cb711764dac098c3b7d24f8c9cc (MD5) / Desenvolve-se aqui um novo método para calcular coeficientes de sensibilidade. Este novo método é uma combinação entre as duas metodologias usadas para calcular estes coeficientes, que são o método diferencial e o método da teoria da perturbação generalizada. O método consiste em fazer como parâmetro integral o fluxo médio em uma região arbitrária do sistema. Dessa forma, o coeficiente de sensibilidade passa a conter somente o termo correspondente ao fluxo de nêutrons. Para obtenção do novo coeficiente de sensibilidade é feito o cálculo do coeficiente de sensibilidade desse parâmetro integral com relação a σ através do método de perturbação e são obtidas as derivadas funcionais do parâmetro integral genérico com relação a σ e Φ utilizando o método diferencial. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

[pt] O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo paramétrico de alguns fatores intervenientes no processo de entupimento de formações rochosas por sólidos em suspensão, sob injeção de água. Primeiramente se fez uma revisão das formulações mais comumente utilizadas em se tratando de modelos de redução de permeabilidade na literatura técnica especializada. Em seguida, a partir de dois simuladores numéricos, executou- se vários casos de injeção de água,e tais resultados foram comparados entre si e comentários foram feitos a respeito da validade das informações por eles fornecidas. Uma campanha de ensaios foi executada de forma a avaliar alguns parâmetros intervenientes na retenção de partículas em suspensão quando injetadas em um meio poroso, como a rocha. Inicialmente foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica sobre ensaios de injeção já realizados em diversos centros de pesquisas do mundo. Os resultados desses experimentos de injeção, conjugados a análises complementares de microscopia eletrônica, fornecem informações bastantes úteis para determinados aspectos a serem considerados na execução de injeção de água produzida em poços offshore. / [en] The present work presents a parametric study of some intervening factors in the blockage process of rocky formations for solids in suspension, under injection of water.Firstly it was made a review in the specialized technical literature on the formulations more commonly used for modelling the permeability reduction. Next, using two numeric simulators, several examples of water injection were executed, and the results were compared amongst each other. A series of laboratory tests was performed in order to evaluate some intervening parameters in the retention of particles in suspension when injected in a porous medium. Initially it was made a bibliographical review on injection tests carried out in several research centers of the world. The results of the injection experiments, with associated analyses of electronic microscopy, were able to supply useful information for certain aspects to be considered when injecting produced water in offshore wells.

[pt] Lajes lisas de concreto protendido com cordoalhas engraxadas não aderentes têm sido empregadas em pavimentos de edificações com frequência nos últimos anos. Essa solução estrutural é ideal quando se tem uma distribuição regular dos pilares. Além disso, sabe-se que lajes de concreto protendido oferecem vantagens técnicas sobre a solução tradicional em concreto armado, principalmente para vencer vãos maiores e onde muitas vezes se exigem seções mais esbeltas. O objetivo desta dissertação é estabelecer critérios práticos para o projeto de lajes lisas protendidas, maciças ou nervuradas, visando ao atendimento dos critérios relativos ao estado limite de utilização. Com este propósito, um estudo paramétrico foi realizado no qual foram analisados as tensões nas regiões de introdução das forças de protensão e a influência da rigidez dos pilares na retenção da protensão. A investigação foi conduzida por meio de modelagens em elementos finitos, empregando elementos do tipo casca para as lajes e elementos tipo viga para os pilares. No caso das lajes nervuradas, suas mesas foram representadas por elementos casca e as nervuras por elementos viga levando em conta a excentricidade entre seus centros geométricos. / [en] Concrete flat slabs prestressed with unbounded greased strands have been used in building floors over the last years. This structural solution is ideal when the columns are regularly distributed. In addition, it is known that prestressed floors have some technical advantages when compared to the traditional solution in reinforced concrete, mainly in cases of large spans and when lighter elements are required. The objective of the present work is to propose practical criteria for the design of flat slab prestressed concrete floors, for the cases of uniform thickness slabs and waffle slabs, aiming at complying with serviceability limit state. A parametric study was carried out to analyze the stress distribution in prestressing load introduction zones and the influence of the columns in retaining prestressing loads. The investigation was conducted using finite element models in which shell and frame elements were used to represent the slabs and the columns. For the case of waffle slabs, flanges and webs were modeled with shell and frame elements, respectively, taking into consideration the eccentricity between these two elements.

Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) is a promising technology that can be implemented in walls, culverts, rock fall barriers, and bridge abutments. Its use in walls and abutments is similar to Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW) reinforced with geosynthetics. Both GRS and MSEW are reinforced soil technologies that use reinforcement to provide tensile capacity within soil masses. However, the soil theories behind each method and the design methodologies associated with GRS and MSEW technologies are quite different. Therefore, a study was undertaken to compare the required tensile strength predicted by these various reinforced soil design methodologies. For the purposes of this study, the required ultimate tensile strength was defined as the ultimate tensile strength needed in the reinforcement after all applicable factors of safety, load factors, and reduction factors were applied. The investigation explored both MSEW and GRS. GRS has been made an FHWA "Every Day Counts" initiative. Due to the push to implement GRS technology, it is critical to understand how GRS design methods differs from classic MSEW design methods, specifically in the prediction of ultimate tensile strength required. A parametric study was performed comparing five different reinforced soil analysis methods. Two are current MSEW design methods and one was a proposed revision to an existing MSEW design method. The final two were GRS design methods. These design methods are among the most current and/or widely used design references in the United States regarding reinforced soil technology. There are significant differences between the methods in the governing soil theory particularly between GRS and MSEW design methods. The goal of the study was to understand which design parameters had the most influence on calculated values of the required ultimate tensile strength and nominal "unfactored" tensile strength. A base case was established and a reasonable set of parameter variations was determined. Two loading conditions were imposed, a roadway loading scenario and a bridge loading scenario. Based on parametric study findings, conclusions were drawn about which design parameters had the most influence for different design methods. Additionally, the difference in overall predicted required tensile strength was assessed between the various methods. Finally, the underlying soil theory and assumptions employed by the different methods and their influence on predicted required tensile strength values was interpreted. / Master of Science