Smart Lead Rubber Bearings Equipped with Ferrous Shape Memory Alloy Wires for Seismically Isolating Highway Bridges

Shape memory alloys (SMA) can substantially improve the damping capacity and re-centering capability of elastomeric isolators. The objective of this study is to assess the seismic performance of smart lead rubber bearings (LRBs) equipped with double cross ferrous SMA wires. Hysteretic shear response of SMA wire-based LRB is determined using finite element method. The seismic response of a multispan continuous steel girder bridge isolated by SMA-LRB is evaluated. Hybrid SMA-LRB bearing exhibits a significantly lower shear strain demand (up to 46% reduction) and a higher energy dissipation capacity (up to 31% increase) compared to the LRB.     

紫地缠枝花卉纹绫盘金绣辫线袄的修复

辫线袄为元代流行的一种服饰,但现存于世的实物很少。文章详细分析了一件紫地缠枝花卉纹绫盘金绣辫线袄残片的形制纹饰及具体修复过程。根据该袄残存的盘金绣和腰部的辫线加工工艺,修复了右肩部日形刺绣、辫线及裙褶,并裁制了已缺失的下裳和双袖。该袄的修复方案体现了纺织品文物保护的可逆性原则。     

Bone density studies in zooarchaeology

Accurate bone density data are essential for assessing the influence of destructive processes in archaeological faunal assemblages. Unfortunately, the diversity of methods employed by different researchers to derive density values has resulted in recent confusion. Two recent publications in this journal [J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 883; J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 979] exemplify this state of misunderstanding. Both studies argued that the role of bone density in shaping archaeological faunal assemblages has been largely overrated, but both based their conclusions on density values that were inaccurately derived. The former employed a method of calculating bone density that has been largely discredited over the past decade [J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 883]. Within a larger discussion of zooarchaeological methodology, the latter provided an assessment of the current state of bone density research that inappropriately characterized the discrepancies between available sets of density data as a reflection of the differences between two technologies—photon densitometry and computed tomography [J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 979]. The actual dichotomy exists—irrespective of the technology employed—between studies that account for variation in the shape of bone cross-sections and those that do not. The different sets of density data currently available to zooarchaeologists vary tremendously in their accuracy. We review and evaluate the different techniques employed in the research of bone density patterns of mammalian fauna. Computed tomography produces the most accurate density data. For elements without medullary cavities, photon densitometry may provide density values of similar accuracy but only if a method of cross-sectional shape-adjustment is applied.     

3D reality-based artefact models for the management of archaeological sites using 3D Gis: a framework starting from the case study of the Pompeii Archaeological area

This work describes the procedures, the different techniques and the pipeline used for creating a digital framework that should assist the Superintendence of Pompeii in the digital reconstruction, classification, management and visualisation of archaeological finds inside an advanced 3D web-based repository of reality-based data. Specific topics have been focused on the quality assessment procedures adopted to ensure consistency and reliability of data throughout the whole 3D models acquisition and pipeline creation, as well as on the particular semantic reality-based structure adopted to develop an information system into a knowledge one. The main purposes of our framework have been the usage of 3D digital models as a restitution of the real object and as a metaphor for navigating through the data; 3D models were used as archaeological cognitive systems and developed as a collection of structured objects, identified through a precise terminology that allows to easily extend the concept of 2D GIS to 3D GIS. In addition, the system was developed as a scalable application that allows the use of the same database by different users, simply filtering the data according to the specific requirements, and can operate both as standalone and web-based application.     

Multitemporal analysis for preservation of obsidian sources from Melka Kunture (Ethiopia): integration of fieldwork activities,digital aerial photogrammetry and multispectral stereo-IKONOS II analysis

An integrated analysis of recent satellite imageries and dated aerial photos demonstrated to be a good investigation tool (Gallo et al., 2009) for the identification of new sites and for the assessment of landscape changes of wide archaeological areas in Ethiopia.     

Experimental Investigation on the Seismic Behavior of Beam-Column Joints Reinforced with Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys

Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys (SE SMAs) are unique alloys that have the ability to undergo large deformations and return to their undeformed shape by removal of stresses. This study aims at assessing the seismic behavior of beam-column joints reinforced with SE SMAs. Two large-scale beam-column joints were tested under reversed cyclic loading. While the first joint was reinforced with regular steel rebars, SE SMA rebars were used in the second one. Both joints were selected from a Reinforced Concrete (RC) building located in the high seismic region of western Canada and designed and detailed according to current Canadian standards. The behavior of the two specimens under reversed cyclic loading, including their drifts, rotations, and ability to dissipate energy, were compared. The results showed that the SMA-reinforced beam-column joint specimen was able to recover most of its post-yield deformation. Thus, it would require a minimum amount of repair even after a strong earthquake.     

Performance-Based Seismic Assessment of Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy-Reinforced Bridge Piers Considering Residual Deformations

The application of superelastic Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) reinforcement in plastic hinge regions of bridge piers has been proven to reduce the residual displacement after a strong shaking owing to its unique shape recovery characteristics; however, the maximum deformation of the piers could increase due to the relatively lower modulus of elasticity of SMA bars and lower hysteretic energy dissipation capacity. In this context, this article applies a recently formulated probabilistic performance-based seismic assessment methodology that considers both the maximum and the residual deformation simultaneously to evaluate the performance of SMA reinforced bridge piers.     

高光谱图像系统应用于模糊印章的提取研究

传统书画作品中存在有大量模糊不清的印章,对此类印章尚没有很好的手段进行提取和鉴别。为解决这一问题,本工作采用一种用高光谱图像系统采集书画中模糊印章的光谱-图像信息,采用最小噪声分离变换(MNF)处理光谱图像数据,提升了模糊印章的可辨识度。结果表明,采用该方法能够有效的将模糊印章的信息提取出来,有利于印章的鉴别和研究,为书画的文物价值和真伪鉴别的研究提供了科学有效的手段。     

基于光谱成像的彩绘文物新应用与新方法

目前基于光谱成像的彩绘文物分析主要集中在颜料分析、信息增强、隐含信息挖掘等方面,分析方法主要采用遥感图像处理软件。针对文物数据专门分析方法研究尚显不足的问题,提出基于光谱成像的彩绘文物新应用与新方法。主要包括基于最小噪声分离(MNF)变换感知修复区域的新应用,利用感兴趣区域分析与融合挖掘彩绘文物隐含信息以及基于稀疏非负矩阵欠近似彩绘文物线稿提取的新方法。通过在唐墓壁画、彩绘泥塑以及手绘绢画上的实验,发现光谱成像可以有效感知修复区域,提出的新方法可以有效挖掘隐含信息以及提取线稿,对基于光谱成像的彩绘文物分析研究具有重要意义。     

Comparison of the Spectral Representation Method to Simulate Spatially Variable Ground Motions

The spectral representation method (SRM) is widely used when simulating spatially variable ground motions. It has mainly two formulas, i.e., the random amplitudes and the random phases formulas. There exist three methods for decomposing the cross spectral density matrix: Cholesky decomposition, eigen decomposition, and root decomposition. Therefore, there are six forms with respect to the different combinations of the simulation formulas and the decomposition methods. To provide researchers and engineers with the guidance on choosing simulation method, the six forms are systematically investigated from five aspects: the power intensity, response spectra, and stochastic error of auto/cross spectral density, Fourier spectra, and difference indexes for Fourier amplitudes and phases. Finally, we give the following advice: the characteristics of the ground motions simulated by the random amplitudes formula are independent of the decomposition method, while the characteristics of the ground motions simulated by random phases formula are dependent of the decomposition method. Furthermore, the root decomposition is strongly recommended when utilizing the random phases formula.