Development of A Methodology For Predicting Landslide Hazards At A Regional Scale

Landslide risk analysis is a common geotechnical evaluation and aims to protect life and infrastructure. In the case of sensitive clay zones, landslides can affect large areas and are difficult to predict. Here we propose a methodology to determine the landslide hazard across a large territory, and we apply our approach to the Saint-Jean-Vianney area, Quebec, Canada. The initial step consists of creating a 3D model of the surficial deposits of the target area. After creating a chart of the material electrical resistivity adapted for eastern Canada, we applied electric induction to interpret the regional soil. We collected samples from the main lithologies and estimated selected soil geotechnical parameters in laboratory tests. We transposed parameter values obtained from the samples to a larger scale that of a slope using the results of a back analysis undertaken on an earlier, smaller slide within the same area. The regional 3D model of deposits is then used to develop a zonation map of at-risk slopes and their respective constraint areas with the study region. This approach allowed us to target specific areas where a more precise stability analysis would be required. Our methodology offers an effective tool for stability analysis in territories characterized by the presence of sensitive clays.

Parametric vibrations of piezoelectric viscoelastic cylindrical panels taking into account transverse shear deformations

The paper presents a numerical-analytical approach to solving problems of parametric vibrations of layered hinged piezoelectric viscoelastic cylindrical panels under electromechanical harmonic loading. The mathematical model is constructed using mechanical hypotheses about layer-by-layer approximation of shear deformations by quadratic functions on the thickness of panel, which are supplemented by adequate hypotheses on the distribution of electric field quantities when the components of the electric field strength vector and the normal component of the electric induction vector are different from zero. The dissipative properties of materials are taken into account on the basis of the theory of linear viscoelectric elasticity. To solve the problems, a technique based on the use of the variation principle and the representation of the required quantities in the form of decomposition into double trigonometric series has been developed. This makes it possible to reduce the considered problems to Mathieu-Hill-type equations taking into account energy dissipation, which are solved by the method of harmonic linearization, which allows to determine the boundaries of the regions of dynamic instability.

Starting Processes in Electric Drive of a Passenger Elevator

During the operation of electric induction motors used to drive passenger elevators, electro-mechanical transient processes occur, which can cause unacceptable dynamic loads and vibrations. In this regard, research is needed both at the design stage and for operating elevator systems to determine the arising impact currents and torques, in order to propose solutions for their limitation within pre-set limits. Paper deals with starting processes in a two-speed induction motor drive of a passenger elevator. The equations for the voltages of the induction motor are presented in relative units in a coordinate system rotating at a synchronous speed. The values have been obtained for the torques, the rotational frequencies and the currents when starting at a high speed and passing from high to low speed.

Scenario analysis for energy banking between Nepal & India from Nepali perspective

Government of Nepal has agreed with India on energy banking with aim to enhance the energy security of respective national grids. The general concept of this banking is that the surplus energy available in Nepal during the wet months is absorbed by the power system of India and Nepal will retrieve the much needed banked energy during dry months. However, major challenge to quantify the energy being transacted and bring this into feat is, the hydro generation projects being not completed in scheduled time and uncertainties in the domestic consumption. Even the authentic reports from different governmental agencies contradict each other in estimating future internal electrical energy consumption pattern. The lack of rigid national grid‐supply is a key constraint to enhance the domestic demand and seems to be the crucial factor for import/export location & respective line power flow selection. This paper illustrates the prospective scenario analysis for monthly surplus – deficit energy during the period of fiscal year 2077/78 BS to 2084/85 BS from Nepalese prospective. The scenarios viz. commissioning of upcoming generating projects in accordance to Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) concluded date as well as with trending delays are taken into account. The consumption sector with normal energy growth and with intervention like heavy penetration of electric vehicle and electric induction cooking, are considered during the analysis. The modeling of planned INPS and simulation is performed in ETAP. The cross – border transmission line flows and avenues as well as operating behavior of planned INPS are also analyzed.

Investigations into fatigue failure in e-type fastening clips used in railway tracks

This study describes the investigations of failure in an e-type clip at the inside of rear arch, where the stresses are maximum owing to in-service loading and bending that occurs during forming operations. Visual inspection, stereomicroscopy, optical-microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) have been used as the characterization techniques. The microstructural, morphological changes were compared both in the central area and close to the location of failure in e-clip. During primary heating for forming steel rod into e-clip shape, the oxidation and decarburization occurs which caused the formation and penetration of iron oxide. The average thickness of oxide layer was found to be 20 µm with localized areas, where the oxides penetrated up to depth of 50 µm. During forming and shot peening operations, the iron oxide ingested in material at the inside circumferential region of rear arch, which triggered the initiation and propagation of fatigue phenomenon in service. The SEM-EDS analysis and fractography confirmed the presence of iron oxide and pearlite lamellar tearing at the crack initiation site, respectively. It is suggested to use electric induction heating for forming of steel rod into e-clip shape or increased the silicon content from two to three weight percent, which minimize the thickness of oxide layer. The finishing process by adding air spray or tapping of the rod after heating will further help to remove the scale at the critical region before taking it up for mechanical forming operations.