Beyond the deterministic approach - on the feasibility of data assimilation methods in geotechnics

The surge in economic and social development has resulted in significant challenges, especially for linear physical infrastructure. A substantial part of the ageing physical linear infrastructure has been built on problematic soils and often have poorly documented foundation solutions. A typical example is the case of embankments for infrastructure on soft ground conditions. Soft soils possess various important characteristics that contribute to their complex emerging soil response when subjected to hydro-mechanical loading. In recent times, numerous advanced constitutive models grounded in various theories and hypotheses have emerged to capture the behaviour of soft soils. These models differ from models commonly used in geotechnical engineering, as they encompass complex soft soil features, \eg anisotropy, rate-dependency and degradation of bonding that enable reasonably accurate predictions for test data obtained under controlled laboratory conditions. However, their applicability for making informed decisions on large-scale field projects may be limited, as deterministic calculations alone may not adequately consider the variability in the behaviour of geomaterials encountered in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, not all model parameters have direct geotechnical significance as they are derived solely from mathematical expressions, posing challenges in their identification. With the growing utilisation of advanced constitutive models in engineering analysis, the input parameters for these models take on crucial roles as design parameters. This thesis provides a probabilistic methodology that enables the identification of parameters of constitutive models for geotechnics, through inverse analysis using Data Assimilation (DA). The primary objective of this thesis is to evaluate the applicability of existing Data Assimilation concepts in the field of geotechnical engineering. To achieve this, a modular framework that allows the implementation and use of multiple DA methods in conjunction with geotechnical numerical codes is created. A comprehensive and systematic comparison of contemporary state-of-the-art DA schemes specific to geotechnical engineering is performed along with examining the factors influencing their performance. Additionally, hybridisation of meta-heuristic algorithms with classical Data Assimilation methods has also been proposed to improve some of the observed drawbacks. In this thesis, the limitations of the deterministic approach has been demonstrated and the need for a robust probabilistic tool is shown to be paramount. It has also shown that it is time to start embracing the value of monitoring data which can be put to efficient use when a robust probabilistic framework like Data Assimilation is considered

Spectroscopic techniques applied to the real time monitoring and control of the production processes of the pharmaceutical and food industry

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen

New Developments in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is defined as the energy which naturally occurs, covers a number of sources and technologies at different stages, and is theoretically inexhaustible. Renewable energy sources such as those who are generated from sun or wind are the most readily-available and possible solutions to address the challenge of growing energy demands in the world. Newer and environmentally friendly technologies are able to provide different social and environmental benefits such as employment and decent environment. Renewable energy technologies are crucial contributors to world energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide opportunities for mitigating greenhouse gases. International public opinion indicates that there is strong support for a variety of methods for solving energy supply problems, one of which is utilizing renewable energy sources. In recent years, countries realized that that the renewable energy and its sector are key components for greener economies

Energy Efficiency

This book is one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date books written on Energy Efficiency. The readers will learn about different technologies for energy efficiency policies and programs to reduce the amount of energy. The book provides some studies and specific sets of policies and programs that are implemented in order to maximize the potential for energy efficiency improvement. It contains unique insights from scientists with academic and industrial expertise in the field of energy efficiency collected in this multi-disciplinary forum

ESSE 2017. Proceedings of the International Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical-, biological-, and information sciences to study and solve environmental problems. ESSE - The International Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy provides a platform for experts, professionals, and researchers to share updated information and stimulate the communication with each other. In 2017 it was held in Suzhou, China June 23-25, 2017

Renewable Energies for Sustainable Development

In the current scenario in which climate change dominates our lives and in which we all need to combat and drastically reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, renewable energies play key roles as present and future energy sources. Renewable energies vary across a wide range, and therefore, there are related studies for each type of energy. This Special Issue is composed of studies integrating the latest research innovations and knowledge focused on all types of renewable energy: onshore and offshore wind, photovoltaic, solar, biomass, geothermal, waves, tides, hydro, etc. Authors were invited submit review and research papers focused on energy resource estimation, all types of TRL converters, civil infrastructure, electrical connection, environmental studies, licensing and development of facilities, construction, operation and maintenance, mechanical and structural analysis, new materials for these facilities, etc. Analyses of a combination of several renewable energies as well as storage systems to progress the development of these sustainable energies were welcomed

Mastering Uncertainty in Mechanical Engineering

This open access book reports on innovative methods, technologies and strategies for mastering uncertainty in technical systems. Despite the fact that current research on uncertainty is mainly focusing on uncertainty quantification and analysis, this book gives emphasis to innovative ways to master uncertainty in engineering design, production and product usage alike. It gathers authoritative contributions by more than 30 scientists reporting on years of research in the areas of engineering, applied mathematics and law, thus offering a timely, comprehensive and multidisciplinary account of theories and methods for quantifying data, model and structural uncertainty, and of fundamental strategies for mastering uncertainty. It covers key concepts such as robustness, flexibility and resilience in detail. All the described methods, technologies and strategies have been validated with the help of three technical systems, i.e. the Modular Active Spring-Damper System, the Active Air Spring and the 3D Servo Press, which have been in turn developed and tested during more than ten years of cooperative research. Overall, this book offers a timely, practice-oriented reference guide to graduate students, researchers and professionals dealing with uncertainty in the broad field of mechanical engineering

Proceedings of Abstracts 12th International Conference on Air Quality Science and Application

© 2020 The Author(s). This an open access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.Final Published versio