Cloud information content analysis of multi-angular measurements in the oxygen A-band: application to 3MI and MSPI

The vertical distribution of cloud cover has a significant impact on a large number of meteorological and climatic processes. Cloud top altitude and cloud geometrical thickness are then essential. Previous studies established the possibility of retrieving those parameters from multi-angular oxygen A-band measurements. Here we perform a study and comparison of the performances of future instruments. The 3MI (Multi-angle, Multi-channel and Multi-polarization Imager) instrument developed by EUMETSAT, which is an extension of the POLDER/PARASOL instrument, and MSPI (Multi-angles Spectro-Polarimetric Imager) develoloped by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will measure total and polarized light reflected by the Earth's atmosphere–surface system in several spectral bands (from UV to SWIR) and several viewing geometries. Those instruments should provide opportunities to observe the links between the cloud structures and the anisotropy of the reflected solar radiation into space. Specific algorithms will need be developed in order to take advantage of the new capabilities of this instrument. However, prior to this effort, we need to understand, through a theoretical Shannon information content analysis, the limits and advantages of these new instruments for retrieving liquid and ice cloud properties, and especially, in this study, the amount of information coming from the A-Band channel on the cloud top altitude (CTOP) and geometrical thickness (CGT). We compare the information content of 3MI A-Band in two configurations and that of MSPI. Quantitative information content estimates show that the retrieval of CTOP with a high accuracy is possible in almost all cases investigated. The retrieval of CGT seems less easy but possible for optically thick clouds above a black surface, at least when CGT > 1–2 km

From Architectured Materials to Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing

The classical material-by-design approach has been extensively perfected by materials scientists, while engineers have been optimising structures geometrically for centuries. The purpose of architectured materials is to build bridges across themicroscale ofmaterials and themacroscale of engineering structures, to put some geometry in the microstructure. This is a paradigm shift. Materials cannot be considered monolithic anymore. Any set of materials functions, even antagonistic ones, can be envisaged in the future. In this paper, we intend to demonstrate the pertinence of computation for developing architectured materials, and the not-so-incidental outcome which led us to developing large-scale additive manufacturing for architectural applications

Experimental study on 3D printing of concrete with overhangs

The construction industry has been receiving in the recent past years the 3D printing technology as an emerging technology. Several researchers and companies have been reporting a number of case studies that show the possibilities of this technology regarding the dimensions, shape, building time, finishing and the material characteristics. It is commonly accepted that one of the big advantages of 3D printing is its possibility regarding the shape of the printed object since it can be easily changed each time a new piece is printed. This possibility raises some challenges regarding the printing limits, that are needed to the project design, such as to create overhangs. In this sense, a work was carried out to evaluate and optimize concrete printing mixtures and assess the 3D concrete printing of elements with overhangs. This paper presents the work carried out, showing the optimization of mixture composition for the binder/aggregate ratio, cement/fly ash ratio, and amount of superplasticizer and hardening accelerator, and evaluating their printing performance and mechanical properties. Printing of overhangs was possible for angles with the vertical direction till 17.5º.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Inspection methods for 3D concrete printing

3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is being used for off-site manufacture of many elements found in the built environment, ranging from furniture to bridges. The advantage of these methods is the value added through greater geometrical freedom because a mould is not needed to create the form. In recent years, research has focused on material properties both in the wet and hardened state, while less attention has been paid to verifying printed forms through geometry measurement. Checking conformity is a critical aspect of manufacturing quality control, particularly when assembling many components, or when integrating/interfacing parts into/with existing construction. This paper takes a case study approach to explore applications of digital measurement systems prior to, during, after manufacture using 3DCP and after the assembly of a set of 3DCP parts and discusses the future prospects for such technology as part of geometry quality control for the procurement of 3DCP elements for the built environment

Public-Private Cooperation for Climate Adaptation - Providing Insurance Loss Data to the Municipalities

This chapter discusses experiences from public-private cooperation for climate services providing insurance loss data (from weather related damage) on asset level for Norwegian municipalities.‘Insurance loss data’ display insurance adjustments on address level after nature hazards. The chapter compiles results from three successive studies performed in the period from 2013 to 2018. The studies examined the utility value of insurance loss data for 10 municipalities and investigated the attitudes in the 8 largest Norwegian insurance companies for sharing such data. The findings demonstrate that insurance loss data on asset level can improve municipal understanding of both current and future climate risks, and thus improve the effect and quality of measures to prevent and adapt to such risks. However, with respect to data quality, precise time and place for damage occurrence is essential. With respect to data availability, it is essential that the insurance companies are willing to share loss data with municipalities working with mitigation of risks. Commercial sensitivity is important for the companies, and therefore only restricted entities should be allowed access to the data. The insurance companies also stressed their responsibility for protection of privacy for their customers. Finding solutions to the data access and privacy is up to national authorities. As a direct follow-up of the findings and the recommendations from the studies, The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Finance Norway are cooperating in developing a climate service called ‘knowledge bank’ for compiling and providing access to data on natural hazard events. The knowledge bank is relating to both current and future climate, strengthening municipalities in their work on risk prevention, and climate change adaptation. Loss data from insurance companies are one type of data they are including