FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF BONDED AND MECHANICALLY ANCHORED SHEAR INTERFACES OF EXTERNALLY APPLIED FRP SHEETS TO CONCRETE AND WOOD-CONCRETE COMPOSITES

Composite construction is prevalent in advanced structural systems where components of different materials are combined in the same structure to improve the performance of strong and economic structural sections. Maintaining continuity between the different structural components to produce monolithic structural behavior is challenging because of differences in the mechanical properties of these materials in terms of stiffness, strength, and ductility. The different components of the composite section are typically joined using adhesives and/or mechanical anchors to produce partial or full composite action. This dissertation discusses two types of shear interfaces intended to result in structural composite behavior. The first type of interface that is part of this dissertation focuses on bonded and mechanically anchored externally applied FRP sheets used in concrete structure for rehabilitation of concrete structures. The second type of connection is a new wood-concrete composite that includes a perforated steel connector bonded to engineered wood elements to transfer shear stresses to cast-in-place concrete. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials have been confirmed as an excellent option for strengthening existing or even newly constructed concrete structures. However, FRP sheets may debond before reaching a high level of FRP stress. This behavior adversely affects the efficiency of using FRP materials for strengthening concrete structures. FRP-anchors have been added to the bonded joints to delay or avoid debonding and allow FRP sheets to reach their ultimate strength. Yet, the behavior of carbon fiber anchors is not well understood, particularly the effect of the dimensional and geometric properties of the anchors on the total strength of FRP-concrete joints. Therefore, the influence of key anchor parameters on joint behavior were examined in this research through analytical simulations. The parameters investigated were; the number of anchors used in the joint, the distance between anchors, anchor shaft depth, anchor shaft diameter, anchor splay angle, and anchor splay diameter. A general-purpose finite element software (ABAQUS) was used to study the behavior of the anchored FRP-concrete joints having different anchor configurations and geometries. Different three-dimensional finite element models were used to describe the different components of the FRP-concrete joint. These different components were categorized based on the different materials, geometric shapes and functional roles of each part or component. Consequently, five different components were considered in the finite element models to represent the FRP-concrete joint. These components are the concrete substrate, the FRP sheet, the adhesive layer, the FRP anchor, and the adhesive envelopes around the anchors (for modeling the interface between concrete, FRP sheet, and the FRP anchors). Based on this study, design recommendations for fiber reinforced polymer anchors were developed to determine the number of anchors, distance between anchors, anchor shaft depth, anchor shaft diameter, anchor splay angle, and anchor splay diameter required to achieve a goal strength. The finite element analysis can be extended to model full-scale structural members strengthened with fiber-reinforced material under different loading conditions building on the findings from this research. The second type of composite application included in this dissertation focuses on new structural deck systems that benefit from the use of wood as a lightweight, sustainable substructure and concrete as a wear-resistant, vibration damping top element. These systems employ metallic connectors to transfer shear stresses between the wood and the concrete leading to full or partial composite action for strength and stiffness benefits. Results of finite element analysis and a parametric investigation are presented for one type of connector similar to those available commercially: a perforated steel plate of which half is epoxied into a groove in the wood member while the other half is embedded in a concrete slab. The analysis was first validated against experimental push-out tests performed on a commercial product and then employed to examine the effect of several parameters of the connection: thickness of plate; insulation gap between concrete and wood; depth of embedment in concrete; and depth of embedment in wood. the results showed that thickness predictably affects shear capacity as well as ductility and stiffness (slip moduli) of the connector. This dissertation highlights the importance of including parameters that affect the response of joints between dissimilar materials in order to properly capture their behavior through numerical models. The detailed parametric studies presented in this research can form the basis for development of design recommendations for these types of connections. Given the expense associated with laboratory experimentation, the tools used in this research provide an inexpensive complement to physical testing in the development of robust and reliable equations that can be incorporated into design standards

Modèle de géoide marin dans la mer Égée par altimétrie satellitaire

Depuis les années 1990, l' altimétrie par satellites est entrée dans une phase opérationnelle, grâce à la couverture exceptionnelle procurée par la combinaison de plusieurs missions (TOPEX/POSEIDON, ERS-1/2, Jason-l , ENVISAT, GFO). Ces missions contribuent entre autres à l'étude des marées, de la circulation océanique et du climat global. Ainsi, l'altimétrie spatiale, au moyen d'un radar embarqué sur un satellite, permet de cartographier directement les hauteurs de la surface de la mer d'une manière continue et d'étudier la surface océanique moyenne et aussi le géoïde. Il s'agit dans cette étude de calculer un géoïde local en mer Égée en Méditerranée par l'analyse des mesures altimétriques du satellite Jason-l et du positionnement précis de marégraphes au sol. Une correction d'orbite des données altimétriques et une interpolation sur une grille régulière sont appliquées. La méthode d'interpolation spatiale du krigeage est utilisée pour le calcul du modèle du géoïde sur une grille régulière de la zone d 'étude. La validation externe du modèle s'appuie sur la comparaison avec des données in situ de marégraphe et des modèles existants tels que l'EGM 96

Développement d’une méthode d’automate cellulaire basé sur une tessellation irrégulière et hiérarchique pour la simulation des processus spatiotemporels

Les systèmes d’information géographique (SIG) sont largement utilisés pour représenter, gérer et analyser les données spatiales dans plusieurs disciplines incluant les géosciences, l’agriculture, la foresterie, la météorologie et l’océanographie. Néanmoins, malgré l’avancement récent des technologies des SIG, ils sont encore limités dans la représentation et la simulation des processus spatiotemporels. Ce travail de recherche définit le cadre théorique, conceptuel et applicatif qui vise à améliorer les méthodes de compréhension, de représentation et de simulation des processus dynamiques continus. Il vise plus précisément à améliorer les structures de données dans les SIG en développant une structure de données hiérarchique qui est la base d’un automate cellulaire capable de répondre aux principales caractéristiques de ces processus. L’exploration du potentiel des automates cellulaires pour simuler et représenter les processus dynamiques continus dans les SIG en respectant leur caractère irrégulier et hiérarchique fait l’objet de ce travail de recherche dans lequel une application dans le contexte hydrologique est mise en place. Nos objectifs spécifiques se résument dans 1) la construction d’une tessellation irrégulière et hiérarchique permettant de représenter les processus spatiotemporels et 2) la simulation de ces processus en utilisant un automate cellulaire opérant sur cette tessellation. Nous étudions la discrétisation de l’espace en tessellation irrégulière basée sur le diagramme de Voronoï et nous proposons une procédure de hiérarchisation de cette tessellation dans un objectif de représentation multi-échelle afin d’offrir une solution d’aide à la décision dans la gestion du territoire. Nous expliquons notre méthodologie et les algorithmes de sélection de données pour la génération de différents niveaux d’échelles spatiales. Un automate cellulaire non traditionnel est mis en place pour lequel nous définissons une grille à géométrie irrégulière de type Voronoï, des règles de transition spécifiques et un type particulier de voisinage orienté. Nous validons le fonctionnement de ce prototype dans le Bassin Expérimental de la Forêt Montmorency à Québec où des comparaisons sont possibles grâce à des données de débits d’eau mesurées in situ.Geographic information systems (GIS) are widely used to represent, manage and analyse spatial data in many disciplines including geosciences, agriculture, forestry, meteorology and oceanography. However, despite recent advances in GIS technologies, they are still limited when it comes to representation and simulation of spatiotemporal processes. This research work, deals with a theoretical, conceptual and practical framework which aims to improve the representation of dynamic continuous processes. It aims especially to improve GIS capabilities by developing a CA based on a hierarchical irregular tessellation which is able to take into account the main characteristics of these processes. The exploration of the cellular automata potential to simulate and represent dynamic continuous processes regarding their irregular and hierarchic characteristics is the subject of this work where an application in the hydrologic field is established. Our specific objectives are 1) to build an irregular and hierarchic grid that can be used to represent spatiotemporal processes, 2) to simulate those processes with a cellular automata operating on this grid. We give details about the irregular geometric grid based on a Voronoï Diagram, the characteristics of a specific oriented neighbourhood and the transition rules that are governing the cells update. In addition, we discuss the hierarchical perspective of the build lattice that is essential for easy move between different spatial scales. We explain our methodology of data selection in order to generate the spatial levels of representation by demonstrating the used selection algorithms. This facilitates the representation of spatial dynamic phenomena and contributes to the better understanding of the complex behaviour of the whole system at different levels of details. We also present the data structures and general functioning of the whole simulation system. We finally, validate our framework by simulating the water flow process in a specific watershed in the region of Montmorency Forest of Quebec where in situ data are available. To validate our simulation results we compare them with measured data

Exploiting coastal altimetry to improve the surface circulation scheme over the central Mediterranean Sea

This work is the first study exploiting along track altimetry data to observe and monitor coastal ocean features over the transition area between the western and eastern Mediterranean Basins. The relative performances of both the AVISO and the X‐TRACK research regional altimetric data sets are compared using in situ observations. Both products are cross validated with tide gauge records. The altimeter‐derived geostrophic velocities are also compared with observations from a moored Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler. Results indicate the good potential of satellite altimetry to retrieve dynamic features over the area. However, X‐TRACK shows a more homogenous data coverage than AVISO, with longer time series in the 50 km coastal band. The seasonal evolution of the surface circulation is therefore analyzed by conjointly using X‐TRACK data and remotely sensed sea surface temperature observations. This combined data set clearly depicts different current regimes and bifurcations, which allows us to propose a new seasonal circulation scheme for the central Mediterranean. The analysis shows variations of the path and temporal behavior of the main circulation features: the Atlantic Tunisian Current, the Atlantic Ionian Stream, the Atlantic Libyan Current, and the Sidra Gyre. The resulting bifurcating veins of these currents are also discussed, and a new current branch is observed for the first time

Enquête ethnobotanique sur l'utilisation traditionnelle du Lierre grimpant (Hedera helix) au Nord-Ouest de la Tunisie

Les recherches pharmacologiques actuelles contribuent continuellement à découvrir les vertus thérapeutiques des plantes médicinales et les modalités d'action de leurs composés actifs. Les propriétés authentiques de ces molécules ont été utilisées dans le traitement et la prévention de nombreuses pathologies. Dans ce contexte, nous avons réalisé une enquête ethno-pharmacologique qui porte sur l'usage traditionnel du lierre grimpant (Hedera helix L.) dans la région de Ain Draham (Nord-Ouest de la Tunisie). L'enquête menée dans le nord-ouest Tunisien a montré que le lierre grimpant est utilisé en médecine traditionnelle pour traiter plusieurs pathologies, notamment celles du système respiratoire (31%). Les résultats ont également montré que le mode d'administration est principalement par voie orale (66%), sous forme de décoction (49%) ou d'infusion (39%). De façon plus importante, l'enquête a dévoilé que l'usage de différentes parties de la plante est majoritairement à fréquence modérée (60%). En conclusion, les résultats de cette investigation représentent une importante contribution à la base de données pour la médecine ancestrale nationale et constituent des appuis pour de futures études pharmacologiques et biochimiques. Mots clés: Enquête ethno-pharmacolologique, Hedera helix, médecine traditionnell

The mean circulation of the southwestern Mediterranean Sea: Algerian Gyres

This is a study about the general circulation of the southwestern Mediterranean Sea based on observations of currents carried out in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea in the framework of the Mass Transfer and Ecosystem Response (MATER) program (EEC/MAST3 program). From July 1997 to August 2002, profiling floats (MEDPROF experiment), isobaric floats (LIWEX experiment), and moored current meters (ELISA experiment) give evidence of two large-scale barotropic cyclonic circulations, the here-called Western and Eastern Algerian Gyres, centered around [3730′N, 230′E] and [3830′N, 600′E], respectively. These gyres have typical horizontal scales of 100–300 km and are characterized by orbital velocities of about 5 cm/s corresponding to rotational periods of about 4 months. They are strongly related to the bottom topography of the basin and to the planetary vorticity gradient: closed f/H isocontours (f is the planetary vorticity, H the water depth) correspond to the locations of the gyres and favor such circulations as free geostrophic modes. A linear and barotropic model is used to investigate the possibility of wind driving, but the results suggest that the wind stress is not responsible for establishing such circulations. The boundary currents flowing along the continental slope of Africa, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands are proposed to be the main drivers of these gyres

The mediterranean sea we want

open58siThis paper presents major gaps and challenges for implementing the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) in the Mediterranean region. The authors make recommendations on the scientific knowledge needs and co-design actions identified during two consultations, part of the Decade preparatory-phase, framing them in the Mediterranean Sea’s unique environmental and socio-economic perspectives. According to the ‘Mediterranean State of the Environment and Development Report 2020’ by the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan and despite notable progress, the Mediterranean region is not on track to achieve and fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. Key factors are the cumulative effect of multiple human-induced pressures that threaten the ecosystem resources and services in the global change scenario. The basin, identified as a climate change vulnerability hotspot, is exposed to pollution and rising impacts of climate change. This affects mainly the coastal zones, at increasing risk of extreme events and their negative effects of unsustainable management of key economic assets. Transitioning to a sustainable blue economy is the key for the marine environment’s health and the nourishment of future generations. This challenging context, offering the opportunity of enhancing the knowledge to define science-based measures as well as narrowing the gaps between the Northen and Southern shores, calls for a joint (re)action. The paper reviews the state of the art of Mediterranean Sea science knowledge, sets of trends, capacity development needs, specific challenges, and recommendations for each Decade’s societal outcome. In the conclusions, the proposal for a Mediterranean regional programme in the framework of the Ocean Decade is addressed. The core objective relies on integrating and improving the existing ocean-knowledge, Ocean Literacy, and ocean observing capacities building on international cooperation to reach the “Mediterranean Sea that we want”.openCappelletto M.; Santoleri R.; Evangelista L.; Galgani F.; Garces E.; Giorgetti A.; Fava F.; Herut B.; Hilmi K.; Kholeif S.; Lorito S.; Sammari C.; Lianos M.C.; Celussi M.; D'alelio D.; Francocci F.; Giorgi G.; Canu D.M.; Organelli E.; Pomaro A.; Sannino G.; Segou M.; Simoncelli S.; Babeyko A.; Barbanti A.; Chang-Seng D.; Cardin V.; Casotti R.; Drago A.; Asmi S.E.; Eparkhina D.; Fichaut M.; Hema T.; Procaccini G.; Santoro F.; Scoullos M.; Solidoro C.; Trincardi F.; Tunesi L.; Umgiesser G.; Zingone A.; Ballerini T.; Chaffai A.; Coppini G.; Gruber S.; Knezevic J.; Leone G.; Penca J.; Pinardi N.; Petihakis G.; Rio M.-H.; Said M.; Siokouros Z.; Srour A.; Snoussi M.; Tintore J.; Vassilopoulou V.; Zavatarelli M.Cappelletto M.; Santoleri R.; Evangelista L.; Galgani F.; Garces E.; Giorgetti A.; Fava F.; Herut B.; Hilmi K.; Kholeif S.; Lorito S.; Sammari C.; Lianos M.C.; Celussi M.; D'alelio D.; Francocci F.; Giorgi G.; Canu D.M.; Organelli E.; Pomaro A.; Sannino G.; Segou M.; Simoncelli S.; Babeyko A.; Barbanti A.; Chang-Seng D.; Cardin V.; Casotti R.; Drago A.; Asmi S.E.; Eparkhina D.; Fichaut M.; Hema T.; Procaccini G.; Santoro F.; Scoullos M.; Solidoro C.; Trincardi F.; Tunesi L.; Umgiesser G.; Zingone A.; Ballerini T.; Chaffai A.; Coppini G.; Gruber S.; Knezevic J.; Leone G.; Penca J.; Pinardi N.; Petihakis G.; Rio M.-H.; Said M.; Siokouros Z.; Srour A.; Snoussi M.; Tintore J.; Vassilopoulou V.; Zavatarelli M

Diagnosing cross-shelf transport along an ocean front: an observational case study in the Gulf of Lion

Exchanges between coastal regions and the open ocean are often associated with intermittent and localized processes such as eddies, fronts and filaments. Since these features are difficult to observe, their impact has been predominantly investigated using numerical models and remote sensing. In this study, satellite sea surface temperature maps, Lagrangian surface drifter trajectories, and ship-based surveys of currents and hydrography from the Latex10 campaign are used to quantify cross-shelf exchanges associated with a temperature front in the western Gulf of Lion. Satellite imagery and thermosalinograph sections provide the characterization of the various water masses associated with the front. Lagrangian drifter trajectories are used to identify the main transport structures and to quantify the velocity components associated with near-inertial oscillations. These are removed from the instantaneous ADCP observations with which the cross-shelf exchanges are then computed. The results indicate an average outflow of 0.074 ±0.013 Sv and an inflow of 0.021 ±0.006 Sv. Integrated over the two-week lifetime of the front, such outflow induced a total export of ∼ 90 ± 14 km3 of water, indicating that 3 to 4 of such events are sufficient to completely renew the surface waters of the Gulf of Lion. The total import was ∼ 25 ± 7 km3, suggesting larger inflows at depth or in the eastern part of the gulf to maintain its volume balance. These in-situ estimates represent a key term of comparison for the further development of numerical model- and satellite-based studies of cross-shelf exchanges associated with this type of processes

Les défauts de qualité de viande liés à la structure musculaire dans le marché d'alimentation québécois du poulet de chair

Titre de l'écran-titre (visionné le 26 avril 2023)Les myopathies des muscles pectoraux (MMP) sont des conséquences inattendues de la sélection génétique visant à augmenter le rendement en poitrine chez le poulet de chair. Elles se manifestent sous forme de stries blanches à la surface du filet (les striations blanches), par une dureté prononcée du muscle (le durcissement de la poitrine) ou par la désintégration de la structure musculaire (la déstructuration du filet). Au Québec, très peu est connu sur la présence et l'impact de ces myopathies sur les qualités de la viande de poulet. Pour pallier ce manque de données, un total de 206 filets ont été échantillonnés dans sept marchés d'alimentation québécois et évalués pour la présence des MMP et leurs effets sur la qualité. Les résultats ont démontré que 48,5 % des filets évalués étaient myopathiques et que les filets commercialisés de format économique (ECO), commercial (COM) ou de haut de gamme (SUPQ), étaient tous d'égale susceptibilité au développement de MMP (P > 0,05). En outre, 19,4 % des filets évalués étaient pâles, mous et exsudatifs (PSE-Like, pH ≤ 5,7) alors que 6,8 % de ces filets étaient de couleur foncée, avaient une texture dure et un aspect extérieur sec (DFD, pH ≥ 6,1). L'effet combiné des MMP et des DFD s'est traduit par une augmentation significative des comptes de salmonelles (P 0.05). In addition, 19.4% of the fillets evaluated were pale, soft and exudative (PSE-Like, pH ≤ 5.7) while 6.8% of these fillets were dark, firm and dry (DFD, pH ≥ 6.1). The combined effect of BMM and DFD resulted in a significant increase in the microbial counts of Salmonella (P < 0.001), Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.01) and Total Mesophilic Aerobes (P < 0.01) compared to normal breast fillets. Furthermore, BMM were associated with an increase in the lipid content of breast fillets (P < 0.0001) and a tendency of their protein content to decrease (P = 0.07) leading to the deterioration of their nutritional quality. In conclusion, this study confirmed for the first time the presence of BMM in Quebec and provided original data on their consequences for both the consumer and the processing industry