Chloride diffusion models for Type I and fly ash cement concrete exposed to field and laboratory conditions

The exposure temperature significantly affects the diffusion of chloride ions in concrete, and, as such, it must be taken into consideration in the development of service-life prediction models for structures exposed to chloride-bearing environments. Most of the earlier studies have used cement paste to assess the effect of exposure temperature on chloride diffusion. In the reported study, chloride diffusion in Type I and fly ash (20% fly ash) cement concrete was evaluated under field and laboratory conditions. The laboratory concrete specimens were exposed to chloride solution maintained at four temperatures (22, 35, 50 and 60 °C) for 365 days. Beam specimens were exposed in the tidal zone of a marine exposure site, along the Arabian Gulf coast, for up to 10 years to study the chloride diffusion in the field specimens. The coefficient of chloride diffusion (D_a) in the concrete specimens exposed to 22 or 35 ᵒC in the laboratory was less than that in the concrete specimens exposed to 50 and 60 ᵒC. The D_a for Type I cement concrete specimens increased by 3.6 times as the temperature was increased from 22 to 60 ᵒC while this increase was 2.3 times for the fly ash cement concrete specimens for a similar increase in the temperature. The D_a decreased with the period of exposure in the field specimens. The values of activation energy that can be used for predicting the chloride diffusion for exposure temperature within the range of 22–60 °C were developed based on the laboratory data. In addition, mathematical models were developed relating the coefficient of chloride diffusion in the field and laboratory concrete specimens. The developed models can be utilized to ascertain chloride diffusion in field specimens, utilizing the laboratory values, and hence calculate the useful service-life of structures.     

Numerical simulation of flow around a smooth circular cylinder at very high Reynolds numbers

High Reynolds number flows (Re = 1 × 10⁶, 2 × 10⁶ and 3.6 × 10⁶, based on the free stream velocity and cylinder diameter) covering the supercritical to upper-transition flow regimes around a two-dimensional (2D) smooth circular cylinder, have been investigated numerically using 2D Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations with a standard high Reynolds number k ? ? turbulence model. The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether the model is applicable for engineering design within these flow regimes. The results are compared with published experimental data and numerical results. Although the k ? ? model is known to yield less accurate predictions of flows with strong anisotropic turbulence, satisfactory results for engineering design purposes are obtained for high Reynolds number flows around a smooth circular cylinder in the supercritical and upper-transition flow regimes, i.e. Re > 10⁶. This is based on the comparison with published experimental data and numerical results.     

氯盐环境下混凝土耐久性多因素模型的试验研究及统计分析*

为了准确评估混凝土的抗氯离子渗透性和耐久性,开展了不同矿物掺合料混凝土的制备和电通量测试,根据试验数据和文献数据分析了水胶比(水灰比)、粉煤灰掺量、矿渣掺量、硅灰掺量对混凝土电通量的影响,通过回归分析研究建立了混凝土电通量的多因素计算模型,通过对试验数据和文献数据的统计分析验证了该计算模型的正确性和广泛适用性。在此基础上,通过定量计算氯盐环境下混凝土结构服役寿命,分析了混凝土水胶比、掺合料组合及其掺量对混凝土耐久性的影响。结果表明,降低混凝土的水胶比、或提高掺合料掺量均能提高混凝土耐久性;使用矿物掺合料的高性能混凝土,其耐久性明显优于普通混凝土;矿渣对混凝土耐久性的改善优于粉煤灰;复合掺加粉煤灰和矿渣对提高混凝土结构耐久性的效果更加明显。     

Benthic sediment composition and nutrient cycling in an Intermittently Closed and Open Lake Lagoon

Surfical sediments within Corunna Lake, a moderate size Intermittently Closed and Open Lake Lagoon (ICOLL), were examined for solid phase nutrient concentrations (TN, TP, TOC,) and solute exchange rates between the sediment and water column (O₂, NO₃–N, NH₄–N, FRP, and N₂). The surfical sediments in Corunna Lake contained high concentrations of TN (5 mg/g dry mass), total phosphorus (0.6 mg/g dry mass), and TOC (~ 5% dry mass). The carbon stable isotope ratio (δ¹³C) and TOC:TN ratios (δ¹³C ~ ? 24, TOC:TN ~ 11–14) demonstrated that the composition of the organic matter in the sediment was a mixture derived primarily of degraded planktonic matter. The close association between TP and Fe concentrations highlighted the potential role Fe plays in mediating Filterable Reactive Phosphorus (FRP) concentrations in the water column of Corunna Lake. In situ benthic chamber incubations were used to measure benthic fluxes. Solute exchange rates between the sediment and water column in Corunna Lake were similar to other reported studies (O₂ = ? 469 to ? 1765 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1, NH₄–N = 0.1–63 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1, NO₂/NO₃–N = 0 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1, FRP = ? 4–1.6 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1and N₂ = 12–356 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1). As more carbon was deposited and mineralized the efficiency of the bacterial population to denitrify nitrogen in the sediment decreases. The linkage between land use and benthic biogeochemistry was also explored. A dairy farm exists in the middle catchment of Corunna Lake, and the receiving bay sediment consistently demonstrated the highest oxygen consumption rates in winter and spring (? 1408 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1 in winter, ? 1691 µmol m^? 2 h^? 1 in spring) and lowest denitrification efficiencies during summer (~ 3%). Nitrate/nitrite fluxes were not observed during any of the chamber incubations, with the concentrations of nitrate/nitrite being below detection limits (< 10 μg/L). Seasonal changes influenced the rates of solute exchange between the sediment and water column. Critical measures of solute exchange for NH₄–N and biogenic N₂ indicated that seasonal temperature changes play a significant role in mediating the reaction rates of sedimentary based biogeochemical processes. Measurable FRP fluxes were small but greater in the benthic sediments which received higher carbon inputs. Sediments have a high capacity to adsorb P which is released as sediment oxygen demand increases as a result of increases in labile carbon loads.     

Development and lipid storage in Calanus euxinus from the Black and Marmara seas: Variabilities due to habitat conditions

Oil sac volume, gonad size and moulting patterns were investigated in the copepod Calanus euxinus inhabiting deep and shallow zones of the Black Sea and penetrating into the Marmara Sea. In summer the C. euxinus population in deep layers of the Black Sea was dominated by pre-diapause and diapausing postmoult copepodite stage V (CV) with small sexually undifferentiated gonads and mean lipid content of 14.1 ± 6.0% of body volume. The lipid content of deep-living females was 7.2 ± 4.2% of body volume. At the same time, intermoult and premoult CV with enlarged gonads and low lipid content (7.7 ± 5.1% of body volume) and females with oil sac volume of 1.4 ± 1.0% were found at shallow stations. Premoult CV with oil volume of 0.6 ± 0.8% and mature females with little visual evidence of substantial lipid storage dominated in the Marmara Sea. The differences in moulting patterns and oil sac volumes of C. euxinus from deep zones and shallow regions suggest that vertical migrations to the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) are necessary for formation of large lipid reserves providing high reproductive potential of this species. On the basis of an energy balance model it was shown that under low phytoplankton concentration of about 30 μg C l^− 1 preadults and adults migrating to the OMZ could accumulate lipids (up to 5% of body energy content daily), in contrast to copepods constrained to shallow oxic water columns of the Black Sea and from the Marmara Sea.     

Estimation of air–sea CO2 fluxes in the Bay of Biscay based on empirical relationships and remotely sensed observations

An empirical algorithm has been developed to compute the sea surface CO₂ fugacity (fCO₂^sw) in the Bay of Biscay from remotely sensed sea surface temperature (SST_RS) and chlorophyll a (chl a_RS) retrieved from AVHRR and SeaWiFS sensors, respectively. Underway fCO₂^sw measurements recorded during 2003 were correlated with SST_RS and chl a_RS data yielding a regression error of 0.1 ± 7.5 µatm (mean ± standard deviation). The spatial and temporal variability of air–sea fCO₂ gradient (ΔfCO₂) and air–sea CO₂ flux (FCO₂) was analyzed using remotely sensed images from September 1997 to December 2004. An average FCO₂ of ? 1.9 ± 0.1 mol m^? 2 yr^? 1 characterized the Bay of Biscay as a CO₂ sink that is suffering a significant long-term decrease of 0.08 ± 0.05 mol m^? 2 yr^? 2 in its capacity to store atmospheric CO₂. The main parameter controlling the long-term variability of the CO₂ uptake from the atmosphere was the air–sea CO₂ transfer velocity (57%), followed by the SST_RS (10%) and the chl a_RS (2%).     

Rigid moorings in shallow water: A wave power application. Part I: Experimental verification of methods

Experimental work carried out at 1:60 scale in a wave flume assessed the pitch motion and anchor loading of 3 articulated tower installations in 50 m water depth while being exposed to north Atlantic storms with H_s of 15.2 m and T_p of 18.4 s. The three installations differ only in that their mass and buoyancy characteristics provide a natural period in pitch at equilibrium of 13 s, 20 s and 34 s respectively. It is verified that the dominant behaviour can be simulated by a relatively simple mathematical model, allowing the critical parameters of peak anchor loads and pitch angles to be calculated and extrapolated to full scale. It is demonstrated from the experimental and simulation results that the mass characteristics of a non surface piercing tower can be used to offset some of the challenges of moving to shallow water. If done correctly, it is possible to keep horizontal anchor loads under control and reduce vortex-induced transverse loading at the expense of increased pitch motions. Overall, the use of articulated tower installations in water depths of 50 m would appear to be technically feasible, even in exposed areas. The limitations on the size of such structures and the consequences of the resulting pitch accelerations and induced anchor loads are the subject of further study. It is proposed that the model verified herein can be used to further assess their potential at delivering viable wave power position mooring systems.     

Density-dependent effects on seston dynamics and rates of filtering and biodeposition of the suspension-cultured scallop Chlamys farreri in a eutrophic bay (northern China): An experimental study in semi-in situ flow-through systems

Effects of stocking density on seston dynamics and filtering and biodeposition by the suspension-cultured Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri Jones et Preston in a eutrophic bay (Sishili Bay, northern China), were determined in a 3-month semi-field experiment with continuous flow-through seawater from the bay. Results showed that the presence of the scallops could strongly decrease seston and chlorophyll a concentrations in the water column. Moreover, in a limited water column, increasing scallop density could cause seston depletion due to scallop's filtering and biodeposition process, and impair scallop growth. Both filtration rate and biodeposition rate of C. farreri showed significant negative correlation with their density and positive relationship with seston concentration. Calculation predicts that the daily removal of suspended matter from water column by the scallops in Sishili Bay ecosystem can be as high as 45% of the total suspended matter; and the daily production of biodeposits by the scallops in early summer in farming zone may amount to 7.78 g m^− 2, with daily C, N and P biodeposition rates of 3.06 × 10^− 1, 3.86 × 10^− 2 and 9.80 × 10^− 3 g m^− 2, respectively. The filtering and biodeposition by suspension-cultured scallops could substantially enhance the deposition of total suspended particulate material, suppress accumulation of particulate organic matter in water column, and increase the flux of C, N and P to benthos, strongly enhancing pelagic–benthic coupling. It was suggested that the filtering-biodeposition process by intensively suspension-cultured bivalve filter-feeders could exert strong top-down control on phytoplankton biomass and other suspended particulate material in coastal ecosystems. This study also indicated that commercially suspension-cultured bivalves may simultaneously and potentially aid in mitigating eutrophication pressures on coastal ecosystems subject to anthropogenic N and P loadings, serving as a eutrophic-environment bioremediator. The ecological services (e.g. filtering capacity, top-down control, and benthic–pelagic coupling) functioned by extractive bivalve aquaculture should be emphasized in coastal ecosystems.     

基于SVM的粉煤灰混凝土抗氯离子渗透性预测方法

提出一种基于支持向量机(SVM)的粉煤灰混凝土氯离子渗透性新型智能预测模型,并给出了相应的步骤和算法。通过该模型分析了水胶比、水泥用量、用水量及粉煤灰掺入量4个因素对粉煤灰混凝土渗透性的影响。在此基础上,能利用有限的试验数据方便地由不同的配比对所浇注混凝土渗透性进行预测,有助于准确认识混凝土耐久性随配比参数的变化规律。通过具体实例及与BP预测方法效果对比表明,该模型构造速度高2~3个数量级,预测精度高5倍左右。因此该模型在混凝土性能预测和优化设计中具有广阔的应用前景。     

Modelling the ecosystem dynamics of the Barents Sea including the marginal ice zone: II. Carbon flux and interannual variability

An upgraded and revised physically–biologically coupled, nested 3D model with 4 km grid size is applied to investigate the seasonal carbon flux and its interannual variability. The model is validated using field data from the years for which the carbon flux was modelled, focussing on its precision in space and time, the adequacy of the validation data, suspended biomass and vertical export. The model appears to reproduce the space and time (± 1 week and 10 nautical miles) distribution of suspended biomass well, but it underestimates vertical export of carbon at depth. The modelled primary production ranges from 79 to 118 g C m^− 2 year^− 1 (average 93 g C m^− 2 year^− 1) between 4 different years with higher variability in the ice-covered Arctic (± 26%) than in the Atlantic (± 7%) section. Meteorological forcing has a strong impact on the vertical stratification of the regions dominated by Atlantic water and this results in significant differences in seasonal variability in primary production. The spatially integrated primary production in the Barents Sea is 42–49% greater during warm years than the production during the coolest and most ice-covered year.     

Synoptic transects on the distribution of trace elements (Hg,Pb, Cd,Cu, Ni,Zn, Co,Mn, Fe,and Al) in surface waters of the Northern- and Southern East Atlantic

Surface seawater samples were taken in the framework of the GEOTRACES program on “POLARSTERN” expedition ANT XXIII/1 in the Eastern Atlantic in 2005 to study the distribution of the trace elements Hg (mercury), Pb (lead), Cd (cadmium), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel), Zn (zinc), Co (cobalt), Mn (manganese), Fe (iron), and Al (aluminium). With the exception of Hg, results were compared to earlier datasets from 1989 to 1990. The particulate fraction averaged over the transect was calculated to be 49% for Cd, 23% for Mn and 50% for Fe indicating a release of these TEI's (trace elements and their isotopes) from a leachable SPM fraction in the stored and acidified samples.Total Pb concentrations ranged between 5 and 20 pmol kg^? 1 in 2005 with highest values in the ITCZ (intertropical convergence zone). In 1989 Pb concentrations were twice as high in the region of the ITCZ, while by a factor of 10–15 higher values were obtained in the North Atlantic.Total Cd and Co are dominated, by different seasonal upwelling regimes (Equatorial upwelling, Guinea Dome, Angola Dome).Total Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn and Al show nearly identical concentrations in 1990 and 2005. For total manganese and aluminium strong maxima (3–4 nmol kg^? 1 and 55 nmol kg^? 1 respectively) are observed between 23°N and 0°, while the Fe maximum (6–9 nmol kg^? 1) is located at 7°N. Total Hg concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 4.5 pmol kg^? 1.     

复掺粉煤灰与矿渣粉的海工自密实高性能混凝土试验研究

为满足海洋环境下高性能混凝土的施工要求,开展了复掺粉煤灰与矿渣粉海工自密实高性能混凝土的试验研究。试验结果表明,在复掺粉煤灰和矿渣粉掺量为60%～70%的条件下,掺入20%～30%粉煤灰自密实混凝土具有较高的流动性、填充性、间隙通过性和抗离析性等工作性,满足自密实混凝土的施工要求;28 d抗压强度大于50 MPa,56 d的电通量小于1 000 C,90 d扩散系数小于1.5×10-12 m2/s,具有较高的抗压强度和抗氯盐侵蚀性能,满足海洋环境下抗氯盐侵蚀的耐久性要求。     

复掺粉煤灰与石灰石粉海工自密实高性能混凝土试验研究

为满足海洋环境下高性能混凝土的施工要求,开展了复掺粉煤灰与石灰石粉海工自密实高性能混凝土的试验研究。试验结果表明,在复掺粉煤灰和石灰石粉掺量为40%的条件下,掺入10%～30%粉煤灰自密实混凝土具有较高的流动性、填充性、间隙通过性和抗离析性等工作性,满足自密实混凝土的施工要求;28 d抗压强度大于50 MPa,56 d的电通量小于1 000 C,90 d扩散系数小于1.5×10-12 m2/s,具有较高的抗压强度和抗氯盐侵蚀性能,满足海洋环境下抗氯盐侵蚀的耐久性要求。     

Analysis of corrosion risk due to chloride diffusion for concrete structures in marine environment

The chloride-induced steel corrosion is one of the main causes of deterioration for reinforced concrete structures exposed to marine environments. The chloride ingress into reinforced concrete structures is even more complex since it depends on random parameters linked to transport and chemical properties of materials, which results in variability of corrosion initiation. This variation raises the need of statistical approaches to evaluate the risk of corrosion initiation due to chloride ingress. To address this issue, we use sensitivity analysis to identify the influence of input parameters on critical length of time before corrosion initiation predicted by our chloride diffusion model. Exceedance probabilities of corrosion initiation time given that input parameters exceed certain thresholds were also calculated. Results showed that the corrosion initiation time was most sensitive to: chloride effective diffusion coefficient D_e in concrete, that is a parameter controllable by relevant stakeholders; surface chloride concentration C_s, a non-controllable parameter depending on surrounding conditions. Reducing the chloride diffusion coefficient enables us to postpone the maintenance of structures. However, the interaction between controllable parameters and non-controllable surrounding conditions was revealed influential on the reliability of results. For instance, the probability that corrosion initiation time exceeds 15 years given an effective diffusion coefficient (D_e) equal to 0.1 × 10⁻¹² m²⋅s-1 can vary from 19 to 41% according to stochastic variations of chloride concentrations (C_s) values. Postponing the corrosion initiation time was combined with a decreasing probability of its occurrence.     

Mass and heat transports in the NE Barents Sea: Observations and models

The strait between Novaya Zemlya and Frans Josef Land, here called the Barents Sea Exit (BSX) is investigated using data obtained from a current-meter array deployed in 1991–1992, and two numerical models (ROMS and NAME). Combining the observations and models the net volume flux towards the Arctic Ocean was estimated to 2.0 ± 0.6 Sv (1 Sv = 10⁶ m³s^? 1). The observations indicate that about half of this transport consists of dense, Cold Bottom Water, which may penetrate to great depths and contribute to the thermohaline circulation. Both models give quite similar net transport, seasonal variations and spatial current structures, and the discrepancies from the observations were related to the coarse representation of the bottom topography in the models. Also the models indicate that actual deployment did not capture the main in- and outflows through the BSX. A snapshot of the hydrographic structure (CTD section) indicates that both models are good at reproducing the salinity. Nevertheless, they react differently to atmospheric cooling, although the same meteorological forcing was applied. This may be due to the different parameterisation of sea ice and that tides were included in only one of the models (ROMS). Proxies for the heat transport are found to be small at the BSX, and it can not be ruled out that the Barents Sea is a heat sink rather than a heat source for the Arctic Ocean.     

Quantifying erosion rates and stability of bottom sediments at mussel aquaculture sites in Prince Edward Island,Canada

Downward fluxes of organic biodeposits under suspended mussel culture cause benthic impacts such as microbial mat production. Quantifying sediment erosion in these coastal ecosystems is important for understanding how fluxes of organic matter and particulates contribute to benthic–pelagic coupling. Critical shear velocity (u?), erosion rates and particle size distributions of resuspended sediment were measured at two sites; an impacted muddy site with extensive mussel culture (site 1), and a coarser sandier site with less mussel influence (site 2), using a new method for assessing sediment erosion at Tracadie Bay, Prince Edward Island in August 2003. Shear forces were generated by vertically oscillating a perforated disc at controlled frequencies. These forces correspond to shear velocity, using a re-designed and calibrated Particle Erosion Simulator. Undisturbed sediment cores obtained by divers and grab (sub-cored using a Plexiglas? cores) were exposed to shear stress to compare differences between collection methods. Microbial mats were present at site 1 which initially biostabilized sediment against erosion due to ‘armoring’ of the sediment, but onset of erosion was abrupt once these mats failed. Erosion sequences at site 2 (without mat cover) were smoother resulting in less material being eroded. Mean mass of material eroded was 47 and 23 g m^? 2 min^? 1 at sites 1 and 2 respectively. Mat area cover and shear velocity was strongly related. Critical shear velocities varied between 1.70 and 1.77 cm s^? 1, with no obvious differences between location or collection method, so sediments from these two contrasting sites had identical mean critical shear velocities. Significant differences existed in the concentrations of chlorophyll a, colloidal and bulk carbohydrates, between mats and bare sediment from site 1. Particle sizes measured by videography of resuspended sediment at different shear velocities ranged from 100 μm (the minimum diameter capable of being detected by the system), to large mat fragments of 1700 μm for both sites. These results provide evidence of the relevance of using a portable erosion device to indicate how sediment erodability is affected by mussel–microbial relationships.     

Residual stress distributions in ship hull specimens

This paper provides an in-depth study of residual stress distributions found in stiffened steel plate structures, such as those typically used in ship hulls. The effect of stiffener spacing on the distribution of residual stress components was studied. The welding heat input was also varied between high and moderate to study the effect of heat input level on residual stress distributions. Four specimens, resembling typical stiffened steel plate structures used in ship hulls were built and tested. Steel plates of 9.5 mm thickness were stiffened by welding L127 × 76 × 9.5 steel angles. The test was completed using the neutron diffraction method. The three normal components of residual stress were obtained in this study. It was found that a lower heat input results in higher tensile residual stress and that there exists a critical stiffener spacing somewhere beyond 250 mm that creates a maximum tensile residual stress value near the welded connection.     

Phytoplankton dynamics related to water mass properties in the Gulf of Gabes: Ecological implications

The spatial distribution of chlorophylls and carotenoids was recorded throughout the Gulf of Gabes (South Ionian Sea) in March 2007, and was related to patterns of the physical structure and the nutrient concentrations.Two distinct water masses were identified based on the temperature and salinity (T–S) analysis: a cool and less salty Modified Atlantic Water (MAW) and a saltier Mediterranean Mixed Water (MMW). There was no significant difference in the mean nitrogen and phosphate concentrations between MMW and MAW, although the silica values were significantly higher in MAW. The Integrated chlorophyll a mean value was about 4 mg m^? 2, with a maximum of 13 mg m^? 2 at MAW stations.Higher Chlorophyll a records in typical MAW stations were mainly due to chlorophytes, which contributed up to 58% of the pigments concentrations in the MAW and about 46% in the MMW. The contribution of chlorophytes to total Chlorophyll a was found to be relatively stable throughout the water column. The contribution of diatoms, which were twofold higher in the MMW than in the MAW, did not exceed 17% of chlorophyll a and was mainly due to subsurface maxima. The chlorophytes, pelagophytes, prymnesiophytes and cryptophytes all together accounted for more than 77% of total chlorophyll a in the MAW and about 67% in the MMW.There were statistically significant differences between MMW and MAW in the pigment contribution of cyanobacteria and pelagophytes. These two taxa accounted for 13% and 24% of chlorophyll a respectively in the MAW and MMW indicating that these differences concerned phytoplankton classes at relatively low contributions to total chlorophyll a.     

金塘大桥预制箱梁海工混凝土配制与性能研究

试验针对金塘大桥箱梁海工混凝土所处环境的特点,采用粉煤灰与矿粉复掺和控制混凝土用水量的技术,配制C50预制箱梁海工混凝土。试验结果表明,C50箱梁海工混凝土工作性能和力学性能良好,掺入一定量的矿物掺合料可以提高海工混凝土抗开裂、体积稳定性、抗碳化和氯离子渗透等耐久性性能。