http://hdl.handle.net/2117/593 Sat, 25 May 2013 07:42:30 GMT 2013-05-25T07:42:30Z webmaster.bupc@upc.edu Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Servei de Biblioteques i Documentació no http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19365 Title: Apoyo institucional del ICE-UPC a las dinámicas de innovación docente: Proyecto RIMA Authors: Martínez Martínez, María del Rosario; Salán Ballesteros, Maria Núria; Adam, Araceli; Darnell, Isabel; Corral Manuel de Villena, Ignacio de; Gallego Fernández, María Isabel; Portet Cortés, Esperanza; Torra Bitlloch, Immaculada Abstract: En los últimos años, desde el Instituto de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (ICE - UPC), se ha incentiva do l a Innovación Docente mediante múltiples iniciativas. Desde 2007, con la creación del Proyecto RIMA (Investigación e Innovación en Metodologías de Aprendizaje - Recerca i Innovació en Metodologies d’Aprenentatge) y de su entorno virtual asociado (www.upc.ed u/rima), el apoyo a la innovación docente se completa con un proyecto coordinado, que facilita la confluencia de esfuerzos de grupos de profesorado con interés en este ámbito. En la presente comunicación y partiendo de los resultados y experiencias de los últimos años en adaptación e implantación de metodologías de innovación docente en la UPC, se realiza una reflexión sobre la acogida e incidencia de esta iniciativa en la adaptación a los nuevos planes de estudio del Espacio Europeo de E ducación Superior ( EEES), y en el planteamiento de nuevos objetivos institucionales referidos tanto al tema de la participación en innovación docente como a las nuevas metodologías y a la mejora de la calidad docente. Tue, 21 May 2013 17:25:49 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19365 2013-05-21T17:25:49Z Martínez Martínez, María del Rosario; Salán Ballesteros, Maria Núria; Adam, Araceli; Darnell, Isabel; Corral Manuel de Villena, Ignacio de; Gallego Fernández, María Isabel; Portet Cortés, Esperanza; Torra Bitlloch, Immaculada no En los últimos años, desde el Instituto de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (ICE - UPC), se ha incentiva do l a Innovación Docente mediante múltiples iniciativas. Desde 2007, con la creación del Proyecto RIMA (Investigación e Innovación en Metodologías de Aprendizaje - Recerca i Innovació en Metodologies d’Aprenentatge) y de su entorno virtual asociado (www.upc.ed u/rima), el apoyo a la innovación docente se completa con un proyecto coordinado, que facilita la confluencia de esfuerzos de grupos de profesorado con interés en este ámbito. En la presente comunicación y partiendo de los resultados y experiencias de los últimos años en adaptación e implantación de metodologías de innovación docente en la UPC, se realiza una reflexión sobre la acogida e incidencia de esta iniciativa en la adaptación a los nuevos planes de estudio del Espacio Europeo de E ducación Superior ( EEES), y en el planteamiento de nuevos objetivos institucionales referidos tanto al tema de la participación en innovación docente como a las nuevas metodologías y a la mejora de la calidad docente. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19363 Title: Micro-measurement and monitoring system for ageing underground infrastructure (UndergroundM3) Authors: Soga, K.; Ledesma Villalba, Alberto; Roncaglia, A.; Vanícek, I. Abstract: Advances in the development of computer vision, miniature micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and wireless sensor network (WSN) offer intriguing possibilities that can radically alter the paradigms underlying existing methods of condition assessment and monitoring of ageing civil engineering infrastructure. This paper describes some of the outcomes of the European Science Foundation project “Micro-Measurement and Monitoring System for Ageing Underground Infrastructures (Underground M3)”. The main aim of the project was to develop a system that uses a tiered approach to monitor the degree and rate of tunnel deterioration. The system comprises of (1) Tier 1: Micro-detection using advances in computer vision and (2) Tier 2: Micro-monitoring and communication using advances in MEMS and WSN. These potentially lowcost technologies will be able to reduce costs associated with end-of-life structures, which is essential to the viability of rehabilitation, repair and reuse. The paper describes the actual deployment and testing of these innovative monitoring tools in tunnels of London Underground, Prague Metro and Barcelona Metro. Tue, 21 May 2013 16:25:49 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19363 2013-05-21T16:25:49Z Soga, K.; Ledesma Villalba, Alberto; Roncaglia, A.; Vanícek, I. no Barcelona, Civil engineering infrastructures, Condition assessments, End-of-life, London Underground, Low-cost technology, Micro measurements, Monitoring system, Monitoring tools, Underground infrastructure Advances in the development of computer vision, miniature micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and wireless sensor network (WSN) offer intriguing possibilities that can radically alter the paradigms underlying existing methods of condition assessment and monitoring of ageing civil engineering infrastructure. This paper describes some of the outcomes of the European Science Foundation project “Micro-Measurement and Monitoring System for Ageing Underground Infrastructures (Underground M3)”. The main aim of the project was to develop a system that uses a tiered approach to monitor the degree and rate of tunnel deterioration. The system comprises of (1) Tier 1: Micro-detection using advances in computer vision and (2) Tier 2: Micro-monitoring and communication using advances in MEMS and WSN. These potentially lowcost technologies will be able to reduce costs associated with end-of-life structures, which is essential to the viability of rehabilitation, repair and reuse. The paper describes the actual deployment and testing of these innovative monitoring tools in tunnels of London Underground, Prague Metro and Barcelona Metro. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19322 Title: Testing a new submersible drill rig Authors: Romero, F.; Devincenzi, M.J.; Pérez Garcia, N.; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Deu, Amadeu Abstract: The paper describes the main features and initial underwater field-testing results of a remotely operated submersible drill rig designed to obtain continuous cores of soil and/or rock up to 6m long in water depths of 200m. The rig mast angle is hydraulically actuated covering 90° of altitude. This enables both a fully horizontal position used for deployment onto, and recovery of the rig from, the seabed, as well as a fully vertical position during coring. The frame is equipped with positioning and inclination sensors for accurate register of core orientation. Coring equipment with diameter of up to 133mm can be mounted in the rig, thus enabling the recovery of relatively large-diameter cores. The coring operation is fully instrumented and all the drill operation parameters such as torque, thrust, advance, injection rate and pressure are recorded. The equipment is deployable from a variety of platforms. Thu, 16 May 2013 17:46:05 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19322 2013-05-16T17:46:05Z Romero, F.; Devincenzi, M.J.; Pérez Garcia, N.; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Deu, Amadeu no The paper describes the main features and initial underwater field-testing results of a remotely operated submersible drill rig designed to obtain continuous cores of soil and/or rock up to 6m long in water depths of 200m. The rig mast angle is hydraulically actuated covering 90° of altitude. This enables both a fully horizontal position used for deployment onto, and recovery of the rig from, the seabed, as well as a fully vertical position during coring. The frame is equipped with positioning and inclination sensors for accurate register of core orientation. Coring equipment with diameter of up to 133mm can be mounted in the rig, thus enabling the recovery of relatively large-diameter cores. The coring operation is fully instrumented and all the drill operation parameters such as torque, thrust, advance, injection rate and pressure are recorded. The equipment is deployable from a variety of platforms. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19320 Title: A submersible drill rig for coring soils and rocks Authors: Devincenzi, M.J.; Pérez Garcia, N.; Samoili, K.; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos Abstract: The paper describes the design and initial field-testing of a remotely operated submersible drill rig able to obtain continuous cores of soil and/or rock up to 6 m long. The rig mast angle is hydraulically actuated covering 90 degrees of altitude. This enables both a fully horizontal position used for deployment onto and recovery of the rig from the seabed, as well as a fully vertical position during coring. The frame is equipped with positioning and inclination sensors for accurate register of core orientation. Coring equipment with diameter of up to 133 mm can be mounted in the rig, thus enabling the recovery of relatively large-diameter cores. The coring operation is fully instrumented and all the drill operation parameters like torque, thrust, advance, injection rate and pressure are recorded. The equipment is adapted for geotechnical investigation of the renewable energy industry, as well as pipelines, cables and dredging requiring platform or near shore site investigation. The equipment is deployable from a variety of platforms and does not require a fully-fledged drill ship. Thu, 16 May 2013 16:33:30 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19320 2013-05-16T16:33:30Z Devincenzi, M.J.; Pérez Garcia, N.; Samoili, K.; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos no Drill rigs, Geotechnical investigations, Inclination sensors, Injection rates, Nearshores, Operation parameters, Remotely operated submersibles, Renewable Energy industries, Site investigations, Vertical positions The paper describes the design and initial field-testing of a remotely operated submersible drill rig able to obtain continuous cores of soil and/or rock up to 6 m long. The rig mast angle is hydraulically actuated covering 90 degrees of altitude. This enables both a fully horizontal position used for deployment onto and recovery of the rig from the seabed, as well as a fully vertical position during coring. The frame is equipped with positioning and inclination sensors for accurate register of core orientation. Coring equipment with diameter of up to 133 mm can be mounted in the rig, thus enabling the recovery of relatively large-diameter cores. The coring operation is fully instrumented and all the drill operation parameters like torque, thrust, advance, injection rate and pressure are recorded. The equipment is adapted for geotechnical investigation of the renewable energy industry, as well as pipelines, cables and dredging requiring platform or near shore site investigation. The equipment is deployable from a variety of platforms and does not require a fully-fledged drill ship. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19319 Title: Design control and monitoring of a jet grouted excavation bottom plug Authors: Eramo, N.; Modoni, Giuseppe; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos Abstract: Jet grouting is adopted in different geotechnical conditions to ensure provisional earth retaining and waterproofing functions at the bottom and walls of excavations. Despite careful theoretical models avail-able to predict the mechanical response of these structures, design is often carried out without adequate con-trol, i.e. by assuming ideal effectiveness of ground improvement. On the contrary, adverse effects have been documented by past experiences which can be traced back to erroneous prediction of treatments effects, inac-curate control of the execution or to unexpected responses of the surrounding environment. All these uncertainties, which become particularly critical when excavation is performed in urbanized areas, can be mini-mized by detailed preliminary field trials, accurate controls of the execution of treatments and a prompt monitoring of the surrounding area. The present paper describes this methodology applied to the design and the execution of a massive jet grouting bottom plug forming the base of a large excavation in city environment. The results of preliminary field trials are summarized to directly compare the effectiveness of different injection systems and introduced in statistical design analyses of the jet grouted structure. A detailed investigation of the movements induced at ground level by injections is also reported. To this aim, the evolution of displacements recorded around trial columns and on the area surrounding the excavation is mapped to evaluate the effects of the different adopted injection techniques. Thu, 16 May 2013 16:26:07 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19319 2013-05-16T16:26:07Z Eramo, N.; Modoni, Giuseppe; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos no Adverse effect, Design control, Earth retaining, Execution control, Field trial, Geotechnical conditions, Ground improvement, Injection systems, Injection techniques, Jet grouting, Mechanical response, Statistical design, Surface movement, Surrounding environment, Theoretical models, Urban areas Jet grouting is adopted in different geotechnical conditions to ensure provisional earth retaining and waterproofing functions at the bottom and walls of excavations. Despite careful theoretical models avail-able to predict the mechanical response of these structures, design is often carried out without adequate con-trol, i.e. by assuming ideal effectiveness of ground improvement. On the contrary, adverse effects have been documented by past experiences which can be traced back to erroneous prediction of treatments effects, inac-curate control of the execution or to unexpected responses of the surrounding environment. All these uncertainties, which become particularly critical when excavation is performed in urbanized areas, can be mini-mized by detailed preliminary field trials, accurate controls of the execution of treatments and a prompt monitoring of the surrounding area. The present paper describes this methodology applied to the design and the execution of a massive jet grouting bottom plug forming the base of a large excavation in city environment. The results of preliminary field trials are summarized to directly compare the effectiveness of different injection systems and introduced in statistical design analyses of the jet grouted structure. A detailed investigation of the movements induced at ground level by injections is also reported. To this aim, the evolution of displacements recorded around trial columns and on the area surrounding the excavation is mapped to evaluate the effects of the different adopted injection techniques. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19317 Title: SAR measurements of coastal features in the NW Mediterranean Authors: Redondo Apraiz, José Manuel; Martínez Benjamín, Juan José; Díez Rilova, Margarita; Lopez Gonzalez-Nieto, Pilar Thu, 16 May 2013 16:15:04 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19317 2013-05-16T16:15:04Z Redondo Apraiz, José Manuel; Martínez Benjamín, Juan José; Díez Rilova, Margarita; Lopez Gonzalez-Nieto, Pilar no SAR, Coastal Features, Vortex http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19308 Title: Testing block samples from silty deposits Authors: Pineda Jiménez, Jubert Andrés; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Sau Valenzuela, Núria; Gens Solé, Antonio; Pérez, Norma Abstract: The paper describes the results of a comprehensive experimental program aimed to characterize block samples of silty deposits obtained from the deltaic zone of the Llobregat River ( Barcelona).Undisturbed block samples were obtained from a deep excavation taking place on interbedded sandy silts by hand retrieval. A detailed examination of the retrieved blocks, including suction measurements as well as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scans was performed before testing. Material characterization was complemented with identification tests carried out on representative samples obtained at different points inside the block. Finally, soil disturbance was evaluated by means of CRS oedometer tests on specimens retrieved at different depths. The spatial variability of suction (water potential) and water content was defined here based on tensiometer measurements. From CAT images the sedimentary nature of the block as well as the position and 3D distribution of heterogeneities could be detected. CRS tests showed a similar stress-strain response from which the evaluation of sample disturbance indicated the very high quality of samples tested. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:41:23 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19308 2013-05-16T13:41:23Z Pineda Jiménez, Jubert Andrés; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Sau Valenzuela, Núria; Gens Solé, Antonio; Pérez, Norma no The paper describes the results of a comprehensive experimental program aimed to characterize block samples of silty deposits obtained from the deltaic zone of the Llobregat River ( Barcelona).Undisturbed block samples were obtained from a deep excavation taking place on interbedded sandy silts by hand retrieval. A detailed examination of the retrieved blocks, including suction measurements as well as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scans was performed before testing. Material characterization was complemented with identification tests carried out on representative samples obtained at different points inside the block. Finally, soil disturbance was evaluated by means of CRS oedometer tests on specimens retrieved at different depths. The spatial variability of suction (water potential) and water content was defined here based on tensiometer measurements. From CAT images the sedimentary nature of the block as well as the position and 3D distribution of heterogeneities could be detected. CRS tests showed a similar stress-strain response from which the evaluation of sample disturbance indicated the very high quality of samples tested. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19305 Title: Site characterization alternatives for numerical models of a deep excavation Authors: Sau, Núria; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Gens Solé, Antonio Abstract: A cut-and-cover railway tunnel site on the outskirts of Barcelona benefited from an extensive site investigation campaign. During the construction of the tunnel, the displacement of the wall as well as the of soil beneath was recorded. A 2D numerical model of the excavation sequence was established. The large amount of site investigation data allowed a systematic comparative approach. Four different soil characterization strategies were mimicked, deliberately ignoring one or another subset of the characterization data. While results from CPTu and SPT were assumed equally available to all the hypothetical designers, the extra information for one of them was only laboratory test results, for another one it was pre-bored PMT data, for the third one it was SBPM and cross-hole tests data and, finally, the last one had DMT, SDMT and cross-hole tests data as complementary information. The simulation results are obtained using the Hardening soil model. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:29:24 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19305 2013-05-16T13:29:24Z Sau, Núria; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Gens Solé, Antonio no Barcelona, Comparative approach, Crosshole tests, Deep excavation, Excavation sequences, Hardening soil models, Laboratory test, Railway tunnels, Site characterization, Site investigations, Soil characterization A cut-and-cover railway tunnel site on the outskirts of Barcelona benefited from an extensive site investigation campaign. During the construction of the tunnel, the displacement of the wall as well as the of soil beneath was recorded. A 2D numerical model of the excavation sequence was established. The large amount of site investigation data allowed a systematic comparative approach. Four different soil characterization strategies were mimicked, deliberately ignoring one or another subset of the characterization data. While results from CPTu and SPT were assumed equally available to all the hypothetical designers, the extra information for one of them was only laboratory test results, for another one it was pre-bored PMT data, for the third one it was SBPM and cross-hole tests data and, finally, the last one had DMT, SDMT and cross-hole tests data as complementary information. The simulation results are obtained using the Hardening soil model. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19303 Title: 3D DEM simulations of CPT in sand Authors: Butlanska, Joanna; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Gens Solé, Antonio Abstract: The paper contains an overview of the results obtained in a research project exploring the ability of 3D DEM models to reproduce cone penetration in sands. The sand whose behaviour is mimicked by the discrete material is Ticino sand, a well known reference material for cone penetration tests. A large series of numerical experiments in a cylindrical virtual calibration chambers was performed in materials of medium and high density. Point resistance is shown to fit well with results from previous physical tests when the various scaling factors affecting the problem are taken into account. The effect of different boundary conditions on the test results is illustrated. The appearance of friction fatigue in the shaft resistance is also revealed by the analysis of the numerical results. The micromechanics of cone penetration is also illustrated, showing that a stationary condition is clearly attained for point/soil contacts and how particle flow is affected by boundary conditions. From the results presented it can be inferred that 3D DEM simulations offer a feasible alternative to extend and/or partially substitute the more expensive physical calibration tests in the development of CPT based correlations, as well as powerful capabilities to explore the micromechanics of the problem. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:18:33 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19303 2013-05-16T13:18:33Z Butlanska, Joanna; Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos; Gens Solé, Antonio no Calibration tests, Cone penetration, Cone penetration tests, DEM Simulation, Different boundary condition, Discrete material, Feasible alternatives, Friction fatigue, High density, Numerical experiments, Numerical results, Particle flow, Point resistance, Reference material, Scaling factors, Shaft resistance, Stationary conditions, Virtual calibration The paper contains an overview of the results obtained in a research project exploring the ability of 3D DEM models to reproduce cone penetration in sands. The sand whose behaviour is mimicked by the discrete material is Ticino sand, a well known reference material for cone penetration tests. A large series of numerical experiments in a cylindrical virtual calibration chambers was performed in materials of medium and high density. Point resistance is shown to fit well with results from previous physical tests when the various scaling factors affecting the problem are taken into account. The effect of different boundary conditions on the test results is illustrated. The appearance of friction fatigue in the shaft resistance is also revealed by the analysis of the numerical results. The micromechanics of cone penetration is also illustrated, showing that a stationary condition is clearly attained for point/soil contacts and how particle flow is affected by boundary conditions. From the results presented it can be inferred that 3D DEM simulations offer a feasible alternative to extend and/or partially substitute the more expensive physical calibration tests in the development of CPT based correlations, as well as powerful capabilities to explore the micromechanics of the problem. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19291 Title: Desarrollo de herramientas para la evaluación preliminar de la peligrosidad de corrientes detríticas Authors: Bregoli, Francesco; Bateman Pinzón, Allen; Medina Iglesias, Vicente César de; Hurlimann Ziegler, Marcel Abstract: Con el objetivo de proporcionar recomendaciones para la alerta temprana de fenómenos potencialmente desencadenantes de corrientes detríticas (“Debris Flow”), uno de los temas principales es la identificación preliminar de zonas de riesgo. Esta identificación es sustancialmente diferente de los mapas de riesgo que se suelen realizar por las autoridades de cuenca con el fin de dar una guía para planes de gestión del territorio. En el caso de alerta temprana, una identificación más aproximativa de las zonas de riesgo es suficiente. En esta perspectiva, los dos componentes del riesgo, peligrosidad y vulnerabilidad, se pueden estimar de una manera simplificada. En este trabajo se han desarrollado unas herramientas para la evaluación rápida de peligro por corrientes detríticas. Se han adaptado metodologías existentes y modelos simplificados y se ha llevado a cabo un útil paquete común de metodologías para una rápida evaluación de la peligrosidad. Se modelan tanto la iniciación como la propagación de corrientes detríticas. Uno de los requisitos del proyecto es definir una herramienta utilizable en diferentes contextos donde el nivel de detalle en los datos de entrada puede ser muy variado. Para lograr este objetivo se define un enfoque multinivel. La metodología se aplica en tres cuencas con características diferentes. Thu, 16 May 2013 12:17:48 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19291 2013-05-16T12:17:48Z Bregoli, Francesco; Bateman Pinzón, Allen; Medina Iglesias, Vicente César de; Hurlimann Ziegler, Marcel no Con el objetivo de proporcionar recomendaciones para la alerta temprana de fenómenos potencialmente desencadenantes de corrientes detríticas (“Debris Flow”), uno de los temas principales es la identificación preliminar de zonas de riesgo. Esta identificación es sustancialmente diferente de los mapas de riesgo que se suelen realizar por las autoridades de cuenca con el fin de dar una guía para planes de gestión del territorio. En el caso de alerta temprana, una identificación más aproximativa de las zonas de riesgo es suficiente. En esta perspectiva, los dos componentes del riesgo, peligrosidad y vulnerabilidad, se pueden estimar de una manera simplificada. En este trabajo se han desarrollado unas herramientas para la evaluación rápida de peligro por corrientes detríticas. Se han adaptado metodologías existentes y modelos simplificados y se ha llevado a cabo un útil paquete común de metodologías para una rápida evaluación de la peligrosidad. Se modelan tanto la iniciación como la propagación de corrientes detríticas. Uno de los requisitos del proyecto es definir una herramienta utilizable en diferentes contextos donde el nivel de detalle en los datos de entrada puede ser muy variado. Para lograr este objetivo se define un enfoque multinivel. La metodología se aplica en tres cuencas con características diferentes. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19180 Title: Blending of radar and gauge rainfall measurements: a preliminary analysis of the impact of radar errors Authors: Sempere Torres, Daniel; Berenguer Ferrer, Marc; Velasco Forero, Carles Abstract: Several methodologies have been proposed to combine radar and raingauge measurements with the aim of generating improved quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs). These methods are based on interpolating point raingauge measurements (implicitly assumed to be “the truth”) and benefiting from the structure of the rainfall field as depicted by the radar. The use of a non-parametric approach based on radar measurements has been recently demonstrated, showing the benefits in the interpolation of raingauge measurements under the hypotheses of the Kriging approach. Several experiments have been carried out over a large number of cases and a variety of regions, Kriging with an external drift (i.e. the radar description of the rainfall field) being the approach showing more robust and (overall) better performance. Here, the impact of the discrepancies between two almost-collocated radars on the blended QPE fields was investigated. Mon, 13 May 2013 13:09:06 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19180 2013-05-13T13:09:06Z Sempere Torres, Daniel; Berenguer Ferrer, Marc; Velasco Forero, Carles no QPE, radar-raingauge blending, spatial variability of rainfall, radar errors, radar calibration Several methodologies have been proposed to combine radar and raingauge measurements with the aim of generating improved quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs). These methods are based on interpolating point raingauge measurements (implicitly assumed to be “the truth”) and benefiting from the structure of the rainfall field as depicted by the radar. The use of a non-parametric approach based on radar measurements has been recently demonstrated, showing the benefits in the interpolation of raingauge measurements under the hypotheses of the Kriging approach. Several experiments have been carried out over a large number of cases and a variety of regions, Kriging with an external drift (i.e. the radar description of the rainfall field) being the approach showing more robust and (overall) better performance. Here, the impact of the discrepancies between two almost-collocated radars on the blended QPE fields was investigated. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19166 Title: Stiff clays and mudstones: fundamentals, progressive failure and deep underground excavations Authors: Gens Solé, Antonio Abstract: The subject of this contribution is the hydromechanical behaviour of stiff clays and mudstones, i.e. geological materials in which fine grained particles predominate. It is especially focussed on argillaceous materials that are intermediate between soils and rocks not only with respect to strength but also in terms of porosity and compressibility. Because of space limitations, only sorne salient aspects of the behaviour are outlined herein. First, sorne general aspects of the mechanical behaviour are high1ighted, afterwards the issues of brittleness and progressive failure are addressed and finally sorne observations of their hydromechanical response in underground excavations are presented. Fri, 10 May 2013 15:01:18 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19166 2013-05-10T15:01:18Z Gens Solé, Antonio no The subject of this contribution is the hydromechanical behaviour of stiff clays and mudstones, i.e. geological materials in which fine grained particles predominate. It is especially focussed on argillaceous materials that are intermediate between soils and rocks not only with respect to strength but also in terms of porosity and compressibility. Because of space limitations, only sorne salient aspects of the behaviour are outlined herein. First, sorne general aspects of the mechanical behaviour are high1ighted, afterwards the issues of brittleness and progressive failure are addressed and finally sorne observations of their hydromechanical response in underground excavations are presented. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19028 Title: Multi-isotopic study (15N, 34S, 18O, 13C) to identify processes affecting nitrate and sulfate in response to local and regional groundwater mixing in a large-scale flow system Authors: Puig, Roger; Folch Sancho, Albert; Menció, Anna; Soler Gil, Albert; Mas-Pla, Josep Abstract: The integrated use of hydrogeologic and multi-isotopic approaches (d15N, d18ONO3, d34S, d18OSO4 and d13CHCO3) was applied in the Selva basin area (NE Spain) to characterize NO -3 and SO-2 -4 sources and to evaluate which geochemical processes affect NO -3 in groundwater. The studied basin is within a basinand-range physiographic province where natural hydrodynamics have been modified and different scale flow systems converge as a consequence of recent groundwater development and exploitation rates. As a result, groundwaters related to the local recharge flow system (affected by anthropogenic activities) and to the generally deeper regional flow system (recharged from the surrounding ranges) undergo mixing processes. The d15N, d18ONO3 and d34S indicated that the predominant sources of contamination in the basin are pig manure and synthetic fertilizers. Hydrochemical data along with d15N, d18ONO3, d34S, d18OSO4 and d13CHCO3 of some wells confirmed mixing between regional and local flow systems. Apart from dilution processes that can contribute to the decrease of NO -3 concentrations, the positive correlation between d15N and d18ONO3 agreed with the occurrence of denitrification processes. The d34S and d18OSO4 indicated that pyrite oxidation is not linked to denitrification, and d13CHCO3 did not clearly point to a role of organic matter as an electron donor. Therefore, it is proposed that the mixing processes between deeper regional and local surface groundwater allow denitrification to occur due to the reducing conditions of the regional groundwater. Thus, isotopic data add useful complementary information to hydrochemical studies, especially in those areas where hydrochemical data is not conclusive. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:29 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19028 2013-04-29T09:00:29Z Puig, Roger; Folch Sancho, Albert; Menció, Anna; Soler Gil, Albert; Mas-Pla, Josep no The integrated use of hydrogeologic and multi-isotopic approaches (d15N, d18ONO3, d34S, d18OSO4 and d13CHCO3) was applied in the Selva basin area (NE Spain) to characterize NO -3 and SO-2 -4 sources and to evaluate which geochemical processes affect NO -3 in groundwater. The studied basin is within a basinand-range physiographic province where natural hydrodynamics have been modified and different scale flow systems converge as a consequence of recent groundwater development and exploitation rates. As a result, groundwaters related to the local recharge flow system (affected by anthropogenic activities) and to the generally deeper regional flow system (recharged from the surrounding ranges) undergo mixing processes. The d15N, d18ONO3 and d34S indicated that the predominant sources of contamination in the basin are pig manure and synthetic fertilizers. Hydrochemical data along with d15N, d18ONO3, d34S, d18OSO4 and d13CHCO3 of some wells confirmed mixing between regional and local flow systems. Apart from dilution processes that can contribute to the decrease of NO -3 concentrations, the positive correlation between d15N and d18ONO3 agreed with the occurrence of denitrification processes. The d34S and d18OSO4 indicated that pyrite oxidation is not linked to denitrification, and d13CHCO3 did not clearly point to a role of organic matter as an electron donor. Therefore, it is proposed that the mixing processes between deeper regional and local surface groundwater allow denitrification to occur due to the reducing conditions of the regional groundwater. Thus, isotopic data add useful complementary information to hydrochemical studies, especially in those areas where hydrochemical data is not conclusive. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19018 Title: Granulometry and surfactants, key factors in desorption and biodegradation (T. versicolor) of PAHs in soil and groundwater Authors: Rodriguez-Escales, Paula; Borras, Eduard; Sarra, Montserrat; Folch Sancho, Albert Abstract: High hydrophobicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is the most limiting factor for the remediation of polluted soils and aquifers. The present study analyzes the effect of three nonionic surfactants (Tween 80, BS-400, and Gold Crew) and the granulometry of soil (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of clay and silt) on desorption of a PAH mixture (fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene). As a general trend, decrease of fine material content and increase of surfactant concentration raises desorption. However, some particularities have to be considered depending on granulometry together with the surfactant applied. Furthermore, increase of fine material content tends to reduce the importance of the PAH properties, e.g., K ow and solubility, in desorption. To complete the remediation process, biodegradation by Trametes versicolor was tested with the surfactant Tween 80. Results indicate that a high concentration of surfactant does not affect the efficiency of fungus bioremediation. Nevertheless, high fine material content in soil/aquifer can reduce the degradation rate. Moreover, desorption and biodegradation used synergically guarantee better overall results in the remediation of soils polluted by PAH mixtures than other methods that separate desorption and remediation. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:31:32 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/19018 2013-04-26T13:31:32Z Rodriguez-Escales, Paula; Borras, Eduard; Sarra, Montserrat; Folch Sancho, Albert no High hydrophobicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is the most limiting factor for the remediation of polluted soils and aquifers. The present study analyzes the effect of three nonionic surfactants (Tween 80, BS-400, and Gold Crew) and the granulometry of soil (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of clay and silt) on desorption of a PAH mixture (fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene). As a general trend, decrease of fine material content and increase of surfactant concentration raises desorption. However, some particularities have to be considered depending on granulometry together with the surfactant applied. Furthermore, increase of fine material content tends to reduce the importance of the PAH properties, e.g., K ow and solubility, in desorption. To complete the remediation process, biodegradation by Trametes versicolor was tested with the surfactant Tween 80. Results indicate that a high concentration of surfactant does not affect the efficiency of fungus bioremediation. Nevertheless, high fine material content in soil/aquifer can reduce the degradation rate. Moreover, desorption and biodegradation used synergically guarantee better overall results in the remediation of soils polluted by PAH mixtures than other methods that separate desorption and remediation. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/18981 Title: Optimal reconstruction of non-symmetric travel time density distributions using a new kernel density estimator Authors: Pedretti, Daniele; Fernández García, Daniel Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:44:31 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2117/18981 2013-04-25T10:44:31Z Pedretti, Daniele; Fernández García, Daniel no