Article
Engineering, Geological
Zheng-Wei Li, Chuan-Yuan Huang, Hai-Xi Wang, Shi-Cheng Xing, Meng-Cheng Long, Yuan Liu
Summary: This study presents a method to determine the representative element volume (REV) of heat transfer and the 3D thermal conductivity tensor of fractured rock masses. The method is based on element-wise averaging of temperature and heat flux obtained from a finite element solution to a steady-state heat transfer problem. A case study based on geological data from a potential area for high-level radioactive waste disposal in China was conducted, which revealed the size of the heat transfer REV and investigated the influences of main fracture parameters on the heat transfer characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zongqing Zhou, Jiwei Sun, Yongbiao Lai, Cheche Wei, Jian Hou, Songsong Bai, Xianxing Huang, Hongliang Liu, Kaiqi Xiong, Shuai Cheng
Summary: Based on the analysis of jointed rock mass in Yaojiayu tunnel, this study investigated the size effect and influencing factors of the representative elementary volume (REV). Through 3D laser scanning technology, the point cloud image of jointed rock mass near the tunnel face was obtained and processed using Geology Plane software. The study found that the REV size of the jointed rock mass is 7m x 7m x 14m and established a criterion and calculation parameters for simulating tunnel excavation. Additionally, the study explored the influence of joint geometric parameters on the REV size and provided estimations for different engineering projects.
TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND SPACE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingwei Li, Zhifang Zhou, Meng Chen, Jian Wu
Summary: Studying the topological characteristics of fractured rock mass can help estimate the topological representative element volume (TREV) and accurately calculate the permeability representative element volume (PREV), simplifying the seepage calculation process.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Huaiguang Xiao, Lei He
Summary: The study proposes a block texture synthesis method for generating multi-resolution two-dimensional DFN models for fractured coal, and three-dimensional texture-based models were generated from optimized images showing good fidelity. Comparison with random coverage shows consistency, providing a new idea for numerical simulation.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Liyuan Yu, Jing Zhang, Richeng Liu, Shuchen Li, Ding Liu, Xiaolin Wang
Summary: A three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) was generated to evaluate the representative elementary volume (REV) of granitic rock masses. The study found that fracture density affects the size of the model, and regression equations were proposed for predicting the model size. The results showed an exponential relationship between fracture density and model size, and the proposed model provided more accurate predictions compared to other methods.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Jia Wang, Wen Zhang, Chun Tan, Zhenbang Nie, Wenliang Ma, Donghui Chen, Qi Sun
Summary: This study analyzes the size effects and determines the representative elementary sizes of a fractured rock mass in the Datengxia Hydropower Station, China. A novel method considering geometric parameter distributions is proposed. The method quickly and simply determines the size effects and representative elementary sizes by generating parameter distributions and assessing them using the coefficient of variation. Furthermore, the study extends the representative element to one and two dimensions and establishes relationships among multi-dimensional representative elementary sizes.
JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Bo Liu, Kun He, Mei Han, Xiewen Hu, Tianwei Wu, Mingyang Wu, Guotao Ma
Summary: This study uses a 3D discrete element method to simulate the initiation and kinetics of the Xiaogangjian rockslide, finding that failure of the locking section due to high hydrostatic pressure is the main trigger. Results also show the influence of equivalent internal friction angle and density of joints on slope stability.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Liang Wang, Qinghua Lei
Summary: This study introduces a dual-scale fracture network model to simulate the distribution of large and small fractures in fractured geological media. By discriminating between different length scales and using upscaling treatment, the model accurately calculates the bulk properties of the rock mass.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Liu, Dongyang Han, Gang Wang, Xiangyu Chu
Summary: CT scanning is an essential tool for evaluating coal microstructure, providing non-destructive quantization and visualization. By analyzing the representative elementary volume (REV) of coal samples, a relationship between model sizes and pore structure properties has been established. The comprehensive evaluation of REV improves the rationality and reliability of coal microstructure reconstruction.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jaspreet Singh, Sarada Prasad Pradhan, Mahendra Singh, Lal Hruaikima
Summary: The existing structural discontinuities, such as faults, joints, and cleavages in rock slopes, play a crucial role in controlling the properties of the rock mass, and their presence is influenced by regional tectonic structures. The concept of damage, applied to intact rock and rock mass, refers to the degradation of their strength properties. A study conducted in the Garhwal Himalaya region revealed that damage caused by regional syncline resulted in high variability in fracture intensity and trace length away from the hinge zone.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. Hari Sankar, Harpreet Singh
Summary: Acknowledging the demand for composites in the engineering industry, this paper focuses on microscale failure of composites and the use of multiscale modelling techniques for improvement. The study proposes a technique to mitigate mesh sensitivity in representative volume element (RVE) modelling and formulates modified periodic boundary conditions (MPBCs) to attenuate size dependency. The ability of MPBCs to reduce the effect of RVE size on material response is verified through analysis of 1200 RVE samples.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zitong Zhou, Delphine Roubinet, Daniel M. Tartakovsky
Summary: A method for inferring fracture density and fractal dimension of fractured rocks from thermal experiments data is presented. This method shows that fracture density can be well constrained by data, while fractal dimension is harder to determine. Adding nonuniform prior information related to fracture network connectivity improves the inference of fractal dimension parameter.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Na Wu, Zhengzhao Liang, Zhenghu Zhang, Shaohong Li, Yingxian Lang
Summary: The discrete fracture network (DFN) method is essential for estimating the mechanical properties of naturally fractured rock masses. Through the combination of a three-dimensional (3D) equivalent DFN model and fracture geometry information, the strength and deformability of complex fractured rock masses can be effectively investigated.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ding Liu, Hai Pu, Shiru Guo, Ziheng Sha, Chong Li
Summary: In this study, the relationship between geometric characteristics of fractures and the representative elementary volume (REV) of fractured rock masses was analyzed using numerical simulations. The results showed that the power exponent of fracture length distribution has a significant impact on the equivalent permeability (K) of a three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model. The reliability of the equivalent pipe network (EPN) model for calculating seepage properties of complex 3D DFN models was confirmed. The REV size and variation of K were also investigated.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ana Paula Burgoa Tanaka, Joao Paulo Gomes Borges, Gabriel Correa de Matos, Maria Taryn Relvas Campos, Bruno Miranda Cunha, Rogerio Brandi de Souza, Jefter Natan de Moraes Caldeira, Tatiana Alice Soares de Oliveira, Diogo Reato Marcon, Ana Paula Martins Lima
Summary: The authors propose an integrated workflow from seismic to flow simulation to predict sub seismic and inter-well fracture distribution in a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir. This methodology provides insights to fulfill a knowledge gap in reservoir 3D modeling of naturally fractured carbonates applied in the industry. The workflow includes interpretation of borehole image logs, 3D seismic, geophysical and geomechanical attributes, and calibration with dynamic data.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lamine Lagsaiar, Isam Shahrour, Ammar Aljer, Aziz Soulhi
Summary: This paper introduced the architecture and construction of a novel smart building system that can monitor and control buildings' use in a safe and optimal manner. The system operates on a Raspberry local server and can be connected to a central platform via cloud technology. It includes nine inter-communicating modules, detects sensor faults, provides a user-friendly interface, and allows analysis of energy consumption data for abnormal detections.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rania Wehbe, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for evaluating and improving anti-COVID-19 measures in higher education institutions, utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM), questionnaires, and data analysis. The methodology was successfully applied at Polytech'Lille engineering school in France, demonstrating the effectiveness of using BIM models and questionnaires to collect student feedback and improve safety measures.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Khalid El Ghazouli, Jamal El Khatabi, Aziz Soulhi, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This study utilized a model predictive control system based on neural networks, combined with a stormwater management model and genetic algorithm, to successfully reduce combined sewer overflows in the sewer system of Casablanca, Morocco. The model also showed high efficiency in optimization within a short period of time.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tariq Judeh, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This paper discusses the effectiveness of rooftops rainwater harvesting (RRWH) in addressing domestic water scarcity, emphasizing the West Bank (Palestine) as an example of arid to semi-arid areas with limited water resources. The analysis shows that RRWH can be highly efficient in mitigating the current and future domestic water scarcity in the West Bank, providing valuable insights for water-related decision-makers in arid to semi-arid areas.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Junli Zhai, Qiang Wang, Dongyang Yuan, Weikang Zhang, Haozheng Wang, Xiongyao Xie, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This study proposes a real-time clogging early-warning approach based on a self-updating machine learning method, which can predict clogging during shield tunneling construction. The application to Nanning metro line 1 demonstrates that the approach can accurately predict clogging in a short time, and the RF model performs better compared to other machine learning methods.
Article
Water Resources
Tariq Judeh, Mohammad N. Almasri, Sameer M. Shadeed, Hanbing Bian, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This paper introduces a comprehensive approach combining GIS, statistics and Machine Learning (ML) for groundwater quality management, including assessment and prediction of NO3 concentrations. The study in Palestine shows increasing and decreasing trends of GNC in different regions. The RF model, using factors such as well depth, well use, anthropogenic on-ground activities, watersheds, and land use, predicts GNC with an average accuracy of 88.5% and a maximum accuracy of 91.7%. This research can guide decision-makers in the adoption of sustainable groundwater protection plans in Palestine.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yonglai Zhang, Xiongyao Xie, Hongqiao Li, Biao Zhou, Qiang Wang, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This study presents a novel method for detecting tunnel damage by combining multiple classifiers with variational mode decomposition, convolutional neural networks, and long short-term memory. The proposed method can accurately identify the location, type, and degree of the damage at low cost and high efficiency.
AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tariq Judeh, Isam Shahrour, Fadi Comair
Summary: This paper presents a smart rainwater harvesting system that utilizes shared harvesting system and digital technology to address water scarcity in Palestine. The system improves water harvesting capacity by optimizing shared tank capacity, smart control of water quality and leakage, and combines with a dual water supply system to achieve zero potable water shortage. The smart system demonstrates high reliability and efficiency in addressing potable water security.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Talib Dbouk, Nicolas Visez, Samer Ali, Isam Shahrour, Dimitris Drikakis
Summary: According to WHO, it is predicted that by 2050, at least half of the population will suffer from allergy disorders due to increasing air pollution, toxic gas emissions, and climate change. Airborne pollen and associated allergies are major concerns for public health during the pollination season. Therefore, evaluating the risk of airborne pollen allergies is crucial for improving public health. This study introduces a new computational fluid dynamics methodology to assess the local transport of airborne pollen in an urban environment. The methodology was applied to analyze the airborne pollen transport from trees on a university campus in northern France and generate risk assessment maps for pollen allergy. These maps can be used to develop decision-aid tools and enhance public protection against airborne pollen allergies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Raed Jafar, Adel Awad, Kamel Jafar, Isam Shahrour
Summary: This research focuses on using artificial neural networks to predict wastewater treatment plant performance and effluent quality. The study demonstrates that SNN and random forest machine learning techniques provide effective modeling of the WWTP process, with good correlation coefficients for various pollutant variables.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Josiana El Hage, Isam Shahrour, Fadi Hage Chehade, Faten Abi Farraj
Summary: This paper introduces a comprehensive methodology for evaluating disaster-related damages by considering both physical and socio-economic factors. The proposed method can guide the prioritization of post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Article
Water Resources
Samir Hani, Faycal Toumi, Nabil Bougherira, Isam Shahrour, Azzedine Hani
Summary: Seawater intrusion poses a significant risk to water supply, agriculture, and industry in the lower Seybouse region of North-Eastern Algeria. A three-dimensional model using MODFLOW and MT3DMS codes was developed to predict the intrusion of seawater in the coastal aquifer. The model reveals that groundwater withdrawals lead to a continuous decline in water levels and an increase in chloride concentration. Additionally, the salt front could advance by 300 to 2500 m inland. These findings highlight the importance of implementing measures to protect the aquifer.
ACQUE SOTTERRANEE-ITALIAN JOURNAL OF GROUNDWATER
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Hanan A. Jafar, Isam Shahrour, Hussein Mroueh
Summary: This paper presents a hybrid method to estimate vehicular emissions in the Palestinian territory, combining bottom-up and top-down approaches. The results show that the on-road transport system in Palestine emitted approximately 2,207,834 tons of CO(2)eq in 2019, with diesel vehicles responsible for about 75% of these emissions. Private cars were the largest contributor, accounting for over 50% of the total emissions, followed by commercial vehicles, light trucks, public taxis, and buses.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mohammed Itair, Isam Shahrour, Ihab Hijazi
Summary: This paper aims to enhance the inclusivity of urban public spaces by establishing an assessment framework, evaluating the inclusivity of existing public spaces, and introducing the concept of smart public spaces. The research finds that there is a limited availability of public spaces, especially for low-income individuals, women, children, and people with disabilities. Therefore, improving the inclusivity of public spaces is crucial for enhancing social well-being and the quality of life for urban residents.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Raed Jafar, Adel Awad, Iyad Hatem, Kamel Jafar, Edmond Awad, Isam Shahrour
Summary: Ensuring safe and clean drinking water is crucial, and this study evaluates different models to monitor and predict water quality. The MLR and ML models, such as linear regression and Bayesian ridge chain, performed well in predicting the water quality index (WQI) of Al-Seine Lake. The results support using these models for accurate water quality management.