Abstract:As an architectural style from the growth period in Shanghai, Shikumen houses will influence the city image of Shanghai for a long time. Today, a further understanding of Shikumen houses will help us comprehend local characteristics and the meaning of city culture, to uphold the image of the city, and to keep the lifestyle lively. In this case study, we paid attention to city context. By proposing a method of partial preservation and partial reconstruction of a Shikumen house, we tried to realize humanistic communion space with different layers, such as an upright lane and aerial yard.

Abstract:Urban planning has always pursued ideal space. Building an exercisable concept is an option for current urban planning. An ideal space has two accessible approaches: an ideal spatial mode applicable to the whole human society, and another mode focusing on the ideal spatial mode which relies on a particular region. “Regional ideal space” can be defined as an imaginary spatial mode recognized by clusters of people during a certain period. With its substantive characteristics of dynamism, diversification and overplanning, ideal space is a directional impetus to promote urban evolution. Based on our research, we find that the ideal space mode of the city of Wuhan, P. R. China, has evolved from sandbank to park to unitary city. It is very important to study an ideal space of a city from the perspective of historical evolution of urban form. Studies of this type can promote the evolution of urban form, guide city change, and help people seek the ultimate goal of urban planning, both theoretically and practically.

Abstract:The life style, military defense and religious belief of the Qiang people combined with the local natural environment created a special architectural esthetic found in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River in P. R. China. The esthetics of this Qiang community are expressed clearly in the harmonious mountainous settlement, and plain housing shape. We expound on their characteristic watchtower construction. The esthetic significance and value of this Qiang community lies in unfolding the great strength of tragic art. We further elaborate on the commendable innovative spirit formed in the difficult times faced by the Qiang natconality. Their landscapes also manifest the highest level of architectural esthetics that regional architecture has achieved.

Abstract:The Khampa Tibetans are one of three Tibetan ethnic groups living in the areas of Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai and Yunnan. Along with the tent, the blockhouse is another building system in the regions where they live. Among different types, the blockhouse using load bearing wood frameworks is representative. Based on field work and summarization of previous studies, we present the construction types, analyze the correlation in evolution between different types, and summarize the law of their regional distribution.

Abstract:Luzhou is a famous wine country and a historical city in P. R. China. Insuring the continuity of urban context is an effective method for creating a distinctive image of a city. Considering the authenticity, sustainable development, enforceability and regional differences of urban contexts, it is an appropriate way to extract the original urban context and adopt a proper design method that combines humanized nature, material culture, and intangible culture to form an area with cultural atmosphere on both banks of the Tuojiang River.

Abstract:To study the relationship between the power and energy of rock crushing in underground engineering disasters, such as rock outbursts, experiments were done on the crushing and the Protodyakonov coefficient of different rocks, the selective grinding processes classified according to particle size, and the uniaxial compressive strength. This work was based on rock crushing theory. The relationship among Protodyakonov coefficient, specific crushing energy and uniaxial compressive strength of different rocks was studied using regression analysis. The results show that the Protodyakonov coefficient of a rock is linearly dependent on rockspecific crushing energy and uniaxial compressive strength. Such a relationship corresponds to the cracking theory and can be used for further research.

Abstract:Based on the dynamic action between vehicles and pavement, a simplified model of vehicle dynamic loading caused by surface evenness was established. This research made it possible to find a Asphalt Pavement Rutting Prediction method based on the theory of viscoelastoplasticity which is the basic theory of the dynamics, and finite element method (FEM). Asphalt pavement rutting was calculated and predicted, and the factors influencing rutting were analyzed and calculated. The good agreement between the calculation results and the testing road data indicate that the rutting prediction method is reasonable and reliable.

Abstract:If a crack appears in marine or concrete structures due to chloride corrosion, it will be a convenient channel for the chloride to penetrate into the concrete and easily corrode the steel bars and damage the concrete. A concrete specimen with a 0.2mmwide crack was prepared. After the specimen was soaked in a silane solution, emulsion and gel, a chloride ion corrosion test was carried out. The analysis of twodimensional chloride content shows that the silane soakage treatment of cracked concrete seals the crack and prevents further corrosion.

Abstract:Because cement concrete typically is a fragile material, raising the shock resistance toughness of cement concrete pavement structures under vehicular loads is a key challenge for improving the service performance of cement concrete pavement. The concrete test method developed by ACI to gauge shock resistance toughness was adopted. By using homemade drop hammer test equipment, adding different doses of polypropylene fiber to concrete, and molding concrete specimens, shock resistance toughness tests were carried out on specimens with required workability. The shock resistance toughness of polypropylene fiber concrete was evaluated by examining indicators such as first crack time and final crack time. The test results were compared with those of normal concrete. The results show that when the polypropylene fiber content varies from 0 g/m3, 0.9g/m3 to 1.2g/m3, the maximal shock resistance toughness increases by 4.3 times. The ability of polypropylene fiber to increase greatly the shock resistance toughness of concrete is favorable for its use in pavement structures under vehicular loads.

Abstract:The mechanical properties of marble were studied using the MTS810 Rock Mechanics servo-controlled testing system at temperatures up to 800°C. This was done to analyze the stress-strain curve, peak stress, peak strain, and modulus of elasticity of marble. The results show that the peak stress and elastic modulus decrease with increasing temperatures, and the rock mechanical strength decreases suddenly in certain temperature ranges while the peak strain increases stepwise as the temperature rises. Marble ductility increased greatly at 800°C. The strain increases slowly as temperature rises after the peak stress occurs, but brittle fracturing is the main destructive manner of marble. The results also reflect the fundamental regulation of interior structural change in sandstone at different temperatures, providing a reference for rock engineering design.

Abstract:The baseisolation technique has been widely used in different countries to reduce seismic disasters during earthquakes. But most of these devices are effective only in horizontal earthquake responses and do not work well in vertical earthquake responses. We propose a vertical seismic isolation system composed of a dish spring and a visco-elastic damper. To study the stiffness and damping performance of this isolation system, a series of tests under static and dynamic loads were performed. The results show that this system is effective in solving problems related to strong vertical bearing capacity and vertical damping of vertical isolation. The system has not only appropriate vertical stiffness and damper performance, but also excellent mechanical performance. In addition, it is compact, easy to manufacture, and can serve as an ideal vertical damping device.

Abstract:A numerical simulation method, the node method, and single, multi-triangle progression were used to analyze the shore stress field of vacuum plate glass. By optimizing the shore distribution, the points of greatest and least stress in vacuum plate glass were determined. The distributions of greatest stress in vacuum plate glass were calculated using MATLAB. These calculations can provide numerical foundations for accurately analyzing the shore stress and flexibility of vacuum plate glass. The result shows that the greatest stress exists in the end surface of every shore, and the maximal stress is in the second shore at four-square sides, then follows the shore of next row. The theoretical calculations correspond to the software analysis results.

Abstract:The finite element or finite difference method and the limit equilibrium method, with their respective merits, were used to analyze soil slope stability in detail. On the basis of the slice and gravity increase methods, a fundamental principle of couple analysis, and a procedure for calculating the slope safety factor were put forward. ANSYS finite element software and finite difference software FLAC were used to determine the most dangerous sliding face and the stress-stain in slopes. The slope safety factor was determined using the slices limit equilibrium method. The calculation shows that the result obtained using couple analysis is close to the results produced using other methods in the example, and the analysis of the effects of the intensity indices is more precise. The results can provide a basis for consolidating design of the sliding slope.

Abstract:The apparatus for static and dynamic universal triaxial and torsional shear soil testing was employed to perform stress-controlled cyclic torsional shear testing under isotropic consolidated conditions. We conducted a dynamic torsion test of a single hollow sample to obtain its dynamic property data at different effective confining pressures with saturated clay and disturbed silty clay. The results show that the maximum dynamic shear modulus Gmax and ξ obtained from single sample of the cyclic shear test approached those of the traditional method of dynamic torsional testing. We indicate that G/Gmax～ γ andξ/ξmax ～γ of the two soils are independent of confining pressure and testing methods. Each G and ξ can be obtained from the equations we provide. Furthermore, the single sample test method can diminish the differences between the samples during experimentation and effectively provide convenience with authentic experimental results.

Abstract:In cable structures cables are very important components. The magnitude of cable pretensioning is a vital parameter in the design of cable structures and a crucial component in controlling the construction of such structures. Developing a new sensor type is an innovative theme in the monitoring and control of cable structures construction. Based on the elastic magnetic characteristics of ferromagnetic material, we introduce a theory of an elastic magnetic method to measure cable force and developed a new flux sensor. Applying this method in the model test of an hyperbolic cable net demonstrates that it can acquire the accurate cable force value conveniently. This study can provide scientific references for structural engineering.

Abstract:Piezoelectric material was used to establish a single input/single output (SISO) model of a lifting surface with distributed piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric sensors. The flutter equations and state space equations of piezoelectric laminated structures were also derived. MATLAB, NASTRAN and other software programs compiled by the authors also were used to analyze the flutter and dynamic characteristics. The stability of the closedloop was analyzed for the SISO. The result indicates that the control law can be employed for flutter suppression.

Abstract:Urbanization in P. R. China inevitably boosts the development of urban subways. By summarizing the present situation of subway in China's major cities, we analyzed the formation and development of subway economics from the standpoint of urban subway development and forecast the arrival of a subway age. As a sunrise industry, the subway industry is the most promising with large market in the Chinese transportation infrastructure. Finally, a strategy of sustainable development for urban subways was put forward.

Abstract:Formfinding of a cablemembrane simulated by ANSYS is a timeconsuming process and requires high user analytical ability. This is due to the complexity of the steps and the characteristics of ANSYS. We analyzed the theory of the finite element method for formfinding, summarized the formfinding steps, and put forward how to conduct it in ANSYS. A system using APDL and User Luterface Design Language(UIDL) based on ANSYS was derived. An example was taken to check the accuracy and practicability of the system. This new system can save the engineering designer time and energy and also provide references for the future work.

Abstract:The dynamic elasticplastic finite element method was used to study the seismic performance of a slope protected by a soil nailing retaining wall. On the basis of working in parallel and interaction between loess and a flexible retaining wall, a 3D nonlinear finite element method (ADINA) also was established. Rational earthquake excitation and damping were discussed for geological engineering. Horizontal and vertical excitations were considered simultaneously in the analyses. A model capable of simulating the nonlinear static and dynamic elasticplastic behavior of soil was used to model the soil, and a bilinear elasticplastic model having hardening behavior was used to model the soil nailing. A friction element was employed to describe the soil structure interaction behavior. Our research focused on the seismic performance of the horizontal and vertical slope deformation, soil nailing axial force, and earth pressure subjected to horizontal and vertical excitations. The results show that the seismic performance of slope protected by soil nailing is good; soil nailing axial force increases after an earthquake; permanent slope displacement occurs during an earthquake; and the peak earth pressure distribution during an earthquake is similar to the earth pressure before the earthquake. These conclusions can provide references for seismic analyses and design in soil nailing engineering.

Abstract:Based on a theoretical analysis of supply- and demand-side subsidies, the current housing subsidy schemes and practices of Chinese Central Government Departments were summarized. A discrete choice model was adopted to analyze the interrelationship between the housing subsidy choices of civil servants and impact factors. Several policy recommendations are offered for government to improve the efficiency of civil servant housing subsidy policies.

Abstract:Based on summary and analysis of the main research findings regarding RμT relations for a singledegreeoffreedom system, the following two important conclusions can be drawn: 1) In general, these research findings are consistent with each other. The RμT rule can be an important reference criterion for seismic design. 2) Proper design and extendibility ensure the relatively satisfactory performance of the structure under stronger earthquake action.

Abstract:Tailing sands, coarse tailing sands and fine tailing sands all were prepared by artificial partitioning experimentation in accordance with the requirements of central line damming. DDS70 electromagnet kinetic equipment was used to study the dynamic strength, stressstrain relationship, dynamic modulus and damping ratio of three tailing sand types. The dynamic strength and parameters were determined, and some influential factors, such as particle composition, confining pressure, consolidated stress ratio and dynamic stress, were discussed. The test results provide basic data for the stability evaluation of the Yangla copper tailing dam under a magnitude 8 earthquake.

Abstract:Cavitating water jets were used to degrade complicated organic compounds sampled from landfill leachate from a sanitary landfill in Chongqing, P. R. China. The law of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the impact of factors such as pumping pressure, confining pressure, cavitating time and pH were evaluated in the experiment. We concluded that a cavitating water jet can degrade complicated organic compounds. Cavitating water jets therefore can improve biological oxygen demand (BOD)5/COD. The optimal cavitating condition was also obtained: at a pH 9.0, confining pressure 0.6MPa, cavitating time 90mins and pumping pressure 10MPa,the COD, BOD5 and BOD5/COD increase to 124.8%, 293.3% and 52.44% respectively. Chromaticity decreases while SS increase to 191.5%. These changes create good conditions for subsequent treatment.

Abstract:Based on the climatic conditions and residential energy consumption in regions with hot summers and cold winters, three principles of building energy efficiency were used to explain the technical system and technical solutions for low energy consumption residence. To improve the energy efficiency in residences, and to produce more comfort as well, we should adjust sunlight, improve ventilation, reasonably insulate houses, make full use of natural energy sources, and choose high COP(Coefficient of Performance) equipments. Making reasonable use of local resources while planning and designing a residence is the key to low energy consumption. The solution given in this paper provides references for development of low energy consumption residences in regions of this type.

Abstract:Using Designer's Simulation Toolkit DeSTh developed by Tsinghua University, research was carried out on the energy consumption of a typical residential building in Ningbo, P. R. China, with a focus on the heat transfer coefficient of external windows facing every direction. Results show that variation of the heat transfer coefficient of external windows in all directions has a substantial effect on energy consumption for heating but little effect on energy consumption for cooling. It is difficult to decrease cooling energy consumption by decreasing the heat transfer coefficient of external windows in summer. The heat transfer coefficient of external windows facing south has a significant effect on building energy consumption, but the windows facing north have less effect, and those facing east and west have the least impact. Decreasing the heat transfer coefficient of external windows facing north and south from 4.7 to 3.2 produces the most favorable performancecost ratio for energy saving investments. Reasons for the decrease in the heat transfer coefficient of external windows leading to increased air conditioning energy consumption were discussed. The conclusions are useful for guiding energy efficient building design in other subtropical cities.

Abstract:We present a two phase airwater nozzle that can be applied to indirect evaporative cooling to improve the heat transfer efficiency of indirect evaporative coolers by improving the uniformity of the water film on the surface of the heat exchanger. The spray characteristics of a nozzle with a fanshaped orifice at various air and water pressure conditions was studied. The spray cone angle, the airwater mass flow rate, and the relationship between the mass flow rate and the airwater pressure ratio were obtained. The best airwater pressure ratio and spray cone angle were also found.

Abstract:FiberReinforcedPolymer or Plastic (FRP) materials have been used widely in civil engineering over the last 10 years or so. FRP materials have poor fire resistance, however. We analyzed recent research on the fireresistance (high temperature) behaviour of FRP materials, including thermal properties, mechanical properties (strength and stiffness), bonding properties at elevated temperatures, and the burning properties of FRP materials (ignition and flame spread, smoke generation and toxicity). We conclude with the existing problems in the fire behavior of FRP materials and propose suggestions for further research.

Abstract:To insure the safe performance of rockfill dam faces in cold seasons, frost tests were carried out at a consistent empirical freezing speed of 20mm/day to study the frost susceptibility of the bedding materials. The influence of gradation, fine particle content, water content, and surcharge of the bedding material on frost heaving were obtained. When fine particle content was below 12%, there was no or only weak frost heaving. Frost increased linearly as fine particle content rose. When the fine particle content was fixed, the linear relationship between the water content and the frost heaving changed with the gradations. Typical water content of 7.5%, fine particle content of 12%, and concrete face density of 59g/cm3 are suggested for the bedding material to avoid frost damage.

Abstract:Asphalt mixtures with high shear strength have great capability to resist perpetual deformation under high temperatures. We used a single penetration test to analyze the material design indexes for high performance asphalt mixtures. The test results show that the performance of the asphalt binder and the performance of the coarse aggregate, especially the fine aggregate, greatly affect the shear strength of asphalt mixtures. We also suggest that the coarse aggregate with a high aggregate particle index, fine aggregate with high angularity, and asphalt with high viscosity can increase sharply the shear strength of an asphalt mixture. Furthermore, the degree of compaction of an asphalt mixture should be controlled to guarantee excellent longterm performance of asphalt pavement.

Abstract:By modification with waterretentive agents and organic bonding admixtures, one drymixed superfine sand mortar used as ceramic tile bonding was prepared with good workability, adhesive capacity and climate resistance. The test results indicate that this mortar has excellent antisagging characteristics, with slippage of less than 2mm, sufficient open time and bonding strength over 1 MPa after being open for 20 minutes. These traits provide the needed qualities for thin construction of ceramic tile bonding. By adding polypropylene fiber, a flexible mortar was prepared with superior crack resistance for use as a ceramic tile bonding agent. The preparation mechanism, method and performance are introduced in detail.

Abstract:The amount of limestone powder, which is a byproduct of manufactured fine aggregate, is larger and larger with the increase of manufactured fine aggregate. Environment will be severely polluted if the powder is improperly used. The effects of limestone powder on workability, compressive strength, and impermeability of concrete were studied when cement is substituted for the mass proportion of 0, 10, 15, 20 percent with it. The results show that the performances of concrete are better improved when the percentage of limestone powder is about 10 percent. The wet packing density of mixture of limestone powder and cement was measured, and it shows that the degree of density was biggest when limestone powder is 10 percent. This shows that the best mixing proportion of limestone powder and cement may be determined through measuring the change of compactness of mixture of limestone powder and cement.

Abstract:The interface zone between mortar and aggregate influences overall performance of concrete and is an important issue for concrete research. Focusing on the structure and performance characteristics of the interface zone in cement concrete, the development of interface research in P. R. China and elsewhere were reviewed. The research aspects discussed included interface structure and performance, study techniques, interface improvement methods, and the influence of the interface on overall concrete performance. The influential factors of structural characteristics and interface zone performance, together with both microscopic and macroscopic research techniques, were summarized. The reasons for differences in interface zone structure and performance, and its degree of influence on the overall concrete performance were analyzed. Methods for improving the interface zone were generalized, including using an interface with slag powder as inorganic material and one with an organic coupling agent. Keys to research and future directions were proposed.