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• NA-TECH EVENTS IN THE COASTAL REGION OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL: DATA AND FREQUENCY

  J. Xavier, W. Junior

  RIDNAIC (2022). Vol. 22, 3

  
  

  Abstract

  The scientific literature on events involving the loss of containment of hazardous materials due to a natural event (known as na-tech events) is recent and limited in Brazil. Evidence was sought of the occurrence of these events in the coastal region of the state of São Paulo. The study identified fifteen na-tech events between 1940 and 2015, and showed that the events predominantly affected bodies of water. A method was then proposed to estimate the frequency of these events, relativizing them to the number of companies that generated them. Relativization allows the quantitative comparison among locations with different numbers of companies and the transfer of the estimated frequency among locations. The method also allows attributing less uncertain frequency estimates to na-tech accident hypotheses, favoring risk-based decisions. Consistent databases combined with the method allow the construction of na-tech hypotheses appropriate to the location during a quantitative risk assessment of an industrial facility.

  Abstract
  The scientific literature on events involving the loss of containment of hazardous materials due to a natural event (known as na-tech events) is recent and limited in Brazil. [...]

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• DYNAMIC SEISMIC RESPONSE OF LA MISSION BRIDGE IN BAJA CALIFORNIA, MÉXICO

  S. Hoon, C. Huerta-López, A. García-Gastélum

  RIDNAIC (2022). Vol. 22, 2

  
  

  Abstract

  The analytical and experimental seismic response of La Mission Bridge, and the site sub-surface characterization on its neighborhood is presented in this paper. SAP 2000 (Structural Analysis Program) was used to model and characterize numerically the expected response of the bridge in terms of their vibration natural frequencies and maximum displacement. It was also generated the scenario of the bridge response upon strong motion. In both cases, ambient vibration measurements were used for the experimental studies. The stiffness matrix method was used for the analytical study (forward modeling) of wave propagation in layered media. The relevant characteristics of the results are next succinctly described: For the bridge: the theoretical fundamental frequency of vibration was 3.10 Hz., and the estimated experimental fundamental vibration frequency was 3.30 Hz. For the site characterization, our results are described starting at the north end of the bridge going through its south end: (i) The site S1_2, which is the site where the soil was artificially compacted, has a dominant frequency of 2.5 Hz and an average shear wave velocity of 195 m/s. (ii) For sites S3_1 and S2_4, the dominant frequency was 1.5 Hz and the average shear wave velocity was 115 m/s and 123 m/s, respectively. (iii) Site S2_2, the dominant frequency was 3.5 Hz and an average shear wave velocity 275 m/s. (iv) Site S2_5, in this site two clear peaks at frequencies of 1.5 and 3.75 Hz were observed, regarding to the average shear wave velocity it was 128 m/s. (v) Site S2_3, the dominant frequency was 4.0 Hz and the average shear wave velocity was 346 m/s. All the experimental sites were in soils at natural conditions, but the site S1_2, which was artificially compacted. The soil characteristics along the 163 m length of the bridge, clearly shows a rigidity change of the soil sub-surface conditions. That condition is an indication that different amplifications of the ground response will probably be experienced, being in the range of the 4.0 Hz at the south-end side of the bridge, and 1.5 Hz on the portion of the north-end of the bridge. In no case the fundamental vibration frequency of the bridge matches the fundamental vibration frequency of the ground surface. However, they are somehow no too far apart each other.

  Abstract
  The analytical and experimental seismic response of La Mission Bridge, and the site sub-surface characterization on its neighborhood is presented in this paper. SAP 2000 (Structural [...]

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• STATISTICAL EXPLORATION OF SEISMIC DATA IN PUERTO RICO FROM DECEMBER 2019 TO JANUARY 2021

  S. Huanca, R. Trespalacios, Z. Acevedo, D. Alizo, A. Nieves, C. Isaza, M. Ríos

  RIDNAIC (2022). Vol. 22, 1

  
  

  Abstract

  In December 2019, Puerto Rico experienced an increment in seismic activity, especially in the South and Southwestern regions of the island. The hundreds of buildings and homes damaged or destroyed prompted the hasty installation of multiple shelters and showed the little preparedness of the municipalities of the island to face emergencies of this kind and magnitude. The municipalities of Guánica and Guayanilla reported the largest impacts in terms of number and magnitudes of earthquakes. Surrounding municipalities, however, were also importantly affected. Despite a decrease in seismic activity in February 2020, event occurrences and magnitudes continued to fluctuate. The COVID-19 pandemic, due to its global reach, eclipsed many other emergencies including that of the seismic activity in the island. This study provides data and statistical summaries on this activity from the first week of December 2019 until the second week of 2021 that may be useful for future researchers in the area of seismic engineering and related fields.

  Abstract
  In December 2019, Puerto Rico experienced an increment in seismic activity, especially in the South and Southwestern regions of the island. The hundreds of buildings and homes [...]

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• SMART CITIES

  B. Colucci

  RIDNAIC (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract
  FSVSDFJSHRFESNFVDCXMDNVMZFNJSDFNVXMCVNZJSFNSDJVNXZMCVN

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• A NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE 1991 LIMÓN, COSTA RICA, EARTHQUAKE

  A. Moya

  RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 26

  
  

  Abstract

  Synthetic strong motion records for the 1991, Mw 7.6, Limón, Cosa Rica earthquake were computed for several hundred different source models. The rotd50 (response spectra) was used to compare synthetic and observed data at seven stations that recorded the event. The source model that minimized the misfit was selected to calculate new synthetic records at present-day stations. The result indicated that the fault length reached some 100 km long by 40 km deep. The largest peak ground acceleration would have been recorded in the stations located along the Caribbean coast, close to the epicenter. A post-earthquake bridge inspection calculation using our scenario earthquake predicted a high level of damage to several bridges that collapsed in 1991.  

  Abstract
  Synthetic strong motion records for the 1991, Mw 7.6, Limón, Cosa Rica earthquake were computed for several hundred different source models. The rotd50 (response spectra) [...]

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• WIDESPREAD SHALLOW MASS WASTING DURING HURRICANE MARIA: LONG-TERM SIGNIFICANCE OF SEDIMENTATION IN THE TROPICS

  E. Irizarry-Brugman, D. Bayouth-García, K. Hughes

  RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 25

  
  

  Abstract

  Hurricane María was an extreme atmospheric event that impacted Puerto Rico in 2017. As a result of the passage of hurricane María over the island more than 70,000 landslides were triggered, with the highest density of mass wasting found in the mountainous center of the island. This area is highly susceptible to slope failure given the local soils that form as a result of continuous tropical chemical weathering of the bedrock material. Copious amounts of sediment from these soils were mobilized and transported by the landslide-triggering event. The results of our study reveal the soil types that are most susceptible to mass wasting loss in order to better understand their susceptibility to failure and contribution to sedimentation across the rugged interior of the island. A preliminary analysis of area volume scaling statistics for thousands of landslide sites in the important Lago Dos Bocas basin reveals that Hurricane María likely liberated at least 1.7 million cubic meters of mostly superficial sediment in the lake’s contributing area (not including the Caonillas sub-basin). In an effort to determine the efficiency of the fluvial system to transport these sediments during and after the catastrophic hurricane event, bathymetric surveying was carried out in Lago Dos Bocas, where much of the sediment is hypothesized to have been deposited. This reservoir is a vital piece of infrastructure in the island as it supplies water to the San Juan metropolitan area. Based on the 2021 bathymetric survey and the historical data, the excess sediment deposition to the reservoir related to Hurricane María is estimated at approximately 2.1 million cubic meters. When compared with data from 1999-2010, this volume represents the equivalent of 18 years of background sedimentation. At present, the reservoir capacity loss since construction is at 64%. These analyses are pertinent to understand how the local sediment budget has been affected and to re-calculate the useful life of the reservoir and highlight the vulnerability of Caribbean infrastructure systems, given the forecasted likelihood of increased tropical cyclone activity in the years to come. 

  Abstract
  Hurricane María was an extreme atmospheric event that impacted Puerto Rico in 2017. As a result of the passage of hurricane María over the island more than 70,000 [...]

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• COMPOSITE SOILS USING SYNTHETIC LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATES TO PREVENT SLOPE COLLAPSES AND FOR SETTLEMENT CONTROL

  L. Daza, A. Grillasca, G. Ortiz

  RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 24

  
  

  Abstract

  The Synthetic Lightweight Aggregates (SLA) is a patented aggregate composed of fly ash and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is considered as an eco-friendly material because its use would contribute to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. One of most promising applications of SLA is related with the geotechnical engineering field because of its low density that when combined with natural soils may produce a composite backfill material with adequate mechanical properties. This research focuses on testing SLA material properties, including material characterization, trial mixes of SLA with natural aggregates, and compaction tests to obtain the optimum dry density. The composite soil meets the AASHTO classification standards for A-2-4 soils. The validation of the observed behavior lead to propose at least three basic applications related with natural disasters prevention: a) efficient design of retaining walls with lower lateral pressures, b) control of settlements using low density composite soils over compressible soils, and c) slope stability problems.

  Abstract
  The Synthetic Lightweight Aggregates (SLA) is a patented aggregate composed of fly ash and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is considered as an eco-friendly material because [...]

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• DEVELOPMENT OF SPECTRA ELASTIC DESIGN FOR DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES OF PUERTO RICO

  L. Suarez, J. López, J. Cruzado

  RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 23

  
  

  Abstract

  The most recent update of the Seismic Hazard Map of Puerto Rico was carried out in 2003 when the first active seismic fault within the island, in the Cabo Rojo area, was considered. Since then, several geophysical studies have been carried out on various seismic faults within the island that have helped to expand the knowledge of these faults and, in some cases, to recognize their high seismic activity. The Seismic Sequence that began in December 2019 produced more than thirteen thousand earthquakes in 2020, with a large percentage of them having their epicenter within the Island. The overwhelming evidence of active seismic faults within the Island urges the prompt update of the Seismic Hazard Map. However, multiple studies are needed to determine with accepted precision the location, size and slip rate of these faults so that they can be included in the Seismic Hazard Map. In the meantime, engineers urgently require a proper estimate of the seismic loads that these faults, not thoroughly studied, can apply to the structures to be designed or rehabilitated. In this paper we use the current knowledge of the existing earthquake fault zones and the deterministic methodology of ASCE 7-16 to develop design spectra for twelve municipalities of Puerto Rico taking into consideration all the earthquake fault zones that constantly threaten the Island. In average, the proposed spectra almost double the design seismic loads required by the current 2018 IBC code. 

  Abstract
  The most recent update of the Seismic Hazard Map of Puerto Rico was carried out in 2003 when the first active seismic fault within the island, in the Cabo Rojo area, was considered. [...]

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• QUANTITATIVE RISK ANALYSIS OF GAS PIPELINES IN CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA

  A. Giudici, J. Stuardi, G.

  RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 22

  
  

  Abstract

  A quantitative risk analysis is presented for a gas pipeline system in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. This is a part of a project on the vulnerability of infrastructure and physical environment associated with the storage and transport of combustible fluids. The developed model considers the identification of threats to the integrity of the pipelines, an estimate of the probabilities of failure of the identified threats, an estimate of the consequences of a failure, the determination and evaluation of the quantitative risk according to acceptance criteria, and the adoption of risk mitigation and control measures. For this study, the main data from the existing backbone network and the recently built gas pipelines in the province of Córdoba are used. This is complemented with a survey of the constructions near the route of the sections under study, as well as the crossings of roads and watercourses, based on available satellite images. The work is focused on establishing the individual and social quantitative risk levels of the gas pipelines with the highest qualitative risk level, already defined by previous work. Finally, and in the necessary cases, the adoption of mitigation measures is considered to adjust the risk levels to the international acceptance criteria.  A quantitative risk analysis is presented for a gas pipeline system in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. This is a part of a project on the vulnerability of infrastructure and physical environment associated with the storage and transport of combustible fluids. The developed model considers the identification of threats to the integrity of the pipelines, an estimate of the probabilities of failure of the identified threats, an estimate of the consequences of a failure, the determination and evaluation of the quantitative risk according to acceptance criteria, and the adoption of risk mitigation and control measures. For this study, the main data from the existing backbone network and the recently built gas pipelines in the province of Córdoba are used. This is complemented with a survey of the constructions near the route of the sections under study, as well as the crossings of roads and watercourses, based on available satellite images. The work is focused on establishing the individual and social quantitative risk levels of the gas pipelines with the highest qualitative risk level, already defined by previous work. Finally, and in the necessary cases, the adoption of mitigation measures is considered to adjust the risk levels to the international acceptance criteria. 

  Abstract
  A quantitative risk analysis is presented for a gas pipeline system in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. This is a part of a project on the vulnerability of infrastructure [...]

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• FAILURE ANALYSIS OF THE ARECIBO OBSERVATORY M4N AUXILIARY CABLE

  G. Harrigan, V. Goyal, P. Babuska, N. Trepal

  RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 21

  
  

  Abstract

  Structural and forensic analysis concluded that the Arecibo Observatory M4N socket joint failure in August 2020 was due to a socket joint design with insufficient design criteria that did not explicitly consider socket constituent stress margins or time-dependent damage mechanisms. The socket attachment design was found to have an initially low structural margin with a finite service life, notably in the outer socket wires, which degraded primarily due to long-term zinc creep effects that were activated by longterm sustained loading and exacerbated by cyclic loading. Additionally, HAC and wire defects were found in a few outer wires that may also have contributed to initial outer wire failures. The design did not explicitly consider the time-dependent effects of creep and cyclic loading on design capability, account for a worstcase build condition traceable to in-service inspection of features (e.g., zinc creep/extrusion), specify an end-of-life capability requirement associated with service life degradation, or explicitly set service life inspection intervals with pass/fail inspection criteria. In-service inspections showed evidence of progressive zinc extrusion on several Arecibo sockets, which in hindsight were evidence of cumulative damage and effectively a missed opportunity to prevent cable failure. Open spelter sockets of this type are used throughout industry in stay cables. The following recommendations are proposed to prevent failures of similar socket joints: (1) Verification of positive stress margins in socket joint wires for all failure modes, (2) Periodic visual inspections with acceptance criteria for zinc extrusion that are tied to structural qualification, (3) Revisiting civil codes and industry standards based on lessons learned from this analysis. 

  Abstract
  Structural and forensic analysis concluded that the Arecibo Observatory M4N socket joint failure in August 2020 was due to a socket joint design with insufficient design criteria [...]

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Articles (Documents not available in Scipedia)

• Developing an Educational Module to Increase Engineering Student's Knowledge of Highway Work Zones and Temporary Traffic Control Plans

  B Colucci, A Figueroa, ...

  2020 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, 14, 2020

• Simulation-Based Analysis of a Driver-Pedestrian Conflict at an Uncontrolled Location in an Urban Multi-Lane Arterial

  B Colucci, D Valdés-Díaz, A Figueroa, M Rojas, ...

  99th Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, 2020

• Simulation-Based Analysis of a Driver-Pedestrian Conflict at an Uncontrolled Location in an Urban Multi-Lane Arterial

  AM Figueroa-Medina, DM Valdés Díaz, B Colucci Ríos, MX Rojas Ibarra, ...

  International Conference on Transportation and Development 2020, 97-109, 2020

• Evaluation of Driver Performance and Safety Countermeasures for Schools Located in an Urban Arterial Highway Using a Driving Simulator

  B Colucci, D Valdés-Díaz, A Figueroa, M Colón, Enid & Rojas

  Road Safety & Simulation (RSS) Annual Conference, 2019

• Assesing the Impact of Smartphone Usage while Driving in Work Zones

  D Valdés, C López, B Colucci, A Figueroa, R García, E Colón, M Rojas, ...

  98th Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, 2019

• Assessing the Impact of Smartphone Usage While Driving in Work Zones [supporting datasets]

  DM Valdés Díaz, C Lopez del Puerto, B Colucci Rios, AMF Medina, ...

  Safety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation Center, 2019

• Evaluation of Safety Enhancements in School Zones with Familiar and Unfamiliar Drivers

  DMV Diaz, M Knodler, BC Ríos, AMF Medina, MR Ibarra, EC Torres, ...

  University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 2019

• Enhancing School Zone Safety: Case Studies in Puerto Rico using Driving Simulation

  AF Medina

  University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, 2019

• Operational Analysis of School Zones Using a Driving Simulator

  D Valdés, A Figueroa, B Colucci, E Colón, M Rojas, R García, Y Taveras, ...

  International Conference on Transportation & Development (ICTD 2019), 2019

• Transportation Transformed with Resiliency as a Vital Component: The Case of Puerto Rico's Surface Transportation System-Two Years after the Passage of Category 4 Hurricane María

  B Colucci

  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) & Texas District Annual Meeting, 2019

• Speed Behavior in a Suburban School Zone: A Driving Simulation Study with Familiar and Unfamiliar Drivers from Puerto Rico and Massachussetts

  D Valdés, A Figueroa, B Colucci, M Knodler, M. Rojas, ...

  10th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), 2019

• Enhancing School Zone Safety: Case Studies in Puerto Rico Using Driving Simulation [supporting datasets]

  DM Valdes Diaz, B Colucci Rios, AMF Medina, E Colon Torres, ...

  Safety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation Center, 2019

• Evaluation of Safety Enhancements in School Zones with Familiar and Unfamiliar Drivers [supporting datasets]

  DM Valdes Diaz, MA Knodler, B Colucci Rios, AMF Medina, MXR Ibarra, ...

  Safety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation Center, 2019

• Operational and Safety Performance of Signage and Pavement Markings for Managed Lanes Using a Driving Simulator

  BR Cruz, JR González, RG Rosario, EC Torres, DV Díaz, BC Ríos

  Transportation Research Board 97th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2018

• Evaluation of Roadway Geometrics and Posted Speed Limits with Random Forest in the PR-22 Dynamic Toll Lane Using a Driving Simulator

  J Ruiz-González, B Colucci-Ríos, D Valdés-Díaz, B Ruiz-Cruz, ...

  International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, 906-916, 2018

• Lessons Learned for Puerto Rico's Transportation Infrastructure after Hurricane María

  PE Benjamín Colucci Ríos PhD, AMS BSCE

  Institute of Transportation Engineers. ITE Journal 88 (10), 38-43, 2018

• Assessing the Impact of Smartphone Usage while Driving in Work Zones

  DM Valdés Díaz, B Colucci Rios, AMF Medina, R Garcia Rosario, ...

  Safety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation Center, 2018

• Accomplishments and lessons learned of the first four years of the implementation of the Puerto Rico Strategic Highway Safety Plan

  B Colucci, JC Rivera, LA León

  18th International Conference Road Safety on Five Continents (RS5C 2018 …, 2018

• Dynamic Toll Lane: A Success Story as Part of the of Public Private Partnerships in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

  BC Ríos

  Advances in Public-Private Partnerships, 159-170, 2017

• Phase II: operational and safety-based analyses of varied toll lane configurations.

  D Valdes, B Colucci

  Safety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation Center, 2016

• Operational and safety-based analyses of varied toll lanes.

  DM Valdes Diaz, J Ruiz Gonzalez, B Colucci Rios, B Ruiz Cruz, ...

  University Transportation Centers Program (US), 2016

• Operational and Safety-Based Analysis of Toll Plaza Signane Using Driving Simulation

  D Valdés, B Colucci, D Fisher, J Valdés, E Colón, ...

  Advances in Transportation Studies (ATS), 23-36, 2016

• Driving Simulation of the Safety and Operation Performance at a Freeway Toll Plaza

  D Valdés-Díaz, B Colucci-Ríos, D Fisher, B Ruiz, R Colón, Enid & García

  Transportation Research Record (TRR) Journal-Transportation Research Board …, 2016

• el puente

  EL PUENTE

  Boletín EL PUENTE 26 (02), 2012

• Development and Evaluation of a Software Tool That Integrates GPS and Video Data From a Road Alignment to Perform Road Condition, Safety Audits and Inventory Surveys

  KR Santiago-Chaparro, B Colucci-Rios, AM Figueroa Medina

  Transportation Research Board 87th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2008

• Simulation of metro operations under disruptions: application to Tren Urbano in San Juan, Puerto Rico

  DM Valdes, FE Martínez-Marínez, B Colucci-Rios, S Bartolomei-Suárez

  Transportation Research Board 85th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2006

• Control de plagas en arroz pre-empacado

  R Fraga, J González, B Ríos, B Simón, G García

  Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos 14 (2), 66-70, 2004

• Evaluación de aspectos de seguridad y desarrollo de guías para identificar intersecciones peligrosas en Puerto Rico

  KD Carrasquillo, BC Ríos, JQ Díaz, FL Villafañe

  International Journal of Natural Disasters, Accidents and Civil …, 2003

• Reflexión sobre el diseño y rehabilitación de futuras obras civiles para mitigar desastres naturales en la infraestructura civil

  BC Rios

  Revista Internacional de Desastres Naturales, Accidentes e Infraestructura …, 2002

• Structural evaluation and analysis of instrumented in-service concrete pavements subjected to heavy dynamic loads

  JT Izquierdo, LR Agrait, BC Rĺos

  Transportation research record 1568 (1), 24-34, 1997

• Analytical Study of Concrete Pavement Behavior

  LR Agrait, BC Rios

  PUERTO RICO UNIV MAYAGUEZ, 1989

• AN OPTIMAL PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT THE NETWORK LEVEL

  KC SINHA

  North American Pavement Management Conference, March 18-21, 1985, Royal York …, 1985

• An optimal pavement management system at the network level

  B Colucci-Rios, KC Sinha

  Proceedings of the 1st North American Pavement Management Conference (NAPMC …, 1985

• Optimal pavement management approach using roughness measurements

  B Colucci-Rios, KC Sinha

  Transportation Research Record, 1985

• Development of a Method for Establishing Resurfacing Priorities for the Pavement Management in Indiana: Volume 2, Study Procedures and Results

  B Colucci-Rios, KC Sinha, EJ Yoder

  Joint Transportation Research Program, 1984

• Development of a method for establishing maintenance priorities for the pavement management system in Indiana

  B Colucci-Rios

  Thesis presented to Purdue University, at West Lafayette, Ind., in partial …, 1984

• Methodology for Evaluating Increase in Pavement Maintenance Costs that Result from Increased Truck Weights on Statewide Basis

  B Colucci-Rios, EJ Yoder

  Transportation Research Record, 1983

• Evaluation of existing aggregate roads to determine suitability for resurfacing

  EJ Yoder, DG Shurig, B Colucci-Rios

  Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board …, 1982

• Effects of Raising Load Limits on Pavements and Bridges in Indiana

  EJ Yoder, B Colucci-Rios, JJ Fraczek, JA Skees

  Joint Transportation Research Program, 1979