In urban areas, tunneling is accompanied by ground surface settlement. To reduce the risks of the operation, it is always required to have an assessment of ground surface settlement and face pressure. In the evaluation of the face pressure, there are two major sets of methods based on the ultimate limit state (ULS) (e. g. tunnel face failure), and SERVICEABILITY limit state (SLS) (e. g. unacceptable settlement or heave). In a SERVICEABILITY limit state, volume loss and surface settlement are used for the analysis of the face pressure. The methods developed for the analysis of SLS face pressure are based on the results of small-scale centrifuge tests or case studies with the unpressurized face. Hence, realistic face pressure cannot be evaluated with these methods. This paper summarizes the major strategies for the evaluation of face pressure in an undrained condition. The outlined methods are utilized to evaluate tunnel face pressure in the Tehran metro line 6, south extension (ML6-SE) project. Results of the analyses showed that predicted face pressures with the SLS methods are far above the required face pressure. To make realistic SLS face pressure evaluations in this project (considering a maximum allowable surface settlement of 10 mm), using ground characteristics and TBM operational parameters, a new formula was introduced with a coefficient of determination of 84%. The results of this paper can be very helpful for both the design phase of a tunneling project and the construction period to adjust the face pressure based on the requirement of the allowable surface settlement.

This paper presents the results of testing and analysis of reinforced concrete floor slab panels using Long form steel decking. The purpose of the study is to assess the contribution of steel decking to the stiffness of the slab system and its influence on the short-term and long-term deflections. The tests were carried out under sustained loads for a period of 260 days. The study indicated that the decking steel can be included in the geometric properties of the slab section for the purpose of satisfying SERVICEABILITY requirements on deflections. A set of conclusions and recommendations drawn from this investigation are presented.

Relatively little research has been reported on the time-dependent in-service behavior of composite concrete slabs with profiled steel decking as permanent formwork and little guidance is available for calculating long-term deflections. The drying shrinkage profile through the thickness of a composite slab is greatly affected by the impermeable steel deck at the slab soffit, and this has only recently been quantified. This paper presents the results of long-term laboratory tests on composite slabs subjected to both drying shrinkage and sustained loads. Based on laboratory measurements, a design model for the shrinkage strain profile through the thickness of a slab is proposed.The design model is based on some modifications to an existing creep and shrinkage prediction model B3. In addition, an analytical model is developed to calculate the time-dependent deflection of composite slabs taking into account the time-dependent effects of creep and shrinkage.The calculated deflections are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements.

Optimal planning and management of electric vehicle parking lots (EVPLs) can be an effective approach for improving the operation of both the distribution system and traffic networks. However, the limited land areas of cities can be an obstacle for constructing a large number of parking lots (PLs). This paper proposed a model for optimal siting and sizing of EVPLs as well as their charging schedule to maximize the total profit of their owners, while maximum parking demand of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) can be satisfied. In the proposed model, the purpose of trips, number of PEVs, plus their arrival and departure time in different urban areas are considered. Distribution network constraints are also taken into account using linearized load flow equations. The proposed model is implemented in a 37-bus distribution system coupled with a 25-node transportation network which includes four different areas in terms of PEV travel type. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed model to cover the parking demand of PEVs with a limited number of PLs.

Optimal planning and management of electric vehicle parking lots (EVPLs) can be an effective approach for improving the operation of both the distribution system and traffic networks. However, the limited land areas of cities can be an obstacle for constructing a large number of parking lots (PLs). This paper proposed a model for optimal siting and sizing of EVPLs as well as their charging schedule to maximize the total profit of their owners, while maximum parking demand of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) can be satisfied. In the proposed model, the purpose of trips, number of PEVs, plus their arrival and departure time in different urban areas are considered. Distribution network constraints are also taken into account using linearized load flow equations. The proposed model is implemented in a 37-bus distribution system coupled with a 25-node transportation network which includes four different areas in terms of PEV travel type. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed model to cover the parking demand of PEVs with a limited number of PLs.