Automatic Road Tunnel Crack Inspection Based on Crack Area Sensing and Multiscale Semantic Segmentation

The detection of crack defects on the walls of road tunnels is a crucial step in the process of ensuring travel safetyand performing routine tunnel maintenance. The automatic and accurate detection of cracks on the surface of roadtunnels is the key to improving the maintenance efficiency of road tunnels. Machine vision technology combinedwith a deep neural network model is an effective means to realize the localization and identification of crackdefects on the surface of road tunnels.We propose a complete set of automatic inspection methods for identifyingcracks on the walls of road tunnels as a solution to the problem of difficulty in identifying cracks during manualmaintenance. First, a set of equipment applied to the real-time acquisition of high-definition images of walls inroad tunnels is designed. Images of walls in road tunnels are acquired based on the designed equipment, whereimages containing crack defects are manually identified and selected. Subsequently, the training and validationsets used to construct the crack inspection model are obtained based on the acquired images, whereas the regionscontaining cracks and the pixels of the cracks are finely labeled. After that, a crack area sensing module is designedbased on the proposed you only look once version 7 model combined with coordinate attention mechanism (CAYOLOV7) network to locate the crack regions in the road tunnel surface images. Only subimages containingcracks are acquired and sent to the multiscale semantic segmentation module for extraction of the pixels to whichthe cracks belong based on the DeepLab V3+ network. The precision and recall of the crack region localizationon the surface of a road tunnel based on our proposed method are 82.4% and 93.8%, respectively. Moreover, themean intersection over union (MIoU) and pixel accuracy (PA) values for achieving pixel-level detection accuracyare 76.84% and 78.29%, respectively. The experimental results on the dataset show that our proposed two-stagedetection method outperforms other state-of-the-art models in crack region localization and detection. Based onour proposedmethod, the images captured on the surface of a road tunnel can complete crack detection at a speed often frames/second, and the detection accuracy can reach 0.25 mm, which meets the requirements for maintenanceof an actual project. The designed CA-YOLO V7 network enables precise localization of the area to which a crackbelongs in images acquired under different environmental and lighting conditions in road tunnels. The improvedDeepLab V3+ network based on lightweighting is able to extract crack morphology in a given region more quicklywhile maintaining segmentation accuracy. The established model combines defect localization and segmentationmodels for the first time, realizing pixel-level defect localization and extraction on the surface of road tunnelsin complex environments, and is capable of determining the actual size of cracks based on the physical coordinatesystemafter camera calibration. The trainedmodelhas highaccuracy andcanbe extendedandapplied to embeddedcomputing devices for the assessment and repair of damaged areas in different types of road tunnels.

Stability evaluation method of large cross-section tunnel considering modification of thickness-span ratio in mechanized operation

Purpose-This study aims to research the large cross-section tunnel stability evaluation method corrected after considering the thickness-span ratio.Design/methodology/approach-First,taking the Liuyuan Tunnel of Huanggang-Huangmei High-Speed Railway as an example and taking deflection of the third principal stress of the surrounding rock at a vault after tunnel excavation as the criterion,the critical buried depth of the large section tunnel was determined.Then,the strength reduction method was employed to calculate the tunnel safety factor under different rock classes and thickness-span ratios,and mathematical statistics was conducted to identify the relationships of the tunnel safety factor with the thickness-span ratio and the basic quality(BQ)index of the rock for different rock classes.Finally,the influences of thickness-span ratio,groundwater,initial stress of rock and structural attitude factors were considered to obtain the corrected BQ,based on which the stability of a large cross-section tunnel with a depth of more than 100 m during mechanized operation was analyzed.This evaluation method was then applied to Liuyuan Tunnel and Cimushan No.2 Tunnel of Chongqing Urban Expressway for verification.Findings-This study shows that under different rock classes,the tunnel safety factor is a strict power function of the thickness-span ratio,while a linear function of the BQ to some extent.It is more suitable to use the corrected BQ as a quantitative index to evaluate tunnel stability according to the actual conditions of the site.Originality/value-The existing industry standards do not consider the influence of buried depth and span in the evaluation of tunnel stability.The stability evaluation method of large section tunnel considering the correction of overburden span ratio proposed in this paper achieves higher accuracy for the stability evaluation of surrounding rock in a full or large-section mechanized excavation of double line high-speed railway tunnels.

Does the ratio of the carpal tunnel inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas in the median nerve reflect carpal tunnel syndrome severity?

Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Aerodynamic effects on a railway tunnel with partially changed cross-sectional area

The present study numerically explored the aerodynamic performance of a novel railway tunnel with a partially reduced cross-section.The impact of the reduction rate of the tunnel cross-section on wave transmissions was analyzed based on the three-dimensional,unsteady,compressible,and RNG k-εturbulence model.The results highlight that the reduction rate(S)most affects pressure configurations at the middle tunnel segment,followed by the enlarged segments near access,and finally the exit.The strength of the newly generated compression wave at the tunnel junction where the cross-section abruptly changes increases exponentially with the decrease of the cross-sectional area.The maximum peak-to-peak pressureΔP on the tunnel and train surface for non-uniform tunnels is reduced by 10.7%and 13.8%,respectively,compared with those of equivalent uniform tunnels.Overall,the economic analysis suggests that the aerodynamic performance of the developed tunnel prototype surpasses those conventional tunnels based on the same excavated volume.

Relationship between sonographically measured median nerve cross-sectional area and presence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects

BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.

Analysis on the Characteristics and Laws of Tunnel Hydraulic Inrush in Karst Area

As highways are extended to deep mountains,high altitudes,and special geological conditions,tunnel construction becomes more and more challenging,especially the construction of tunnels in karst areas.Due to the particularity of the regional geological structure,karst is well developed in the southwest of our country,especially at areas where the problem of tunnel water inrush in karst areas is more prominent.To further ensure the safe construction and operation of tunnels,the characteristics of tunnels in karst areas is analyzed in this article.

Ultrasonographic measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area reference values in a healthy Han population from Guiyang,China

High-resolution ultrasonography was used to analyze the nerve cross-sectional area （CSA） of the median nerve at 7 sites： the wrist crease, pisiform bone, hamate bone, 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm （where the nerve enters the pronator teres muscle）, 4 cm proximal to the tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus （mid-point between elbow crease and axilla） in 200 healthy volunteers from Guiyang, China. Results showed similar CSA values between the left and right sides, but the CSA 6 cm proximal to the tip of the wrist crease, proximal forearm, 4 cm proximal to tip of the medial epicondyle, and mid-humerus in males was greater than that of females. Moreover, CSA values at the wrist crease, pisiform bone, and hamate bone were greater in the middle-aged and old groups when compared to the young group, and correlated with body mass and height. Thus, reference values of median nerve CSA of the upper limbs can facilitate the analysis of abnormal nerve conditions.

Hyperstatic reaction method for calculations of tunnels with horseshoe-shaped cross-section under the impact of earthquakes

Tunnels are now an integral part of the infrastructure in major cities around the world. For many reasons, these tunnels have horseshoe-shaped cross-sections with round top and flat bottom. This paper presents some improvements to the use of the Hyperstatic Reaction Method-HRM for analysing tunnels with horseshoe-shaped cross-sections when these tunnels operate under the influence of earthquakes, particularly in cases when the tunnel lining is a continuous lining. The analysis used parameters of a tunnel from the Hanoi metro system, as well as parameters of the strongest earthquake that may occur in the central Hanoi area in the improved HRM and 2 D numerical methods using the ABAQUS software. On the basis of the results obtained, the paper gives conclusions about the HRM methodology when it is used to calculate tunnels that have horseshoe cross-sections operating under the influence of earthquakes.

Possible Nodeless Superconducting Gaps in Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_(8+δ) and YBa_2Cu_3O_(7-x) Revealed by Cross-Sectional Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy

Pairing in the cuprate high-temperature superconductors and its origin remain among the most enduring mysteries in condensed matter physics. With cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we clearly reveal the spatial-dependence or inhomogeneity of the superconducting gap structure of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8＋δ （Bi2212） and YBa2Cu3O7-x （YBCO） along their c-axes on a scale shorter than the interlayer spacing. By tunneling into the （100） plane of a Bi2212 single crystal and a YBCO film, we observe both U-shaped tunneling spectra with extended fiat zero-conductance bottoms, and V-shaped gap structures, in different regions of each sample. On the YBCO film, tunneling into a （110） surface only reveals a U-shaped gap without any zero-bias peak. Our analysis suggests that the U-shaped gap is likely a nodeless superconducting gap. The V-shaped gap has a very small amplitude, and is likely proximity-induced by regions having the larger U-shaped gap.

Usefulness of the acromioclavicular joint cross-sectional area as a diagnostic image parameter of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Acromioclavicular joint(ACJ)space narrowing has been considered to be an important diagnostic image parameter of ACJ osteoarthritis(ACJO).However,the morphology of the ACJ space is irregular because of osteophyte formation,subchondral irregularity,capsular distention,sclerosis,and erosion.Therefore,we created the ACJ cross-sectional area(ACJCSA)as a new diagnostic image parameter to assess the irregular morphologic changes of the ACJ.AIM To hypothesize that the ACJCSA is a new diagnostic image parameter for ACJO.METHODS ACJ samples were obtained from 35 patients with ACJO and 30 healthy individuals who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance(S-MR)imaging that revealed no evidence of ACJO.Oblique coronal,T2-weighted,fat-suppressed SMR images were acquired at the ACJ level from the two groups.We measured the ACJCSA and the ACJ space width(ACJSW)at the ACJ on the S-MR images using our imaging analysis program.The ACJCSA was measured as the cross-sectional area of the ACJ.The ACJSW was measured as the narrowest point between the acromion and the clavicle.RESULTS The average ACJCSA was 39.88±10.60 mm;in the normal group and 18.80±5.13 mm;in the ACJO group.The mean ACJSW was 3.51±0.58 mm in the normal group and 2.02±0.48 mm in the ACJO group.ACJO individuals had significantly lower ACJCSA and ACJSW than the healthy individuals.Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that the most suitable ACJCSA cutoff score was 26.14 mm^(2),with 91.4%sensitivity and 90.0%specificity.CONCLUSION The optimal ACJSW cutoff score was 2.37 mm,with 88.6%sensitivity and 96.7%specificity.Even though both the ACJCSA and ACJSW were significantly associated with ACJO,the ACJCSA was a more sensitive diagnostic image parameter.

Correlation between current and cross-sectional area of parallel fixed-movable dual electrodes in ESC

Electroslag casting with parallel fixed-movable dual electrodes is a new method for achieving better quality of castings in complex mold cavities.In this work,a mathematical model,y=kx^2+(k+1)x,was established to describe the ideal correlation between the current ratio(y)and the cross-sectional area ratio(x)of the dual electrodes,where k is the filling ratio.Investigation was conducted on the electroslag casting process with dual electrodes of various cross-sectional areas,but at a constant k value.The experimental results indicated that the ideal correlation was obtained at the stable casting stage,and the fitting results were consistent with the experimental results at certain k values.The experimental findings show that better castings can be obtained when the current ratio is greater than 1.536 and the cross-sectional area ratio is greater than 0.5.

Wind Tunnel Study of Multiple Factors Affecting Wind Erosion from Cropland in Agro-pastoral Area of Inner Mongolia,China

In this paper,the process of wind erosion on two kinds of soil from the agro-pastoral area of Inner Mongolia are studied using wind tunnel experiments,considering the wind speed,blown angle of wind and soil moisture content.The results showed that the modulus of soil wind erosion increases with an increase of wind speed.When the wind speed exceeds a critical value,the soil wind erosion suddenly increases.The critical speed for both kinds of soil is within the range of 7-8m·s-1.For a constant wind speed,the rate of soil wind erosion changes from increasing to falling at a critical soil slope.The critical slope of loam soil and sandy loam soil is 20° and 10°,respectively.Soil moisture content has a significant effect on wind erosion.Soil wind erosion of both soils decreases with an increase of the soil water content in two treatments,however,for treatment two,the increasing trends of wind erosion for two soils with the falling of soil water content are no significant,especially for the loam soil,and in the same soil water content,the wind erosion of two soils in treatment one is significantly higher than treatment two,this indicates reducing the disturbance of soil surface can evidently control the soil wind erosion.

Application of TSD tunnel seismic prediction system in karst area

TSD is one of the classical methods of tunnel seismic prediction based on higher accuracy multi-wave multi-component seismology.The working principle of the TSD and an application example of the TSD on tunnel prediction in Chongqing are introduced in this paper.This system has two ports for speed signal and acceleration signal,and the equipment is more portable and easy to use.According to the application results we can conclude that the TSD prediction system is accurate and it has the wide application prospect in tunnel seismic detection.

Exposed Cross-section of the Archaean Lower Crustin the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mongolia Border Region:Problems and Prospects

The Archaean lower crust represented by granulite facies rocks, which is rare in China, is found to be exposed in the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mongolia border region. Studies of the regional structure and deformation and metamorphism of the region indicate that there occurred at least two phases of deformation and metamorphism in the region. Early-phase nearly E-W-directed deformational structure is well preserved in the Zhangjiakou-Xuanhua area. Observations of the features of the geological structure from north to south (in the Hengshan metamorphic terrain) have revealed a possible exposed cross-section through the Archaean lower crust. The structure was superimposed by a NE-SW-trending high-temperature ductile shear zone in the Datong area in the late phase, thus reworking the Archaean sequence.

Seismic Design of ＂Qaf Murrizi＂ Tunnel： The Design of Tunnels in Heterogeneous Areas

Recently based in the performance of tunnels under seismic movements a good progress is made in the seismic design of tunnels. The majority of problems in the tunnel structures take place in near fault conditions and in the case of great variation of rock properties. Not having a previous experience in the seismic design of the tunnels that pass through tectonic zones with very large heterogeneity （strong rock-soil or very poor rock that behaves like soil） this article presents the general aspects of seismic calculation of tunnels and application in a specific example. The article presents the methods of seismic input modeling, design and particularities of numerical calculations. The geological conditions in which the case study tunnel will be constructed are very common in Albanian territory and represent one of the most difficult cases for the construction of road tunnels. The applied approach for using the longitudinal models for generating time histories of acceleration that can be used as input for transversal models is very simple and will help the designers for the seismic analysis of other tunnels that will be constructed in Albania.

山区铁路隧道工程资源环境影响效应评估研究

山区地质复杂、环境敏感、生态脆弱,致使铁路隧道建设难度大,且在资源节约、环境保护等方面面临较高要求。绿色设计作为绿色建设的先行环节,对减少隧道建设对资源环境的扰动作用,达到资源节约、环境友好的目的起关键引领作用。为定量评估山区铁路隧道工程的资源环境影响效应、衡量隧道设计的绿色程度,提出一种山区铁路隧道工程资源环境影响效应分析方法。首先,基于“驱动力-状态-响应”模型(Driving force-State-Response,DSR),以隧道设计参数为驱动力指标、资源环境状况为状态指标、隧道设计措施为响应指标,构建山区铁路隧道工程资源环境影响效应评估指标体系,并建立各指标分级标准;其次,运用一种具有自学习自调整能力的支持向量回归模型(Support Vector Regression,SVR)对隧道工程的资源环境影响效应进行评估;再次,以驱动力指标和响应指标为分析对象,运用考虑指标间关联关系及叠加效应的敏感性分析法,甄别对隧道工程资源环境影响效应优化具有重要影响的隧道设计因素;最后,以某山区铁路隧道工程为例,得到该隧道工程的资源环境影响效应值为4.7157,对应等级为较好,表明该隧道工程绿色设计水平较好,资源集约节约利用较合理、环境保护力度较大,可为其他类似工况隧道工程的绿色设计提供借鉴。此外,分析结果显示,注浆加固效果是导致该隧道工程资源环境影响效应变化最敏感的因素,其次为清污分流比例,可着重从这2个方面进行优化设计,以实现隧道工程资源环境影响效应的进一步优化。研究结果验证了本文研究方法的适用性和可操作性,可为山区铁路隧道工程资源环境影响效应评估及明确隧道工程优化设计方向提供科学依据。

西南山区铁路客运专线隧道底鼓病害变形监测研究

西南山区铁路客运专线具有高桥隧比、沿线地质条件复杂恶劣等特征,在建设和运营过程中易出现各类工程病害。文章基于某隧道底鼓变形病害,设计并开展包含围岩变形、仰拱受力和道床板沉降变形3个监测指标的隧道变形监测方案。通过对监测数据进行分析,获取隧道和围岩受力变形的演化规律,据此提出后续加密轨道几何形位静态、动态检测和衬砌结构贯通裂缝观测、实施列车降速运行等处理措施。相关研究可为该客运专线的安全运营提供有力保障,同时为类似工程隧道病害的监测和整治工作提供有益参考。

湿陷性黄土区输水隧洞盾构施工风险评估

为了提高针对湿陷性黄土区输水隧洞盾构法施工安全评估的可靠性,从人员管理、机械材料、施工技术、施工环境4个方面构建较为完善的施工安全风险评估指标体系;利用灰色-DEMATEL方法对中心度进行处理得到风险指标权重;以风险发生概率和风险损失程度两个维度为基础构建二维云评估模型,其中发生概率由主、客观方法相结合来确定,损失程度通过改进雷达图法从人员伤亡、经济损失、工期延误、功能缺陷和环境影响5个方面来综合确定。将该评估模型运用到引汉济渭工程X输水隧洞盾构法施工项目的安全评估中。结果表明:该项目施工风险评估等级为Ⅱ级,施工安全风险程度较小,评价结果符合工程实际,验证了该评估模型的可行性和有效性。研究成果可为湿陷性黄土区类似输水隧洞盾构法施工安全风险评估提供借鉴和参考。

极端环境隧道建造面临的主要问题及发展趋势

聚焦艰险山区、深水海域与城市敏感区3类极端环境,全面梳理和总结了在此环境下隧道建造面临的主要问题、相关技术突破和未来发展趋势。针对艰险山区中极高地应力、高地温、高海拔以及活动断裂带等极端条件,总结分析围岩和隧道的变形机制、破坏机制及防护措施,并指出未来可通过大数据、机器学习等手段建立更精准的预测模型,以实现隧道建造过程的实时监控和风险评估;针对深水海域中高水压、高烈度地震、强侵蚀环境等极端条件,分析多因素耦合下沉管法及盾构法隧道管片及接头的劣损和破坏机制,总结提升其力学和耐久性能的主要技术措施,并提出未来仍需针对海底隧道管片接头的防水、抗震及抗侵蚀性能开展更深入的研究,以形成完整的理论和技术体系;针对城市敏感区隧道穿越既有隧道、敏感建构筑物、地下障碍物等挑战,总结分析盾构法和顶管法施工环境响应规律、地层变形评估方法和控制技术措施,提出未来可采用机器学习等技术辅助隧道建设,以提升预测和控制的准确性,减小建设过程对城市环境的扰动。目前,相关研究成果为极端环境下的隧道工程建设提供了重要支撑,但部分技术仍需进一步在实践中完善并形成规范,以指导后续的工程建设;而随着新一代信息技术的发展,未来隧道建造必将朝着数字化、智能化、自动化的方向发展,从而保障极端环境下隧道建设的安全、绿色、高效。

采空塌陷区隧道病害机理与防控研究现状与展望

我国是煤炭生产大国,煤炭开采造成了大量采空塌陷。随着公路铁路网不断加密,在山西等采煤大省,越来越多的交通隧道不得不穿越煤矿采空塌陷区。采空塌陷区岩层破坏剧烈、变形量大且持续时间长,是隧道工程建设与运营的重大安全隐患,系统研究采空塌陷区隧道灾变机理与防控技术是隧道工程建设与运营安全的重要保障。通过分析文献报道的工程案例,总结了采空塌陷区隧道的主要病害类型及其灾变机理,回顾了塌陷区采动岩体长期变形预测方法与隧道灾变预测方法,介绍了塌陷区采动岩体变形控制方法与穿越采空区隧道围岩处治方法。在此基础上,分析了采空塌陷区隧道灾变与防控技术研究中存在的突出问题,并对亟待研究的方向进行了展望。