Here, using the Scale-Symmetric Theory (SST) we explain the cosmological tension and the origin of the largest cosmic structures. We show that a change in value of strong coupling constant for cold baryonic matter lea...Here, using the Scale-Symmetric Theory (SST) we explain the cosmological tension and the origin of the largest cosmic structures. We show that a change in value of strong coupling constant for cold baryonic matter leads to the disagreement in the galaxy clustering amplitude, quantified by the parameter S8. Within the same model we described the Hubble tension. We described also the mechanism that transforms the gravitational collapse into an explosion—it concerns the dynamics of virtual fields that lead to dark energy. Our calculations concern the Type Ia supernovae and the core-collapse supernovae. We calculated the quantized masses of the progenitors of supernovae, emitted total energy during explosion, and we calculated how much of the released energy was transferred to neutrinos. Value of the speed of sound in the strongly interacting matter measured at the LHC confirms that presented here model is correct. Our calculations show that the Universe is cyclic.展开更多
Electronic structures and optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN are studied by employing Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerh(HSE) method based on the first-principles. The band structure and density of states(DOS) of sin...Electronic structures and optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN are studied by employing Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerh(HSE) method based on the first-principles. The band structure and density of states(DOS) of single-layer In1-xGaxN are calculated, and the band gap ranges from 1.8 eV to 3.8 eV as the ratio x changes, illustrating the potential for the tunability of band gap values via Ga doped. We also have investigated optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN such as dielectric function, refractive index and absorption coefficient, the main peak of dielectric function spectrum and the absorption edge are found to have a remarkable blue-shift as the concentration of Ga increases. Furthermore, the optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN are analyzed based on the band structures and DOS analysis. Such unique optical properties have profound application in nanoelectronics and optical devices.展开更多
Tension leg platform (TLP) for offshore wind turbine support is a new type structure in wind energy utilization. The strong-interaction method is used in analyzing the coupled model, and the dynamic characteristics ...Tension leg platform (TLP) for offshore wind turbine support is a new type structure in wind energy utilization. The strong-interaction method is used in analyzing the coupled model, and the dynamic characteristics of the TLP for offshore wind turbine support are recognized. As shown by the calculated results: for the lower modes, the shapes are water's vibration, and the vibration of water induces the structure's swing; the mode shapes of the structure are complex, and can largely change among different members; the mode shapes of the platform are related to the tower's. The frequencies of the structure do not change much after adjusting the length of the tension cables and the depth of the platform; the TLP has good adaptability for the water depths and the environment loads. The change of the size and parameters of TLP can improve the dynamic characteristics, which can reduce the vibration of the TLP caused by the loads. Through the vibration analysis, the natural vibration frequencies of TLP can be distinguished from the frequencies of condition loads, and thus the resonance vibration can be avoided, therefore the offshore wind turbine can work normally in the complex conditions.展开更多
A new form function involving parameters Pi is presented. On the basis of the form function, an initial form of tension structure was Sound by interpolating through the control points on boundary of the structure. The...A new form function involving parameters Pi is presented. On the basis of the form function, an initial form of tension structure was Sound by interpolating through the control points on boundary of the structure. The form function can be controlled by changing beta (1) according to the pre-tension and the boundary of the structure. The final form of a tension structure should be an equilibrium system under the pretension. To examine the nature of the initial form, the FEM was used. Many examples show that the initial form gives a very ideal result for equal or unequal pre-tension in two directions of the structure. In general cases, there is little difference between the initial form and the final one.展开更多
Factors such as errors during the fabrication or construction of structural components and errors of calculation as- sumption or calculation methods, are very likely to cause serious deviation of many strings’ actual...Factors such as errors during the fabrication or construction of structural components and errors of calculation as- sumption or calculation methods, are very likely to cause serious deviation of many strings’ actual prestressing forces from the designed values during tension structure construction or service period, and further to threaten the safety and reliability of the structure. Aiming at relatively large errors of the prestressing force of strings in a tension structure construction or service period, this paper proposes a new finite element method (FEM), the "tensile force correction calculation method". Based on the measured prestressing forces of the strings, this new method applies the structure from the zero prestressing force status approach to the measured prestressing force status for the first phase, and from the measured prestressing force status approach to the designed prestressing force status for the second phase. The construction tensile force correction value for each string can be obtained by multi-iteration with FEM. Using the results of calculation, the strings’ tensile force correction by group and in batch will be methodic, simple and accurate. This new calculation method can be applied to the prestressed correction construction simulation analysis for tension structures.展开更多
This paper deals with new and innovative case studies of application of post-tensioning for restoration of structures for buildings, bridges and rock stabilization in India. In earlier situations for these types of ca...This paper deals with new and innovative case studies of application of post-tensioning for restoration of structures for buildings, bridges and rock stabilization in India. In earlier situations for these types of cases conventional method of repair and rehabilitation has been used. These innovative approaches for restoration have led to enormous saving of cost and time. The advantages of post tensioning are well known in the civil industry and are being used for the last 40 to 50 years. Post tensioning is one of the best methods to induce stresses in the concrete before application of live load and this technique can also be widely used for restoration and rehabilitation of structures. Unlike the use of post-tensioning in new structures there are no definite methods or codes for application in restoration and rehabilitation of structures. For restoration and rehabilitation of structures, PT (post tensioned) technique can be applied in combination with other techniques and materials available. Bridge lifting is a tricky and risky job especially when the superstructure is displaced appreciably by a natural calamity, etc.. Not only the present state of structure needs proper study before commencement of restoration and rehabilitation but also calls for careful execution. This paper deals with case studies of innovative applications of post tensioning in restoration and rehabilitation of structures and restoration of bridge structure in Andaman & Nicobar Island, India affected by Sumatra quake.展开更多
“Push-and-pull”efficient structures have been inconceivable between XVIII centuries.It is because of the incapacity of obtain an efficient behaviour of tensioned material.Since XVIII centuries,architecture developed...“Push-and-pull”efficient structures have been inconceivable between XVIII centuries.It is because of the incapacity of obtain an efficient behaviour of tensioned material.Since XVIII centuries,architecture developed some structural knowledge generating novel structural forms in the architecture and engineering that were not known before.Tensegrities and tensioned structures were studied due to the knowledge of geometry and tension.Some investigations about tensegrities and tensioned structures have been developed since that moment.Tensegrities are bar and cable structures that work only in compression or tension efforts.Bars and cables are balanced,but in appearance the growth is disorderly.Most of deployable structures are based on tensegrity systems.The research is focused in presenting a summary of tensegrities and tensioned architectures that have been used in the structural design of novel patterns.The research of adequate materials to tension efforts will be crucial in this study.The investigation presents an important state of the art that provides technical solutions to apply on novel architectures based on tensegrities and tensioned structures.The research is useful to produce the current constructive solutions based on these constructive systems.展开更多
A quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) study has been made for the prediction of the surface tension of nonionic surfactants in aqueous solution. The regressed model includes a topological descriptor, ...A quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) study has been made for the prediction of the surface tension of nonionic surfactants in aqueous solution. The regressed model includes a topological descriptor, the Kier & Hall index of zero order (KH0) of the hydrophobic segment of surfactant and a quantum chemical one, the heat of formation (fHD) of surfactant molecules. The established general QSPR between the surface tension and the descriptors produces a correlation coefficient of multiple determination, 2r=0.9877, for 30 studied nonionic surfactants.展开更多
The human rights white paper has in it the basic concepts of human rights,the form of the human rights system,and the mode of human rights practice in modern China.It is based on the tension balance structure between ...The human rights white paper has in it the basic concepts of human rights,the form of the human rights system,and the mode of human rights practice in modern China.It is based on the tension balance structure between the historical feature and rationality,the cultural feature and similarity,the realistic feature and the common feature of human rights.Adhering to the historical nature of human rights rather than abstract rationality,and the cultural diversity and equality of human rights rather than one dominant model,and the particularity of human rights rather than universality is the pillar of China’s human rights philosophy,system,and practice.The human rights development path that combines the top-down leadership of China’s ruling party,the capability of the Chinese government in taking a holistic approach and the bottom-up driving force of the people is very different from the natural evolution path of the West.展开更多
To study the effect of atmospheric pressure on the properties of fresh and hardened airentrained concrete, three kinds of air entraining agents were used for preparing air-entrained concrete in the plateaus(Lhasa, 61 ...To study the effect of atmospheric pressure on the properties of fresh and hardened airentrained concrete, three kinds of air entraining agents were used for preparing air-entrained concrete in the plateaus(Lhasa, 61 kPa) and the plains(Beijing, 101 kPa). Air content, slump, compressive strength and pore structure of the three air-entrained concretes were tested in these two places. It is found that the air content of concrete under low atmospheric pressure(LAP) is 4%-36% lower than that of concrete under normal atmospheric pressure(NAP), which explaines the decrease of slump for air-entrained concrete under LAP. Pore number of hardened concrete under LAP is reduced by 48%-69%. While, the proportion of big pores(pore diameter >1 200 μm) and air void spacing factor are increased by 1.5%-7.3% and 51%-92%, respectively. The deterioration of pore structure results in a 3%-9% reduction in the compressive strength of concrete. From the results we have obtained, it can be concluded that the increase of critical nucleation energy of air bubbles and the decrease of volumetric compressibility coefficient of air in the concrete are responsible for the variation of air content and pore structure of concrete under LAP.展开更多
The innovative Subsurface Tension Leg Platform(STLP), which is designed to be located below Mean Water Level(M.W.L) to minimize direct wave loading and mitigate the effect of strong surface currents, is considered as ...The innovative Subsurface Tension Leg Platform(STLP), which is designed to be located below Mean Water Level(M.W.L) to minimize direct wave loading and mitigate the effect of strong surface currents, is considered as a competitive alternative system to support shallow-water rated well completion equipment and rigid risers for large ultra-deep water oil field development. A detailed description of the design philosophy of STLP has been published in the series of papers and patents. Nonetheless, design uncertainties arise as limited understanding of various parameters effects on the structural response of STLP, pertaining to the environmental loading, structural properties and hydrodynamic characteristics. This paper focuses on providing quantitative methodology on how each parameter affects the structural response of STLP, which will facilitate establishing the unique design criteria as regards to STLP. Firstly, the entire list of dimensionless groups of input and output parameters is proposed based on VaschyBuckingham theory. Then, numerical models are built and a series of numerical tests are carried out for validating the obtained dimensionless groups. On this basis, the calculation results of a great quantity of parametric studies on the structural response of STLP are presented and discussed in detail. Further, empirical formulae for predicting STLP response are derived through nonlinear regression analysis. Finally, conclusions and discussions are made. It has been demonstrated that the study provides a methodology for better control of key parameters and lays the foundation for optimal design of STLP. The obtained conclusions also have wide ranging applicability in reference to the engineering design and design analysis aspects of deepwater buoy supporting installations, such as Grouped SLOR or TLR system.展开更多
For statically indeterminate structure, the internal force will be changed with the translation of the supports, because the internal force is related to the absolute value of the stiffness EI. When the tension is dif...For statically indeterminate structure, the internal force will be changed with the translation of the supports, because the internal force is related to the absolute value of the stiffness EI. When the tension is different with the compression modulus, EI is the function of internal force and is not constant any more that is different from classic mechanics. In the other words, it is a nonlinear problem to calculate the internal force. The expression for neutral axis of the statically indeterminate structure was derived in the paper. The iterative program for nonlinear internal force was compiled. One case study was presented to illustrate the difference between the results using the different modulus theory and the single modulus theory as in classical mechanics. Finally, some reasonable suggestions were made for the different modulus structures.展开更多
Based on the nonlinear geometric relation between strain and displacement for flexible cable, the equilibrium equation under self-weight and influence of temperature was established and an analytical solution of displ...Based on the nonlinear geometric relation between strain and displacement for flexible cable, the equilibrium equation under self-weight and influence of temperature was established and an analytical solution of displacement and tension distribution defined in Eulerian coordinate system was accurately obtained. The nonlinear algebraic equations caused by cable structure were solved directly using the modified Powell hybrid algorithm with high precision routine DNEQNE of Fortran. For example, a cable structure consisting of three cables jointly supported by a vertical spring and all the other ends fixed was calculated and compared with various methods by other scholars.展开更多
Cable roof structures?have?only become widespread in large span structures in the latter part of the twentieth century. However,?they?still represent a relatively new form of roof construction, especially as in the pr...Cable roof structures?have?only become widespread in large span structures in the latter part of the twentieth century. However,?they?still represent a relatively new form of roof construction, especially as in the present case of a small span innovative structural solution. The contribution of this text to the structural engineering community lies in the increased interest in building simple cable roof structures. Since its completion in September 1996, this small cable roof structure has been recognized as an interesting architectural and structural example. The text describes aspects of the design and construction of a small cable roof that was designed as a roof for an open-air theater stage for the city of Sao Jose do Rio Pardo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. A cable network, in the shape of a hyperbolic paraboloid surface, is anchored in a reinforced concrete edge ring. The projection of the ring’s axis onto the ground plane is an ellipse. Workers with specialized training were employed in the various stages of the construction, which was completed in September 1996.展开更多
文摘Here, using the Scale-Symmetric Theory (SST) we explain the cosmological tension and the origin of the largest cosmic structures. We show that a change in value of strong coupling constant for cold baryonic matter leads to the disagreement in the galaxy clustering amplitude, quantified by the parameter S8. Within the same model we described the Hubble tension. We described also the mechanism that transforms the gravitational collapse into an explosion—it concerns the dynamics of virtual fields that lead to dark energy. Our calculations concern the Type Ia supernovae and the core-collapse supernovae. We calculated the quantized masses of the progenitors of supernovae, emitted total energy during explosion, and we calculated how much of the released energy was transferred to neutrinos. Value of the speed of sound in the strongly interacting matter measured at the LHC confirms that presented here model is correct. Our calculations show that the Universe is cyclic.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.11404230)Foundation of Science and Technology Bureau of Sichuan Province (No.2013JY0085)
文摘Electronic structures and optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN are studied by employing Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerh(HSE) method based on the first-principles. The band structure and density of states(DOS) of single-layer In1-xGaxN are calculated, and the band gap ranges from 1.8 eV to 3.8 eV as the ratio x changes, illustrating the potential for the tunability of band gap values via Ga doped. We also have investigated optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN such as dielectric function, refractive index and absorption coefficient, the main peak of dielectric function spectrum and the absorption edge are found to have a remarkable blue-shift as the concentration of Ga increases. Furthermore, the optical properties of single-layer In1-xGaxN are analyzed based on the band structures and DOS analysis. Such unique optical properties have profound application in nanoelectronics and optical devices.
文摘Tension leg platform (TLP) for offshore wind turbine support is a new type structure in wind energy utilization. The strong-interaction method is used in analyzing the coupled model, and the dynamic characteristics of the TLP for offshore wind turbine support are recognized. As shown by the calculated results: for the lower modes, the shapes are water's vibration, and the vibration of water induces the structure's swing; the mode shapes of the structure are complex, and can largely change among different members; the mode shapes of the platform are related to the tower's. The frequencies of the structure do not change much after adjusting the length of the tension cables and the depth of the platform; the TLP has good adaptability for the water depths and the environment loads. The change of the size and parameters of TLP can improve the dynamic characteristics, which can reduce the vibration of the TLP caused by the loads. Through the vibration analysis, the natural vibration frequencies of TLP can be distinguished from the frequencies of condition loads, and thus the resonance vibration can be avoided, therefore the offshore wind turbine can work normally in the complex conditions.
文摘A new form function involving parameters Pi is presented. On the basis of the form function, an initial form of tension structure was Sound by interpolating through the control points on boundary of the structure. The form function can be controlled by changing beta (1) according to the pre-tension and the boundary of the structure. The final form of a tension structure should be an equilibrium system under the pretension. To examine the nature of the initial form, the FEM was used. Many examples show that the initial form gives a very ideal result for equal or unequal pre-tension in two directions of the structure. In general cases, there is little difference between the initial form and the final one.
基金Project (No. 50678157) supported by the National Natural ScienceFoundation of China
文摘Factors such as errors during the fabrication or construction of structural components and errors of calculation as- sumption or calculation methods, are very likely to cause serious deviation of many strings’ actual prestressing forces from the designed values during tension structure construction or service period, and further to threaten the safety and reliability of the structure. Aiming at relatively large errors of the prestressing force of strings in a tension structure construction or service period, this paper proposes a new finite element method (FEM), the "tensile force correction calculation method". Based on the measured prestressing forces of the strings, this new method applies the structure from the zero prestressing force status approach to the measured prestressing force status for the first phase, and from the measured prestressing force status approach to the designed prestressing force status for the second phase. The construction tensile force correction value for each string can be obtained by multi-iteration with FEM. Using the results of calculation, the strings’ tensile force correction by group and in batch will be methodic, simple and accurate. This new calculation method can be applied to the prestressed correction construction simulation analysis for tension structures.
文摘This paper deals with new and innovative case studies of application of post-tensioning for restoration of structures for buildings, bridges and rock stabilization in India. In earlier situations for these types of cases conventional method of repair and rehabilitation has been used. These innovative approaches for restoration have led to enormous saving of cost and time. The advantages of post tensioning are well known in the civil industry and are being used for the last 40 to 50 years. Post tensioning is one of the best methods to induce stresses in the concrete before application of live load and this technique can also be widely used for restoration and rehabilitation of structures. Unlike the use of post-tensioning in new structures there are no definite methods or codes for application in restoration and rehabilitation of structures. For restoration and rehabilitation of structures, PT (post tensioned) technique can be applied in combination with other techniques and materials available. Bridge lifting is a tricky and risky job especially when the superstructure is displaced appreciably by a natural calamity, etc.. Not only the present state of structure needs proper study before commencement of restoration and rehabilitation but also calls for careful execution. This paper deals with case studies of innovative applications of post tensioning in restoration and rehabilitation of structures and restoration of bridge structure in Andaman & Nicobar Island, India affected by Sumatra quake.
文摘“Push-and-pull”efficient structures have been inconceivable between XVIII centuries.It is because of the incapacity of obtain an efficient behaviour of tensioned material.Since XVIII centuries,architecture developed some structural knowledge generating novel structural forms in the architecture and engineering that were not known before.Tensegrities and tensioned structures were studied due to the knowledge of geometry and tension.Some investigations about tensegrities and tensioned structures have been developed since that moment.Tensegrities are bar and cable structures that work only in compression or tension efforts.Bars and cables are balanced,but in appearance the growth is disorderly.Most of deployable structures are based on tensegrity systems.The research is focused in presenting a summary of tensegrities and tensioned architectures that have been used in the structural design of novel patterns.The research of adequate materials to tension efforts will be crucial in this study.The investigation presents an important state of the art that provides technical solutions to apply on novel architectures based on tensegrities and tensioned structures.The research is useful to produce the current constructive solutions based on these constructive systems.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(to grant No.29903006 and 29973023)the Visiting Scholar Foundation of Key Laboratory in University of China for their financial support
文摘A quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) study has been made for the prediction of the surface tension of nonionic surfactants in aqueous solution. The regressed model includes a topological descriptor, the Kier & Hall index of zero order (KH0) of the hydrophobic segment of surfactant and a quantum chemical one, the heat of formation (fHD) of surfactant molecules. The established general QSPR between the surface tension and the descriptors produces a correlation coefficient of multiple determination, 2r=0.9877, for 30 studied nonionic surfactants.
基金the achievement of the Beijing Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Erathe major project of the Beijing Social Science Fund“General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Statements on Human Rights”(21LFXA051)
文摘The human rights white paper has in it the basic concepts of human rights,the form of the human rights system,and the mode of human rights practice in modern China.It is based on the tension balance structure between the historical feature and rationality,the cultural feature and similarity,the realistic feature and the common feature of human rights.Adhering to the historical nature of human rights rather than abstract rationality,and the cultural diversity and equality of human rights rather than one dominant model,and the particularity of human rights rather than universality is the pillar of China’s human rights philosophy,system,and practice.The human rights development path that combines the top-down leadership of China’s ruling party,the capability of the Chinese government in taking a holistic approach and the bottom-up driving force of the people is very different from the natural evolution path of the West.
基金Funed by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2017YFB0309903)
文摘To study the effect of atmospheric pressure on the properties of fresh and hardened airentrained concrete, three kinds of air entraining agents were used for preparing air-entrained concrete in the plateaus(Lhasa, 61 kPa) and the plains(Beijing, 101 kPa). Air content, slump, compressive strength and pore structure of the three air-entrained concretes were tested in these two places. It is found that the air content of concrete under low atmospheric pressure(LAP) is 4%-36% lower than that of concrete under normal atmospheric pressure(NAP), which explaines the decrease of slump for air-entrained concrete under LAP. Pore number of hardened concrete under LAP is reduced by 48%-69%. While, the proportion of big pores(pore diameter >1 200 μm) and air void spacing factor are increased by 1.5%-7.3% and 51%-92%, respectively. The deterioration of pore structure results in a 3%-9% reduction in the compressive strength of concrete. From the results we have obtained, it can be concluded that the increase of critical nucleation energy of air bubbles and the decrease of volumetric compressibility coefficient of air in the concrete are responsible for the variation of air content and pore structure of concrete under LAP.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51709041)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant Nos.2017M610178 and 2018T110224)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.DUT18RC(4)069)
文摘The innovative Subsurface Tension Leg Platform(STLP), which is designed to be located below Mean Water Level(M.W.L) to minimize direct wave loading and mitigate the effect of strong surface currents, is considered as a competitive alternative system to support shallow-water rated well completion equipment and rigid risers for large ultra-deep water oil field development. A detailed description of the design philosophy of STLP has been published in the series of papers and patents. Nonetheless, design uncertainties arise as limited understanding of various parameters effects on the structural response of STLP, pertaining to the environmental loading, structural properties and hydrodynamic characteristics. This paper focuses on providing quantitative methodology on how each parameter affects the structural response of STLP, which will facilitate establishing the unique design criteria as regards to STLP. Firstly, the entire list of dimensionless groups of input and output parameters is proposed based on VaschyBuckingham theory. Then, numerical models are built and a series of numerical tests are carried out for validating the obtained dimensionless groups. On this basis, the calculation results of a great quantity of parametric studies on the structural response of STLP are presented and discussed in detail. Further, empirical formulae for predicting STLP response are derived through nonlinear regression analysis. Finally, conclusions and discussions are made. It has been demonstrated that the study provides a methodology for better control of key parameters and lays the foundation for optimal design of STLP. The obtained conclusions also have wide ranging applicability in reference to the engineering design and design analysis aspects of deepwater buoy supporting installations, such as Grouped SLOR or TLR system.
文摘For statically indeterminate structure, the internal force will be changed with the translation of the supports, because the internal force is related to the absolute value of the stiffness EI. When the tension is different with the compression modulus, EI is the function of internal force and is not constant any more that is different from classic mechanics. In the other words, it is a nonlinear problem to calculate the internal force. The expression for neutral axis of the statically indeterminate structure was derived in the paper. The iterative program for nonlinear internal force was compiled. One case study was presented to illustrate the difference between the results using the different modulus theory and the single modulus theory as in classical mechanics. Finally, some reasonable suggestions were made for the different modulus structures.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 19872076)
文摘Based on the nonlinear geometric relation between strain and displacement for flexible cable, the equilibrium equation under self-weight and influence of temperature was established and an analytical solution of displacement and tension distribution defined in Eulerian coordinate system was accurately obtained. The nonlinear algebraic equations caused by cable structure were solved directly using the modified Powell hybrid algorithm with high precision routine DNEQNE of Fortran. For example, a cable structure consisting of three cables jointly supported by a vertical spring and all the other ends fixed was calculated and compared with various methods by other scholars.
文摘Cable roof structures?have?only become widespread in large span structures in the latter part of the twentieth century. However,?they?still represent a relatively new form of roof construction, especially as in the present case of a small span innovative structural solution. The contribution of this text to the structural engineering community lies in the increased interest in building simple cable roof structures. Since its completion in September 1996, this small cable roof structure has been recognized as an interesting architectural and structural example. The text describes aspects of the design and construction of a small cable roof that was designed as a roof for an open-air theater stage for the city of Sao Jose do Rio Pardo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. A cable network, in the shape of a hyperbolic paraboloid surface, is anchored in a reinforced concrete edge ring. The projection of the ring’s axis onto the ground plane is an ellipse. Workers with specialized training were employed in the various stages of the construction, which was completed in September 1996.