Volume 14 (2018): Edizione 1 (March 2018)

The Fourier sine transform method was implemented in this study to obtain general solutions for stress and displacement fields in homogeneous, isotropic, linear elastic soil of semi-infinite extent subject to a point load applied tangentially at a point considered the origin of the half plane. The study adopted a stress based formulation of the elasticity problem. Fourier transformation of the biharmonic stress compatibility equation was done to obtain bounded stress functions for the elastic half plane problem. Stresses and boundary conditions expressed in terms of the Boussinesq-Papkovich potential functions were transformed using Fourier sine transforms. Boundary conditions were used to obtain the unknown constants of the stress functions for the Cerrutti problem considered; and the complete determination of the stress fields in the Fourier transform space. Inversion of the Fourier sine transforms for the stresses yielded the general expressions for the stresses in the physical domain space variables. The strain fields were obtained from the kinematic relations. The displacement fields were obtained by integration of the strain-displacement relations. The solutions obtained were identical with solutions in literature obtained using Cerrutti stress functions.

Wetlands located in cities are among the most diverse and productive natural based systems which provide important benefits such as water quality improvement, flood control, soil erosion protection, recreation opportunities, support for wildlife and natural products. This paper presents the water budget in Văcărești wetland in order to provide an overview of the hydrological processes that make wetlands unique. Văcărești wetland is located in south part of Bucharest city and represents the single urban Natural Park in Romania. The existing wetland has been formed on an area conceived initially as the bottom of an artificial lake where the nature and the wildlife developed on their own. Using historical data and several algorithms, this paper presents the analysis of the water budget on the considered area which would lead to a better assessment of the hydrological processes. The goal of the study was to gain knowledge on how the wetland is sustained and, as a result, to develop solutions to prevent the ecosystem deterioration conducted by external pressures like climate change with extended periods of droughts or anthropic influences.