British Standards Research Articles

Evaluation of dispersive nature of soil in the piping affected regions of Kerala

The soil piping erosion has been closely related to the soil composition and its dispersive nature. The phenomenon of dispersivity is explained by the property by virtue of which the soil breaks down into their component particles upon exposure to water. Dispersive soils are highly prone to erosion. If the soil at top is hard and soft dispersive clays present at bottom, in presence of seepage water, there are chances for piping erosion to occur. These kinds of process are very common in lateritic terrains. In appearance the normal erosion resistant clays are similar to dispersive clays, they are, in fact, prone to significant erosion and are susceptible to severe damage. Exchangeable sodium present in the soil is the primary cause of dispersivity. Special methods are required to distinguish between dispersive and non-dispersive soils, common soil classification tests are not sufficient. The recommended tests to identify the dispersive clay soils are Crumb test, Double hydrometer test, Pin hole erosion test, and some chemical tests.This paper reports the problems associated with dispersive soils and discuss the results of double hydrometer tests carried out in various piping regions of Kerala along with the stabilization of dispersive soils with lime. Double hydrometer test as per British standards have been used in the present study. Comparative study of the dispersion ratios obtained for various samples shows that the Idukki samples are having more dispersion ratio than other regions. And as the piping was present in those areas the dispersion ratio was expected to be higher than 30%, the lower values obtained can be due to the erosion of dispersive clays in those regions. Effectiveness of stabilization with lime is checked and it was found that the ideal proportion of lime for minimizing dispersion potential is 1%.

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test Using BS Method And T-Method to Estimate Crack Depth of Concrete

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) as a non-destructive test is commonly used on concrete crack estimation. There are several methods are applied based on the transducer configuration. Among the methods, BS (British Standard) method and T method was used in this study. On this method, transmitter was fixed at certain distance from crack and receiver was moved at several constant intervals, then crack depth was analyze from the relation between the transducer distance and the transit time curve. This research is conducted to study the accuracy of BS method and T-method in estimating the crack depth of concrete using NDT James Instrument V-Meter M-K IV. Concrete beams were made with artificial crack depth 2 cm, and 4 cm. Transducers 54kHz of UPV Mark IV were set at constant interval. Thus, the comparation of actual depth and experimentally result was analyzed. The study concluded that, the accuracy of the BS method has a better estimation result with a relative error of 27,75% and 35,95%, compare to the T-method that has 79,30% and 79,82% error.

Organophosphorus pesticide contaminants in fruits and vegetables: A meta-analysis

The worldwide demand for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in food production has raised concerns about pesticide residues. Meta-analysis, proven effective in assessing contaminants like aflatoxins and organotin compounds, is applied here to comprehensively study OP contamination in fresh fruits and vegetables. Employing Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V3.0 software, we meticulously examined 24 relevant articles encompassing 69,467 data points. Our findings revealed that while the residual concentrations of OPs (such as chlorpyrifos and profenofos) in most fruits and vegetables have typically met international or national safety standards, including Codex Alimentarius Commission, European Union, British, and Chinese standards, there are some instances in which the maximum residue limits have been exceeded, posing safety risks. Therefore, significant efforts are required to maintain residual OP contamination at safe concentrations.

Discussion: Development of a Single-Point Method to Determine Soil Plastic Limit Using Fall-Cone Data [Geotech Geol Eng 41:4473–4485, 2023

This discussion article presents a critical appraisal of three empirical correlations developed via multiple regression analysis and presented in the Kayabali et al. [Geotech Geol Eng 41:4473–4485, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02527-0] (the Authors’) investigation for the determination of the soil consistency limits. Specifically, based solely on British Standard (BS) fall-cone (FC) test data, the Authors purport that the correlations given by Equations 2 and 3 of their paper can be used to predict the ASTM rolling-plate plastic limit (i.e., PLRP), while their Equation 4 can be used to predict the BS FC liquid limit (i.e., LLFC). The Authors demonstrated that these correlations gave good predictions of the measured LLFC and PLRP water contents (i.e., wL(FC) and wP(RP), respectively) for 87 fine-grained soils they sourced from different parts of Central Turkey. Employing newly compiled large and diverse consistency limits databases assembled from the published research literature, this discussion article confirms that the Authors’ Equations 2 and 3 generally produce poor wP(RP) predictions for the fine-grained soils comprising these databases, invariably overestimating (often seriously) their measured plastic limit values. Hence, the Discussers recommend that the Authors’ Equations 2 and 3 (being generally unreliable beyond the investigated Turkish soils) should not be used in geotechnical engineering practice. While the Authors’ single-point LLFC method given by their Equation 4 broadly appears as a good wL(FC) predictor for the newly compiled database soils, it is noted that there already exist well-established and standardised single-point LLFC methods.

Innovating fire safety with recombinant hydrophobic proteins for textile fire retardancy.

Fire retardancy for textiles is important to prevent the rapid spread of fire and minimize damage to property and harm to human life. To infer fire-resistance on textile materials such as cotton or nylon, chemical coatings are often used. These chemicals are usually toxic, and economically and environmentally unsustainable, however, some naturally produced protein-based fire retardants could be an alternative. A biofilm protein from Bacillus subtilis (BslA) was identified and recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli with a double cellulose binding domain. It was then applied to a range of natural and synthetic fabric materials. A flame retardancy test found that use of BslA reduced fire damage by up to 51% and would pass fire retardancy testing according to British standards. It is therefore a viable and sustainable alternative to current industrial fire-retardant coatings.

Utilization of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil as a Foundation Base for Structures (Roads and Buildings in the Oil-Polluted Region)

The study was conducted to determine the suitability of crude oil-contaminated laterite (soil) as foundation base for roads and buildings. The laterite was sourced and uniformly mixed with different proportions of crude oil (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) by weight. The geotechnical properties of the contaminated laterite were determined following British standard. The properties are Atterberg limits, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and shear strength. The results obtained were compared with those of uncontaminated laterite (0% crude oil). The results showed an initial increase in the maximum dry density and CBR at 2% contamination and thereafter significantly decreased. The shear strength increased from 72.4kN/m2 at 0% to 78.6kN/m2 at 2% crude oil and thereafter decreased. Therefore, the presence of crude oil in a small proportion (not greater than 2% of soil weight) has no adverse effect on the soil’s geotechnical properties, and as such the soil can serve as a foundation base for roads and structures.

Challenges for non-English speakers: inter- and intralingual factors shaping the writing of Ukrainian authors in biologial sciences

Background. Nowadays, almost all indexed journals expect submissions in English, which is a great challenge for exophonic authors. Code-switching context, where cross-language effects, especially native language interference, are well distinct, is critical for approaching the dilemma. Navigating the complicated issues of language-related challenges will be impossible without referring to three crucial levels of written production: lexical, syntactic, and textual. In our investigation, we address the nature of potential errors and their inter- and intralingual origins. In particular, we identify and interpret the deviations from Standard English in scholarly research writing of Ukrainian authors in the field of life sciences, exemplify and classify errors into categories based on the type of language misuse. Materials and Methods. Language material for the study comprised 50 manuscripts submitted by authors from Ukraine to the journal “Studia Biologica”. This research is a mixed-method study encompassing descriptive qualitative and descriptive quantitative methods. Content analysis was employed as the data gathering technique. The analysis of texts was focused on tracing deviations from consistent principles and rules of Standard English and linguistic features of English research discourse and encompassed such steps as highlighting the error, cross-checking and stating the deviation, listing and classifying the errors, and tracing a possible connection of the error to authors’ first language interference. Results. The study identified language areas where Ukrainian authors fail to effectively communicate their ideas to the global academic community. At the textual level, the problem areas encompass defective paragraph structure and excessive verbosity. At the syntactic level, the most critical deviations from the language and stylistic norm comprised misuses of word order and clauses, wordy and confusing sentences with multiple issues that hinder the readability of text. The most widespread grammatical mistakes include missing predicates, faulty subject-verb agreement, incorrect forms of the verb, and inappropriate use of articles, pronouns, demonstratives and quantifiers. At the lexical level, the prevalent errors relate to various types of loan translation, but also include improper word choices and poor vocabulary. Orthographic mistakes, though in minority, refer to the spelling of toponyms, capitalisation, switching from American to British orthographic standards and other random spelling errors. Conclusions. An insight into the nature of the analysed deviations suggests the presence of both intra- and interlingual factors that cause mistakes in papers submitted for publication in the field of life sciences. The error analysis can be beneficial in the educational process for both educators and practitioners. Proper understanding of the functional mechanism of the mistakes might increase the awareness of the potential pitfalls and consequently help avoid them. The classification of errors can be adopted in the educational process and contribute to the development of error pedagogy.

Common Mistakes in Execution of Plane Load Test

Shallow foundation is the preferred foundation whenever possible, as it is economically more feasible compared to deep foundation. The design method for shallow foundation has long been established by Terzaghi. The Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation requires soil strength parameters for its calculation. To obtain accurate results, undisturbed sample for laboratory testing is necessary. However, depending on the accuracy of soil sampling and laboratory testing, the results can have large inaccuracy. The in-situ determination of shallow foundation can be carried out by plate loading test. It is a well-established test which was standardized by British Standards in 1990 and American Society for Testing and Materials in 1994. The testing method is simple, and the standards provide flexibility in the execution of the test. Unfortunately, this flexibility can cause mistakes in the execution of the test, as practitioners can be selective in choosing the test procedure to minimize the test duration and/or cost. These mistakes can cause the plate load test results to be unusable or lead to erroneous results. This paper aims to address common mistakes in execution of plate load test.

PETROGRAPHY AND AGGREGATE ANALYSIS OF THE CARBONATES FROM THE BABUZAI AREA, PAKISTAN

This study is conducted to evaluate aggregate characteristics and potential of carbonates rocks of the Kashala Formation, Babuzai area Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Physical and chemical tests were performed to assess aggregate suitability. Laboratory tests reveal Los Angeles Abrasion values of 17%, Flakiness and Elongation Index of 13% and 19.7% respectively, and Clay lumps and friable value of 0.12%. Stripping and Coating value greater than 95%, Specific gravity value (2.7-2.9). The aggregate soundness value was logged at 1.28. These parameter values were evaluated through the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and BS (British Standards) which specify that the Kashala Formation (KF) of the Alpurai group can be the potential source for dimension stone i.e., natural rock material in form of blocks or slabs quarried for commercial purposes, road, and concrete aggregates. The petrographic studies of the selected samples have majorly 70 to 75% of Calcite with an insignificant amount of 20 to 25% dolomite, 5 to 8% quartz along with ores of 1 to 2%. The small number of quartz grains and ore minerals indicate that sample formation is composed of dolomitic marble having a limited amount of deleterious content such as quartz, dolomite, and clays, which suggests that the carbonates have an insignificant threat of ACR (Alkali carbonate reaction) and ASR (Alkali silica reaction). The study indicates that the carbonates of the Babuzai area fall within the standard specification limits and can be used as a source for the indigenous construction industry.

ON A FIRE DETECTION ON STAIRCASE IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS

Staircases are very important from the point of view of fire protection. There are several reasons for this standpoint, but two are particularly significant. The first is that stairs are an important means of evacuation in multi-storey buildings, and the second is that the moment of detection of fire is crucial for the beginning of the evacuation. The first fact refers to the stair’s location in buildings and the dimensions of stairs and landings. The importance of the second fact is obvious – the location and numbers of fire detectors directly affect early fire detection, and consequently the beginning of evacuation. The worst-case fire scenario from the aspect of building design - a staircase in the center of the building - was chosen for the simulation described in the paper, because in Serbia, there are many structures like this For the simulation described in the paper, the worst-case fire scenario was selected from the aspect of building design - a staircase in the centre of the building, because there are many, such in our country. On the other hand, recommendations for the location and number of fire detectors on a staircase are different in world-leading standards. For these reasons, in this paper, the simulations were performed in an eight-story building for various dimensions of spaces between stairs. On the basis of a comparison of the regulations outlined in European, British, German, American, and Russian standards, simulation parameters are defined. Parameters for simulations are defined on the basis of a comparative analysis of rules stated in European, British, German, American and Russian standards. Taking into account that some emergency evacuations entail moving through smoke-filled areas, building engineers must understand how the aforementioned factors affect smoke development in the event of a fire, and thus effective evacuation.

Bimetallic Apartheid: British Imperia­­­­lism and the Gold Standard

ABSTRACT In 1920, Vladimir Lenin defined “imperialism” as national exploitation, which raises the question of how nations exploited other nations throughout history. This article will argue that answering this question requires introducing new concepts into Marxist discourse that can capture competition among multiple states and currencies, namely the “hegemon-rival” dialectic between the “currency hegemon” and the “mercantile rivals.” Focussing on the British empire, this article will show that British currency hegemony based on the gold standard functioned by a system that can be called “bimetallic apartheid,” which involved arbitraging the value of gold against silver in order to facilitate the plundering of India and China, however, as other states began to industrially “catch up” with Britain (i.e., the “mercantile rivals”), the credibility of the British gold standard was undermined.

Enhancement of kaolin clay soil for civil engineering application using rice husk ash and sawdust ash geopolymer cements

These days, good quality road construction materials are scarce and their haulage to the construction site is expensive. When unsuitable materials are encountered during flexible pavement construction, the most technical and economical option is always to improve them to meet design standards. One of these deficient materials mostly encountered in tropical regions is kaolin clay soils. Cement and lime that are traditional deficient soil improvement agents are on high demand therefore have kept the cost of engineering construction financially high. Thus, the use of agricultural wastes such as sawdust and rice husk as alternative construction materials will considerably reduce the cost of construction and as well mitigate the environmental hazards caused by the wastes and cement production. This study investigated and compared the performance of rice husk ash (RHA) and sawdust ash (SDA) geopolymer cements in improving the geotechnical properties of kaolin clay soil used for flexible pavement construction. All laboratory experimental tests were carried out in accordance with British Standard (BS) 1377 and BS 1924 for natural and modified kaolin clay soil samples respectively. Soil samples were mixed with geopolymer cement at stepped concentrations of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20% by dry weight of soil. Results indicated that the plasticity index value of the natural kaolin clay of 18.52% was reduced to 7.24% at 20% RHA geopolymer cement content. The unconfined compressive strength of the natural soil was improved by 600 and 400 % by RHA and SDA geopolymer cements respectively. It was concluded that the use of up to 20% RHA and SDA geopolymer cements can efficiently and eco-friendly improve kaolin clay for flexible pavement foundation purpose.

Geotechnical investigation of the sub-soils condition around Yelwa North central part of Nigeria For the construction of infrastructures

Investigation of the geotechnical conditions of the Sub-soils around Yelwa North Central part of Nigeria was carried out in order to know the possible causes of the infrastructural failures in the area. The investigation involves in-situ collection of the disturbed and undisturbed soil samples and were analysed in the laboratory based on British Standard (BS) method for soil testing for civil engineers. Results of the study reveals that; The Atterberg limit (Liquid limit ranged from 33.0% to 43.0%, Plastic limits from 16.23% to 26.37%, Linear shrinkage from 7.86% to 15.71%, Plasticity index from 7.63% to 24.77%). The Sieve analysis shows that; the percentage passing of the soil samples ranges from 31.62% to 67.60% which indicates poor materials. The Direct shear test revealed that the cohesive strength (c) ranges from 13 kN/m2 to 24 kN/m2 , angle of internal friction (ø)° from 12° to 16° and unit weight (ϒ) from 18.17 kN/m3 to 20.87 kN/m3 . From the Consolidation test; the Total settlement (Pc) ranges from 0.0008 m to 0.013 m, Coefficient of Consolidation (Cv) from 87.657 m2 /yr to 109.325 m2 /yr and Volume Compressibility (Mv) from 0.0048 kN/m2 to 0.0205 kN/m2 . The Soil pH ranges from 6.4 to 7.4, Specific gravity (SG) from 2.57 to 2.73, and Natural Moisture Content (NMC) from 8.48% to 25.77%. The Compaction test revealed that; the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) ranged from 13.22% to 20.60%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) from 1.59 g/cm3 to 1.88 g/cm3 which shows that the soil are mostly of silty-clay material and Un-soaked value of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) ranges from 50.88% to 96.51%. The findings have revealed that, the sub-soil is characteristically fair to poor, and this required a form of geotechnics. Information acquired from the findings are expected to serve as guide in the choice of design and construction and as a baseline subsurface soil compendium for the construction of infrastructure in the study area and for further studies.

PENGARUH KONSENTRASI CAMPURAN PEREKAT KANJI DAN SAGU TERHADAP MUTU BRIKET LIMBAH KULIT KOLANG KALING (Arenga pinnata Merr.)

The rapid growth of Indonesia's population has resulted in increasing national energy needs which require alternative energy. Alternative energy that can be made is briquettes by producing biomass waste. The purpose of this study was to obtain the quality of charcoal briquettes from kolang forth skin waste using a mixture of starch and sago flour as an adhesive. In this study there were tests for water content, ash content, heat and density. The completely randomized design (CRD) method was used in this study, with 5 treatments and 3 replications. Obtained research results using kolang forth shell waste can be used to make charcoal briquettes. Average water content and ash content comply with SNI 1-6235-2000. The best water content value was found in treatment E (0% starch adhesive : 30% sago adhesive) which was 3.8%. The best ash content value was found in treatment A (30% starch adhesive: 0% sago adhesive) which was 5.87%. The calorific value did not meet SNI but met Japanese standards and the best treatment results were found in treatment C (15% starch adhesive: 15% sago flour) which was 5,470 cal/gr. Meanwhile, the density values ​​do not meet SNI but meet British standards for all treatments. The best density value was found in treatment A (starch adhesive 30: sago adhesive 0) which was 0.84%.

BSI LM2

Abstract BSI LM2 is an aluminum-silicon-copper casting alloy (3xx.x series). It is essentially a pressure die casting alloy with excellent casting characteristics. Castings made from BSI LM2 have a higher tensile strength and better machinability than pressure die castings made from either BSI LM6 or BSI LM20. The use of BSI LM2 is not recommended for corrosive environments unless protection of the casting by a process such as anodizing is used. It is better in such circumstances to consider the use of either BSI LM6 or BSI LM20. BSI LM2 has a slightly lower density than BSI LM24. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, tensile properties, and shear strength as well as fatigue. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as casting, heat treating, and machining. Filing Code: Al-497. Producer or source: British Standards Institution.

Nanoparticle toxicity may cause testicular dysfunction

Nanoparticle toxicity may cause testicular dysfunction

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in Brazil: Drivers and best practices towards to circular economy based on European Union and BSI

Public policies, incentives, and infrastructure in MSWM are top-down instruments that can support a circular economy. This article aims to identify the factors that influence the recovery of materials and best practices (BPs) of the most efficient municipalities in Brazil, and evaluated the alignment with brazilian legislation and european guidelines (Green Deal and British Standards Institution). This research includes a multiple linear regression, case studies and documentary research. The 30 identified BPs in Brazil have 63% compliance with the Brazilian law and only 23% with principles european recommendation. The high level of adherence of municipal practices with Brazilian legislation is observed in the generation, sorting and final disposal phases; however, in the collection process, practices meet only 29% of legal requirements. When compared to the high level required by BSI and Green Deal, which should be a standard to be followed in this country's future, there is much to be done in all stages, but mainly in the final destination, where incineration and landfills are regarded as the final strategy, undermining the circular economy in Brazil.Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version).

BSI LM0

Abstract BSI LM0 is a high purity aluminum casting alloy that contains a minimum of 99.50% aluminum (1xx.x). It has the best corrosion resistance of all the aluminium casting alloys, but its poor foundry characteristics and low mechanical properties rule out this alloy for all but a few special applications. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as casting, heat treating, machining, and surface treatment. Filing Code: Al-495. Producer or source: British Standards Institution.

Intrasession repeatability and agreement of a new method to measure the foveal fixation axis.

Ophthalmic lens adaptation, particularly with progressive addition lenses, requires accurate measurements of the patient nasopupillary distance (NPD) and interpupillary distance (IPD), which are usually collected using the pupil centre as a reference. However, differences between the pupil centre and visual or foveal axis could induce some subsidiary effects of correcting lenses. This study aimed to assess the intrasession repeatability of a new prototype (Ergofocus®; Lentitech, Barakaldo, Spain) that can measure the foveal fixation axis (FFA) distance and assess the agreement with the NPD measurements collected using a traditional method (frame ruler). The FFA at far and near distances was measured three consecutive times in 39 healthy volunteers to determine the intrasession repeatability according to the British Standards Institute and International Organization for Standardization. Additionally, the FFA and NPD (standard frame ruler) were measured in 71 healthy volunteers and compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Two blinded experienced practitioners conducted each FFA and NPD measurement. The FFA measurements showed acceptable repeatability at far distances (right eye (RE): Sw = 1.16 ± 0.76 mm and coefficient of variation (CV) = 3.92 ± 2.51%; left eye (LE) Sw = 1.11 ± 0.79 mm and CV = 3.76 ± 2.51%) and at near distances (RE: Sw = 0.97 ± 0.85 mm and CV = 3.52 ± 3.02%; LE: Sw = 1.17 ± 0.96 mm and CV = 4.54 ± 3.72%). Additionally, agreement with the NPD showed large differences at far distances (RE: -2.15 ± 2.34, LoA = -6.73 to 2.43 mm (P < 0.001); LE: -0.61 ± 2.62, LoA = -5.75 to 4.53 mm (P = 0.052)) and near distances (RE: -3.08 ± 2.80, LoA -8.57 to 2.42 mm (P < 0.001); LE: -2.97 ± 3.97, LoA: -10.75 to 4.80 mm (P < 0.001)). FFA measurements showed clinically acceptable repeatability at both far and near distances. Agreement with the NPD measured using a standard frame ruler showed significant differences, suggesting that both measurements are not interchangeable in clinical practice to prescribe and center ophthalmic lenses. Further research is necessary to assess the impact of FFA measurement in ophthalmic lens prescriptions.

Validity of Limestone Aggregates for Using in Asphalt Concrete Mixtures for Surface Layer of Roads

In this paper, limestone quarries in the Bazian region, west of Sulaymaniyah city, northern Iraq, were evaluated geotechnically to examine their suitability for developing asphalt concrete for the top layer of roadways. Two samples were collected to perform geotechnical testing, including physical, chemical, and permanence tests. From the physical results, it is evident that the coarse and fine aggregate grain sizes demonstrated conformity to the American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM-C136 as well as the requirements of the fine aggregate standards ASTM-C117, which fall within the coarse, fine, and filler areas. Moreover, the findings revealed that the flat granules are 22% and the longitudinal granules are 35%. Based on these results, it did not go over the limits set by British standards, so it meets the requirements for concrete work. Another promising finding of durability tests was 21.8%, which represented the highest weight loss. This is an important finding in the understanding of the suitability of the aggregate to American and Iraqi standards in concrete work. A further novel finding of stability tests demonstrated the cement's suitability with Iraqi standards and the American standard C131-C535-2003. Finally, the results of Marshall's test for density, creep, and stability reveals the conformity with the Iraqi specification for asphalt concrete works D2726-05, where the density value was 2.292 and the percentages of creep and stability were 12.2 kN and 2.9 mm, respectively. The results of examining the cement asphalt were in accordance with the specifications required for concrete works, where the optimum percentage of asphalt for the design of the asphalt mixture for the surface layer was 4.8. Also, the percentage of airspace was 4.1 according to the American standard D2041.