Engineering Characteristics Research Articles

Science, Engineering as an Integral Part of International Trade and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule

Though usually overlooked, science and engineering principles play a key role in the control and regulation of international trade. The proper measurement of products, identification of specific components of products and identification of physical and chemical characteristics of products are needed to properly account for the movement of products across international borders. Of primary importance is how each product in international commerce can be properly classified within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and how measurement, chemical and physical specifications and engineering characteristics play a key role in almost all classification decisions. Each section of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule has the need to not only measure but also identify physical and chemical characteristics for proper placement in the schedule.

Study on the Engineering Characteristics of Alluvial Silty Sand Embankment Under Vehicle Loads

This article takes alluvial silty sand in the alluvial plain area as the research object. Through a combination of theoretical analysis, finite element simulation, and on-site testing, the engineering characteristics of alluvial silty sand under traffic loads, as well as the feasibility of using alluvial silty sand as roadbed filling material in practical engineering, are systematically expounded on for the first time. The research results indicate that the influence of vehicle speed on the distribution and depth of dynamic stress is relatively small, while the moisture content (optimal 7.8%) and compaction degree (>94%) are the key factors determining the performance of the roadbed. Specifically, the displacement at the top of the roadbed varies with changes in moisture content. An increase in compaction degree is beneficial for reducing settlement and enhancing the stability of the roadbed. Through comparative analysis of finite element simulation and on-site testing, it was found that although the initial settlement of alluvial silt filling is large, the settlement rate is fast and can stabilize in a short period of time. Its long-term performance can still meet engineering requirements. Research has shown that alluvial silt can be used as an economical and reasonable roadbed filling material, but in practical applications, strict control of moisture content and compaction degree is required to optimize roadbed performance.

Stabilisation of Black Cotton Soil Using Red Mud: An Alumina Extraction Byproduct

This study investigates the stability of Black Cotton (BC) soil which is known for its high shrinkage and compressibility difficulties in civil engineering by reinforcing it with Red Mud (RM), an industrial waste by-product from the Bayer aluminium process, and lime [Ca (OH) ]. To address the issues of weak BC soil and industrial waste disposal, the BC soil sample was mixed with RM in increments ranging from 10% to 50%, and the effect of adding 4% lime was also investigated. The index and engineering characteristics of these stabilised soil combinations were tested during lengthy curing periods (0, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days), filling a large gap in the literature about the long-term impacts of curing on expansive soils. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) examination was performed on the improved combinations to better understand the microstructural alterations that contribute to strength increases. The findings show, that the addition of 30% RM and 4% optimum lime greatly enhanced the engineering qualities of BC soil over time and the strength of the combination enhanced from 40.07 kN/m2 to 116.31 kN/m2 for immediate testing. Following a 365-day curing period, the UCS rose from 116.31 kN/m2 to 615.49 kN/m2, demonstrating the effectiveness of this stabilising method for engineering applications. As to the microstructural analysis, adding lime to a mixture of BCS and RM promotes a gradual densification process over time. 30% RM and 4% lime stabilisation efficiently transform the original loose, porous structure into a consolidated matrix with enhanced mechanical properties. Major Findings: The study demonstrated that incorporating RM along with lime significantly enhanced the geotechnical properties of BC soil. An extended curing period of up to 365 days improved soil strength and reduced expansiveness. SEM analysis highlighted microstructural transformations that played a major role in the stabilisation process.

Effect of PVA fiber dosage on fresh and engineering characteristics of alkali activated slag-fly ash concrete cured under room temperature

This paper examines the effect of polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] fibres on the fresh and engineering characteristics of alkali-activated slag-fly ash concrete [AASFC] that has been cured under ambient conditions. In this paper, 40 MPa grade of concrete was developed using 100% ground-granulated blast furnace slag [GGBFS], GGBFS was replaced with 0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 % fly ash. PVA fibres were incorporated into all mixtures in the following percentages: 0.00 %, 0.15 %, 0.30 %, 0.45 %, and 0.60 %. Fresh properties workability [slump flow] and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, stress-strain relation, peak stress, strain at peak stress, modulus of elasticity [MOE], and energy absorption capacity [EAC] were studied. A correlation was established between the compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths of all mixes, and the resulting relationships were compared to previous studies and code requirements. According to the test results, the workability of mixes increased as the fly ash content increased but decreased as the fibre content increased in all mixes. Mechanical properties enhanced as PVA fibre content increased from 0.15 % to 0.30 %, while they decreased at 0.45 % and 0.60 %. From the overall results, the best mechanical properties were obtained in all mixtures at 0.30 % PVA fibres.

Klias Peat Soil: A Depth-Based Property Assessment

Peat soil is crucial in Southeast Asia, particularly in Sabah, where it exhibits high water content, low density, and significant organic matter. This research investigates the unique engineering behavior and characteristics of Klias tropical peat, focusing on index properties such as fiber content, organic content, and natural water content compared to other Malaysian regions. Key objectives include studying the physical properties, decomposition levels, and in-situ density of peat with depth, as well as examining its chemical composition. Results indicate distinct variations in peat density and composition at different depths, with average moisture content at 258%, organic content at 91%, fiber content at 75%, pH at 3.7, and specific gravity at 0.748. The degree of decomposition is classified as H5-H6. Findings reveal that peat density increases with depth, while sulfur remains constant (0.1% to 3.4%), oxygen decreases (28% to 24%), and carbon increases (60% to 76%) with depth. This study also explores the application of Peat Sampler in understanding the engineering behavior and characteristics of peat.

Residual Shear Strength and Other Geotechnical Properties of Clay Mixed with Different Sand Ratios

The current research investigates the residual shear strength of clay soils to which different percentages (5, 10, 15, and 20%) of sand are added, playing a pivotal role in determining the stability of steep slopes on these soils. The residual shear strength was compared with the shear strength calculated from the direct shear test and the unconfined compression strength test. According to the results, the clay soil’s swelling ranged from medium to high, and its engineering characteristics were similar to that of all clay soils found in most sloped areas and hills in Mosul city. Also, a notable reduction was observed in the plasticity index with an increase in the sand percentage. In the residual shear test, a rise in shear coefficients (effective angle of internal friction (Φ') and cohesion(c')) was demonstrated with an increase in the percentage of sand addition up to a certain limit (15%), which is the same percentage that gave values for (c and Φ) in the direct shear test.

Geological and engineering characteristics of the pyritic Triassic Westbury Formation and assessment of weathering implications for construction and material reuse

During the early phase of ground preparation work for the Hinkley Point C site located on the North Somerset Coast, a much greater presence of Westbury Formation was exposed at shallow depths than had been anticipated. Fortunately, these occurrences were located away from the critical area of the development. However, the previous feasibilities studies carried out by others in support of the tender requirements had classified the very weak dark grey pyritous mudstone of the Westbury Formation as unsuitable for reuse as earthwork material. Consequently, the unexpected situation also presented further uncertainties for earthwork slopes, water-gallery foundations, and stockpiling. Under the circumstances decision was taken to re-examine the suitability of the Westbury lithologies for re-use as engineered fill due to the large volumes of excavated material and develop effective management of the exposed slopes. As the engineering behaviour of the Westbury lithology is poorly documented and no suitable guidance available, the material was evaluated at a site level during the phase of the pre-construction enabling works to foresee the likely weathering behaviour following exposure and design appropriate mitigation measures. Consequently, it was recognised that a rapid development of aggressive conditions was likely presenting significant detriment for the earthworks and slopes for which considered management for effective mitigation was developed. Comparison was made with the intermittent field analogues locally exposed along the adjacent north Somerset coast to help understand the rates and magnitude of change. Furthermore, a search of published work identified a paucity in studies relating to the engineering behaviour of the Westbury Formation. Therefore, findings of the targeted study better informed scheduling of earthworks and management of compaction works. The findings of the study are presented and discussed in this paper and offer brief insight into the behaviour of this fascinating pyritic mudstone to support ground engineering developments that may encounter Westbury strata. The studies concluded that the Westbury mudstone, which comprised the significant proportion of Westbury strata at the site is of very low durability and susceptible to rapid breakdown to a gravelly-silty-clay material. The Westbury deposits include significant material of high calcite content including subordinate lithologies of highly calcareous mudstone and argillaceous limestone that are of more favourable durability and break down over a slower period. The mudstone includes a high content of visible crystalline pyrite as well as the non-visible framboidal form. Although the visible form is generally considered as ‘the non-reactive’ form of pyrite, field evidence concluded that it was also susceptible to rapid oxidation. Based on the field studies, it was realised that the pyrite forms found in the Westbury strata present at the site were likely to oxidise rapidly following exposure. The acidity generated during the oxidation of pyrite would prove chemically aggressive to construction and natural ground material. Due to the high calcite content, reaction would occur with the acid producing selenite. At surface, much of the selenite would likely to be removed in solution due to a higher solubility brought about by the presence of chlorine in the marine environment but within disturbed and exposed strata and backfill heave could occur causing differential stressed and slope or foundation failures. Material storage would require timely management to avoid unnecessary exposure and limit degradation which was accomplished through an optimised compaction program determined by site trials on completion of the characterisation study. Slope and foundation excavations revealing Westbury strata necessitated treatment, which was provided with blinding concrete or shotcrete within 48 hours of exposure. Otherwise, material placed in loose stockpiles and allowed to weather would following rapid degradation and then be suitable for landscaping purposes and reuse as general platform construction fill, but that aggressive surface water flow from the stockpiled material would require appropriate containment and management.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Curing Reaction Mechanism of Alkali-Activated-Slag Solidified Port Soft Soil with Different Activators

The application of alkali-activated slag (AAS) cementing material to the curing of soft soil foundations has a good engineering application prospect and is economical and environmentally friendly. In this study, three different activators (Na2O·nSiO2, NaOH, Ca(OH)2) were used to alkali-activate slag powder to solidify and improve soft soil in inland port areas. In order to explore the mechanical properties and strength formation mechanism of AAS-solidified soil under different activators, mechanical properties, and microscopic tests were carried out. Firstly, with unconfined compressive strength as the evaluation index, an orthogonal test of three factors, such as the type of activator, the amount of activator, and the amount of slag powder, was designed. Then, the unconfined compressive strength, resilience modulus, shear strength, and compression modulus of AAS-solidified soil were tested with the three activators under optimal dosage. Finally, phase composition, SEM-EDS, TG-DTG, and FT-IR analyses were carried out with the three AAS-solidified soils. The results show the following: (1) The factors affecting the unconfined compressive strength of AAS-solidified soil are ordered as follows: the type of activator > the amount of activator > the amount of slag powder. In addition, the optimal factors were as follows: activator type: Na2O·nSiO2; amount of activator: 3%; and amount of slag powder: 20%. (2) In considering the macroscopic mechanical properties, the effect of the activator is Na2O·nSiO2 > NaOH > Ca(OH)2, and the Na2O·nSiO2 AAS-solidified soil has good early strength. (3) The hydration products of AAS are mainly C-A-S-H gel, N-A-S-H gel, and C-S-H gel, which increase the strength and cohesion of solidified soil. The results show that AAS-solidified soil with 0.7-modulus Na2O·nSiO2 as the activator has good engineering characteristics and can be used for curing soft soil foundations.

A semi-quantitative geotechnical visualisation tool for ground engineering projects

This paper presents a technique for the visualisation and semi-quantification of various ground engineering criteria, in the form of a spider graph. There are currently few techniques for effectively presenting multiple ground engineering and engineering complexity criteria in a single graphic. The technique described proposes a tool to do so for technical and non-technical audiences alike. The input criteria can be adapted to suit any project in soil, rock, or a combination of both. The methodology and example presented is for a current Jacobs' rock engineering project. The geotechnical parameters used include unconfined compressive strength, Geological Strength Index, in-situ stress, and groundwater head. Engineering complexity is also considered and an additional criterion to allow for significant influences not accounted for in the other criteria. The input criteria must be set at the beginning of the project to ensure that comparisons can be made both between terrains (areas with similar ground engineering characteristics) and throughout the lifecycle of a project. The tool aims to communicate ground conditions and potential ‘ground risk’ with the usefulness of the tool being its simplicity and adaptability to meet the project needs at all stages of the project. An ‘app’ can be found here .

The Effect of Ionic Soil Stabilizer on Cement and Cement-Stabilized Iron Tailings Soil: Hydration Difference and Mechanical Properties.

The ionic soil stabilizer (ISS) can synergistically enhance the mechanical properties and improve the engineering characteristics of iron tailings soil in conjunction with cementitious materials such as cement. In this paper, the influence of ISS on the cement hydration process and the charge repulsion between iron tailings soil particles was studied. By means of Isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance microscopic analysis methods such as (LF-NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Non-evaporable water content and Zeta potential were used to clarify the mechanism of ISS-enhanced cement stabilization of the mechanical properties of iron tailings soil. The results show that in the cement system, ISS weakens the mechanical properties of cement mortar. When ISS content is 1.67%, the 7 d compressive strength of cement mortar decreases by 59.8% compared with the reference group. This retardation arises due to carboxyl in ISS forming complexes with Ca2+, creating a barrier on cement particle surfaces, hindering the hydration reaction of the cement. In the cement-stabilized iron tailings soil system, ISS has a positive modification effect. At 0.33% ISS, compared with the reference group, the maximum dry density of the samples increased by 6.5%, the 7 d unconfined compressive strength increased by 35.3%, and the porosity decreased from 13.58% to 11.85%. This is because ISS reduces the double electric layer structure on the surface of iron tailings soil particles, reduces the electrostatic repulsion between particles, and increases the compactness of cement-stabilized iron tailings soil. In addition, the contact area between cement particles increases, the reaction energy barrier height decreases, the formation of Ca(COOH)2 reduces, and the retarding effect on hydration weakens. Consequently, ISS exerts a beneficial effect on augmenting the mechanical performance of cement-stabilized iron tailings soil.

Engineering and sustainability characteristics of concrete blended with waste rubber crumbs as an alternate to conventional coarse aggregate

Engineering and sustainability characteristics of concrete blended with waste rubber crumbs as an alternate to conventional coarse aggregate

Engineering Characteristics of Soft Soil Foundations Improved by Fine-Sand-Filled Geocell Cushions

Engineering Characteristics of Soft Soil Foundations Improved by Fine-Sand-Filled Geocell Cushions

Psychologisation of cinema: The work of Val del Omar (1904–1982)

This article takes the career of Spanish filmmaker Val del Omar (1904–1982) as a basis for analysing some of the crossroads between the psychologisation of modern culture and the development of cinematic art. Like Sergei Eisenstein or Jean Epstein, Val del Omar was an avant-garde director who resorted to psychological discourse to substantiate his aesthetic theories and proposals. As his creative life spanned the better part of the 20th century, he was able to absorb many psychological premises into his theses, including theories around ethno-psychology, psychoanalysis, perception, and empathy. As our analysis shows, those premises drove his aesthetic experimentation to limits beyond conventional cinema. More specifically, Val del Omar’s heterodoxic theoretical and cinematic output focused on two features of psychology he deemed inherent to the new audiovisual media: perceptive automatism and the empathetic connection with the sublime. Building on those grounds, Val del Omar aimed to spur the development of freely willed individuals-viewers. Our conclusions stress the continuity between his psycho-aesthetic agenda and the social engineering characteristic of Western modernity, in conjunction with the construction, not wholly free of contradiction, of the model of subjectivity requisite to that endeavour.

Mechanical properties of masonry using artificial neural networks

Mechanical properties of masonry using artificial neural networks

Study on solidification modification and engineering characteristics of solid waste-based cementitious materials on pile spoil

In view of the problem of difficult treatment of pile spoil in infrastructure construction, the solid waste-based cementitious material was designed and used as the solidifier for pile spoil. The modification of solidifier on pile spoil was studied from the aspects of physical and chemical characteristics, microstructure, and engineering characteristics. The results show that the solid waste-based cementitious material, primarily composed of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) powder, steel slag powder, steel slag dust, and desulfurization gypsum, exhibits excellent synergistic hydration effects. Under the action of alkaline solution, a large amount of Ca2+, [SiO4]4−, [AlO4]5− and SO42− are released from the system, to form C-S–H, Ca(OH)2, N-A-S–H, AFt, and other hydration products through a series of chemical reaction processes. With a slag/(steel slag) ratio of 6:3, the cementitious material S631 shows superior hydration and hardening performance, achieving compressive strengths of 15.9 MPa, 25.7 MPa, and 49.8 MPa at 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively. Solid waste-based cementitious material S631 was further used as solidifier to treat the pile spoil. The solidified pile spoil begins to harden within about 5 to 16 h and loses its plasticity between 67.5 and 84.1 h. The higher the dosage of solidifier, the quicker the hardening rate, with the spoil containing 10% solidifier reaching unconfined compressive strengths of 0.68 MPa and 1.13 MPa at 7 and 28 days, respectively. The active silicoaluminate minerals of the solidifier produce C-S–H gels and other products through solution-precipitation reaction, which connects the mineral particles of pile spoil. Macroscopically, it is manifested as the hardening of the solidified soil and the generation of strength. In terms of engineering characteristics, the use of solidifier reduces the liquid and plastic limits of pile spoil while increasing its plasticity index, optimum moisture content, and maximum dry density. In the experiments of simulating the influence of compaction degree and wheel loading rate on the strength of engineering soil in actual roadbed engineering, the solidified soil has shown better strength performance, indicating that the solidifier improved and optimized the engineering characteristics of the pile spoil.

IMPROVEMENT OF EXPANSIVE SOIL BY USING FIBER GLASS _SILICA FUME MIXTURE

A fiber glass -silica fume and silica fume (SF) mix (F-SF) have been employed in this study in order to enhance and relate their effects on the expansive soil. Bentonite (B) was added with natural soil in a lab at a ratio of 50% by soil dry weight to create the soil used in this study. The (SF) was added alone at (8,9,10,11,12, and 13) % and 1 % of Fiber glass (F) was added to the (clay soil - SF) mixture. For both treated and untreated soil, odometer, shear box, and swelling tests were used to examine the behavior of the soil after the addition of (SF) and (F-SF) mixture. From the outcome of the experimental tests, we noticed that (SF) reducing both comparison index (Cc), reloading index (Cr), and swelling percentage (SW)%. Also, it is influenced on shear strength parameters by decreasing cohesion (c) and increasing internal angle friction (φ). As well as adding 1 % (F) to the (clay soil - SF) mixture modify the prepared soil by reducing (Cc), (Cr), (SW) % and increasing (c, φ). Based on all of the above results, we concluded that adding (SF) and (F-SF) mix. can enhance the engineering characteristics of swelling soil.

Experimental study on the engineering characteristics of expansive soil improved conjointly using enzyme induced carbonate precipitation and eggshell powder

Experimental study on the engineering characteristics of expansive soil improved conjointly using enzyme induced carbonate precipitation and eggshell powder

Discussion on “Prediction of Engineering Characteristics of Rock Masses Using Actual TBM Performance Data with Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Algorithms (a Case Study in Strong to Very Strong Igneous and Pyroclastic Rocks)” [Rock Mech Rock Eng 57:7223–7252]

Discussion on “Prediction of Engineering Characteristics of Rock Masses Using Actual TBM Performance Data with Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Algorithms (a Case Study in Strong to Very Strong Igneous and Pyroclastic Rocks)” [Rock Mech Rock Eng 57:7223–7252]

Calcium Carbide and Wood Ash as Environmentally Friendly Soil Stabilizers for Enhanced Subgrade Performance

This study looks at the potential of waste calcium carbide (WCC) and wood ash (WA) as soil stabilizers to improve the engineering characteristics of subgrade soil. The investigation begins by characterizing the properties of the untreated soil, indicating a liquid limit of 24.6%, linear shrinkage of 7.6%, and a non-plastic nature due to the lack of a plastic limit. In addition, the soil composition comprises a mere 2% of small particles measuring less than 63 μm, while a substantial 74% of the particles fall within the range of 63 μm to 2 mm. The particle density of untreated soil is found to be 2.86, beyond the typical soil limitations. Subsequently, an investigation was conducted to examine the impact of WCC and WA on Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, and California bearing ratio (CBR) values. The findings indicate that the incorporation of WCC and WA leads to a reduction in the liquid limit by a maximum of 18.70% and linear shrinkage by a maximum of 55.26%. Compaction properties show an increase in optimal water content and a minor decrease in maximum dry density. Importantly, CBR values significantly improved, with the soil treated with 6% WCC and WA demonstrating a CBR value of 26.9%, exceeding the subgrade acceptability requirement in road construction. This study highlights the potential of WCC and WA as cost-effective and sustainable soil stabilizers, particularly in areas where traditional stabilizing materials are limited. More research into optimization and long-term performance can help to realize the full potential of this novel method for soil stabilization. Received: 1 January 2024 | Revised: 26 April 2024 | Accepted: 28 May 2024 Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work. Data Availability Statement Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study. Author Contribution Statement Samaila Saleh: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Resources, Data curation, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration. Idris Surajo: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Project administration. Muhammad Surajo: Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Project administration. Abubakar Tsagem Idris: Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Project administration. Abdullahi Umar: Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Project administration.

New Approach for Quality Function Deployment Based on Linguistic Distribution Assessments and CRITIC Method

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a customer-oriented quality management tool used to maximize customer satisfaction by considering the correlations between customer requirements and engineering characteristics. However, the conventional QFD method exhibits some shortcomings when used in real situations, especially in terms of correlation evaluation and engineering characteristic ranking. Therefore, the objective of this study is to propose a new QFD approach based on linguistic distribution assessments and the CRiteria Importance Through Inter-Criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method to improve the effectiveness of the traditional QFD. Specifically, linguistic distribution assessments are utilized to describe the relationships between customer requirements and engineering characteristics. The CRITIC method is extended and used to determine the ranking orders of the engineering characteristics identified in QFD. To demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed QFD, a case example regarding the performance management system’s development is presented. It is shown that the QFD approach proposed in this paper can not only represent experts’ uncertain linguistic relationship evaluations flexibly but also determine more reliable importance rankings of engineering characteristics in production planning.