Heavy Weight Research Articles

Innovative Integration of Recycled Plastics for Flexible Pavement Design

Plastic waste is a major problem due to its non-biodegradable nature. Incorporating recycled plastic in road construction enhances mechanical properties effectively. This paper encompasses methods to solve two major issues in Nepal, largely focused in major cities of Nepal: primarily, the management of solid waste, specifically with consideration of used plastics which have engulfed main cities; secondarily, the development of potholes on roads due to heavy traffic weight and some environmental factors such as excessive precipitation and infiltration, flooding conditions. This study inspects the effect of combining waste thermoplastic polymers like High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polypropylene (PP) in flexible pavement design, at various plastic compositions. The plastics were grinded and mixed with the bitumen at a temperature range of 160 °C–170 °C. Various tests such as the Marshall Stability test, Penetration test, Ductility test, and, Softening Point test were carried out to find the resulting modifications from base bitumen. It was observed that the plastic mixed sample upto 10% by weight shows sufficient mechanical properties of pavements. Being a cheap and effective way of improving the capacity of flexible pavement, It is one of the alternative ways to use plastic waste.

A Review of Cooling Technologies in Lithium-Ion Power Battery Thermal Management Systems for New Energy Vehicles

The power battery is an important component of new energy vehicles, and thermal safety is the key issue in its development. During charging and discharging, how to enhance the rapid and uniform heat dissipation of power batteries has become a hotspot. This paper briefly introduces the heat generation mechanism and models, and emphatically summarizes the main principle, research focuses, and development trends of cooling technologies in the thermal management of power batteries in new energy vehicles in the past few years. Currently, the commonly used models for battery heat generation are the electrochemical-thermal model and the electrical-thermal model. Scholars have conducted more research based on multidimensional electrochemical-thermal/electrical-thermal models because taking the actual characteristics of the battery into account can provide a more comprehensive and systematic description. Among various cooling technologies, the air-cooling system boasts the most economical manufacturing costs and a compact, reliable structure. The heat transfer coefficient of the liquid-cooling system is very high, while the temperature remains uniform in the PCMs cooling system during the material phase transition process. Against the background of increasing energy density in future batteries, immersion liquid phase change cooling technology has great development prospects, but it needs to overcome limitations such as high cost and heavy weight. Therefore, the current lithium-ion battery thermal management technology that combines multiple cooling systems is the main development direction. Suitable cooling methods can be selected and combined based on the advantages and disadvantages of different cooling technologies to meet the thermal management needs of different users.

A New Pareto Discrete NSGAII Algorithm for Disassembly Line Balance Problem

With the increasing variety and quantity of end-of-life (EOL) products, the traditional disassembly process has become inefficient. In response to this phenomenon, this article proposes a random multiproduct U-shaped mixed-flow incomplete disassembly line balancing problem (MUPDLBP). MUPDLBP introduces a mixed disassembly method for multiple products and incomplete disassembly method into the traditional DLBP, while considering the characteristics of U-shaped disassembly lines and the uncertainty of the disassembly process. First, mixed-flow disassembly can improve the efficiency of disassembly lines, reducing factory construction and maintenance costs. Second, by utilizing the characteristics of incomplete disassembly to reduce the number of dismantled components and the flexibility and efficiency of U-shaped disassembly lines in allocating disassembly tasks, further improvement in disassembly efficiency can be achieved. In addition, this paper also addresses the characteristics of EOL products with heavy weight and high rigidity. While retaining the basic settings of MUPDLBP, the stability of the assembly during the disassembly process is considered, and a new problem called MUPDLBP_S, which takes into account the disassembly stability, is further proposed. The corresponding mathematical model is provided. To obtain high-quality disassembly plans, a new and improved algorithm called INSGAII is proposed. The INSGAII algorithm uses the initialization method based on Monte Carlo tree simulation (MCTI) and the Group Global Crowd Degree Comparison (GCDC) operator to replace the initialization method and crowding distance comparison operator in the NSGAII algorithm, effectively improving the coverage of the initial population individuals in the entire solution space and the evenness and spread of the Pareto front. Finally, INSGAII’s effectiveness has been affirmed by tackling both current disassembly line balancing problems and the proposed MUPDLBP and MUPDLBP_S. Importantly, INSGAII outshines six comparison algorithms with a top rank of 1 in the Friedman test, highlighting its superior performance.

Flexural response of textile-reinforced sandwich slab with modified polymeric core

Concrete sandwich panels are thermally insulative but difficult to erect due to heavy weight and thickness, and also require sufficient clear cover to avoid corrosion. Textile reinforcement is a novel field of research in civil engineering. The size, weight, and cost can be reduced using it as reinforcement in sandwich elements. The past researchers focus on sandwich slabs with polymeric cores which are prompt to delamination. Thus, this study compares the performance of steel mesh, and basalt textile fiber mesh reinforced sandwich slabs with conventional concrete and expanded perlite board as core materials. The sandwich slabs are tested under flexure in four-point bending and validated numerically by considering the non-linear characteristics of the material. The sandwich slabs reinforced with steel and basalt textile fiber mesh have similar load-carrying capacities with higher deflection of basalt textile mesh-reinforced sandwich slabs. The core material plays a major role than the type of reinforcement used. Conventional concrete core sandwich slabs did not show any delamination by enhancing the degree of composite action and mitigated the shear failure without shear connectors than sandwich slabs with expanded perlite cores. However, it affects the major property of the sandwich panel due to its density. Using the cast in-situ method in manufacturing sandwich specimens rather than adopting the slab stock method avoids delamination by proper bonding between the layers. Thus, textile-reinforced sandwich slabs have a similar load-carrying capacity as of concrete sandwich panels with steel mesh. The experimental results are validated well with numerical data.

The effect of the William Exercise on reducing lower back pain in patients at FPM Sunny Surakarta

In everyday life, work is important for every individual to fulfill life's needs, every job definitely requires movement activities in the body. Lifting heavy weights and sitting for too long are examples of activities that humans often do. If this activity is done repeatedly, it will trigger health problems, one of which is lower back pain. Low back pain is a symptom caused by various abnormalities, whether known or unknown, low back pain is one of the many problems that are often encountered in society. As many as 84% of people will experience lower back pain problems. This pain is located between the thoracic area 12 to the gluteus (Cahya et al., 2016).

3‐D woven rectangular hollow structure conformal bearing microstrip antenna with different heights: Design, preparation, performance, and simulation

AbstractTraditional microstrip antennas have problems with heavy weight and poor gain. In order to reduce the weight of the antenna itself and improve its gain, the preforms of the 3‐D woven rectangular hollow structure conformal bearing microstrip antenna (3DWRHS‐CB‐MA)with different heights were woven from ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filament yarns and copper wires on a common loom through reasonable design. The preform was used as the reinforcement and epoxy resin was used as the matrix, four different heights (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm) of 3DWRHS‐CB‐MA were prepared by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Finally, the electromagnetic performance was analyzed by high‐frequency structure simulator (HFSS) and experimental testing. The results showed that the frequency deviation of the 2 mm height microstrip antenna was minimal; while the 4 mm height microstrip antenna had better gain efficiency and directional diagram compared to others. The 4 mm height microstrip antenna has good radiation performance with a weight of only 35 g which shows that 3DWRHS‐CB‐MA are potential candidates for future intelligent textile materials and wireless communication fields.Highlights Weaving with UHMWPE filament yarns and copper wires on common looms. The preform was used as the reinforcement, and epoxy resin was used as the matrix. Simulation of electromagnetic characteristics of antennas using HFSS software. Proving the effectiveness of the electromagnetic simulation model. Revealing the electromagnetic radiation mechanisms.

A Compact Monitor for Ethylene and Other Plant-Produced Volatile Organic Compounds for NASA Space Missions.

In this work, we discuss the development of a compact analytical instrument for monitoring ethylene in compact greenhouses utilized by NASA to grow fresh vegetables in space. Traditionally, ethylene measurements are conducted by GC-MS systems. However, in space, they are not applicable due to their bulky size, heavy weight, special carrier gas requirement and high maintenance. Our group developed a compact and robust battery-powered ethylene monitor based on the principles of analytical gas chromatography. The device utilizes purified ambient air as a carrier gas and a metal oxide sensor as a GC detector. Implementation of a CarboWax 20 M packed column from Restek together with a Tenax TA pre-concentrator allowed us to achieve a 20 ppb limit of detection for ethylene. Full automation of measurements and reporting of concentrations was accomplished via the implementation of a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and a 7″ 720P LED capacitive touchscreen utilized for data output. Based on a feasibility study, a fully automated, industrial-grade ethylene monitoring and removal system for greenhouses was developed.

Watertight insertion of heavy sliding doors in exterior walls

The joints around heavy terrace doors are considered a weak point in rain-exposed façades, as it is vulnerable to defects in design and construction. The insertion process of heavy sliding doors is a notable challenge. Design recommendations from manufacturers as well as national advisory agencies are currently lacking. This paper presents a full-scale laboratory study on the water tightness of heavy sliding doors with joints waterproofed according to five different solutions. The door assembly is mounted in a pressurized cabinet with water spray nozzles to simulate wind-driven rain. The interior side of the joint around the door is monitored for moisture leaks at steadily increasing pressure levels. It was found that leaks most often occur in the corners of the frame. Sealant mounted before the door itself was hoisted in place tended to be twisted or distorted as the door was adjusted in the frame, spoiling the waterproofing. A common feature of the most watertight solutions was that the sealant was mounted after the door itself was fastened to the frame. The sealant should be continuous, flexible, mounted in a single plane, and preferably be accessible during the assembly process. Waterproofing recommendations for the design and insertion of sliding doors should account for practical challenges brought on by the heavy weight.

A heavy weight, yet empowering: Grandparent Special Guardians’ lived experiences of the role and family dynamics - An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Almost half of Special Guardians are grandparents, typically single grandmothers, who are required to facilitate and maintain relationships between parents and children if deemed in the child’s best interests. Current literature suggests that Special Guardians navigate complex family situations, support children with developmental trauma histories and receive scant support. Only limited research has examined the lived experiences of Special Guardians, especially using qualitative methods. Further exploration into such experiences may allow for better understanding and more specialised support for Special Guardians and the children they care for. The current research involved semi-structured interviews with six grandparent Special Guardians. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) five themes were constructed that highlighted some of the social, emotional, relational and financial difficulties they experienced from taking on the role. Compared to foster or adoptive carers, Special Guardians felt undervalued and abandoned by services. After a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) has been awarded, to encourage positive relationships Special Guardians may benefit from trauma training, peer and therapeutic support, as well as more whole family support.

Physically demanding work and cognitive impairment in late life

AbstractBackgroundCognitive decline is increasing in prevalence worldwide and poses a heavy burden on society. Sociodemographic factors and health behaviors associated with cognitive decline have been described. While physical exercise has been reported as a protective factor, less education acts as a risk factor. Conversely, work activities associated with lower educational levels are frequently more physically demanding. Few studies have analyzed the impact of work activities on cognition.MethodWe used data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging, with a sample of 8,336 complete cases. Linear regression was performed to assess the impact of physical demand at work on cognitive performance, as measured by a global cognitive score composed of temporal orientation, verbal fluency, and memory tests. Work activities were classified by the question “How would you describe physical demand of the job you had most of your life?”, with the following possible answers: “mostly sitting”, “mostly standing or walking”, “some physical effort” and “intense physical effort”. Age, sex, marital status, educational level, household income per capita, number of comorbidities, smoking and alcohol consumption, and level of physical activity were used as covariates.ResultWhen compared to a “mostly sitting” type of work (e.g., office job), a “mostly standing or walking” (e.g., security worker) job did not show any difference in cognitive performance (β = ‐0.03, p = 0.089). On the other hand, a “some physical effort” job (carrying weights or using tools, such as nurse or carpenter) and an “intense physical effort” job (carrying heavy weights, such as miner or construction worker) showed an increasingly worse cognitive performance (respectively, β = ‐0.09, p = 0.000 and β = ‐0.11, p = 0.000).ConclusionAlthough sedentarism has been shown to be associated with a worse cognitive performance and increased dementia risk, physically demanding jobs do not appear to be beneficial. Meanwhile, work stress associated with these activities might exert a negative effect on cognition independent of educational level and physical exercise unrelated to work. Some data suggest mentally demanding jobs, on the contrary, can be beneficial. With development of new technologies, moving from physical work into mental work can potentially reduce dementia risk.

A lightweight and transparent acoustic metamaterial sheet with designed structures for sound insulation applications

Normal sound insulation materials such as metal plates and rubber sheets follow the mass law. According to the mass law, a weight increase of sound insulators leads to high sound insulation. Therefore, novel lightweight and high-performance materials have been required in various fields such as mobility and electronics. We developed lightweight and transparent acoustic metamaterial sheets having blocklike weights with rodlike or cylindrical shapes periodically arranged on thin films. Upon sound incidence at a target frequency, the heavier weights and the lighter film cooperatively vibrate in opposite phase and with the same amplitude. The transmitted sound waves through those parts cancel each other out owing to the wave interference. As a result, the acoustic metamaterial sheets show high sound insulation performance beyond the mass law limit at the target frequencies. In this study, we report the structural design, sound insulation properties and mechanisms, and application of acoustic metamaterial sheets.

Current Performance of Floor Impact Sound Insulation in Wooden Apartment Buildings in Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, Japan, technological developments have been introduced to improve the floor impact sound insulation performance in wooden apartment buildings. However, such technological developments are not widely used, especially in rental properties. To effectively disseminate the required technology, it is vital to report examples of implementation. Therefore, we measured the performance of five types of wooden apartment buildings with high sound insulation performance and analyzed the results. The main results are listed below. (1) A relatively high performance was obtained by installing a floating floor and an independent ceiling. (2) For heavy weight floor impact sound insulation of a car tire source, a floating floor with a surface density of 60 kg/m2 or higher could achieve a performance of Li,Fmax,r,H(1)-60 or higher. However, in the case of a rubber ball source, vibration radiation noise from the wall surface of the lower floor is large, so it is necessary to consider vibration countermeasures. (3) For light weight floor impact sound insulation, sufficient performance cannot be obtained even with a floating floor. Therefore, carpet or wooden soundproof flooring should be used. (4) The light weight floor impact sound pressure level is high when the floor area of the sound receiving room is small.

Study on Heavy Weight Impact Sound Insulation of CLT Floor Slab and Reduction Performance with Floor Structure

Strategies and challenge for carbon neutrality by 2050 had become important issues all over the world. In South Korea, as a move toward carbon neutrality, interest in wooden buildings is growing continuously. In order to spread the wooden buildings, especially wooden multi-residential buildings, high floor impact sound insulation performance is required. In this study, we investigated the floor impact sound insulation performance of floor slabs with cross laminated timber (CLT) panels produced in South Korea. Moreover, laboratory measurements were conducted to grasp the reduction effect by floor covering. As a result, the heavy-weight impact sound insulation performance of CLT bare slab of its thickness of 150 mm is almost 17 dB lower than that of RC slab according to ISO717-2. Concrete topping and damping material are found to be effective to both heavy and light weight floor impact sound insulation.

Comparison of Open Lichtenstein Repair and Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal of Inguinal Hernia: A Pragmatic RCT in Bangladesh

Background: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has emerged as an effective alternative to open Lichtenstein mesh repair for inguinal hernias. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and open Lichtenstein mesh repair for the treatment of inguinal hernia. Methodology: This single centered, pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Surgery at 300 bed hospital, Narayanganj, Bangladesh from January 2018 to June 2020 for a period of two and half year. Patients who were presented with reducible, primary/recurrent, complete/incomplete inguinal hernias among male and female in more than or equal to 18 years of age were selected as study population. Lichtenstein mesh repair was performed which was compared with the laparoscopy group. Open Lichtenstein repair was done under spinal anesthesia with lightweight poly propylene mesh. Laparoscopy was performed by trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) technique under general anesthesia and heavy weight mesh was used. The hospital stay, operating time, post-operative complications like superficial wound infection, seroma formation, scrotal swelling as well as early recurrence and chronic groin pain were compared among these group. Results: A total number of 90 patients presented with inguinal hernia were recruited for this study of which TAPP was performed in 25 cases and 65 cases were undergone Lichtenstein repair. The mean age of laparoscopy and open group of patients were 49.28±9.9 years and 55.05±14.4 years respectively (p-0.03). The mean operation time was 85±10.31 minutes and 52.1±15.36 minutes in laparoscopy and open group respectively (p-0.000). The mean post-operative hospital stay was 2.9±0.78 days and 2.9±0.71 days in laparoscopy and open group respectively (p-0.94). In this study 21 (23.3%) patients developed 25 different early and late post-operative complications, out of which 15 (23.1%) in open group and 06 (23.3%) in laparoscopy group (p-0.52). One early recurrence was reported after 6 months follow up in laparoscopy group. Chronic groin pain was reported in 7 cases of which 5 (7.7%) cases in open group and only 2 (8.0%) cases in laparoscopy group (p-0.002). Conclusion: In conclusion the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic TAPP performed by a young surgeon in Bangladesh has given a clinically better result than open Lichtenstein repair considering hospital stay, seroma formation, wound infection, scrotal swelling and chronic groin pain. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2023;10(1):35-40

Mechanical properties and application of glass fiber reinforced polyurethane composites communication lattice tower

To address the deficiencies in traditional communication towers in mobile communication engineering, such as heavy weight, easy corrosion and poor durability, this study proposes replacing traditional communication towers with GFRP communication lattice towers with lightweight, high-strength and good durability. Firstly, GFRP material test and GFRP circle tube bending capacity test are conducted. The maximum bending moment that can be subjected to the anchorage end of GFRP circular tube is 18.20 kN·m. Finite element analysis of GFRP circular tubes verifies the accuracy of the bending test results. Secondly, a GFRP communication lattice tower with a height of 25 m is designed adopting GFRP circular tubes as tower columns. Through the bending test of the GFRP tower, it is verified that the connection between the columns and web members of the GFRP tower is reliable and the force pattern of the GFRP tower is reasonable. The large deflection theory can be adopted to the displacement of GFRP towers accurately. Thirdly, according to the actual engineering requirements, the finite element analysis of 25 m-high GFRP tower under the basic wind pressure of 0.45 kN/m2 is carried out by using 3D3S (a spatial structure design software). It can be obtained that the vibration mode of the GFRP communication tower shows two forms of lateral bending and axial torsion. 0° wind load direction has the greatest influence on the displacement of the GFRP tower. The stress ratio of each component in the GFRP tower is less than 1, indicating that no damage occurs in the GFRP tower. Finally, GFRP towers have good economic benefits, good environmental performance and wide range of application after comparing the GFRP tower and traditional steel tower. The demonstration project of the GFRP communication lattice tower is established in Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province, China. When subjected to a typhoon with a wind speed of 17.26 m/s, The horizontal displacement of the GFRP tower top is 10 m, which is about 2/5 of the height of GFRP tower. Although the displacement is large, the GFRP tower is still not destroyed. It can be concluded from the research in this paper that GFRP towers have low cost, good mechanical properties, good durability, and wide application range, which can promote the rapid construction of 5 G communication base stations.

A method for estimating physical and economic food access at high spatial resolution

Physical and economic access to food vary spatially. Methods to map that variability at high levels of spatial detail over large areas are scarce, even though suitable datasets and methods exist. Using open-access data for Ethiopia, we developed a method to map the disparities in physical and economic food access at 1-km resolution. We selected 25 access-related variables for 486 geo-located communities from the 2018 Ethiopian Living Standards Measurement Study to create a food access index (FAI). The index was based on a weighted summation of the 25 variables from a principal component analysis (PCA). We then extrapolated the FAI to the rest of Ethiopia using a generalized additive model (GAM) to produce a 1-km resolution FAI map and used that to describe the spatial variability of food access. Economic access had a heavier weight than physical access in the FAI reflecting the fact that proximity to food markets alone is insufficient if one cannot afford food. The GAM had an R2 of 0.57 and a normalized root mean square error of 22.2% which are comparable to measures of model performance in studies that provided micro-level estimates of relative wealth. Peri-urban areas, representing 67% of the population, had relatively low food access, suggesting that these areas should be a priority for infrastructure or economic intervention. The scarcity of detailed spatial information on food access may limit the effectiveness of targeted policymaking to improve food security. The methodology developed in this study uses widely available and carefully selected datasets and can contribute to more spatially detailed estimates of food access in other countries.

Oἱ Ἰουδαῖοι (The Jews) in John’s Gospel: An African Reading

The portrait of the Jews in John’s Gospel has been the object of a great debate among Western scholars. The negative portrait of many of the Jews of the fourth canonical gospel has led some to qualify John’s Gospel as the most “anti-Jewish” writing of the New Testament. Recent Western history, in particular the Shoah, has certainly had a heavy weight on this negative interpretation of John’s Gospel. But another perspective, here African Biblical Hermeneutics, may give a different understanding of this disputed theme. Following this non-Western approach, we want to show that maybe it is not John’s Gospel’s characterization of the Jews which is problematic, but the hermeneutics used to interpret it. In the end, what is at stake, is not the Jews or Jewish people as such, but how one, Jew or non-Jew, responds to Jesus’ message and gift of abundant life.

Nanophytosome formulation of β-1,3-glucan and Euglena gracilis extract for drug delivery applications

Euglena gracilis (EG) is a unicellular freshwater alga known for its high β-1,3-glucan (BG) content with well-known biological properties and immune response. The high molecular weight structure of BG traditionally poses a challenge in terms of its size and absorption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a novel drug delivery mechanism of BG and EG to nanophytosomes (NPs) by converting the heavy molecular weight of BG and EG into lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC), which plays an important role in improving their bioavailability and entrapment in captivity. The BG and EG NPs were developed by the solvent evaporation method while varying time and temperature to optimize their drug delivery ability. The size of BG-PC and EG-PC obtained by the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method was 134.62 and 158.38 nm, respectively. Chemical (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) and structural (X-Ray Diffraction) characterization of NPs improved the binding capacity and the amorphous nature of both NPs. The shape of the NPs by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed their spherical, vesicular nature. The encapsulation efficiency of BG-PC and EG-PC was 82 ± 1.62 % and 87 ± 3.22 %, respectively, which improves the bioavailability. The developed methodology has thus proven effective in synthesizing BG-PC and EG-PC, which may be useful as NP drug delivery carriers. Future research could demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of long-term storage conditions for medical and pharmaceutical applications.•Nanophytosomes are tailored in size, shape and composition to optimize the delivery of phytochemicals/phytocompounds through nanoscale size and surface modification for better physiological absorption.•Nanophytosomes increase the stability of phytochemicals/phytocompounds and protect them from degradation due to heat or chemical reactions, leading to longer shelf life and improved therapeutic efficacy.•In this method, optimal conditions were created for the formation of β-1,3-glucan and Euglena gracilis extract nanophytosomes for successful development of drug delivery system that can effectively deliver bioactive compounds.

High tensile poly(vinyl alcohol)/Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium/Polyacrylamide/Borax dual network hydrogel for lifting heavy weight and multi-functional sensors

High tensile poly(vinyl alcohol)/Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium/Polyacrylamide/Borax dual network hydrogel for lifting heavy weight and multi-functional sensors

Mechanical and durability properties of structural grade heavy weight concrete with fly ash and slag

The paper investigates the fundamental mechanical and durability properties of a M50 strength grade heavy weight concrete (HWC), with replacement of cement by fly ash at 15 %, 25 % and 35 % levels and slag at 40 %, 50 % and 60 % levels. The mechanical properties studied include compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural and split tensile strengths, and the durability properties include water permeability, drying shrinkage and carbonation behavior. Although extended curing improves mechanical strength and water permeability properties of fly ash and slag blended HWCs, fly ash replacement reduces the modulus of elasticity of HWC to some extent. A simple relationship was used to estimate the elastic modulus of fly ash and slag based HWCs from their density and compressive strength, and the estimated values agreed well with the experimental results. Experimental investigation shows that the long term drying shrinkage strain for all fly ash based HWCs (15 %–35 %) is lesser than that for the 100 % ordinary portland cement (OPC) and all slag based HWCs. The resultant hardened density variations of fly ash and slag blended concretes exposed to long term controlled environment discussed in this paper can be used for estimating shielding thickness of HWC members against ionizing radiations. The carbonation resistance of fly ash and slag HWCs exposed to 3 % CO2 condition for 146 days is also evaluated. Accelerated carbonation coefficients (kacc) estimated for all types of HWCs show that the carbonation resistance of HWC prepared with 15 % fly ash and 40 % slag is comparable. The rate of accelerated carbonation of HWCs increases for the increase in replacement level of fly ash and slag. In addition to the higher rate of carbonation, increase in calcium carbonate content estimated through micro analytical studies also suggest that a higher level of slag replacement reduces the carbonation resistance of HWC significantly.