High Lime Content Research Articles

Research on Water-Free Injection Grouts Using Sieved Soil and Micro-Lime

ABSTRACTFor the in-situ conservation of architectural surfaces, grout injection is a widely used and approved technique, even though it is an irreversible intervention. The research presented in this article explores grouting using sieved soil and micro-lime dispersed in isopropanol for plaster reattachment on earthen support. The grout formulations have been evaluated in several laboratory tests and at mock-up’s that look at the workability of fresh grout and the performance of the cured grout. On-site tests provide additional information about applicability and the performance of the grout with weakened historic earthen substrates. The results indicate that the tested formulations with varying percentages of micro-lime show good flowability on absorbing substrates and tolerable shrinkage. Results both from flexural strength tests and microscopic investigation demonstrate that the water-free soil- lime grouts provide good bonding to both the substrate and delaminated plasters. Higher lime content results in higher mechanical strength, indicating the grouts potential to be developed into suitable conservation materials for both plaster reattachment and crack repair in the conservation of earthen architecture.

Malaysia. Ancient glassware in Malaysia: The Pengkalan Bujang collection Edited by Daniel Perret and Zulkifli Jaafar Kuala Lumpur: Department of Museums Malaysia, 2014. Pp. 206. Map, Plates, Bibliography, Index.

Ancient glassware in Malaysia: The Pengkalan Bujang collection Edited by DANIEL PERRET and ZULKIFLI JAAFAR Kuala Lumpur: Department of Museums Malaysia, 2014. Pp. 206. Map, Plates, Bibliography, Index. doi: 10.1017/S002246341600062X This volume provides a useful, profusely illustrated and up-to-date insight into ancient glass excavated at the Pengkalan Bujang and Sungai Mas sites in Malaysia, with notes on other related finds from elsewhere in Southeast Asia as well as various shipwrecks. The work is set out in four sections: the first by Daniel Perret is a comprehensive review of recoveries of ancient glass in Southeast Asia with a map showing the various locations discussed. This is followed by a catalogue of significant sherds and outline drawings of fragments of glass vessels from Pengkalan Bujang in Kedah by Daniel Perret and Zulkifli Jaafar where almost 6,000 sherds have been recovered. A detailed section on the chemical composition of glass artefacts based on LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), a recently-developed nondestructive analytical technique, with new data from Pengkalan Bujang and Sungai Mas by Laure Dussubieux and Jane Allen follows, with a final discussion on the Pengkalan Bujang glass, its characteristics and historical context by Daniel Perret. At the end of the day, however, although general conclusions may be drawn from this work, we appear to be left with more questions than answers regarding the specific origins of the ancient glass, for, as the authors point out, more research is required to try to resolve the many outstanding questions relating to their origins. The catalogue of fragments is illustrated with colour photographs, although not to scale, but with accompanying line drawings that provide a useful range of illustrations for future physical comparisons. Analysis of ancient glass vessels in the Malay Peninsula was pioneered by Alastair Lamb in the 1960s. Thereafter analytical work on glass from Sumatra was undertaken initially by Dr Robert Brill at Corning, with more recent typological analyses on a broad range of recoveries from the west coast of Sumatra sites of Barus, Lobu Tua and Bukit Hasang by Guillot et al. in Histoire de Barus II (Archipel, 2003) and more recently chemical analyses by Laure Dussubieux, 'Compositional analysis of ancient glass fragments from Si Pamutung, North Sumatra', in History of Padang Lawas, 1. The site of Si Pamutung (mid ninth-thirteenth century CE) (Archipel, 2015). Although identification of early glass-making locations in Southeast Asia has transformed older theories relating to India as a source of glass, the lack of information with regard to the manufacture of glass as well as earthenware, particularly relating to mediaeval South Asia and Sri Lanka, leaves a hiatus in identifying the specific origins of these materials. Analysis suggests that early trading networks linking the Near and Middle East to both the west and east coasts of India would, however, appear to have played an important role in the distribution of glassware. Determination of the chemical composition of the Pengkalan Bujang glass was divided into two main categories--identification of glasses with a high lime (Ca) content which appear to originate in the Near East and those with a high alumina (Al)-low lime content, formerly associated with South Asia or Sri Lanka, but which more recently have been found at sites in Asia Minor that may, significantly, have been linked to the early and mediaeval Indian Ocean trade networks. …

Response of maize for grain to potassium and magnesium fertilizers in soils with high lime contents

ABSTRACTAn antagonistic reaction between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) may lead to low absorption of K and Mg by plants from soils with high Ca contents even when levels of K and Mg should be adequate. Two separate field studies were carried out in 2009 and 2010 to determine the effects of potassium (0, 40, 80, 120 kg K2O ha−1; as potassium sulfate) and magnesium (0, 20, 40, 60 kg magnesium oxide (MgO)ha−1; as magnesium sulfate) applied to a soil with high lime content either separately or in combinations, on the grain yield and yield components of maize for grain in semi-arid Central Anatolia in Turkey. One dose of the K, Mg-fertilizers was applied during sowing in both years. According to the results, increasing the dosage of K increased yield components more than increases in Mg dosages. Combinations of K and Mg tended to maximize the yield components. Moreover, the greatest plant heights, first ear lengths, grain weights per ear and protein ratios were obtained for the K80Mg40 dose.

Effect of Vermicompost on Chemical and Biological Properties of an Alkaline Soil with High Lime Content during Celery (<i>Apium graveolens</i> L. var. dulce Mill.) Production

The aim of this study was to investigate impact of vermicompost on chemical and biological properties of an alkaline soil with high lime content in the presence of plant under the open field conditions in semiarid Mediterranean region of Turkey. The study also included farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers for comparison and was conducted in two consecutive growth seasons in the same plots to observe any cumulative effect. Plots were amended with fertilizers in different rates and celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce Mill.) was grown as the test plant. In general, vermicompost appeared to be more effective to increase organic matter, N, P, and Ca compared to farmyard manure. Soil alkaline phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities, especially in the second growth season, were significantly elevated by the vermicompost application. Urease activity, however, appeared not to be influenced by the type of organic fertilizer. A slight but statistically significant difference was detected between organic amendments in terms of number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria with vermicompost giving the lower values. Results showed that, in general, vermicompost significantly alters chemical and biological properties of the alkaline soil with high lime content during celery production under field conditions compared to farmyard manure and that it has a high potential to be used as an alternative to conventional organic fertilizers in agricultural production in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Effect of Vermicompost on Chemical and Biological Properties of an Alkaline Soil with High Lime Content during Celery (<i>Apium graveolens</i> L. var. dulce Mill.) Production

The aim of this study was to investigate impact of vermicompost on chemical and biological properties of an alkaline soil with high lime content in the presence of plant under the open field conditions in semiarid Mediterranean region of Turkey. The study also included farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers for comparison and was conducted in two consecutive growth seasons in the same plots to observe any cumulative effect. Plots were amended with fertilizers in different rates and celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce Mill.) was grown as the test plant. In general, vermicompost appeared to be more effective to increase organic matter, N, P, and Ca compared to farmyard manure. Soil alkaline phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities, especially in the second growth season, were significantly elevated by the vermicompost application. Urease activity, however, appeared not to be influenced by the type of organic fertilizer. A slight but statistically significant difference was detected between organic amendments in terms of number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria with vermicompost giving the lower values. Results showed that, in general, vermicompost significantly alters chemical and biological properties of the alkaline soil with high lime content during celery production under field conditions compared to farmyard manure and that it has a high potential to be used as an alternative to conventional organic fertilizers in agricultural production in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Marshall Stability and Flow of Lime-modified Asphalt Concrete

The purpose of highway pavement is to provide smooth surface over which vehicles can move safely from one place to another. The two major types of pavement (flexible and rigid) have been mostly selected for the highway pavement to fulfil this function and they must be capable of transferring the wheel load to the subgrade such that its bearing capacity is not exceeded. However, the flexible pavements normally show defects like rutting, fatigue failure, low skid resistance and so on, causing the pavement to fail before its design life. Therefore, it is important to modify the asphalt concrete to make it more resistant to rutting and fatigue failure. Lime-modified asphalt has been observed to have better resistance to rutting, cracking and stripping, as well as having improved aging behavior. Therefore, this study looks at the Marshall properties of hydrated lime-modified asphalt mixture and the conventional asphalt. The conventional asphalt mixture was made using 10% mineral filler while for the lime-modified asphalt, the mineral filler was replaced with hydrated lime. The bitumen with penetration grade 60/70 was used and the content varied from 5.0 to 7.5%. Marshall stability and flow tests were carried out on the samples. The results show that the Marshall stability for the asphalt concrete with mineral filler ranges from 5.89 – 7.90 kN while that with hydrated lime ranges from 5.9 to 8.2 kN. The flow values for the asphalt concrete with mineral filler range from 2.3 mm – 3.3 mm, while that with hydrated lime range from 2.4 – 3.4 mm. The optimum bitumen content for both mixtures was found to be 6.5%. The stability and flow for the mixture with mineral filler were 7.9 kN and 3.3 mm, respectively, while for the mixtures with hydrated lime they were 8.2 kN and 3.4 mm, respectively. This indicates the replacement of the mineral filler with lime improves the stability of the mixtures, while there was slight increase in the flow of the mixture with hydrated lime. The slight increase in stability and flow values may be attributed to the complete replacement of the mineral filler with lime and the high lime content used in the study. More studies are being carried out to evaluate the Marshall properties for mixture with the mineral filler partially replaced with lime and for varying proportions of the lime content in the asphalt mixture.

Soil Classification and Potentiality Assessment for Some Rainfed Areas at West of Matrouh, Northwestern Coast of Egypt

Desert development is the key role of enhancing agricultural production in Egypt. The northwestern coastis one of the most attractive desert regions for sustainable agrarian development due to its abundant qualifications which have not sufficiently used yet. This investigation was carried out in El-Qasr - Um El-Rakham area as a model for rainfed pattern at the northwestern coast, to assess both of types and capability of the soils representing dominant land forms in the area. Studied area extends over about 159603 feddan including 12 drainage basins.The extent of landforms was spatially identified using geological and topographic maps in integration with DEM. The area represented by 6 main land forms; (1) Coastal plain (17.8%) which include: Alluvial fans (9.1%), Lagoonal depression and salt marsh (3.5%), Oolitic longitudinal sand dunes (2.2%) and Oolitic sand beach (2.8%) – (2) Alluvial terraces and Interfluves wadis (9.7%) – (3) Wadi course (2.7%) – (4) Escarpment (4.3%) – (5) Piedmont plain (13.6%) – (6) Plateau (52.1%) which include: Lower plateau (18.6%) and Higher Libyan plateau (33.5%).Soils of the area were surveyed through 261 soil profiles which spatially distributed upon ETM+ LANDSAT 7 image classification to represent achieved landforms. Twenty four representative soil profiles wereselected in this study. A digital vector database was created using GIS, consequently, soil and evaluation maps were generated. Results indicated that ten soil mapping units were differentiated according to differences in profile depth, texture and topography properties in the area under study. Further, data emphasized that 13.6% and 19.6% of the total area, respectively have deep and moderately deep profile depth. Coarse to moderately coarse texture classes dominated whole soils. Almost flat topography to gently undulated conquered the area over 69.3%.Based on field check and laboratory analysis, soils were classified into 10 family classes, while at sub greatgroup level seven classes were differentiated. These are Typic Torrifluvents (24259 F – 15.2%), TypicTorripsamments (28728 F – 18.0%), Lithic Torripsamments (36070 F – 22.6%), Lithic Torriorthents (56978 F – 35.7%),oolitic Torripsamments (7980 F - 5.0%), Typic Aquisalids (5586 F - 3.5%), and Typic Haplosalids (260 F -0.15%).Soils of oolitic sand beach were classified as Oolitic Torripsamments, while soils of the lagoon depressions andsalt marsh were classified as Typic Aquisalids. Soils of alluvial fans were classified as Typic Torrifluvents. As well, soils of the alluvial terraces and interfluves wadis, piedmont plain and wadi courses are generally belong to the subgroups Typic and lithic Torripsamments and Torriorthents, except small areas in the alluvial terraces and interfluves wadis and the lower portions of wadi courses were classified as Typic Torrifluvents and Typic Haplosalids. Generally, soils of plateau are classified as lithic Torriorthents.The study concluded that, soil potentiality classified as Good over 13.6% of the area, including soils of alluvial fans, partially alluvial terraces and down streams of wadi courses landforms, where the potentiality index varied between 60.9 and 68.1%. Meanwhile, the potentiality was classified as Fair on 19.6% of the area, representing some soils of alluvial fans, alluvial terraces, wadi middle streams and piedmont plain landforms, where the potentiality index ranged from 42.5 to 57.0%. Poor potentiality unit extend over 22.6% of the area occupying some soils of alluvial terraces, wadi upper streams and piedmont plain landforms, as the potentiality index ranged from 30.5 to 36.8%. Potentiality indices ranged between1.2-11.5% indicating Very poor and Non agricultural units over the rest of the area, which may be relevant to other land utilization types. Low soil potentiality associated with limitations related to; limited soil profile depth, poor drainage, coarse texture, low clay content, high salinity, high lime content and low fertility status.

Laboratory investigation of carbonated BOF slag used as partial replacement of natural aggregate in cement mortars

Direct mineral carbonation produces a material rich in carbonates and with reduced quantities of free oxides. The aim of this work was to show that such materials can be used in the construction domain. Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag from the steelmaking process has been traditionally seen as unfit for bounded applications due to its propensity to swelling, resulting from hydration of its high free lime content. Here, BOF slag was crushed to suitable particle sizes, carbonated in an aqueous solution of carbonic acid, and utilized to replace 50% of natural sand aggregate in cement mortars. The mechanical and chemical properties of these mortars were compared to mortars containing non-carbonated slags, and a standard cement mortar as a reference. Tests were conducted to determine mortar paste consistency and soundness, and cured mortar compressive strength and leaching tendencies. The results showed a satisfactory performance for all considered aspects (comparable with the reference) of the mortar sample containing 37.5 wt% (1.5 in 4 parts solids) carbonated BOF slag of <0.5 mm particle size.

Sporosarcina pasteurii use in extreme alkaline conditions for recycling solid industrial wastes

The ureolytic bacteria are one of the most efficient organisms able to produce high amounts of carbonate that easily react with the free calcium ions from the environment. Sporosarcina pasteurii, a robust microbe in alkaline environments, was tested in this work for its potential use in an eco-cementation process that involves the biomediated calcite precipitation (BCP). Bacterial behavior in extreme alkaline environment (pH values of 9–13) was tested in controlled laboratory conditions and in the presence of solid industry wastes, such as Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) and Lime Kiln Dust (LKD), by evaluating the enzymatic activity and the calcite precipitation capacity. Grain consolidation potential of S. pasteurii was tested for one type of CKD mixed with ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), with possible bioclogging and biocementation applications. The results revealed the formation of stable biocalcite in the presence of CKD, with a performance depending on the pH-value and free calcium ion content. The BCP induced by S. pasteurii and the recycling of solid wastes, such as CKD with high lime content, is a promising way for different bioclogging and biocementation applications, with benefits in construction costs and reduction of environmental pollution.

Hakkâri-Çukurca Yöresi Topraklarının Verimlilik Durumlarının Belirlenmesi

Araştırmada, Hakkâri-Çukurca yöresi tarım topraklarının verimlilik durumlarının toprak analizleriyle belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla yöreyi temsilen alınan 25 toprak örneğinde pH, EC, CaCO 3 , bünye, organik madde ve bitkiye yarayışlı besin elementi analizleri yapılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, araştırma alanı topraklarının %32’sinin killi, %48’inin killi tınlı, %12’si tınlı %8’i kumlu-killi- tınlı bünyeye sahip olduğu, toprakların tamamının hafif alkali reaksiyonlu,%56’sının orta kireçli, %36’sının fazla kireçli, %8’inin çok fazla kireçli olduğu belirlenmiştir. Toprakların %36’sı tuzsuz, %64’ü az tuzludur. Toprak organik maddesi bakımından %8’i çok az, %40’ı az, %44’ü orta, %8’i iyi sınıfındadır. Toprakların %16’sının P yönünden az, %56’sının yeterli ve %28’inin fazla düzeyde olduğu; %52’sinin K içeriklerinin yeterli, %4’ünün az, %36’sının fazla, %8’inin çok fazla düzeyde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Örneklerin %48’inde alınabilir Ca az olup %52’sinde yeterli, %4’ünde Mg içeriği çok az, %96’sında ise az düzeyde bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Mikro element konsantrasyonları açısından bir değerlendirme yapıldığında toprakların %84’ünün Fe, % 52’ sinin Mn, %44’ ünün Zn % 4’ünün de Cu bakımından fakir olduğu belirlenmiştir.

VARIABILITY IN VITIS BERLANDIERI

The invasion of phylloxera during the 19th century nearly led to the collapse of viticulture in Europe. This could only be prevented by the introduction of phylloxera tolerant American wild grapevine species, used henceforth as rootstocks for grapevine grafting. While phylloxera control is the major aim of rootstock breeding, a wide ranged suitability to different abiotic environmental stress factors, particularly with regards to soil adaptation, is of great importance as well. The majority of the European vineyards, typically characterized by higher lime contents, are not compatible with most of the American wild Vitis species. However, the American species Vitis berlandieri is very well adapted to limey soils, and thus makes it an interesting partner for rootstock breeding. In the beginnings of rootstock breeding only a few V. berlandieri individuals had been available. So most of all of the rootstock cultivars used today comprise only a very small fraction of V. berlandieri?s genetic information. To study the variability of Vitis berlandieri, seeds were collected in their natural habitat in Texas in the year 2005 (Schmid et al., 2009) and have been germinated and planted in an observation block at Geisenheim. This population of nearly 3500 individuals should be very well suited to represent a more complete picture of V. berlandieri?s gene pool. In our ongoing project, the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of these Vitis berlandieri individuals are being evaluated continuously. Currently, 2000 seedlings of 21 different mother plants are being monitored by using ampelographic and physiological characteristics and genetic markers. Results point out that the offspring of different accessions are showing various distinctive characteristic features, either within one accession, or between different accessions. This indicates a larger variability of V. berlandieri than primarily assumed, and it offers a more ample spectrum for future rootstock breeding programs.

A Study of Soil Stabilization by Hydrated Lime at Kampung Kedaik Asal, Rompin, Pahang, Malaysia

This study involves the clay sample which is taken from Kampung Kedaik Asal, Rompin site and evaluation of its properties in natural state and after stabilization. The main objectives of this paper is to estimate the optimum lime content (OLC) needed to stabilize the soil by using Eades-Grim pH Test, to determine the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) of the treated soil by Standard Proctor Test and also the strength value of the soil specimens with different percentages of lime content corresponding with different curing period by Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) Test. From this study, the optimum amount to stabilize the clay soil and minimum amount of lime required to stabilize the soil pH level to 12 is 5%. The results showed that addition of lime decreased the maximum dry density (MDD) and increased the optimum moisture content (OMC). Unconfined compressive test on 48 sets of samples has been carried out for 7, 14 and 28 days of curing with different lime contents such as 5%, 7% and 9%. The highest unconfined compressive strength (UCS) achieved is 321 kN/m2 for clay stabilized with 9% lime content cured at 28 days. From the test results, it was found that the longer the immersion of curing period with higher lime content, the greater the compressive strength of the specimen.

A Study of the Functionality of Hydrated Lime as an Admixture

It is known that hydrated lime improves the workability and water retention of Portland cement (PC) mortars. PC-lime mixes can be reworked without increasing entrained air thus not undermining durability. In addition, lime lowers strength and stiffness making PC mortars more deformable. However, the use of hydrated lime in PC composites has largely decreased due to the use of plasticisers. These enhance workability and lower cement content reducing heat of hydration. As they are water reducers, they are expected to decrease permeability, minimise shrinkage, enhance ultimate strength and accelerate early-strength gain; leading to stronger, durable composites. Despite these advantages, plasticisers have drawbacks related to wastage and environmental protection. This paper studies the properties of PC-lime mortars and their plasticised equivalents. It concludes that lime raises mortar water demand however, this does not reduce strength but on the contrary, mortars of low lime content (lime amounting 1/4 th the cement), have superior flexural and compressive strengths than their plasticised equivalents. The use of lime delivered PC mortars with excellent workability and surface finish and lack of segregation and bleeding. It is concluded that, when lime amounts 1/4 th the cement, the mortars are stronger (in tension and compression, at both early and mature age) and gain strength at a faster rate than plasticised mixes. However, when lime equals the cement content, strengths are lower than those of plasticised mixes. It was also noted that lime enhanced bond strength at all ages; and that the ultimate bond strength is greater for the low lime than for the high lime content mortars.

Improvement of peaty soils with municipal solid waste fly ash

Municipal solid waste fly ash is one of the products in the incineration process of solid waste and is usually disposed of in a landfill. The high lime content present in municipal solid waste fly ash indicates a possibility of using it to improve poor quality soils. Peaty soils are found at shallow depths in Singapore. These soils are generally excavated and disposed of in a landfill. This paper investigates the possibility of improving the peaty soil using municipal solid waste fly ash and also evaluates the environmental impact of the use of the latter. Test results showed that the shear strength of peaty soil can be improved by a few times by mixing with municipal solid waste fly ash. Leaching tests conducted on peaty soil–municipal solid fly ash mixes showed that the effluent element concentrations are below the limits set for trade effluent discharged into an uncontrolled watercourse but are generally above the limits set for drinking water and trade effluent discharged into a controlled watercourse. Therefore, peaty soil–municipal solid waste fly ash mixes should not be used at sites where there is a possibility for the effluent to discharge into controlled watercourses.

English

Humic acid can transform mineral nutrients into available forms for the plants. High lime content, low organic matter content, high pH, low moisture content and insufficient profile characteristics all higher plant phosphorus uptakes and consequently regress plant growth and development. The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of humic acid treatments (H.A.) (0, 60, 120 mg/kg) on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) (0, 50, 100 mg/kg P) of grape and pole tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) varieties. Pot experiments were carried out in a glasshouse in randomized block design with three replications. As basic fertilization, 250 mg/kg N and 200 mg/kg K was applied to the pots. Plants were harvested when they had their 5th raceme. Dry matter yields, N, P and K contents were analyzed. Dry matter yields increased with humic acid and phosphorus treatments. Phosphorus contents also increased with increasing phosphorus doses. While humic acid and phosphorus treatments affected the potassium contents, Ca contents increased through only the humic acid application. &nbsp; Key words: Humic acid, phosphorus use efficiency, tomato plant.

Evaluation of the Cyanidation Leaching of Gold in a Waste Rock Ore

Samples of the waste rock obtained from Marofengin South Africa ground 60, 70 and 80% passing 75µm were leached with cyanide in bottle roll tests. The results obtained showed that the percentage gold dissolution depends more on the ore size consists than on the cyanide concentration with the highest average dissolution rates of 88.75, 94.34 and 95.90% found at 600, 500 and 500 ppm, for 60, 70 and 80% passing sizes, respectively. It was also noted that the lowest average percents cyanide consumption of 62.91, 61.73 and 58.56 at 60, 70 and 80% passing 75 µm were obtained at the 500 ppm cyanide concentrations. It was further observed that a clear pattern of increasing residual lime content was only observed at the 70% grind size, with the least lime content of 150.37 ppm at 500 ppm cyanide concentration being higher than the least lime contents for the 60 and 80% grind sizes. The results obtained thus suggest the 70% grind passing 75 µm ore with the gold dissolution percentage very close to the conventional 80% passing size at the lowest cyanide consumption of 500 ppm, much lower daily power consumption of about 925 kWh and high residual lime content that indicated the minimization of cyanide loss as hydrogen cyanide,a good choice for the leaching of the waste rock.

Short-term effect of vermicompost application on biological properties of an alkaline soil with high lime content from Mediterranean region of Turkey.

This study was conducted to investigate direct short-term impact of vermicompost on some soil biological properties by monitoring changes after addition of vermicompost as compared to farmyard manure in an alkaline soil with high lime content from semiarid Mediterranean region of Turkey. For this purpose, mixtures of soil and organic fertilizers in different doses were incubated under greenhouse condition. Soil samples collected in regular intervals were analyzed for biological parameters including dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, urease, alkaline phosphatase activities, and total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria. Even though soil dehydrogenase activity appeared to be dose-independent based on overall evaluation, organic amendments were found to elevate dehydrogenase activity when sampling periods are evaluated individually. β-glucosidase, urease, alkaline phosphatase activity, and aerobic mesophilic bacterial numbers in vermicompost treatments fluctuated but remained significantly above the control. A slight but statistically significant difference was detected between organic amendments in terms of urease activity. Vermicompost appeared to more significantly increase bacterial number in soil. Clearly, vermicompost has a potential to be used as an alternative to farmyard manure to improve and maintain soil biological activity in alkaline calcareous soils from the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Further studies are needed to assess its full potential for these soils.

Application of high-temperature rapid catalytic technology to forecast the volumetric stability behavior of containing steel slag mixtures

Steel slag from the steel and iron industries often exhibits volumetric instability (expansion) due to long-term usage. Therefore, this study applied a high-temperature rapid catalytic technology to accelerate the hydration reaction to forecast the volumetric instability of steel slag in the shortest time. The steel slag included basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag and desulfurization slag (DSS), which replaced 50% of natural river sand by weight for 1 to 4days of high-temperature catalysis (100°C) and autoclave expansion. In order to forecast more accurate results, a numerical regression was applied to crosscheck the test result and simulate a theoretical expansion value. The results showed that the specimens of each group ruptured after a minimum of three days of high-temperature catalysis when the substitution amount was 30%. The expansion rupture warning value was within approximately 0.13–0.14%. The correlation coefficient R2, obtained using a simulated expansion value, was greater than 0.9. The degradation rate of DSS with a high free lime (f-CaO) content was greater than that for BOF.

Evaluation of Lime Treated Oil Contaminated Soils for Use in Waste Containment Applications

This paper presents the results of an evaluation of lime treated oil contaminated soil for use in waste containment systems. Soil samples were treated with up 6 % lime contents. Specimens were prepared at optimum moisture content and compacted using British Standard Light (BSL) or Standard Proctor (relative compaction = 100%) to evaluate its effectiveness when used in waste containment applications. The hydraulic conductivity values increased with higher lime contents but were less than 1 x 10-9 m/s required for a liner material.

Stabilization of Artificial Organic Soil at Room Temperature Using Blended Lime Zeolite

Organic content in soil is believed to inhibit formation of reaction products in lime stabilization which resulted in low gain of strength when dealing with organic soils. Zeolite, a kind of pozzolan with high CEC capacity is proposed to be use in this study in order to improve lime stabilization of organic soil. The effectiveness of blended lime zeolite in stabilization of organic soils was investigated by using two types of artificial organic soils with predetermined organic contents. Artificial organic soils were formed by mixing inorganic soil (commercial kaolin) with organic matter (commercial humic acid) at specific ratio. Initial consumption of lime for organic soils was determined in order to determine the minimum percentage of stabilizer required for each soil. Potential influencing factors that might affect the strength such as organic contents, contents of stabilizer, and curing periods were studied. The findings of the study showed that high organic contents and low lime contents resulted in lower gain of strength. However, it is found that slight replacement of lime with zeolite works well with low organic soil at long curing period which resulted in highest strength among all the mixes. Overall, longer curing periods will increase the strength of the soil in the order of 56 days &gt; 28 days &gt; 7 days. Nevertheless, the percentage of strength increment over curing periods is linear with the lime contents, which proved that lime is required for pozzolanic reaction.