Indian Standard Specification Research Articles

Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking in Tamil Nadu's Tirupur District

Due to the industrialization in Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu in South India, quality of groundwater resources is getting affected. The study aims to assert the chemical composition of groundwater in this area. 15 samples were collected randomly and their latitude and longitude were taken and mapped using GIS. The samples were processed and analysed for various physiochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, dissolved solids and hydro chemical parameter such as calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphite, chromium, iron. Multivariate statistical analysis provides fundamental insights for finding the chemical composition. Here quality assessment results were compared with the water quality standards prescribed by Bureau of Indian standards (Indian standard specification of drinking water IS: 10500.

Stabilization of Clay Soil Using Lime and Polypropylene Fibre

Abstract: Soil is the basic foundation for any civil engineering structures. It is required to bear the loads without failure. In some places, soil may be weak which cannot resist the oncoming loads. In such cases, soil stabilization is needed. Numerous methods are available in literature for soil stabilization. But sometimes, some of the methods like chemical stabilization etc. adversely affect the chemical composition of the soil. The following material were used for preparing the samples; Clay soil Lime Polypropylene fibre (12mm length) Clay soil used for these experiments was brought from site, near EB Office, Kadayanallur. The physical properties of soil were determined as per IS specifications. This project aims to conduct a study to check the improvements in properties of clayey soil by adding lime (constant 3% weight of the clay soil) and various percentage of Polypropylene fibre (0%,0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0% weight of the clay soil). These mixtures were investigated by conducting standard proctor compaction test, unconfined compression test and CBR test. The test were performed as per Indian standard specifications. Finally the maximum strength is obtained at 0.50% PPF and by maintaining 3% lime.

Application of the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index in Assessing Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of the South Gujarat Region

Groundwater is a natural resource used for drinking, agriculture, and industry, apart from surface water. Its quality should be assessed regularly, and the condition of water resources should be maintained accordingly. The most common analytical method for describing and assessing the general water quality is the Water Quality Index (WQI). This study aims to assess the South Gujarat Region’s groundwater quality using the WQI. Various physicochemical parameters like pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, fluorides, and total alkalinity are considered for the present study. The data period from 2018 to 2022 is considered for the same. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index Technique is used to evaluate these data. For checking the potability of the parameters within the acceptable limit, the Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification code (IS: 10050-2012) is adopted. According to the study mentioned above, a few wells’ groundwater quality has been found to be higher than the WQI value. It is also observed that four wells were found unsuitable for drinking purposes in 2018. It is noted that if the WQI value of groundwater is above 51, it is considered harmful to human health; therefore, it requires some kind of processing before use. This study will be beneficial to the policymakers for identifying and providing details about groundwater quality in the form of a specific value, i.e., WQI.

Study of physical and rheological properties of modified bitumen prepared by blending non-metallicpart of e-waste

Electronic waste is known as e-waste. Literature showed that it contains many toxic and hazardous materials not only pollute the earth but also water and air too. Due to technological advancement, e-waste is increasing day by day and its disposal is becoming a challenge for our society. It contains plastic, metals and many other harmful and hazardous chemicals and materials. Based on the requirement of disposal of e-waste, the present study investigated the utilization of the non-metallic part of e-waste and its influence on the physical and rheological properties of modified bitumen. The study showed the preparation of five electronic waste-modified bitumens (e-WMBs): e-WMB1, e-WMB2, e-WMB3, e-WMB4 and e-WMB5 using a dry approach and four e-WMBs: e-WMB6, e-WMB7, e-WMB8, and e-WMB9. These e-WMBs were prepared by blending non-metallic parts of electronic waste material and its slurry in 80/100 base bitumen. The study revealed that an optimal 2.5 wt % e-waste not only illustrated the best blending in bituminous paves besides a profitable deployment of nonmetallic components of e-waste for augmented rheological properties of bitumen composite. The main objective of the study was to prepare VG40 equivalent bitumen as per Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) specification IS: 73:2013 with the use of non-metallic parts of e-waste. The blending of 2.5 wt% e-waste slurry changes the penetration from 100 dmm to 40 dmm, and softening point from 47 to 50 °C. e-WMB7 meeting all specification of VG40 bitumen as per IS specification IS73:2013. The study revealed that the utilization of e-waste can be beneficial to enhance the rheological properties of base bitumen in terms of load-bearing capacity complex modulus (G*), and viscoelastic behavior in terms of phase angle (δ). The blending of 2.5 wt% e-waste slurry changes the penetration from 100 dmm to 40 dmm, and softening point from 47 to 50 °C. e-WMB7 meets all specifications of VG40 bitumen.

Economic analysis of crossbred (Landrace × Desi) pig reared under different floor space allowances

Present experiment was conducted to study the relative economics of crossbred (Landrace×Desi) pigs with thirty six crossbred barrows reared under 3 different floor space allowances (n=12 each) having group size of 4 pigs/pen. One group (TIS) was provided floor space as per Indian Standards (0.9, 1.35 and 1.8 m2/pig for weaner, grower and finisher stages, respectively) specifications, while other two groups with 33% (T2/3) and 50% (T1/2) reduced floor space allowances. Only covered floor area was provided for all the groups. Different parameters analyzed during the study involved growth, feed conversion efficiency, requirement of water and labour for floor washing, and some other economic variables. Pigs were reared up to 28 weeks of age. Relative economics of pig rearing for three floor space allocation groups was calculated using partial budget analysis. Major performance traits, i.e. average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) did not differ significantly among the groups. Although body weights of T2/3 and T1/2 groups were marginally higher than TIS group. In contrary to minor savings of labour, large quantity of water was saved in T1/2 and T2/3 groups (805.4 liters/pig and 400.1 liters/pig, respectively) than TIS group between weaner and finisher stages. Additionally, input costs of ₹` 145 and ` ₹ 96 per pig was saved by providing floor space as per T1/2 and T2/3 groups, respectively than TIS group. It can be concluded that economic gains were maximum in 50% floor space reduction group without adverse effect on performance traits of crossbred pigs.

"Reliability Analysis of Axially Compressed Steel Columns "

"In the past, the evaluation of the strength and safety of compressed steel columns has primarily relied on deterministic concepts. However, these concepts fail to account for the significant variability observed in buckling strength test results. This study aims to address this limitation by adopting a probabilistic approach to assess the buckling strength of steel columns; following the Indian standard specification IS 800-2007. In this investigation, the statistically variable nature of the material properties is considered by treating them as random variables and assuming a normal distribution. By incorporating this variability, a more comprehensive evaluation of the buckling strength can be achieved. The buckling strength of the steel column is computed using Merchant Rankine's formula, which takes into account deductive uncertainty. This formula considers various factors such as the slenderness ratio, live load to dead load ratio, and other relevant parameters to estimate the buckling strength of the column. Furthermore, the reliability of axially loaded columns is assessed using the First Order Second Moment (FOSM) technique. The effects of the slenderness ratio and the live load-to-dead load ratio on the reliability of the columns are specifically investigated and discussed. Overall, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the buckling strength of steel columns, incorporating statistical variability and providing insights into the reliability assessment of such structural elements."

Stabilization of Soil Using Fly Ash

Abstract: Soil is the basic foundation for any civil engineering structures. It is required to bear the loads without failure. In some places, soil may be weak which cannot resist the oncoming loads. In such cases, soil stabilization is needed .Numerous methods are available in the literature for soil stabilization, But sometimes, some of the methods like chemical stabilization; lime stabilization etc. adversely affects the chemical composition of the soil. In this study, fly ash mixes with clay soil to investigate the relative strength gain in terms of unconfined compression, bearing capacity and compaction. The effect of fly ash on the geotechnical characteristics of clay-fly ash was investigated by conducting standard Proctor compaction tests, unconfined compression test, CBR tests and permeability test. The tests were performed as per Indian Standard specifications. Index Terms: Soil, Fine Fly Ash Mixture, Soil Stabilization.

Natural Durability of Imported Timber in Indian Climatic Condition

Evaluation of natural durability in specific climatic conditions is a must before putting timber to use for specific purposes. In the present study, 22 different timber species, imported from different parts of the world were assessed under durability trials by stake tests in the test field of Dehradun, India (Latitude: 30°19’ N and Longitude 78°04’ E). The species were chosen keeping in mind the increasing trend of wood import in the country for the last few years and their possible commercial applications, in situ uses and importance in future. Inspections were carried out quarterly for the first year, half-yearly for the second and third years and yearly for the subsequent years. Visual inspection and knife tests, whenever required, were performed to evaluate and analyse the extent of decay and numerical ratings in line of the same were assigned. Stake test data after 3 years’ trial indicated that all 22 species of imported origin were non-durable (ND) under the climatic condition of Dehradun, India. Quite predictably, extent and severity of decay varied a lot amongst different species which supports the authors hypothesis of using specific timber for specific climatic zones and purposes. Evaluation and performance of imported timber with or without preservative is must before recommendation for in service conditions. The test results highlight the need of establishing an Indian Standard specification in terms of quality and performance of such imported timbers of ND and plantation origin so as to guide the budding timber industries of the country in terms of judicious selection of species to ensure efficient use in service.

Influence of design parameters on engineering properties of angular shaped fly ash aggregates

Fly ash of thermal power plants substitute’s construction materials and can help to preserve non-renewable resources. In the construction industry, more particularly in concrete and road construction, a huge quantity of aggregate is being used. Fly ash aggregate is a unique alternative for the construction industry at present. However, the properties of fly ash aggregate are mostly controlled by the type and dosage of additive used besides the characteristics of ash and curing method adopted. In the present study, specimens from various combinations of fly ash with hydrated lime, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and cement were prepared at maximum dry unit weight with optimum moisture content and cured by hot water curing method. The cured specimens were crushed to prepared angular shaped fly ash aggregates. The influence of the binding additives on the unconfined compressive strength of mixes and aggregate impact value was studied. Measured engineering properties were also analyzed through a micro-level study. The addition of lime enhanced the unconfined compressive strength of mixes and impact value of aggregates, whereas, replacement of lime with the ground granulated blast furnace slag and cement reduced the strength of the mixes. Unconfined compressive strength value of mixes shows the inverse relationship with impact value of aggregate prepared from that mixes and a correlation between unconfined compressive strength and aggregate impact value has been proposed. Moreover, the effect of moisture content and pressing force on compressive strength and aggregate impact value was also investigated on optimum mixes. From these experimentations, the optimum combinations of fly ash-additive mixes, the optimum value for moisture content, and pressing force were chosen; and angular shaped fly ash aggregates were produced by hot water curing method. Furthermore, the various physical properties, mechanical properties and durability index of these fly ash aggregates are discussed and compared with the Indian standard specifications. The leaching behavior of these aggregates was also examined in this study. The addition of lime gives better results compared to cement and ground granulated blast furnace slag and use of lime seems to be more cost-effective. Thus, these cold bonded fly ash aggregates with significant strength may find prospective use in civil engineering construction sector.

Fabrication of natural fibre based industrial safety helmet

In all industries, the safety helmet is considered as one of the most significant parts of personal protection equipment worn by workers to protect against head injuries caused due to falling items. The majority of head injuries caused by falling objects are serious, and they can even be deadly. Thermal discomfort, heavyweight, and plastic material are among the issues that workers face when wearing industrial safety helmets. Many researchers are striving to enhance the quality of the material used in safety helmets by using advanced materials like polymers, natural fibres, and composites in order to improve the shock absorption characteristics. The aim of this research is to improve the strength of the helmet by combining different materials such as glass fibre, jute fibre, and banana fibre (mat/chopped) with epoxy resin to form a composite helmet. Three-layer and five-layer composite helmets of different stacking sequences are fabricated by hand layup technique and tested for shock absorption resistance, penetration resistance, flammability resistance, electrical resistance, and water absorption conforming to the Indian standard specification for industrial safety helmets (IS 2925). The results revealed that both the fabricated composite helmets satisfy the requirements of IS 2925, which are lighter and more eco-friendly, and are suitable for replacing conventional industrial safety helmets.

Determining groundwater quality using indices and multivariate statistical techniques: a study of Tosham block, Haryana, India.

Water is the most important component for human survival and often the most misused one. The present study deals with the assessment of groundwater quality of Tosham block, Bhiwani District, Haryana, India, and its nearby villages. A total of 23 samples were collected from different groundwater sources and were analysed for 16 different physico-chemical parameters. Correlation coefficients were calculated to identify highly correlated and interrelated water quality parameters. It provides an excellent tool for the prediction of parameter values within the reasonable rank of exactness. A strong correlation was observed between total hardness, magnesium and total dissolved solids, especially between total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. The obtained results were compared with Indian Standard Drinking water specifications IS: 10500-2012. Concentration of total hardness, iron and chloride was found above the permissible limit in all the samples. Multivariate statistical techniques, namely cluster analysis and principal component analysis, were used to find the relationship between studied parameters. Water quality index (WQI) was also calculated. The WQI of groundwater samples ranged from 125 to 556. The water quality index revealed that out of 23 samples, 13 were found to have poor water quality and 6 samples were of very poor water quality. High value of WQI was found mainly from total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, Mg, Cl and Fe. Groundwater analysis of the studied water samples indicated that there is a need to treat the water before its use for drinking and other domestic activities. Necessary precautions should be taken to prevent the groundwater from being contaminated.

An investigation on the effect of lime addition on UCS of Indian black cotton soil

The study’s objective is to determine the optimum content of lime added to Indian black cotton soil to improve the soil’s unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The lime was added to the black cotton soil in varying proportions of 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% of the dry weight of the soil. The engineering properties of weak black cotton soil (BCS) were determined experimentally according to Indian Standard specifications. It was found that the soil under test consisted mainly of silt 75.60% and clay 18.80%. The laboratory testing showed that the value of maximum dry density (MDD) increases from 1.605 gm/cc to 1.693 gm/cc and the UCS value increased from 50.2 kN/m2 to 90.6 kN/m2 with 9% addition of lime content and for 28 days of curing time. The UCS of soil–lime mix decreased drastically beyond 9% addition of lime, showing that the optimum value of lime content to strengthen the weak soil is 9%. The strengthening of black cotton soil with the addition of lime as an additive provides stability to the civil engineering structures like sub-base/subgrade for roads and other engineering projects.

Influence of needle-punching treatment and pressure on selected properties of medium density fiberboard made of bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus Roxb. Nees)

ABSTRACT In this study, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) was manufactured from bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus Roxb. Nees) fibers and phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins at different hot-pressing pressures using a novel needle-punching treatment to improve the properties of the panel. One-, two-, three- and four-time needle-punching treatments (1TP, 2TP, 3TP, and 4TP) were used in this work. Laboratory MDF panels were prepared by mixing bamboo fibers with 10% of PF resins. The needle-punching treatments were applied simultaneously on resinated bamboo fibers during the mat formation. The MDF mats were then hot-pressed at 14.0, 17.5, 21.0 kg/cm2 and at 150 °C for 15 min. Thereafter, the physical and mechanical properties of MDF panels were evaluated as per Indian Standard (IS) specification IS: 12406. It was observed that the combination of novel needle-punching technique and hot-pressing pressure enhanced the physical and mechanical properties of MDF panels. Statistical analysis suggested that a combination of 3TP and 21.0 kg/cm2 of pressures produced the MDF panel with satisfactory results. The research indicated that a combination of needle-punching treatment and hot-pressing pressure could be an excellent technique to improve the properties of the MDF panel.

Evaluation of Radon (222Rn) Distribution and its Implications vis-a-vis Water Quality of Killiyar River, Kerala, India

The discharge of tropical rivers is mainly contributed by the baseflow from groundwater especially during summer. Hence, in order to sustain the environmental flow of rivers, the conservation of locations where groundwater discharges into river is a better option than conventional practices viz., redesigning river channel structure and flow regime. Radon (222Rn), a colourless, odourless, inert and natural radioactive noble gas (t1/2= 3.8 days), can be used as a proxy to trace the groundwater discharge location/s in the river course. As 222Rn readily dissolves in groundwater, its content in groundwater is relatively higher than surface water. We report here the activity of 222Rn in the river water at ten locations from upstream to downstream of Killiyar river – KR (n= 6th, L= 24 km, A= 102 km2), the main tributary of Karamana river, Kerala, India. Surface water samples (n=10) were collected during pre- and post-monsoon of 2017. The radon activity was performed by RAD7, an electronic radon detector (Durridge Company Inc., USA). The activity of radon varied from 157 to 4588 Bq/m3 in pre-monsoon and 147 to 1740 Bq/m3 in post-monsoon. The spatial variability of 222Rn activity is observed, and the anomalous high activity location/s indicates groundwater potential in that area. Further, the factors controlling spatial variation of radon were also discussed. Moreover, physico-chemical parameters of river water were also studied. And all the parameters were found to be within the permissible limit of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications for potable water (IS -10500: 2012). This is a case study of application of radon for prospecting groundwater potential zones in Killiyar river course, henceforth useful for the water resource management in this riverine environment and is first of its kind in the study region.

Performance of reinforced concrete columns confined with spiral reinforcement

SummaryThe study proposes a practical strengthening method for improving the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete square columns using spiral as lateral reinforcement in moderate seismic zone regions. Two specimens one without ductile detailing and the other with ductile detailing designed as per Indian standard specifications and six specimens with spiral ties (in one direction and cross directions) at 25°, 35°, and 45° of inclination were tested under constant axial load and cyclic lateral loads to study the feasibility of the provision of spiral ties as a seismic‐strengthening method. The important variable used was the angle of inclination of the spiral bars. Test results revealed that the column specimen strengthened with cross spirals at 25° had almost similar performance and ductility behavior when compared with the control specimen with ductile detailing and specimen strengthened with cross spirals at 35° had better performance and ductility behavior when compared with the control specimen without ductile detailing and can be adopted in moderate seismic regions. Considering the enhanced behavior, such as the strength, stiffness, and ductility, along with the construction easiness, for better performance of columns in moderate seismic zones, angle of inclination of 35° is sufficient.

Study on Particle Board made from Nipapalm (<i>Nypa fruticans</i>) Stem and Rajkoroi (<i>Albizia richardiana</i>) Wood

The study was conducted to find out the suitability of making particleboard using nipa palm ( Nypa fruticans ) stem and rajkoroi ( Albizia richardiana ) wood chips. Particleboards were fabricated at six different ratios of nipa palm stem and rajkoroi wood chips such as 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 10:90 and 0:100. Characteristics of particleboards such as modulus of rupture, internal bond strength, water absorption, thicknesss welling and moisture content were measured. Results shows that particleboards made from 100% rajkoroi wood chips have the highest static bending properties and highest tensile strength properties of other particle boards but 100% nipa palm stem chips have the lowest static bending and lowest tensile strength properties of other particleboards. 10% nipa palm stem chips mixed particle board have the highest bending strength and tensile strength is better than 100% nipa palm stem chips and other mixing chips of particle boards. Mechanical, water resistance and dimensional stability properties were tested according to Indian standard specification. Tensile strength passed the British and German standard specification and nearest of Indian Standard, bending strength was found nearest to Indian Standard but lower than German and British Standard specification.

Effect of feeding different levels of protein and energy of Bureau of Indian Standard specification on production performance of crossbred (HS x GH) grower pig

Effect of feeding different levels of protein and energy of Bureau of Indian Standard specification on production performance of crossbred (HS x GH) grower pig

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater and quality assessment for the purposes of drinking and irrigation in Bougaa area, Northeastern Algeria

In the northern part of Algeria, the intensive exploitation of groundwater resources and pollution has considerably affected the aquifer water quality, especially in rural areas where groundwater is the main source of water supply for most uses. This study was performed to evaluate the groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes through the hydrogeochemical study on the groundwater in Bougâa region (Northeastern Algeria). Fourteen groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, T, EC, TDS, and major ions. Most samples are suitable for drinking based on the permissible limits of the Bureau of Indian standards (Indian standard specification for drinking water (IS 10500: 2012), but only 35 % of the samples are good enough for drinking purposes based on the water quality index of the groundwater. Assessment of groundwater samples from various parameters and methods such as “Electrical conductivity, Sodium adsorption ratio, Soluble sodium percentage, Magnesium adsorption ratio, Residual sodium carbonate, Permeability index, Kelly’s ratio, Wilcox’s diagram, and US salinity laboratory classification” showed that groundwater in the area is chemically suitable for irrigation uses. The Piper trilinear diagram suggests that the groundwater mainly belongs to the hydrochemical facies Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl. The combination of ionic ratios, Gibbs plots, and saturation indices show that water–rock interaction, particularly the dissolution of carbonate, evaporation minerals, and ion exchange processes affects hydrogeochemistry of the area. Additional processes such as evaporation and anthropogenic pollution from various sources can also have major impacts on groundwater salinity.

A study on soil stabilization by addition of fly ash and lime

Present days, profligate properties of soils are a basic issue in designing Ventures. Sometimes, enhance the normal for unsatisfactory soil is a basic advance for making construction. Examines were represented that including the added substances prompts advance in usefulness and mechanical conduct of soil after adjustment lime and fly powder as nearby characteristic and mechanical assets were connected for concoction adjustment. Lime alone has customarily been utilized in mud bearing, very strong soil though fly fiery debris has been utilized to tie non-strong soil, granular or inadequately strong soil (Moh et al., 1997). Fly fiery debris is principally used to settle the sub base or base course. The impact of fly powder and lime on the geotechnical qualities of mud fly fiery debris and earth lime blends was examined by conducting standard Proctor compaction tests, unconfined pressure test, the tests were executed according to Indian Standard specifications (Basha et al., 2011). The following materials were utilized for setting up the examples: Clayey soil, Fly ash, Lime, and as a result this admixtures gives some kind of stabilisation in the soil for construction.

Assessment of groundwater quality status by using water quality index (WQI) and geographic information system (GIS) approaches: a case study of the Bokaro district, India

One hundred two groundwater samples were collected from the Bokaro district of Jharkhand state, India, during the pre-and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2014–2015. In the present study, groundwater samples were analysed for pH, TDS, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, F− and NO3− to evaluate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking purposes through geographic information system (GIS)-based water quality index (WQI) model. For quality assessment, values of analysed parameters of the groundwater samples were compared with the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) water quality standards. The analytical results indicate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline nature of the groundwater in the study area. Concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, F−, NO3−, TDS and TH exceeded the desirable as well as permissible limits of drinking water quality standards recommended by the BIS (Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification, 2012) and WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality: training pack, WHO, Geneva, 2004) in the study area during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. However, Na+, K+, Cl− and SO42− concentrations were within the permissible limits during both seasons. The hydrochemical analysis of the studied groundwater samples documented with ternary and Durov diagram revealed that most of the groundwater samples belong to HCO3− type of anions facies and no dominant type of cation facies. The GIS-based WQI maps for the study area indicate that the poor quality of water was found the maximum in the pre-monsoon season as compared to the post-monsoon season in the study area, respectively. The high values of WQI in the several groundwater samples of the Bokaro district indicate that water is not suitable for direct consumptions and it required sustainable treatment before its utilization for drinking uses.