Needle Penetration Test Research Articles

Biogeotechnical approach for slope soil stabilization using locally isolated bacteria and inexpensive low-grade chemicals: A feasibility study on Hokkaido expressway soil, Japan

Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is one of the most popular biotechnological soil stabilization techniques since it results in significant improvements in the geotechnical properties of soil. The current study presents a laboratory-scale MICP investigation performed to demonstrate the feasibility of slope soil stabilization of the Hokkaido expressway through surficial treatment. The objectives of this preliminary study are to investigate the feasibility of (i) augmenting indigenous bacteria, and (ii) implementing commercially available inexpensive low-grade chemicals in microbial induced solidifications. Syringe solidification tests were carried out using indigenous ureolytic bacteria under various temperature condition with the use of different injection sources. A high strength crust layer was achieved on the soil surface with 420 kPa unconfined compressive strength (UCS) as measured by needle penetration test after 10 days of treatment using pure chemicals (30 °C; 0.5 M cementation solution, every 24 h; bacterial culture solution, only at the beginning). However, by substituting pure chemicals with low-grade chemicals, a significant improvement in the UCS of soil (820 kPa at 30 °C) was obtained together with a 96% reduction in the treatment cost. The morphologies and crystalline structures of the precipitated carbonate were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopical (SEM) observations. This alternative approach of introducing low-grade chemicals in MICP has the potential to provide significant economic benefits in field-scale applications.

The related parameters of cartilage and subchondral bone of femoral condyle in bama minipig

Objective To measure the size and thickness of cartilage in femoral condyle and femoral trochlea of mature bama minipig, thus providing a reference for the doable cartilage defect size and depth. Methods The measuring objects were 10 mature female minipigs, scale was used to measure the size of medial and lateral femoral condyle and femoral trochlea, using needle penetration test method for measuring the thickness of cartilage, microCT scanning was applied to measure the bone mineral density, bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness of subchondral bone. Results The thickness of subchondral bone plate and trabeculae were similar in human and minipig. The width of medial femoral condyle was (16.4±1.2) mm, lateral femoral condyle was (15.11±0.95) mm, the width of trochlear medial facet was (11.1±0.6) mm, the lateral facet was (9.0±0.6) mm, cartilage thickness [medial femoral condyle: (1.5±0.2) mm, lateral femoral condyle: (1.55±0.08) mm, medial trochlear facet: (0.8±0.2) mm, lateral trochlear facet: (0.85±0.03) mm], subchondral bone plate thickness [medial condyle: (207±95) μm, trochlea: (95±36) μm], bone mineral density [medial condyle: (0.72±0.12) g/cm3, trochlea: (0.77±0.15) g/cm3], bone volume fraction [medial condyle: (46±7) %, trochlea: (35±11) %], trabecular thickness [medial condyle: (149±15) μm, trochlea: (141±12) μm]; The arrangement and structure of trabeculae in minipig were consistent with that of human. Conclusion Larger cartilage defect with more than 10 mm in diameter can be made in bama minipig due to its advantage of wider medial femoral condyle. Partial full-thickness cartilage defect can also be made owing to its thicker cartilage. Key words: Femoral condyle size; Trochlear groove size; Thickness of cartilage; MicroCT scanning; Osteochondral injury; Minipig

Study on progression of deterioration in improved surplus soils

This study investigated the progression of deterioration in cement treated surplus soils with cement contents of 1.7, 3.5 and 5.3 % under soaked condition by conducting needle penetration test and measuring calcium ion distribution within soil specimens. It was found that deterioration has progressed throughout the specimen after 336 days soaking in all the cases. From the measurement of calcium ion distribution, it was identified that calcium has leached out from the centre to the surface of the specimens though that distribution did not follow a good correlation with localized strength distribution. It was understood that the progression of deterioration of improved surplus soils with lower cement contents cannot be explained only with the remaining amount of calcium.

Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Topical Administration of Benzocaine and EMLA® on Oral Pain and Tactile Sensitivity.

Objectives To compare the effectiveness of the topical administration of benzocaine and EMLA on oral pain and tactile sensitivity. Materials and Methods A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was carried out with 20 volunteers. The sensorial and quantitative tests were applied before the contact with topical anesthetic and after the application. Results In the superficial tactile perception test, when we compared each group singly, there were statistically significant values in the decrease of superficial tactile perception when compared to the moment prior to the application of anesthetic agents. For the sensitivity to mechanical pain, no statistical significant difference was observed at evaluated times. In the needle penetration test, in an intergroup analysis, we found a decrease in the pain sensitivity to needle penetration at 5 min (p=0.053) and at 10 min (p=0.019) after the contact of the anesthetic drug with the oral mucosa. Conclusion The application of topical anesthetic drugs reduces the discomfort associated with this procedure, mainly until the first 10 minutes. Only the needle penetration sensitivity test showed sufficient sensitivity to reveal a difference in the anesthetic effect between EMLA and benzocaine. This trial is registered with RBR-2N2GSW.

The needle penetration test for predicting coal strength

The needle penetration test for predicting coal strength

CORAL SAND SOLIDIFICATION TEST THROUGH MICROBIAL CALCIUM CARBONATE PRECIPITATION USING PARARHODOBACTER SP.

The coastal erosion has been a problem in associate with manmade construction. The maintenance and management is expensive for repair and rebuild the coast. Compared to the concrete structure coral sand solidification would considered to minimize cost. The present experimental study was conducted to coral sand solidification through microbial carbonate precipitation (MCP) using Pararhodobacter sp. Ureolytic bacteria; Pararhodobacter sp. was isolated from the beachrock in Nago, Okinawa, Japan. ZoBell2216E as a medium for marine bacteria was used for the culture of the bacteria. Suitability for the use in MCP syringe test, growth properties of the bacteria were observed in various cultural conditions. MCP sand solidification test was carried in 30mL Terumo syringe injected bacterial culture fluid. Strength of the specimen was measured by needle penetration test. The maximum value of the absorbance at bacterial growth curve was constant if the added amount of the medium is 100mL. The correlation coefficient of determination for absorbance measurements and viable cell count measurements was obtained 0.5478. In MCP syringe test, pH of the specimen was decreased and Ca 2+ concentration was increase with time. The estimated value of unconfined comprehensive strength (UCS) also increased with time. The maximum value of UCS of the specimen was 12MPa. The estimated UCS values of the specimen produced by sand solidification test for 14 days curing time have been achieved.

Swelling behavior of volcanic rocks under cyclic wetting and drying

The swelling behavior of rocks can be affected by cyclic wetting and drying. This issue is of practical importance for the design and construction of underground structures in which the surrounding swelling rock mass could be subjected to moisture fluctuations. The present work investigates the cyclic swelling behavior of volcanic rocks from the Central Andes of Chile. The specimens were tested under oedometric conditions measuring the axial swelling stress and strain. The results indicate that the wetting and drying cycles have an impact on the swelling potential and that this occurs only after the rock is allowed to deform during the wetting phase. In addition, indirect estimations with the needle penetration test showed a decrease of strength and stiffness. This implies that conventional testing procedures may underestimate the long term swelling behavior and overestimate the mechanical parameters of these rocks.

Evaluation of some physical properties of prepared molding wax in comparison to commercial available wax

Aims: to evaluate the some physical properties (melting range, hardness and thermal expansion) of two prepared mixtures wax contain paraffin oil in comparison with commercial type wax. Materials and Methods: Two mixtures of experimental modeling wax were prepared, mixture No.1 (M1) and mixture No.2 (M2). These two mixtures underwent three physical tests in compare to commercial modeling wax which is a control group, these tests are: 1- Melting range test, 5 capillary tubes were sealed and filled with all type of wax and placed inside electro thermal melting point apparatus.The start of melting wax considered the beginning melting point and when the wax completely became fluid, it is considered the ending melting point. 2 Needle penetration test (hardness test), 5 cylindrical shape samples for each type of wax were prepared and tested for hardness by standard vicate apparatus. 3- Linear thermal expansion, for each type of wax, 5 samples were prepared in a mold , the samples were heated to 25 C° and 40 C° and the distance between reference marks at the lower temperature and the change in length on heating to higher temperature is determined by electronic digital caliper and thermal expansion is calculated as percentage of the total length of sample. Results: Statistical analysis of melting range test showed a significant difference between tested groups in both minimum and maximum melting point. M1 had the higher mean in minimum and maximum melting point. Hardness test analysis showed a significant difference between tested groups, higher mean of hardness was observed in M2, M1 and control group respectively. ANOVA of linear thermal expansion showed a significant difference between groups at 25 C° and at 40 C°. The control group of wax observed the highest mean of thermal expansion at 25 C° and 40 C° than the other two types of wax.Conclusion: The modification of dental wax improved some of the physical properties than commercial one.

Formation Mechanisms of Beachrocks in Okinawa and Ishikawa, Japan, with a Focus on Cements

Beachrock is a type of sedimentary deposit held together mainly by calcium carbonate cement in the tidal zone of sandy beaches in tropical and subtropical regions. Man-made beachrock has the potential to inhibit coastal erosion; considering this important application, we performed field investigations and laboratory tests to understand the formation mechanisms of beachrocks in Okinawa and Ishikawa, Japan. We performed a needle penetration test, microbial population count and urease activity test, and conducted elemental and mineral analyses. Our investigation showed that in Okinawa the evaporation of seawater and/or urease activity of the microorganisms may have resulted in precipitation of high Mg calcite, leading to the formation of beachrock. In Ishikawa, beachrock and sand were present near a spring with a relatively high concentration of Al 3+ . The mixing of spring water (pH 4.7) with seawater could have led to the precipitation of the Al- and Si-bearing cement that is consolidating the sand particles, leading to development of beachrock. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M-M2013844]

ISRM Suggested Method for the Needle Penetration Test

ISRM Suggested Method for the Needle Penetration Test

A STUDY OF THE FORMATION MECHANISM OF BEACHROCK IN OKINAWA, JAPAN: TOWARD MAKING ARTIFICIAL ROCK

Beachrock is coastal sediment that has been cemented mainly by calcium carbonate within the intertidal zone in tropical and subtropical regions. Man-made beachrock has the potential to inhibit coastal erosion. Considering this important application, we performed field investigations and laboratory tests to understand the formation mechanism of beachrock in Nago, Okinawa, Japan. We performed a needle penetration test, microbial population count and urease activity test, and conducted elemental and mineral analyses of the beachrock and sand. Some microorganisms at the site showed urease activity and the beachrock cement comprised high Mg calcite (HMC). Our investigation showed that evaporation of seawater and/or urease activity of bacteria may have resulted in precipitation of HMC, leading to formation of the beachrock, with partial solidification of some sandy specimens.

セメント物質に着目したビーチロックの形成メカニズムに関する考察

Beachrocks are coastal deposits cemented mainly by calcium carbonate cement; these deposits are found in the tidal zone of sandy beaches in tropical and subtropical regions. Manmade beachrocks have the potential to inhibit coastal erosions; considering this important application, we performed field investigations and laboratory tests to understand the formation mechanisms of beachrocks in Okinawa and Ishikawa, Japan. We performed a needle penetration test, determination of viable count, elemental analyses and mineral analysis. Our investigation of the formation mechanisms of the beachrocks showed that in Okinawa, the evaporation of seawater and/or urease activity of the microorganisms may have resulted in the precipitation of high Mg calcite (HMC), leading to the formation of beachrocks. On the other hand, in Ishikawa, beachrocks and sand were present near a spring. Here, the pH value of the spring was in the range 4.7 and it has a higher concentration of Al3+. The mixing of spring water with seawater could have led to the precipitation of the cement containing Al and Si between sand particles and, thus resulting in the formation of the beachrock. Therefore, we have interpreted the formation mechanisms of beachrocks.

Needle penetration test: Evaluation of its performance and possible uses in predicting strength of weak and soft rocks

High quality core samples recommended by testing standards or suggested methods for uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) determinations cannot always be obtained particularly from soft, weak-to-very weak and clay-bearing rocks. Due to this difficulty, some simple and cheap index test methods have been developed in order to indirectly estimate the UCS. However, preparation of smaller samples from such rocks even for some index tests is also difficult. In addition, sampling from historical sites, monuments and buildings for strength determinations in rock engineering studies is not allowed. To overcome these difficulties, a new and portable light-weight testing device, Needle Penetrometer (NP), has been developed in Japan. But there is no any standard or suggested method available for this test. It is a non-destructive test applicable both in the field and laboratory with minimum sample preparation. The use of NP was mainly concentrated on predicting the UCS of soft and weak-to-very weak rocks from the Needle Penetration Resistance (NPR) in Japan and more recently in Turkey by the authors, and a few empirical relationships between the UCS and NPR have been developed by some investigators. This most recent study aims to provide some new contributions to previous works on the NP test, to assess the performance of the test and to develop a more generalized empirical relationship for indirect estimation of the UCS from NPR based on the data obtained from a wider range of soft and weak-to-very weak rocks. In addition, the effect of penetration rate on test results was investigated and the possible uses of the NP test in geo-engineering with the recommendations of the authors were also briefly discussed. For these purposes, a database consisting of a total of 725 UCS–NPR data pairs from the previous studies of the authors and those from the investigators in Japan and additional new tests carried out in this most recent study was established. The experimental results suggested that the rate of penetration had no effect on the test results. This finding makes the use of NP advantageous both in the field and laboratory. Statistical analyses reveal that based on the database used, there is a significant relationship between UCS and NPR at the 95% confidence level and the UCS values predicted from the model recommended in this study show the best agreement with those experimentally determined when compared to those obtained from the existing models. Particularly 70% of the UCS predicted from this model fall into approximately ±7% scaled percent error. It was concluded that the NP tests can be applied to soft and weak-to-very weak rocks with UCS of up to 40MPa to predict the UCS from NPR, however, its use on rock types consisting of coarse grains embedded in a cementing material, such as conglomerate, should be avoided.

Penetration testing and thermal behavior of bitumen 35/50 and modified bitumen 13/40

Physical properties of pure bitumen 35/50 and polymer-modified bitumen 13/40 are studied using needle penetration test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In particular, the mechanical response under indentation conditions is achieved as a function of different loads and temperatures. Our results show that lower temperature susceptibility is associated to larger loads but its change is rather small for the tested bitumens. A pure bitumen 35/50 exhibits a single glass transition temperature for different heating rate whereas modified bitumen 13/40 presents two Tg for different heating rate.

Application of the needle penetration test to a calcarenite, Maastricht, the Netherlands

In this paper, first, the needle penetrometer test is briefly presented and experience gained, mainly in Japan and Turkey, with a model manufactured in Japan is reviewed. Second, the needle penetrometer test is used successfully to distinguish qualitatively carbonate sands from very weak and weak calcarenites in borehole cores recovered for cut-and-cover tunnel projects in Maastricht. Third, the relation between UCS and needle penetration resistance (NPR) for the Maastrichtian limestones is further analyzed. Needle penetration tests are conducted with the help of a loading frame. Results suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between the UCS and NPR, that leaves however to high predictive uncertainty. During testing, very high compressive and shear stresses develop under the needle and stresses normal to the needle shaft increase. Microscopic observations show the extent of grain crushing and compaction ahead and around the needle. Nevertheless, resistance to needle penetration and UCS values are somehow related. The needle penetrometer is recommended as an index test rather than a way to determine accurately the UCS of the Maastrichtian limestones.

Evaluation of Rock Strength by Needle Penetration Test

Evaluation of Rock Strength by Needle Penetration Test

Water-induced variations in mechanical properties of clay-bearing rocks

This study presents the results obtained from laboratory tests carried out on different types of clay-bearing rock collected from various parts of Turkey, to quantify the effects of water content on mechanical properties of the rocks, and to develop a method for estimating the rock strength and deformability at any water content based on physical properties. For this purpose, in addition to physical properties of the rock types collected, needle penetration resistance, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were determined on a number of specimens with different water contents. The results suggest that with increasing the water content the reductions in the uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and tensile strength are up to 90%, 93% and 90%, respectively, from oven-dried to saturated conditions. Based on a series of empirical models developed and the comparisons between the experimentally determined mechanical properties and those predicted from the models, it is concluded that the suggested models seem to be very practical tools to estimate the mechanical properties of the clay-bearing rocks at any water content using the coefficients related to some physical properties of the rock material such as dry unit weight, water absorption by weight and porosity. In addition, needle penetration test is particularly suitable for such rocks to indirectly estimate their uniaxial compressive strength.

Experimental comparison of albumin-sealed and gelatin-sealed knitted Dacron conduits

Two high-porosity knitted Dacron vascular grafts sealed with aldehyde cross-linked gelatin or albumin were compared with respect to the following characteristics. Porosity control by the absorbable sealant was assessed with a water porosity meter at 120 mm Hg pressure. Ease of suturing was determined by an objective needle penetration test. Sealant resorption was assessed histologically in a subcutaneous immature rat model as well as in circulatory implants. Gross and microscopic healing characteristics were compared in circulatory implants in the thoracic aorta of sheep with use of a composite conduit in every animal, which allowed direct comparison of the two graft materials and minimized differences in healing between individual animals. Both grafts demonstrated excellent porosity control and better handling characteristics than woven Dacron. Sealant resorption was generally rapid, although residual albumin sealant was often seen adjacent to anastomoses. Residual sealant appeared to result in focally poor healing with focal loss of adhesion of surrounding tissue to graft. We conclude that details of sealant preparation and application can importantly influence the performance of presealed knitted Dacron grafts and should be carefully evaluated in the laboratory before clinical implantation is begun.

A new methodology to evaluate the mechanical properties of elastomeric closures

A quantitative method was developed to evaluate the mechanical properties of elastomeric closures commonly used in liquid parenteral dosage forms. The new methodology was based on the compression of individual stoppers facing upwards, with a stainless steel probe attached to an Instron testing machine. The Instron recorded the maximum force exerted by the closure at a preset rate and displacement value. The mechanical properties were also evaluated with the standard needle penetration force test. The compression test was found to be more sensitive in ascertaining differences in the mechanical properties of stoppers compared to the needle penetration test. Changes in the mechanical properties of closures exposed to various concentrations of acetate buffer, pH and buffer species were also evaluated in this study. The mechanical properties of all stoppers tested were affected by the acetate buffer concentration, even though their physical appearance did not change. The compression force was significantly decreased with an increase in buffer concentration, whereas the needle penetration force values were not significantly different. Since there was no significant effect of pH or citrate buffer species on the mechanical properties of closures, the changes in compression force observed were attributed to the acetate buffer species. In addition, an increase in the duration of the autoclaving cycle significantly affected the mechanical properties of polyisoprene stoppers, whereas the properties of bromo and chlorobutyl stoppers remained unchanged.

Determining the Effect of Formulation On Physical Properties of Asphalt Mastic Coatings

Abstract Field and laboratory tests were made to determine the characteristics of asphalt mastic coatings which may affect their performance on pipe lines as a corrosion protection device and as a weighting agent. A Blunt Needle Penetration Test was developed to aid in control of the quality of finished mastic coatings. This test proved quite sensitive to both binder quality and the ratio of binder to aggregate. Laboratory measurements were made of such physical properties as binder softening point and penetration, bulk density, adhesion, cohesion, apparent voids, blunt needle penetration, and temperature characteristics. Purpose of tests was to determine the mastic quality and the influence of various mixtures on physical properties of the mastic. A number of extensive outside discussions are included together with the author's replies. 5.4.5, 8.9.3, 2.3.7