Optimum Moisture Research Articles

THE "PHOTOSYNTHESIS–GROWTH–STRESS MEMORY" RELATIONSHIP IN PLANTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF MOISTURE FLUCTUATION AND RECURRENT DROUGHT: MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

The effect of co-activation of the stress-memory formation potential under repeated drought of Glycine max (Merr.) L. plants was recorded using cytokinin (CK), thiourea (TH) and, especially, complex preparation Polyel. Glycine max plants (Merr.) L. of Moldovitsa, Nadejda and Magia varieties, exposed to two cycles of "drought–rehydration" at the "first trifoliate leaf" and "flowering - pods formation” phases served as test subjects. The tolerance-inducing effect manifests itself by maintaining the content of assimilatory pigments, photosynthesis and growth processes at a significantly higher level. After the restoration of the optimal moisture background, plants pre-treated with CK, TH and the preparation Polyel, which endured moderate stress in the initial stages of ontogenesis, had restored functional processes. The information obtained in this work certainly opens the management perspective of the ability to form stress memory, adaptation and tolerance of plants to the unfavourable fluctuation of humidity and recurrent drought. The management possibilities of plant adaptation and tolerance are discussed.

Effect of Moisture Content and Particle Size on Characteristics of Fuel Pellets Using Flat Die Type Pelleting Machine

Fuel pellets are a popular form of biomass energy due to their high energy density, ease of handling, and reduced emissions. The quality of fuel pellets is influenced by various factors, including the moisture content and particle size of the raw materials (Soybean straw and cotton stalk) used during the pelletization process. In this study, the effect of moisture content and particle size on the characteristics of fuel pellets produced using a flat die type pelleting machine was investigated. Different moisture content levels (ranging from 20 to 30%) and particle sizes (ranging from 4 to 8 mm) were used to pelletize a biomass feedstock. The pellet characteristics, including pellet durability, bulk density and water resistance and energy consumption were evaluated. The results showed that both moisture content and particle size significantly influenced the characteristics of the fuel pellets as well as energy consumption. Based on the findings, an optimal moisture content of 25% and particle size of 6 mm were determined for producing fuel pellets with desirable characteristics and low energy consumption was required using the flat die type pelleting machine. These results can provide valuable insights for biomass pellet producers and researchers in optimizing the pelletization process to achieve high-quality fuel pellets with improved properties.

An investigation on agricultural wastes as soil stabilizers

The primary purpose of our study is to boost the compressive strength of expansive soil in the Chennai region by incorporating BAGASSE ASH and RICE STRAW ASH as additives to increase the soil's stability and decrease its swelling. This will enable us to reach our primary goal of boosting the compressive strength of expanding soil in the region. One of our objectives was to increase the compressive strength of expansive soil, and this will assist us achieve that objective. A series of distinct experiments are conducted, with each utilising a different section of the expanding soil. Expansive soil is considered a potential natural hazard since it can cause considerable damage to buildings and other structures if not treated appropriately. If this issue is not resolved, there is a greater chance that damage will occur. Lime, fly ash, rice husk ash, corn stalk ash, and various other forms of ash were among the numerous components utilised in the stabilisation of the soil. Other constituents were maize stalk ash, rice husk ash, and further forms of ash. The percentages of BA and SA in the soil sample utilised for the experiment were 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. These numbers were utilised during the study. The primary objective of this project is to conduct a comparative analysis of BA and SA to assess their combined strength with a soil sample. This will be accomplished by contrasting and comparing the outcomes of various analyses. When varying amounts of BA and SA were added to the mixture, the tests revealed that both the maximum dry density and the optimal moisture content increased. This was the case regardless of the BA and SA amounts utilised. It is proved that the soil condition would improve if the optimal mixture of 2% BA and 1% SA were applied. This suggests that the SA is capable of achieving a higher level of stability than the BA. According to the findings of this study, it is possible that it may be utilised effectively for the purpose of soil stabilisation, and as a consequence, both the desired level of quality and the desired level of economy might be attained.

120 Determining moisture content in equine arena footing on-farm

Arenas are important fixtures on equine farms as they provide constant surfaces for horses to work and train on. Water serves to help control dust issues and increase the shear strength of the footing. Some footing companies indicate an optimal moisture content for their product, but without a method to determine the moisture content, arena managers and owners rely on dust production to decide when to add more water, which is an unreliable method. Oven drying of soil/arena footing is a common method for determining moisture content in the research settings but is not a practical solution on farms. This study sought to compare 3 different methods for determining moisture content in arena footing: oven drying, microwave drying, and a FieldScout TDR 350 Soil Moisture Meter. The 3 methods were tested with 3 footing types: a straight sand footing, a sand and fiber mixture, and a sand with organic material mixture. The oven drying method consisted of drying 3 samples of at least 30 g in a 100C oven for 24hrs, the microwave method also used 3 samples of at least 30 g that were dried in a standard microwave oven until all water evaporated, and the TDR moisture content method utilized the average of 3 TDR measurements in the footing. Paired t-tests were used to compare the microwave and the TDR methods to the oven drying method for each footing type. Though the paired t-test analysis for the microwave drying method determined statistically significant differences for the sand with fiber (P < 0.001)and the sand (P < 0.001), nominally the difference in the moisture contents of the 3 footings are unlikely to have an impact in on-farm use as all were within 0.6% of the oven-dried moisture contents. In comparison, all of the paired t-tests determined statistically significant difference for the TDR method (sand with organic material P < 0.001, sand with fiber P < 0.001, and sand P = 0.003). The TDR determined moisture contents were at least 1.6% higher than the moisture contents determined with the oven drying method. Overall, the microwave drying method provides a viable on-farm solution for determining the moisture content of footing, provided that the footing material is microwave safe.

Study on Compaction Characteristics and Compaction Process of an Unsaturated Silt Based on PFC3D

In order to reduce the construction cost of excessively wet silt roadbeds and improve the compaction quality, this paper studies the compaction characteristics and compaction technology of excessively wet silts through theoretical derivation, indoor experiments, numerical simulation, engineering verification, and other research methods. Based on the pendulum-type liquid bridge structure, this paper uses the Hertz–Mindlin theory, particle motion equation of state, and other theories to modify the force between particles of an unsaturated soil. Through the contact angle, which is a medium, the matrix suction is linked to the water content and is used to approximate the water content state of soil samples. Using PFC3D (particle flow code 3D) numerical simulation software, an unsaturated silt model was established based on Hill contact, and the model parameters were calibrated through basic geotechnical tests and triaxial compression tests. The correctness of the theory is verified by comparing the simulated triaxial compression test of wet silts with the indoor test. By simulating subgrade rolling, considering factors such as the distribution of contact force chain and the variation of compaction degree, the effects of rolling times, strong vibration, and weak vibration on the compaction effect were compared and analyzed. Finally, the optimal rolling and compaction process under the optimal water content is obtained through on-site engineering tests. The results show that: (1) The Hill contact model is reasonable for simulating the wet silt. (2) During the simulation of the roadbed compaction process using PFC3D software, it was found that the compaction degree change during the entire compaction process can be roughly divided into the initial compaction stage and the re-compaction stage. The reasonable number of compaction times was determined to be five through discrete element simulation. (3) It is found from the numerical simulation results that compared to static compaction, both strong and weak vibration compaction can effectively improve the compaction effect of subgrade compaction. The larger the vibration amplitude, the more obvious the improvement of the compaction effect. The compaction effect of strong vibration followed by weak vibration is stronger than that of weak vibration followed by strong vibration. (4) The optimal compaction process obtained under the optimal moisture content of 15% is static pressure once + strong vibration twice + weak vibration twice.

Infiltration and Failure Behavior of an Unsaturated Soil Slope under Artificial Rainfall Model Experiments

Slope disasters often include soil erosion and shallow landslides. These types of slope failure can occur in unsaturated soil. In this study, artificial rainfall is applied to a compacted soil slope in a laboratory to investigate the effects of rainfall intensity, initial moisture content and relative compaction on infiltration and failure behavior of an unsaturated soil slope subjected to rainfall infiltration. Soil moisture probes installed in the soil slope were used to monitor soil moisture content during the experiment. Test results show that the soil saturation at the toe of the slope was observed to be higher than other areas of the slope following the onset of rainfall. Gradually, the saturation advanced towards the crest, resulting in the formation of a wetting band along the slope surface. With increasing rainfall duration, the wetting band progressed further downwards along the slope. The failure of the slope began at the crest and junction of the slope, and the primary cause was soil erosion resulting from high-intensity rainfall. The most significant variable affecting infiltration behavior is relative compaction, followed by the initial moisture content of the compacted slope. During the experiment, the low hydraulic conductivity of the saturated soil caused most of the rainfall on the slope to become surface runoff, which minimized the impact of rainfall intensity on infiltration behavior. Specifically, the hydraulic conductivity of soil compacted at optimal moisture content and 90 R.C. is only 7.041 × 10-5 cm/sec or 2.53 mm/h, which is much lower than rainfall intensities of 80 mm/h and 160 mm/h. In addition, soil saturation contours facilitated visualization and quantification of the infiltration behavior of slopes, enabling a more detailed analysis of experimental results. These results help understand the behavior of unsaturated soil slopes under artificial rainfall conditions and aid in designing effective slope stabilization measures to prevent slope failure and minimize the risk of landslides.

Application of Amendment and Irrigation toward Soil Moisture and Corn Productivity in Alfisols Jumantono, Indonesia

The use of amendments and irrigation will improve soil characteristics, increase land productivity, and corn crops. This research aims to find out the best type of amendment and irrigation volume to get optimal moisture for corn in Alfisol. The study was conducted at Jumantono, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia. The design of the study used a Factorial Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with 2 treatment factors. The design of this study on the first treatment factor giving amendments with cow manure 5 tons/ha, biochar rice husk 5 tons/ha, zeolite 5 tons/ha and control, as well as the treatment factor of irrigation volume 50% x ETc, 100% x ETc, and 150% x ETc. The ETc value is obtained from the daily evapotranspiration value of corn. The results show that amendment and irrigation treatment could increase soil moisture content and soil organic matter. The addition of a single factor of irrigation affects the soil porosity, soil pH, soil moisture and soil organic matter. Corn crop productivity has also increased due to the provision of appropriate and efficient irrigation.

Investigation on the suitability of aluminium-based water treatment sludge as a sustainable soil replacement for road construction

Water treatment sludge is a by-product of the drinking water treatment process, and it has been considered as a waste for water authorities around the world. This study aims to investigate the reuse of aluminium-based water treatment sludge (AS) as a soil replacement in road construction which can improve sustainable waste management practices for positive environmental outcomes. To evaluate the potential reuse of AS, a 50/50 mixture ratio of AS and clay (CL) was selected and tested for geotechnical engineering parameters through Odometer Tests, Unconfined Compression Strength Tests, Static triaxial, Cyclic triaxial and California Bearing Ratio. Detailed physical and chemical were also conducted with the water treatment sludge. Results suggest that combining AS with CL increases the optimal moisture content and decreases the dry density of the soil. Oedometer tests indicated that the CLAS mixture distributed stress better than CL and AS independently. In the UCS tests, CLAS enhanced the strength of the mixture from 74 kPa with only CL to 126 kPa with the introduction of AS. The shear strength of CLAS samples increased by 50% compared to CL. In the cyclic triaxial test, CLAS showed less cumulative strain than CL, and improved the CBR results of the mixture from 0.95% to 1.92%. Results indicate that AS can be beneficially reused as a low-cost soil replacement to contribute the Circular Economy and net-zero emission targets. Future research should examine the variability of AS, optimal ratios of AS to CL, and the levelized cost of AS in different environmental conditions.

Clinical considerations in the application of direct composite for tooth wear.

Various techniques are available for the application of composite to restore worn teeth. Different techniques may be chosen based on the clinical presentation or clinician preference. However, for composite to be successful, there are numerous factors which must be considered in order to optimise the outcome. Pre-treatment steps, such as isolation for optimal moisture control and adequate surface preparation of the tooth, as well as the post build-up objectives of achieving a stable occlusion, good marginal adaptation and final aesthetics, are discussed in the paper.

Optimisation of alpha-amylase inhibitor production in solid state fermentation.

Though not a known producer of alpha-amylase inhibitor, the potential of Streptomyces xinghaiensis AAI-2 to produce this important metabolite was assessed and the process optimised in solid substrate using response surface methodology. The isolate was grown in an inoculum medium, inoculated into wheat bran and supplemented with a basal medium for production of alpha amylase inhibitor. Optimum conditions were determined by Response Surface Methodology. The extract was recovered using sodium phosphate buffer at refrigerated temperature and assay for the presence of alpha-amylase inhibitor was carried out by Dinitrosalicylic acid method. Based on the results of the experimental trials and iteration with those values, it was predicted that optimal pH for alpha-amylase inhibitor production using S. xinghaiensis in solid culture of wheat bran was pH 6.4-6.9 while optimal moisture content and incubation time were predicted as 71%-73% and 9-12days respectively.

Mechanical Behavior of Hydrated-Lime–Liquid-Stabilizer-Treated Granular Lateritic Soils

Granular lateritic soil is commonly used for road construction in humid tropical and subtropical regions. However, the high plastic clay content and poor particle distribution of some laterite materials make them unsuitable for bases and subbases. Lime treatment is a widely used method for improving problematic lateritic soil, and liquid ionic stabilizers are considered an environmentally friendly solution for reinforcing such soils. However, using only lime or only stabilizers may not be optimal. This study investigated the effect of treating granular lateritic soil with hydrated lime and a new liquid stabilizer, Zhonglu-2A (ZL-2A). A series of indoor tests, including compaction, California bearing ratio, and unconfined compressive strength tests, were conducted to evaluate the effects of hydrated lime content and stabilizer content on the mechanical properties, mineralogical composition, and microstructure of the soil. The results show that an increase in hydrated lime dosage increases the optimal moisture content and decreases the maximum dry density. The CBR of lime-stabilizer-treated laterite was at least 2–3 times higher than that of the only-lime-treated soil. The highest CBR was observed in samples treated with 0.2‰ ZL-2A stabilizer. The sample with 6% lime and 0.2‰ ZL-2A stabilizer exhibited the highest unconfined compressive strength, and a nearly linear increase was observed between the unconfined compressive strength and CBR. Further investigation of the stabilization mechanism using X-ray diffraction mineralogy analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the inorganic substances of the ZL-2A stabilizer and the hydrated lime provided the basic conditions for the reaction and generated cementitious hydrates on the clay particles. The mixture of granular lateritic soil and hydrated lime was wrapped by the ZL-2A stabilizer, forming a complex spatial structure and improving the strength of the soil. To improve the bearing capacity of subgrades in actual subgrade engineering, a combination of a liquid ionic stabilizer and lime should be used to treat laterite.

ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT FRACTIONS ON THE MAXIMUM DENSITY AND OPTIMUM HUMIDITY OF THE FINE-GRAINED COMPONENT OF THE GROUND MIXTURE

The research results are presented, according to the experimental assessment of the influence of the content (by weight) of various fractions of fine soil on its maximum density and optimal moisture content. It is shown that by increasing a certain fraction, it is possible to achieve the highest density and the lowest moisture content of fine soil with its required amount in the mixture. To select the optimal composition of soil mixtures for the construction of bulk earth dams, it is recommended to carry out similar laboratory tests.

Experimental study on collapsible and structural characteristics of artificially prepared loess material

Collapsibility and structural are two of the typical characteristics of natural undisturbed loess. It is of great significance to effectively simulate the collapsibility and structural of natural loess by preparing artificially loess. However, the existing methods of artificially preparing collapsible loess are complex, and the collapsibility of the prepared samples is difficult to control. In this paper, the collapsibility mechanism of loess was re-analyzed, and on this basis, a new method for preparing artificial collapsible loess using remolded loess, industrial salt, CaO particles and gypsum powder was proposed. The basic principle is: the CaO particles have structural strength and would transfer to Ca(OH)2 after soaking, this progress can simulate the disappearance of loess structural strength; The dissolution of industrial salt can simulate the collapse of loess internal pores, the collapsibility of artificial loess can be adjusted by adjusting the percentage of industrial salt; the gypsum powder can simulate the cementation of loess as a bonding material. The shear test, consolidation test and collapsibility test of artificially prepared loess and undisturbed loess were carried out. The test results of artificial loess were compared with undisturbed loess. The results show that: the plastic limit and liquid limit of the artificially prepared loess is smaller than that of the undisturbed loess; The optimal moisture content and maximum dry density are close to that of the undisturbed loess; The collapsibility coefficient of artificial prepared samples increases first and then decreases with the increase of load level, and gradually increases with the increase of industrial salt particle content; The structural parameters of artificially prepared loess samples first increase and then decrease with the shear process, but the structural parameters of artificial prepared loess and undisturbed loess are different under different confining pressure conditions.

Effects of Mellowing Practice on the Strength and Swelling Properties of Road Construction Materials: Case of Sulphate-Bearing Clay Soils Stabilised with Lime-Silica Fume Blended Binder

The main thrust of this research was to establish any benefits of mellowing, and the optimal moisture content (OMC) for compacting mellowed sulphate-bearing clay soil undergoing the stabilization process. Two three-day mellowing regimes were carried out, prior to final compaction, at different initial moisture contents of 30% or 40% OMC. The unmellowed specimens were compacted immediately after mixing with the blended stabilizers. A blend of quicklime (L) with a sustainable by-product, silica fume (SF), at a 1:1 ratio (2%L-2%SF) was used. Linear expansion and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were carried out to evaluate the benefits of mellowing. The test results suggested that the mellowed test specimens achieved better UCS and swelling properties compared to the unmellowed specimens. Mellowing at 1.2 OMC produced better strength performance than at 1.4 OMC, whereas mellowed specimens at 1.4 OMC showed better resistance to linear expansion compared to 1.2 OMC. The research findings suggested that optimal performance was achieved by mellowing at the higher initial moisture condition of 40% OMC and compacting the materials at the lower moisture condition of 1.2 OMC.

Genetic gains in tropical maize hybrids across moisture regimes with multi-trait-based index selection.

Unpredictable weather vagaries in the Asian tropics often increase the risk of a series of abiotic stresses in maize-growing areas, hindering the efforts to reach the projected demands. Breeding climate-resilient maize hybrids with a cross-tolerance to drought and waterlogging is necessary yet challenging because of the presence of genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) and the lack of an efficient multi-trait-based selection technique. The present study aimed at estimating the variance components, genetic parameters, inter-trait relations, and expected selection gains (SGs) across the soil moisture regimes through genotype selection obtained based on the novel multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) for a set of 75 tropical pre-released maize hybrids. Twelve traits including grain yield and other secondary characteristics for experimental maize hybrids were studied at two locations. Positive and negative SGs were estimated across moisture regimes, including drought, waterlogging, and optimal moisture conditions. Hybrid, moisture condition, and hybrid-by-moisture condition interaction effects were significant (p ≤ 0.001) for most of the traits studied. Eleven genotypes were selected in each moisture condition through MGIDI by assuming 15% selection intensity where two hybrids, viz., ZH161289 and ZH161303, were found to be common across all the moisture regimes, indicating their moisture stress resilience, a unique potential for broader adaptation in rainfed stress-vulnerable ecologies. The selected hybrids showed desired genetic gains such as positive gains for grain yield (almost 11% in optimal and drought; 22% in waterlogging) and negative gains in flowering traits. The view on strengths and weaknesses as depicted by the MGIDI assists the breeders to develop maize hybrids with desired traits, such as grain yield and other yield contributors under specific stress conditions. The MGIDI would be a robust and easy-to-handle multi-trait selection process under various test environments with minimal multicollinearity issues. It was found to be a powerful tool in developing better selection strategies and optimizing the breeding scheme, thus contributing to the development of climate-resilient maize hybrids.

Modification of Highway Sub-Grade Black Cotton Soil by using Nano Chemical: Terrasil Mixed with Fly-Ash and Rice Husk Ash

Abstract: As the population grows daily, the amount of excellent, solid ground available for development decreases, necessitating the use of weaker or softer soil for the construction of buildings and other civil engineering projects. The building of structures built on the problematic broad black cotton soil is fraught with difficulties. It has poor geotechnical subgrade features, including swelling and imperviousness. In this study, an attempt is made to improve the different geotechnical characteristics of black cotton soil by mixing it with waste products like river sand, fly ash, and marble dust. These properties include index properties, swelling characteristics, consolidation characteristics, hydraulic conductivity characteristics, and strength characteristics. Due to the best possible use of these waste materials in the enhancement of various aspects of black cotton soil, these techniques therefore minimised the impact of waste materials on the environment. There are many different types of soil stabilisation, but typically, mechanical, and chemical stabilisation procedures are used to accomplish traditional soil stability. Stabilizers are the additives that are used to stabilise substances. For stabilisation, a variety of stabilisers are utilised, including fly ash, bitumen, rice husk, lime, cement, and other chemicals. When dry, black cotton soils are extremely hard; yet, when wet, they entirely lose their strength. Widespread issues with expansive soils provide a number of difficulties for civil engineers. Numerous techniques are used to enhance the expanding soils' engineering properties. The study's findings are summarised as follows. By raising the percentage of Terrasil and maintaining the values of rice husk ash and fly ash, which are 10% and 20% respectively, unchanged, the liquid limit percentage lowers by 0% to 0.08% and grows. When Terrasil is changed while leaving the values of rice husk ash and fly ash, which are 10% and 20% respectively, unchanged, the plastic limit percentage falls from 0% to 0.10 percent. When rice husk ash and fly ash are kept at their constant values of 10% and 20%, respectively, the plasticity percentage drops from 0% to 0.04% and then rises to a high of 0.06% at 30.07. The maximum value is reached before the optimal moisture content (OMC) first increases, then declines. achieved after 0.10% addition of Terrasil while maintaining the 10% and 20% values for rice husk ash and fly ash, respectively, and were equivalent to 27.64%. The compressive strength first increases and then decreases, the maximum value obtained was at 0.06% addition of Terrasil keeping constant value of rice husk ash and fly ash, i.e., 10% and 20% respectively, and were equal to 1.69 gm/cm2. The maximum dry density (MDD percentage) first increases up to 0.06% of Terrasil and then decreases.. The greatest value achieved was at 0.06% addition of Terrasil retaining constant value of rice husk ash and fly ash, i.e., 10% and 20% respectively, and were equal to 0.861kg/cm2. The shear strength initially increases and subsequently drops. As Terrasil's percentage rises while the amounts of fly ash and rice husk ash remain constant at 10% and 20%, respectively, the permeability commonly drops.

Nitrocellulose Based Film-Forming Gels with Cinnamon Essential Oil for Covering Surface Wounds.

Acute and chronic wounds caused by assorted reasons impact patient's quality of life. Films are one of the main types of moisture retentive dressings for wounds. To improve the healing of the wound, films must ensure there is no microorganism contamination, protect from negative environmental effects, and support optimal moisture content. The aim of this study was to formulate optimal film-forming gel compositions that would have good physico-chemical properties and be suitable for wound treatment. Nitrocellulose, castor oil, ethanol (96%), ethyl acetate, and cinnamon leaf essential oil were used to create formulations. During the study, the drying rate, adhesion, flexibility, tensile strength, cohesiveness, swelling, water vapor penetration, pH value, and morphology properties of films were examined. Results showed that optimal concentrations of nitrocellulose for film-forming gel production were 13.4% and 15%. The concentrations of nitrocellulose and cinnamon leaf essential oil impacted the films' physicochemical properties (drying rate, swelling, adhesion, flexibility, etc.). The swelling test showed that films of formulations could absorb significant amounts of simulant wound exudate. Film-forming gels and films showed no microbial contamination and were stable three months after production.

Sustainable Alternative for the Production of Soil Cement Bricks

The construction industry plays a fundamental role in the economy of a developing country, representing, in most of them, approximately 3.7% to 10.5% of its Gross Domestic Product. However, it is extremely important to search for sustainable alternatives in this sector, aiming to reduce the environmental impacts generated by the production of inputs, waste generation, in addition to the inappropriate disposal of this activity in the environment. Therefore, the work aimed to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the incorporation of residues (Marble and Granite Cutting Waste&amp;mdash;MW and Construction and Demolition Waste&amp;mdash;CDW) in the production of soil cement bricks (SCB). For the development of the present work, physical and mechanical characterization of the soil, residues (CDW and MW), composites (Control, MW15%, MW25%, MW50%, MW100%, MW30%CDW70%) were performed. After manufacturing the bricks, the characterizations mentioned were carried out at 7, 28 and 60 days, in addition to the evaluation of the geometric characteristics, water absorption and strength of the bricks and microscopic analysis of the post-rupture fragments. Additionally, a cost analysis of the use of SCB was performed compared to two different construction systems (ceramic brick and concrete block). From the results of physical characterization, soil was classified as clayey-silty sand (SC-SM), while the CDW was well-graded sand and MW as sandy clay. Soil and composite plasticity characteristics ranged from weakly plastic (MW15% and MW30%CDW70%) to highly plastic (MW100%). In the compaction tests, composites with the addition of MW presented increasing values in terms of optimal moisture. The compressive strength test performed showed satisfactory results for all composites, especially for MW25%, which obtained the most significant result with 13.777 kPa at 28 days. Thus, it is concluded that the incorporation of CDW and MW for the production of SCB represents a sustainable application for civil construction.

Laboratory test and prediction model of dynamic resilient modulus of carbonaceous mudstone coarse-grained soil

Carbonaceous mudstone is widely distributed in southwest China. With the rapid development of transportation construction in this region, the use of carbonaceous mudstone for subgrade filling has good economic and environmental benefits. At present, studies on the dynamic characteristics of carbonaceous mudstone coarse-grained soil are few. The shape characteristics of mudstone particles and the compaction characteristics of subgrade fillings with different grades are analyzed then dynamic triaxial tests are conducted to explore the variation of the dynamic resilient modulus MR of carbonaceous mudstone coarse-grained soil under different stresses and physical states. The influence of different gradation, confining pressure σ3, dynamic deviatoric stress σd, moisture content w, and degree of compaction K on MR of carbonaceous mudstone coarse-grained soil was studied. Results indicate that the particle shape index of carbonaceous mudstone is insensitive to particle size. With the increase in the gradation parameter D, the optimal moisture content wopt of the sample increases, whereas the maximum dry density ρdmax initially increases, and then decreases. MR is positively correlated with σ3 and K, but negatively correlated with σd and w. The decrease of MR caused by w decreases gradually with the increase of D. When w≤ 1.1 *wopt, the increase in D reduces MR, but when w= 1.2 *wopt, the trend changes to a positive correlation between MR and D. Carbonaceous mudstone subgrade filling can be used for the highway with light or medium traffic load grade. The recommended gradation parameter D ranges from 2.43 to 2.63. A resilient modulus prediction model considering the influence of gradation, stress state, moisture content, and physical state is proposed and its rationality is verified. The research results can provide reference for the design of carbonaceous mudstone coarse-grained soil subgrade.

A new high-quality variety of spring barley Omsky

Within the framework of the grant “Creation of selection and seed production and breeding centers in agriculture to create and implement in the agricultural sector of modern technologies based on own developments of scientific and educational organizations” in 2021, the variety of spring barley Omsky 103 was transferred for state variety testing. The research aims to characterize the productivity and grain quality of the new promising Omsky 103. The study was conducted from 2017 to 2021. Optimal moisture conditions were represented in 2019 (GTC = 1.10), excessive moisture was observed in 2018, and dry conditions in 2017, 2020, and 2021 (GTC = 0.58-0.77). The new promising variety Omsky 103 (variety medium) belongs to the intermediate array, is a droughtproof variety, and has low susceptibility to black, stone, and dust smut. In the breeding record of sort Omsky 103, there are varieties and lines of breeding of Omsk Agrarian Research Center (Pallidum 3733, Medicum 4602, Medicum 4771, Ricotense 3928, Ricotense 3928, Ricotense 4432, Omsky 85, Omsky 89), other scientific centers of Russia (Belgorod K-22089, Cyclone, Kind, Olimp) and foreign breeding (Keystone). The advantages of the new variety Omsky 103 in terms of grain quality are higher protein content (13,27%; +0,15% towards the standard and +0,49% towards the type Omsky 102) and starch (56,41%; +0,62% towards the bar and +0,35% towards the variety Omsky 102). A positive characteristic of the array Omsky 102 is also an increased grain size (+10.04 g against the standard). Due to the increased yield (5.36 t/ha; +0.77 t/ha against the norm and +0.26 t/ha against the variety Omsky 102), the new perspective variety forms an increased grain harvest per unit area of protein (580.8 kg/a; +12.0% vs. standard and 22.5% to the Omsky 102) and starch (2.6 t/ha; +13.0% vs. standard and 21.7% to the variety Omsky 102).