Screening Analysis Research Articles

Hubungan Antara Rasio Agregat dan Volumetrik dalam Menentukan Kualitas Perkerasan Jalan

Road pavement quality is a critical factor in supporting a country's mobility and economy. Around 40% of the road length in Indonesia suffers damage, including permanent deformation and early cracking. To overcome road damage, it is important to know the pavement quality parameters such as Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), Voids in Mix (VIM), and Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB), along with the factors that influence them, such as material characteristics. This study aims to determine the effect of the fine and coarse aggregate ratio on volumetric parameters in asphalt mixtures, including VIM, VMA, and VFB. The experimental method was carried out on four samples. Aggregate characteristic tests were carried out, including gradation tests. Volumetric tests were carried out on each sample with asphalt content of 4%, 4.5%, and 5%. The research results show that the smaller fine-to-coarse aggregate ratio would increase the VMA and VIM values and decrease the VFB value. Aggregate ratio significantly affects volumetric parameters, which shows the importance of selecting aggregate with the right size distribution and determining the right ratio to achieve optimal pavement performance. The results of this study can be used as a practical guide for optimizing asphalt mix design with better quality and durability.

Properties of recycled coarse aggregates obtained from crushed concrete waste

According to the Kyiv School of Economics as of January 2024, the losses from the destruction and damage of buildings and structures as a result of military actions in Ukraine amount to at least 75 billion dollars. Now contractors carrying out the liquidation of the consequences of armed aggression are required to take measures to reuse construction waste. Taking into account the presence of natural crushed stone in concrete scrap, the question arises about the possibility of using crushed concrete in new construction. During the design a concrete mixture it is necessary to know such characteristics of aggregates as grain size composition, bulk density, specific density, voids, strength.Three mixtures of concrete were designed and aseries of cube samples were made from them to determine the specified characteristics of recycledcoarse aggregate obtained from crushed concrete on local materials. At the appropriate age the samples of origin concrete were crushed using a laboratory jaw crusher.The results of sieve analyses showed that ungraded mixtures of fine and coarse fractions do not meet the requirements of national standard due to the large content of coarse fractions. At the same time, in general, the granulometric composition of only coarse fractions meets the requirements of standards in Ukraine. The obtained bulk densities and specific densities differ in different fractions with a large dispersion even within the same fraction. The strength of the aggregate decreases with a decrease in grain sizes. Thus, the main factor that has a decisive influence on the properties of RCA and concrete with their use is the presence of residual mortar. The smaller the fraction of the RCA, the higher the residual mortar content, up to individual grains that are entirely composed of it. Therefore, one of the methods of improving the properties of RCA is to reduce the content of the residual mortar.

Quality Assessment of Igue Calcite Deposit for Industrial Applications

Calcite is one of the primary components of marble and limestone, they made up a significant amount of the crust of the Earth. The goal of the study is to characterize the Igue calcite deposit. Samples were sourced from five different pits, which were homogenized and eventually weighed five kilograms. Of that amount, one kilogram was set aside for laboratory testing and analysis. The sample was first crushed to a size of 1400 µm and then further reduced to 1100 µm using a ball mill. 100 grams of the sample was riffled out for sieve analysis, the particles were classified into 1000µm, 710µm, 500µm, 355µm, 250µm, 180µm, 125µm, 90µm, 63µm, and -63µm, and 125 µm sieve size was sampled out for chemical analysis using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The particle size distribution methods that were employed were the Gates Gaudin Schumann Method and the Rosin Rammler Method. The economic and actual liberation size is at sieve 180µm and 125µm respectively, according to the sieve analysis result mid points is at 49.26% which is the equilibrium point on the graph. The results of the chemical study indicate that the Igue white calcite deposit contains the following elements: Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, W, Au, Ag, and Rb with the mean concentrations of the following: 0.0000, 0.4257, 0.6757, 0.2845, 0.4199, 0.0000, 67.9587, 0.0000, 0.0009, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.1958, 0.0061, 0.0090, 0.0175, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0005 and 0.0000 respectively and intensities of : 0.0000, 0.0014, 0.0076, 0.006, 0.0059, 0.0000, 0.6923, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0012,0.0002, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000, Igue white calcite has a good calcium content and intensity, with calcium being the predominant element in the sample and having the following intensity of 0.6923 and content of 67.9587.

Effect of Soil Stabilization on Structural Design of Flexible Pavement

Inadequate subgrade conditions often diminish the lifespan of pavements built on these soils. However, this challenge can be addressed through various methods, including soil stabilization, which enhances soil strength. This research focuses on soil stabilization using two types of waste materials (rubber and plastic) as additives in concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%, along with a consistent cement inclusion of 3% across all samples. Different tests, such as Sieve analysis, Atterberg Limits, Specific Gravity, Standard proctor Test and California Bearing Ratio, were performed for both the soil and the additive materials. As a result, this stabilization approach improved the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), leading to thinner pavement layers, which potentially lowers construction costs. Notably, the highest CBR observed was 49.95% with 10% plastic, while the top result for rubber was a 28.01% CBR at 5% inclusion. These enhancements in CBR values contributed to reducing the total thickness of the pavement layers by (435 mm) for both materials.

On-Site Determination of Soil Organic Carbon Content: A Photocatalytic Approach

This investigation presents a new approach for evaluating soil organic carbon (SOC) content in farming soils using a photocatalytic chemical oxygen demand (PeCOD) analyzer combined with geographic information system (GIS) technology for spatial analysis. Soil samples were collected at various sites throughout Canada and were analyzed using sieve analysis, followed by further SOC evaluation using three distinct techniques: loss on ignition (LOI), Walkley-Black, and PeCOD. The PeCOD system, which relies on the photochemical oxidation of organic carbon, showed an exciting correlation between its evaluations and SOC content, making it a prompt and reliable method to evaluate SOC. In this investigation, finer materials such as clayey soils (soil fractions of (<50 µm)) demonstrated high SOC content compared to coarser ones (soil fractions of (>75 µm)) and decreased SOC content with increased soil depth, generally below the 30 cm mark. It should be noted that this investigation revealed that other variables, such as land management practices, precipitation, and atmospheric temperature, have drastic effects on the formation and residence time of SOC. GIS georeferencing еnablеd mapping of the SOC distribution and identification of hotspot areas with high SOC content. The results of this study have implications for sustainable farming, climate change mitigation, and soil health operations by providing farmers with schemes that amplify carbon sequestration while simultaneously improving soil health.

Quenching and enhancement mechanisms of a novel Cd-based coordination polymer as a multiresponsive fluorescent sensor for nitrobenzene and aniline

BackgroundNitroaromatic compounds are inherently hazardous and explosive, so convenient and rapid detection strategies are needed for the sake of human health and the environment. There is an urgent demand for chemical sensing materials that offer high sensitivity, operational simplicity, and recognizability to effectively monitor nitroaromatic residues in industrial wastewater. Despite its importance, the mechanisms underlying fluorescence quenching or enhancement in fluorescent sensing materials have not been extensively researched. The design and synthesis of multiresponsive fluorescent sensing materials have been a great challenge until now. ResultsIn this study, a one-dimensional Cd-based fluorescent porous coordination polymer (Cd–CIP-1) was synthesized using 5-(4-cyanobenzyl)isophthalic acid (5-H2CIP) and 4,4′-bis(1-imidazolyl)biphenyl (4,4′-bimp) and used for the selective detection of nitrobenzene in aqueous solution by fluorescence quenching, with a limit of detection of 1.38 × 10−8 mol L−1. The presence of aniline in the Cd–CIP-1 solution leads to the enhancement of fluorescence property. Density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations were carried out to elucidate the mechanisms of the fluorescence changes. This study revealed that the specific pore size of Cd–CIP-1 facilitates analyte screening and enhances host-guest electron coupling. Furthermore, π–π interactions and hydrogen bond between Cd–CIP-1 and the analytes result in intermolecular orbital overlap and thereby boosting electron transfer efficiency. The different electron flow directions in NB@Cd–CIP-1 and ANI@Cd–CIP-1 lead to fluorescence quenching and enhancement. Significance and noveltyThe multiresponsive coordination polymer (Cd–CIP-1) can selectively detect nitrobenzene and recognize aniline in aqueous solutions. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching and enhancement has been thoroughly elucidated through a combination of density functional theory and experimental approaches. This study presents a promising strategy for the practical implementation of a multiresponsive fluorescent chemical sensor.

Effects of coal fly ash as partial replacement for cement towards concrete properties

Abstract The use of industrial waste, particularly fly ash (FA), as a substitute for ordinary portland cement (OPC) has gained attention due to global trends promoting the recovery and utilization of waste materials in construction. Previous research has demonstrated that fly ash has the potential to replace cement without compromising the strength of concrete, driving further exploration and validation of this concept. In a study investigating the effects of fly ash replacement in concrete, different percentages of fly ash were used to replace OPC in C25 grade concrete. Various tests were conducted, including X-ray fluorescent (XRF) analysis, sieve analysis, workability test, compression test, and water absorption test, to assess the characteristics, properties of the materials, fresh and hardened concrete. The results indicated that the replacement of FA in cement showed significant effects, with the strength at 12.5 % and 15 % replacements reaching the target strength of pure concrete at both 7 days and 28 days. These findings suggest that fly ash, at these replacement levels, exhibits desirable strength comparable to OPC, making it a viable alternative.

Acclimatize experimental approach to adjudicate hydraulic coefficients under different bed material configurations and slopes with and without weir

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydraulic coefficient of coarse aggregate grain size beds and hydraulic parameters under random and perpendicular bed configurations, as well as to explore the discharge coefficient for rectangular weirs. The research objectives were to compare flow resistance coefficients, evaluate the discharge coefficient for rectangular weirs, investigate the relationship between roughness coefficient and hydraulic parameters, and validate the theoretical hydraulic equation for the rectangular weir. This was achieved by analysing different bed configurations, bed slopes, and 20 and 30-mm bed materials. Sieve analysis was conducted on bed materials using American-standard sieves to determine their particle size distribution. The experiment was performed in a rectangular flume measuring 12 m in length, 0.31 m in width, and 0.45 m in depth. In a laboratory experiment, water was pumped into a flume using centrifugal pumps, and a rectangular weir was attached downstream for discharge measurement. The experiment investigated factors such as Manning roughness coefficient, bed material geometry, bed slope, and weir shapes. Approximately 1680 tests were conducted to analysed the impact of these factors on discharge and the coefficient of discharge. The average Manning's roughness coefficients for a grain size of 20 mm were 0.019 (with weir) and 0.019 (without weir) in a random bed configuration, and 0.028 (with weir) and 0.027 (without weir) in a perpendicular flow bed configuration. For a grain size of 30 mm, the coefficients were 0.023 (with weir) and 0.022 (without weir) in a random bed configuration, and 0.033 (with weir) and 0.026 (without weir) in a perpendicular flow bed configuration. The presence of a weir has affected Manning's roughness coefficients and discharge coefficients. With a weir, the roughness coefficients have generally been higher compared to without a weir, indicating increased roughness in the channel. The discharge coefficient for a rectangular weir with a grain size of 20 mm ranged from 0.39 to 0.84 (random bed) and 0.27 to 0.68 (perpendicular flow bed), while for a grain size of 30 mm it ranged from 0.31 to 0.81 (random bed) and 0.23 to 0.48 (perpendicular flow bed). The discharge coefficients have varied depending on the grain size and bed configuration, reflecting different flow efficiencies over the weir. Rough particles influenced flow and Manning's roughness coefficient value, then reduced discharge and velocity values. Under two bed configurations and slopes, beds with a grain size of 30 mm have higher roughness coefficients compared to those with a grain size of 20 mm. The models have shown that the roughness coefficient is inversely proportional to the discharge and directly proportional to the tailgate water levels. The coefficient of roughness and discharge coefficient are mainly influenced by the channel slopes, bed roughness, bed grain size, and bed configuration. A randomly configured bed with a 20 mm grain size gravel bed is preferred over a perpendicular bed configuration to handle high discharges. Using a 20 mm grain-size gravel bed in open-channel flow is more suitable than a 30 mm grain-size bed. Relying on the constant friction factor, Manning's n, is not recommended as it may result in design errors. These findings have the potential to improve hydraulic engineering design practices, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of open-channel flow systems.

Exploring the potential of textile effluent sludge as a construction material through comprehensive characterization and analysis

This study primarily focused on assessing the feasibility of utilizing textile effluent sludge (TES) in the creation of sustainable building materials, demonstrating the possibility of using this material and eventually generating new market opportunities. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization of textile sludge was carried out after preliminary crushing and grain-size sorting. Five samples collected from the effluent treatment facility of textile industries situated in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, underwent characterization to explore their potential innovative applications in the construction sector. Various physical tests, such as specific gravity, density, water absorption, and sieve analysis, were performed on these samples. Chemical characterization was carried out using x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, a field emission scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of TES in the creation of sustainable building materials. In addition, the mix proportion of TES was further optimized using LINGO software to meet the chemical specifications required for cement.

New synthetic opioids: Advances of receptor assays as tools for pharmacological characterization and analytical screening

New synthetic opioids: Advances of receptor assays as tools for pharmacological characterization and analytical screening

OVERCOMING THE SAND PROBLEM USING THE GRAVEL PACK METHOD IN WELL X IN THE FIELD OF KALREZ PETROLEUM (SERAM) LTD

In the oil and gas industry, there are often various problems that can interfere with the production process. One of the problems that often occurs is sand problems. The impact of sand problems is to cause damage to downhole and surface equipment. To solve the problem of sand in boreholes, gravel fill can be used. This study was conducted Kalrez Petroleum (Seram) Ltd Field Well X. The purpose of this study was to determine the size of gravel Bagging overcomes sandy issues and determines front and rear production performance Installing a gravel pack and determining the cost comparison of the gravel pack method and sand screening method in terms of cost benefit analysis. Based on the smallest average size of sand grains is 0.024 inch, this size is in accordance with the size of gravel pack in general, namely 16/30 M. Calculation of PI after the use of gravel pack has increased production from 4.4 bbl/psi to 7.8 bbl/psi. Based on the IPR curve before the use of gravel pack, the maximum flow rate (Q max) was 527.4372 bpd, experiencing an increase in the maximum flow rate (Q max) of 907.108 bpd. Based on calculations using cost benefit analysis (Coast Benefit Analysis) between the gravel pack and screen liner methods. The screen liner method can be an alternative to overcome the sand problems, this is because it is seen from the value of the B/C ratio> 1 or 2,3. This means that for every one dollar invested in the method, a savings ratio of 2.3 will be obtained. So the screen liner method is more useful and also efficient. Keywords: Sand problem, downhole and surface equipment, gravel pack, sieve analysis, cost benefit analysis

A Novel image processing technique for weighted particle size distribution assessment

The objective of the study was to create a reliable method that could be used to evaluate the particle size distribution of samples and pre-mixes in real-world situations, particularly those consisting of typical formulation blends. The goal was to use this method to assess the uniformity of the samples and ensure that they met the required quality standards. The researchers aimed to create a method that could be easily incorporated into the manufacturing process, providing a practical and efficient solution. This study demonstrates the use of ImageJ software to analyze the particle size distribution (PSD) of powders. The technique produces qualitative data from microscopy images and quantitative data from analysis of parameters including average diameter, D 10, D 50 , D 90, and standard deviation. The method was tested with various treatments, showing differentiating outcomes in all cases. The alternate technique provides a rapid and cost-effective method for PSD analysis, surpassing the limitations of sieve analysis. Extensive testing of the method, using a variety of sample types, including typical formulation blends, was performed. The results suggest that the method can effectively assess the morphology of changing materials during batch manufacturing and characterize uniformity in blends. The methodology has the capability to identify attributes related to PSD that are typically required to be monitored during manufacturing. The technique allows for accurate and reliable quantification of the attributes through image capture technology. The technique has future potential and has important implications for material science, powder rheology, pharmaceutical formulation development, and continual process monitoring.

Label-free voltammetric screening of human blood serum

The current study presents a comprehensive voltammetric investigation into the direct analysis of untreated human blood serum in a phosphate buffer at an unmodified, graphite electrode by means of voltammetry. By employing advanced square-wave voltammetry at an edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (EPPGE), the basic principles were established for developing a sensitive, fast, simple, and label-free method for the simultaneous screening of uric acid, bilirubin, and albumin analytes that are present in human blood serum and are quite essential for rapid medical diagnostics. The electrochemical protocol utilizes the specific structural patterns of the EPPGE, the inherent redox and adsorption properties of the analysed analytes, and the sensitivity and rapidity of the employed advanced voltammetric technique. The methodology has been successfully applied for quantification of the considered analytes in a series of samples of human blood serum and was compared with the standard methods used in a clinical biochemical laboratory. This novel method represents a significant advancement towards the development of point-of-care devices aimed at swiftly and simultaneously quantifying uric acid, bilirubin, and albumin levels in human serum.

Investigation of molten fuel coolant interaction with simulated corium in sodium

In case of a hypothetical core meltdown accident in Sodium cooled Fast Reactor (SFR), corium interacts with cold pool sodium and results in Molten Fuel Coolant Interaction (MFCI). During MFCI, the corium fragments and resultant debris settle on the core catcher as a bed and continue to generate decay heat. The size and state of fragmented debris play a crucial role in post-accident heat transfer. An experimental study has been undertaken to investigate the fragmentation of simulated corium in sodium using real-time X-ray imaging. Experiments were conducted by releasing ∼400 g of molten mixture of alumina and iron at ∼2400 °C into ∼4 kg of sodium at various temperatures. The fragmentation phenomenon was acquired using a digital flat panel detector and the captured images were subjected to image analysis to extract information on melt fragmentation. Post-experiment, fragmented debris was retrieved and subjected to sieve analysis to obtain characteristics towards assessing the dominant fragmentation mechanism. Experiments were also conducted with water for identifying key differences in the fragmentation and debris characteristics. Non-energetic fragmentation, generation of fine debris, and relatively minor sodium vaporization observed in the small-scale experiments present a reduced potential for energetic interaction in sodium than that of water.

PENGUJIAN AKARAKTERISTIK PASIR PANTAI KABUPATEN KOLAKA SEBAGAI MATERIAL ALTERNATIF PEMBUATAN BETON (Pasir Pantai Kec. Tanggetada, Kec. Watubangga dan Kec. Toari)

The quality characteristics of the concrete produced are greatly influenced by the quality of the fine aggregate used as a structural component, because fine aggregate has a large influence on the volume of concrete. So, the use of beach sand as a construction material must meet the specified requirements. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics of beach sand in 3 (three) sub-districts in Kolaka district, whether it can be used in making concrete or not. The research method used was a detailed experiment carried out at the Concrete Laboratory of Sembilanbelas November University Kolaka with samples of Tanggetada Beach Sand, Watubangga Beach Sand and Toari Beach Sand. The results of testing the characteristics of the three beach sands used were obtained by testing data that met the requirements specified in SNI 03-1971-1990, except for the sieve analysis examination at No. 50 for all sand locations and No. 100 for Tanggetada and Toari Beach sand locations. Meanwhile, the specific gravity and water absorption, bulk weight, water content and passing sieve No. 200 have met the specifications. From the results obtained, the use of Watubangga Beach Sand can be used as sand material for normal concrete construction.

Processing and recycling of aggregate residues after ore extraction for stabilization of mined areas

The article focuses on the treatment and recycling of aggregate. It also addresses the issue of treatments effects on mine tailings, fly ash and acid mine water on the measured parameters of concrete with load-bearing and backfilling paste with non-load-bearing function. Four different mixes were developed, and standard tests were performed on them. These mixtures were made with different types of mine tailing’s fillers with varying degrees of treatment. Mineralogical and chemical tests were carried out on the treated aggregates, with sieve analysis and their subsequent adjustment for suitable aggregate gradation curve in concrete. Strength and volumetric weight tests were carried out on hardened samples at 28, 56 and 90 days. The results of the determined functional specimens showed that it is possible to develop an almost completely waste-free technology using recycled aggregate and fly ash from the ore mining and energy industries and its subsequent processing and use for backfilling of mine deposits with load bearing and non-load bearing function concrete.

ANALYSIS OF TIMBERCRETE: SAWDUST-INFUSED CONCRETE MIXTURES

This investigation aims to advance sustainable construction practices by investigating the feasibility and environmental benefits of incorporating sawdust instead of sand in concrete mixtures. By using sawdust, a byproduct of the forestry industry, in the process of making concrete, the investigation addresses the pressing need for resource conservation and waste reduction, since the construction sector is a significant user of raw materials. According to British European Norm Standard BS 8500-2:2023 for C35 grade concrete, the experimental programme examines how different percentages of sawdust (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) substituted for sand affect the physical characteristics of concrete, including its compressive strength, dry density, and water absorption. The workability, consistency, and strength of the sawdust-incorporated concrete mixes were assessed by a combination of techniques including sieve analysis, slump testing, casting and curing procedures, and compression tests. The results indicate a potential reduction in material costs and environmental impact with the ideal sawdust content by showing a negative association between the amount of sawdust and the concrete's density and compressive strength. A larger sawdust content was associated with higher rates of water absorption, highlighting the hygroscopic nature of sawdust and its implications for the durability of concrete. According to the investigation's results, it is possible to substitute concrete with up to 5% sawdust, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete while still having sufficient mechanical properties for use in construction. It is recommended that further research be conducted to improve sawdust's compatibility with cementitious materials, increase the durability of sawdust-incorporated concrete, and create industry guidelines for its use. This investigation contributes to the body of knowledge on environmentally friendly building materials by promoting the use of sawdust and other eco-friendly substitutes in the building sector to reduce negative effects on the environment and increase resource efficiency.

Technological Analysis of the Production of Nickel-Containing Composite Materials

The article presents the results of obtaining a composite material by sintering nickel-containing raw materials mixed with carbon-containing materials, namely using coke and semi-coke. The sintering process was performed at a charge layer height of 240 mm and the temperature of the lower layer was T = 1200 °C. The results of the sieve analysis showed (a fraction of 10 mm) that the yield of a suitable composite material using coke was 68.3% and with semi-coke 67.0%. The average nickel and chromium content in the composite materials was 1.42% and 3.07%, accordingly. As a result of determining the strength characteristics of the obtained composite materials with various reducing agents by dropping from a height of 2 m onto a steel pallet, it was found that the obtained composite materials have high mechanical properties in terms of strength of 81% and 89.2%. The results of the elemental composition at the studied points and the thermal analysis of the studied composite material are presented. The mineralogical composition of the composite material is presented in the form of serpentine and nontronite, and the empty rock is made of quartz and talc. The activation energy of thermal analysis by the method of non-isothermal kinetics were calculated. The results of experiments on the production of composite materials from nickel-containing raw materials will be recommended for obtaining the optimal composition of composite materials at the stage of pilot tests and industrial development of the developed technology for processing nickel ores of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For the processing of nickel-poor nickel ores, it is of great importance to obtain optimal technological and technical and economic indicators that ensure low cost of nickel in the resulting product.

AN ASSESSMENT OF STEMMING TECHNIQUES AND THE PERFORMANCE OF STEMMING PLUGS IN BENCH BLASTING OPERATIONS IN PAKISTAN

This research article presents a comparative analysis of stemming techniques and the performance of stemming plugs in bench blasting operations, based on a case study carried out in cement quarries of Pakistan. For Image analysis, the Wip-Frag software is utilized in order to demonstrates the benefits of stemming plugs over traditional methods. Real time images captured during blasting at various cement quarries reveal a substantial presence of boulders within the muck pile when using conventional stemming materials such as drill cuttings and clay. This typically requires additional time and costs for secondary drilling and blasting or hydraulic hammering. Blast tests results indicate that stemming plugs improved the throw and shape of the muck pile, and significantly decreased the boulders percentage. This study also compares the results of Wip-Frag software with sieve analysis of drill cuttings, indicating potential limitations in the software's reliability for particle size distribution. These results contribute to improve blasting operations and emphasize the importance of proper stemming techniques. improving blasting efficiency, the use of stemming plugs can potentially minimize the operational costs and improve overall performance.

An Image-based method for evaluating changes in particle size and morphology distributions of aggregate materials after vibratory compaction test

Particle breakage and abrasion of aggregate materials can be induced by field compaction during construction, which adversely affects their mechanical properties. However, current compaction quality control testing does not evaluate changes in particle size distribution and particle morphology of aggregate materials due to the lack of fast and inexpensive testing methods. In this study, a modified watershed-based segmentation image analysis method and computational geometry algorithms were used to quickly quantify changes in particle size and morphology distributions of a large amount of contacting aggregate particles. The accuracy and required minimum sample size of the image analysis method were statistically evaluated. Compared to the conventional ASTM C136 aggregate sieve analysis test, the image analysis method conducted on a 40% sample size of the conventional method yielded less than 6% difference between the results, which can meet the ASTM C136 test repeatability criteria. In addition, demonstration tests were conducted to incorporate the image analysis method into a laboratory vibratory compaction test for evaluating the overall particle size and morphology changes of an aggregate material after compaction. Results indicate that the initial gradation and water content of the aggregate material can influence the particle breakage and abrasion characteristics of aggregate materials under compaction.