Consolidation Time Research Articles

CONVERSION OSTEOSYNTHESIS TECHNIQUE FOR LIMB COMBAT INJURIES

To achieve optimal treatment outcomes in complex cases involving severe mine-explosive injuries, a staged approach has been developed worldwide. This approach involves external fixation for initial stabilization followed by definitive reconstruction using internal fixators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of conversion osteosynthesis in providing medical care to victims of modern warfare. The study analyzed 174 cases of long bone injuries sustained during the full-scale invasion of Russia between 2022 and 2024. The treatment outcomes in the main group demonstrated an increase in the average consolidation time, characteristic of closed fractures, but a lower incidence of nonunion and malunion with segmental deformities. The frequency of delayed fusion of fragments was 7.7% less compared to the victims of the control group. Fusion of bone fragments with deformation in patients of the main group was 8.6% of cases, and in the control group in 13.8% of cases. False bone joints in the victims of the main group developed 4.8% less often than in the wounded of the control group. Infectious complications occurred in 5.4% of patients in the main group, with superficial infections accounting for 80.0% of these cases. Deep infections with osteomyelitis were observed in one patient, representing 1.1% of the main group. The study confirmed the effectiveness of conversion osteosynthesis in treating combat-related limb injuries. Transitioning from external fixation to internal osteosynthesis significantly reduced inpatient treatment time for patients with long bone fractures and improved treatment outcomes. However, the specific indications, methods, and timing for implementing conversion osteosynthesis in such cases require further development.

Comparative analysis between plate and cannulated screw in fracture of the posterior malleolus: a retrospective observational cross-sectional study

Introduction: Ankle fractures account for approximately 4% of all fractures, with an annual incidence of 124 in 100,000 people in the United Kingdom. More than a third of these contain involvement of the posterior malleolus. Objective: It was to analyze and compare the anteroposterior screw (PAS) and posterior support plate (PSP) techniques in postoperative results and percentage of complications, comparing radiographic and functional results in the surgical treatment of the posterior malleolus. Methods: The present study followed a retrospective observational and cross-sectional model (STROBE). The Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Student-t test, Wilcoxon Rank test, Mann-Whitney test, Pearson Chi-Square test, and binary and predictive logistic regression analysis were used, adopting a confidence risk of 0.05. Results and Conclusion: A total of 18 patients were included (12 PAS and 6 PSP). For the PAS group, the mean time to fracture healing on radiography was 9.92 weeks, and for the PSP group, it was 11.83 weeks. Using predictive logistic regression analysis, PAS and PSP consolidation times showed a statistically significant difference in data distribution (with p=0.888>0.05), and Haraguchi's classifications for PAS and PSP did not show a statistically significant association, with p>0.05. The two techniques, anteroposterior screw fixation posterior support plate, have advantages and disadvantages inherent to the procedure, as well as the surgeon's aptitude for each technique can be a confusing factor for the study. Little discrepancy was observed in the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patients analyzed.

DETERMINING THE DISTANCE OF DIAPHYSAL FRACTURES OF LONG TUBULAR BONES BASED ON THE RADIOGRAPHY METHOD

Backgraund: the study of skeletal trauma is one of the main ones in the work of a forensic expert when conducting an examination of living persons. In the conditions of the non-obviousness of the crime committed against the health of the individual, the deliberate concealment by those involved in the case of the circumstances and date of injury, and the delayed request for medical help, determining the age of fractures presents certain difficulties. In such cases, an important source of information is the results of x-rays of the damaged bone. Aims: identification of radiological features of diaphyseal fractures of long tubular bones, characteristic of a certain stage of consolidation. Materials and methods: a retrospective study was conducted of 192 radiographs (primary and control, during follow-up) of 56 people (men and women) aged 20 to 80 years with fractures of long tubular bones in conditions of metal osteosynthesis and without it. The dynamics of changes in the X-ray picture of fractures at different stages of consolidation were consistently studied, the main morphological signs were described, their systemic analysis, comparison in groups and structuring were carried out. Results: clear time periods of consolidation have been determined, basic reference signs have been established that allow tracking the dynamics of healing; a consistent change in the morphology of the fracture during healing was established; there is no significant difference in the dynamics of consolidation by gender; the MOS operation did not play a significant role in the speed of consolidation. Conclusions: the X-ray picture of a diaphyseal fracture of a long tubular bone has its own morphological features depending on the duration of the injury. Keywords: duration of fractures of tubular bones, timing of consolidation of diaphyseal fractures, radiological morphological features of fractures.

A simplified interpolation algorithm for the numerical simulation of the consolidation in composite foundation containing group of stone columns

Based on Biot consolidation theory, a simplified interpolation algorithm under the finite element method and a corresponding modeling method for group of stone columns are proposed to solve the consolidation simulation problem of composite foundation containing group of stone columns. The correctness of the modeling method and computational program is confirmed by comparing the results from the unit cell model with those from axisymmetric model and analytical solution. Subsequently, the composite foundation model is used to verify the accuracy of this method in calculating the settlement change and consolidation time under load for composite foundation containing group of stone columns. Compared to detailed modeling, this method gets satisfactory results with simpler modeling and less computation time. In comparison to homogenization method, this method offers better computational accuracy and enables the stress analysis of stone column. Additionally, discussions on mesh sensitivity, number of stone columns and the influence of the upper structure provide guidelines for the application of this method in practical engineering projects.

Recurrence and influencing factors of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance induced by peginterferon alpha-based regimens.

The long-term stability of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance following peginterferon alpha (peg-IFN-α)-based therapy has not been extensively studied, leaving the full potential and limitations of this strategy unclear. To assess HBsAg recurrence after seroclearance achieved by peg-IFN-α regimens. This prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted from November 2015 to June 2021 at three Chinese hospitals: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ankang Central Hospital, and The Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University. Participants who achieved HBsAg seroclearance following peg-IFN-α-based treatments were monitored every 4-12 weeks post-treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers, HBV DNA, and liver function. The primary outcome was HBV recurrence, defined as the reemergence of HBsAg, HBV DNA, or both, at least twice within 4-8 weeks of follow-up. In total, 121 patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance were enrolled. After a median follow-up of 84.0 (48.0, 132.0) weeks, four subjects were lost to follow-up. HBsAg recurrence was detected in 16 patients. The cumulative HBsAg recurrence rate in the intention-to-treat population was 15.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that consolidation time < 12 weeks [odds ratio (OR) = 28.044, 95%CI: 4.525-173.791] and hepatitis B surface antibody disappearance during follow-up (OR = 46.445, 95%CI: 2.571-838.957) were strong predictors of HBsAg recurrence. HBV DNA positivity and decompensation of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were not observed. HBsAg seroclearance following peg-IFN-α treatment was durable over 84 weeks of follow-up with a cumulative recurrence rate of 15.2%.

Differences in Outcomes Based on the Degree to Which Bone Defects Are Filled with Cancellous Allochip Bone Grafts in Hand Enchondroma Patients.

Enchondroma, the most common benign cartilage tumor in the hand, often presents as pain, swelling, or pathological fractures. While curettage is the standard treatment preventing fractures, the optimal way of managing the bone cavity remains debated. In this study, we investigated the impact of a filled bone defect on radiologic and clinical outcomes among patients with enchondroma. We retrospectively reviewed patients with solitary enchondroma of the hand who underwent curettage followed by allogeneic cancellous bone chip impaction grafting. The patients were divided into two groups based on the extent to which their bone defects were filled post-curettage: Group 1 (complete filling) and Group 2 (incomplete filling, i.e., <50%). We reviewed demographic data, local recurrence data, complications, information on consolidation duration, data on range of motion (ROM), and functional scores. This study included 59 patients (25 males and 34 females; mean age, 30.4 ± 11.9 years, with a range of 8-78). Group 1 contained 35 patients, and Group 2 contained 24. No nonunion occurred following curettage and grafting. The mean radiological consolidation period was 6.4 weeks (range: 5-18). There was no significant difference in consolidation time between Group 1 (6.8 weeks) and Group 2 (6.9 weeks) (p = 0.166). The ROM and functional scores also showed no significant differences between the groups, with musculoskeletal society scores of 98.8 for Group 1 and 99.8 for Group 2 (p = 0.63). This study demonstrates that the use of the impaction technique combined with cancellous allochip bone grafting yields favorable results in the treatment of solitary hand enchondroma. The extent to which the bone defect was filled did not significantly impact the overall outcomes.

Sleep is necessary for experience-dependent sequence plasticity in mouse primary visual cortex.

Repeated exposure to familiar visual sequences drives experience-dependent and sequence-specific plasticity in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). Prior work demonstrated a critical role for sleep in consolidating a related but mechanistically distinct form of experience-dependent plasticity in V1. Here, we assessed the role of sleep in consolidation of spatiotemporal sequence learning (sequence plasticity) in mouse V1. Visually evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded in awake, head-fixed mice viewing sequences of four visual stimuli. Each sequence was presented 200 times per session, across multiple sessions, to drive plasticity. The effects of sleep consolidation time and sleep deprivation on plasticity were assessed. Sequence plasticity occurred in V1 following as little as one hour of ad libitum sleep and increased with longer periods of sleep. Sleep deprivation blocked sequence plasticity consolidation, which recovered following subsequent sleep. Sleep is required for the consolidation of sequence plasticity in mouse V1.

[Translated article] Surgical treatment of ipsilateral bifocal tibial fractures: A challenge for the surgeon

IntroductionThe association of ipsilateral tibia fractures has a low incidence, being up to 3.2% of total tibia fractures. Currently there is no gold standard regarding the ideal surgical treatment.The objective of this study is to analyze the surgical treatment and the radiographic and functional results, as well as the associated complication rate of ipsilateral bifocal tibia fractures. Material and methodsRetrospective observational study in our hospital from 2010 to 2022 of 24 patients who underwent bifocal fracture of the ipsilateral tibia. Demographic and surgical data and complications during follow-up were included. ResultsThe 24 patients were classified into Group 1 when they presented a fracture of the plateau and distal tibia (25%), Group 2 with a fracture of the plateau and diaphysis (33%) and Group 3 with a fracture of the diaphysis and distal tibia (42%). Three patients underwent surgery with 1 implant and 21 patients with 2 implants. The average follow-up time in outpatient clinics was 2 and a half years. At one year, 22 patients (92%) had full weight bearing and 2 patients had partial weight bearing (8%) due to the sequelae of the fractures. The average time for consolidation of the diaphysis was 7.75±2 months, with no significant differences observed between Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.06). The average time for consolidation of the metaphysis was 3.50±1.5 months, with no significant differences observed between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.065). Seven patients (30%) had complications during follow-up. ConclusionsBifocal tibia fractures can be treated using a combination of intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis with good long-term results, obtaining an optimal union rate and low complications. In addition, it facilitates the reduction of the fracture, thus facilitating the patient's recovery and obtaining good long-term functional results.

Effective Compression and a Minimally Invasive Rail Plate to Optimize Bone Transport in Distraction Osteogenesis: New Concepts.

Bone transport in distraction osteogenesis is an effective, well-known procedure. However, bone compression is an aspect of this technique for which there is no objective information. The lack of direct bone compression measurements may result in a lack of uniformity in the bone transport process, which can result in its ineffective application and may be contributing to its underutilization. This study describes the results of applying objectively measured compressions to achieve a distraction regeneration zone and docking site consolidation during bone transport in distraction osteogenesis. This prospective study describes the results of a single cohort of 32 patients who underwent distraction osteogenesis with bone transport utilizing a combination of a minimally invasive rail plate and monolateral external fixation. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: (1) those with hypertrophic, atrophic, or infectious pseudarthrosis-nonunion (the pseudarthrosis-nonunion group), and (2) those with bone loss due to trauma or osteomyelitis (the bone loss group). The initial bone compression was measured during the latency phase, and the final compression was measured during the distraction phase. The healing index, external fixation index, healing time, consolidation time, and docking time were calculated for each patient. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons between and within groups. In this study, 28 (88%) of the patients were male. The mean patient age was 44.93 ± 16.21 years. The median values were 3.2 Nm for the initial compression and 3.4 Nm for the final compression, with no significant difference between or within groups of patients. The osseous results were excellent in 29 patients (91%), and the functional results were good or excellent in 31 patients (97%). This study is the first to objectively measure compression in the bone transport process. Our findings showed that all patients who had an initial compression of ≥3.2 Nm achieved 100% consolidation of the distraction regeneration zone, and those who had a final compression of ≥2.9 Nm achieved complete docking site consolidation without complications. These 2 values thus represent effective compression and highlight the role of bone compression in bone transport. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Proposals and Criteria for the Evaluation of Effectiveness in Plate Osteosynthesis in Patients with Tibia Fractures

Tibial fractures are among the most common of long bones; there is no consensus on what is the most appropriate surgical technique for their treatment; sheet osteosynthesis may be an option. The purpose of this work is to introduce criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of sheet osteosynthesis. Theoretical and empirical scientific research methods are used, these allow us to analyze the proposals and evaluate them for a better understanding of how to evaluate and with what criteria the comparison between the proposals for comparison between standard osteosynthesis surgical techniques and modified MIPO. The 50 professionals who provide their cooperation respond that complications are a very viable option to evaluate the techniques. Regarding consolidation time, it also has high priority as a variable for comparison between techniques. 70% of the professionals interviewed consider that the 7% decrease in total complications between one technique and another is a value to be taken into account when comparing them. Regarding the decrease in consolidation time, all of them deliberate that it can be considered a variable of response, but 66% consider the variation of three or more weeks relevant. It is concluded that the proposals for effectiveness evaluation variables and the criteria used can be generalized to other works.

Influence of presentation duration on filtering of irrelevant stimuli in visual working memory

In environments teeming with distractions, the ability to selectively focus on relevant information is crucial for advanced cognitive processing. Existing research using event-related potential (ERP) technology has shown active suppression of irrelevant stimuli during the consolidation phase of visual working memory (VWM). In previous studies, participants have always been given sufficient time to consolidate VWM, while suppressing distracting information. However, it remains unclear whether the suppression of irrelevant distractors requires continuous effort throughout their presence or whether this suppression is only necessary after the consolidation of task-relevant information. To address this question, our study examines whether distractor suppression is necessary in scenarios where consolidation time is limited. This research investigates the effect of varying presentation durations on the filtering of distractors in VWM. We tasked participants with memorizing two color stimuli and ignoring four distractors, presented for either 50 ms or 200 ms. Using ERP technology, we discovered that the distractor-induced distractor positivity (PD) amplitude is larger during longer presentation durations compared to shorter ones. These findings underscore the significant impact of presentation duration on the efficacy of distractor suppression in VWM, as prolonged exposure results in a stronger suppression effect on distractors. This study sheds light on the temporal dynamics of attention and memory, emphasizing the critical role of stimulus timing in cognitive tasks. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying VWM and have significant implications for models of attention and memory.

Focused High-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Bone healing Disorders of the Forearm and the Hand

ESWT is a non-surgical treatment option but can also be used in addition to surgical treatment (stabilisation, freshening, defect filling, removal of discomforting osteosynthesis material) for the treatment of delayed bone healing (DBH) and non-union (NU). Its value as well as influencing factors on the upper extremity have not been adequately quantified so far. Sixty cases were retrospectively studied after application of focused high-energy ESWT with regard to healing rate and consolidation time. The influence of age, location, time of treatment and treatment prior to and concurrent with ESWT were analysed. In 70% of the cases, healing occurred after a median of 2.4 months (DBH) and 2.8 months (NU). The median age of healed (DBH 44 y., non-union 35 y.) and non-healed (DBH 51 y., NU 37 y.) did not differ significantly. The time between trauma/surgery and ESWT was 4.2 months for DBH in healed and 3.7 months in non-healed without a significant difference, and 27 months for NU in both healed and non-healed. Age and smoking status also had no influence. The healing rate was highest at metacarpal bone/finger/thumb (91%), followed by forearm shaft (88%), epiphysis/metaphysis of the forearm (67%), and, lastly, carpal bones (59%). After conservative pre-treatment, 55% healed, compared with 67% after more than two previous surgeries, 73% without any pre-treatment, and 75% after one previous surgery. Further analysis of surgical pre-treatment showed 85% healing after ORIF alone, 64% without previous surgery, and 57% healing after ORIF with bone grafting/debridement. Intraoperative ESWT combined with bone debridement/transplantation and ORIF resulted in 67% healing, compared with 86% in combination with ORIF alone. ESWT alone or with only minimal measures (removal of osteosynthesis material) led to 70% consolidation. ESWT is equally effective at any stage of a bone healing disorder. The principles of stability and filling of bone defects must also be taken into account when using ESWT; then ESWT alone or combined with surgery is equally effective. The negative influence of bone defects/resorption is still detectable even with ESWT. Furthermore, treatment of the scaphoid is more problematic compared with other locations. Previous surgery is not a negative factor, even with osteosynthesis material in situ.

Comparative clinical and radiographic results of three fixation systems for transverse subcapital osteotomy in treating hallux valgus

Objective: Compare three fixation models for Bosch osteotomy both clinically and radiographically.Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients surgically treated for hallux valgus using Bosch osteotomywith three different fixation systems. The first group was treated with a temporary pin for three weeks; the second, received thesame pin plus a screw; and the third, used two screws without a pin. Radiographic analysis included the intermetatarsal angle,metatarsophalangeal angle, percentage of lateral shifting of the metatarsal head, dorsal or plantar migration of the metatarsal head,and consolidation time. Clinical evaluation was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.Complications during follow-up were recorded.Results: Twenty hallux valgus were included in each group. No significant differences were found in radiographic evaluations amonggroups in the preoperative and final follow-up, except that the third group showed less loss of correction. There were no significantdifferences in consolidation times. Clinical improvements were observed in all three fixation systems, with no significant differencesamong them according to the AOFAS scale.Conclusion: No significant clinical or radiographic differences were observed among the three fixation systems, except that the groupusing two screws showed less loss of correction. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic studies; Case series.

Calculation of creep deformation of stiffness-degraded RC beams after strengthening with increased cross-section

The strengthening of existing reinforced concrete beams (RCBs) has mainly focused on short-term mechanical properties such as flexural resistance and shear resistance, while long-term deflection of RCBs has seldom been studied. In this study, six RCBs with different types and degrees of damage were designed and strengthened by the section enlargement method. Mid-span deflection and concrete strain were used to evaluate the influence of stiffness degradation due to fatigue or corrosion damage on the creep behavior of strengthened RCBs (SRCBs). The experiment results revealed that time-varying curves of creep deformation from fatigue or from corrosion-damaged SRCBs were consistent among the six specimens. Creep in a damaged SRCB was found to increase faster than that in an undamaged beam, and to reach over 90 % of final creep in about six months. Based on the mean curvature method and creep models, taking fatigue and corrosion damage as examples of stiffness degradation, a calculation method for creep deformation of SRCBs was established, and sensitivity analysis of stress levels, reinforcement height, consolidation time, and other parameters were carried out. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and guidance for evaluating creep deformation of stiffness-degraded RCBs after reinforcement with increased cross-section.

Strength behaviour of stacked phosphogypsum incorporating dissolution–recrystallisation equilibrium

Large phosphogypsum (PG) stacks risk dam failure, with an insufficient consensus on the shear strength parameters for stability analysis. To this end, a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and triaxial tests was undertaken to investigate the underlying mechanism between crystal structure and shear strength of in situ and remoulded PG samples. The shear strength and deformation of PG were significantly affected by dissolution and recrystallisation. Dissolution weakened the cementation between particles, leading to a stabilisation of approximate 11 kPa under different confining pressures in the initial shear stage. The hardening phenomenon was related to the formation of cluster crystals under saturated conditions. An increase from 1.57 to 1.73 in the critical state stress ratio on remoulded samples occurred as the K0 consolidation time increased from 4 to 28 days. The compressive deformation of PG is accompanied by chemical consolidation, which is mainly impacted by the consolidation conditions (saturation) rather than the consolidation time. In the engineering design of the PG stacks, φ’ could be taken to a higher value at saturation and c’ could be higher when the dry density is higher than 1.2.

Optimización de la gestión de órdenes de preparados magistrales en hospitales aplicando tecnologías de información

Medications are a fundamental part of patient care at all stages of their treatment. Magisterial preparations, which are a pharmaceutical product to meet a patient's medical prescription, require adequate management to provide individual safety, which makes it necessary to guarantee that the records corresponding to the production process are reliable and allow their traceability in the attention. The application of information technologies has shown a reduction in medication errors and adverse drug reactions, an impact that has also been documented in electronic prescription. In this study, the steps for the development and implementation of a technological tool through the application of elements of the SCRUM methodology, which allowed optimizing the process of managing medical orders for master mixtures, in a highly complex hospital. reducing times and reducing the risk of errors in the process. The number of orders received that required transcription decreased by 55%, from 2,219 to 999. The batch record consolidation time went from 6 hours to one.

Maintaining Sustainable Public Finances: The Role of Fiscal Consolidation

Fiscal consolidation became a very essential process in policymakers’ circles and also in academia, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis and it seems that the necessity of fiscal consolidation is back with the post-COVID situation and also with the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. In literature, fiscal consolidation processes most of the time deal with the main aim to reduce public debt, but do we need fiscal consolidation just in times when the situation with public debt tends to get out of control? Fiscal consolidation can be justified not only in high-level debt situations when there is not enough fiscal space. Some countries, although they have moderate public debt levels, still need to implement fiscal consolidation to reform, structure, and sustain public finances. Such conditions are present in Kosovo, a country in the Western Balkans 6 and this study aims to present the role of the fiscal consolidation process for the sustainability of public finances from the perspective of Kosovo. Using the VAR model and impulse response functions, this study, through analysis at disaggregated levels for major groups of revenues and expenses, will propose an accurate fiscal consolidation process for Kosovo. The study concludes that in the case of Kosovo, in time of fiscal consolidation there is room for interventions in direct taxes, indirect taxes, and transfers &amp; subventions expenses.

Experimental Study on the Shear Strength of Different Interfaces of Fine-Grained-Tailing-Filled Geotextile Tubes

As damming material, fine-grained tailings present challenges such as low dam strength and poor stability. To address these issues, this study employs geotextile tube technology to mix water with fine-grained tailings, forming a tailing slurry with a concentration of 60%, which is filled into a geotextile bag to form a geotextile tube, so as to improve the stability of fine-grained tailings. The shear strength characteristics of each interface under different consolidation times and different filling degrees were studied via an indoor shear experiment, including the shear strength of tailing particles, that between tailings and geotextiles, and that within geotextile tubes themselves. The results show that the shear strength of each interface conforms to the Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion, and that the interface cohesion is greatly affected by the consolidation time, while the interface friction angle is mainly affected by the filling degree. Moreover, the shear strength comparison, based on the comprehensive friction angle concept, indicates a substantial increase in shear strength at the interfaces between geotextile tubes compared to both that of the tailings themselves and the interface between tailings and geotextiles, highlighting the reinforcing effect of the geotextile tube filling technology on tailings’ shear strength.

An Experimental Study Focusing on the Filling Process and Consolidation Characteristics of Geotextile Tubes Filled with Fine-Grained Tungsten Tailings

With advancements in mineral processing technology, the disposal of fine-grained tailings has increasingly become a significant challenge. The geotextile tube method, characterized by its use of a permeable fabric and its cost-effectiveness, has gradually been applied in dam construction and other engineering projects involving tailings. This method offers a novel approach to addressing the storage issues of fine-grained tailings and promotes sustainable utilization. In this paper, the fine tailings that remained after the cyclone classification of Ganzhou tungsten ore were taken as the research object. Specifically, this research endeavored to evaluate the effects of various filling heights and concentrations on the geotextile tube-filling and consolidation process. The results revealed that the filling concentration had a significant impact on the filling benefit of the geotextile tubes, while the filling height had a minimal effect. During the consolidation drainage stage, the dry density, internal friction angle, cohesion, and compression modulus of the tailings in the bags increased with an increasing consolidation time and filling concentration. However, the physical and mechanical properties of the tailings in the geotextile tubes decreased with an increased filling height. Ultimately, this research developed a hyperbolic equation that makes it possible to forecast the ultimate settlement value at various filling heights and concentrations, better representing how the settlement of geotextile tubes changes over the consolidation time.

Experimental and numerical modeling on vacuum consolidation behavior of staged-filled soil slurry with prefabricated horizontal drain and flocculant

The vacuum-assisted prefabricated horizontal drain offers a promising method for strengthening soil slurry, allowing simultaneous filling and vacuum-dewatering via staged construction. However, there is limited research on the unique characteristics of staged filling. This study aims to investigate the vacuum consolidation process of staged-filled soil slurry through laboratory model tests and numerical simulations, also assessing the impact of anionic polyacrylamide. Comparative analyses are conducted between vacuum consolidation with and without anionic polyacrylamide, as well as self-weight consolidation without anionic polyacrylamide. Results reveal contour lines of excess pore pressure, water content, and soil strength forming an ellipse around the prefabricated horizontal drain board. During the consolidation process, a higher degree of consolidation, lower water content, and higher soil strength were observed closer to the prefabricated horizontal drain board. After treatment, the uppermost filling layer exhibits an average water content that was approximately 40% higher than the lower filling layer, and its average strength was about 60% lower. This discrepancy is primarily due to the absence of sealing on the top surface and the relatively short vacuum consolidation time caused by staged filling. The introduction of anionic polyacrylamide-induced flocculation significantly improves the initial consolidation rate but minimally affects the dewatering capacity of vacuum preloading. Using flocculant can enhance both the staged filling rate and soil strength (by 1–2 times). Additionally, employing a staggered arrangement between different prefabricated horizontal drain layers is advisable to prevent top-down penetration in areas with low soil strength.