Predicting uniaxial compressive strength of tuff after accelerated freeze-thaw testing: Comparative analysis of regression models and artificial neural networks

Ignimbrites have been widely used as building materials in many historical and touristic structures in the Kayseri region of Türkiye. Their diverse colours and textures make them a popular choice for modern construction as well. However, ignimbrites are particularly vulnerable to atmospheric conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles, due to their high porosity, which is a result of their formation process. When water enters the pores of the ignimbrites, it can freeze during cold weather. As the water freezes and expands, it generates internal stress within the stone, causing micro-cracks to develop. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles lead to the growth of these micro-cracks into larger cracks, compromising the structural integrity of the ignimbrites and eventually making them unsuitable for use as building materials. The determination of the long-term F-T performance of ignimbrites can be established after long F-T experimental processes. Determining the long-term F-T performance of ignimbrites typically requires extensive experimental testing over prolonged freeze-thaw cycles. To streamline this process, developing accurate predictive equations becomes crucial. In this study, such equations were formulated using classical regression analyses and artificial neural networks (ANN) based on data obtained from these experiments, allowing for the prediction of the F-T performance of ignimbrites and other similar building stones without the need for lengthy testing. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength, ultrasonic propagation velocity, apparent porosity and mass loss of ignimbrites after long-term F-T were determined. Following the F-T cycles, the disintegration rate was evaluated using decay function approaches, while uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values were predicted with minimal input parameters through both regression and ANN analyses. The ANN and regression models created for this purpose were first started with a single input value and then developed with two and three combinations. The predictive performance of the models was assessed by comparing them to regression models using the coefficient of determination (R2) as the evaluation criterion. As a result of the study, higher R2 values (0.87) were obtained in models built with artificial neural network. The results of the study indicate that ANN usage can produce results close to experimental outcomes in predicting the long-term F-T performance of ignimbrite samples.

Life-Cycle Bearing Capacity for Pre-Stressed T-beams Based on Full-Scale Destructive Test

To investigate the evolution of load-bearing characteristics of pre-stressed beams throughout their service life and to provide a basis for accurately assessing the actual working state of damaged pre-stressed concrete T-beams,destructive tests were conducted on full-scale pre-stressed concrete beams.Based on the measurement and ana-lysis of beam deflection,strain,and crack development under various loading levels during the research tests,combined with the verification coefficient indicators specified in the codes,the verification coefficients of bridges at different stages of damage can be examined.The results indicate that the T-beams experience complete,incom-plete linear,and non-linear stages during the destructive test process.In the complete linear elastic stage,both the deflection and bottom strain verification coefficients comply with the specifications,indicating a good structural load-bearing capacity no longer adheres to the code’s requirements.In the non-linear stage,both coefficients exhi-bit a sharp increase,resulting in a further decrease in the structure’s load-bearing capacity.According to the pro-visions of the current code,the beam can be in the incomplete linear stage when both values fall within the code’s specified range.The strain verification coefficient sourced from the compression zone at the bottom of theflange is not recommended for assessing the bridge’s load-bearing capacity.

A new tube chamber system for evaluation of anterior chamber pressure during phacoemulsification tested in porcine eyes

AIM:To measure the optimal anterior chamber pressure(ACP)for safe phacoemulsification using a new tube chamber system with internal pressure measurement function in the porcine eye.METHODS:The 20-gauge and 21-gauge straight tips with yellow and orange sleeves,respectively,were covered by a test chamber combined with a pressure sensor for measuring ACP.This was measured for 20s from 10s after starting aspiration in the linear mode using vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,and 300 and 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip.Using a porcine eye,a pressure sensor fixed with a 0.9 mm corneal incision measured ACP.For the posterior capsule contact assay,porcine eyes were treated as described above,and the ultrasonic needle tip was held at the height of the iris and aspirated for 30s in linear mode at a vacuum of 200 and 150 mm Hg for the 20-gauge tip,and 300 and 250 mm Hg for the 21-gauge tip.The bottle height at which the posterior capsule accidentally contacted the ultrasonic tip was recorded,and the estimated ACP was calculated.RESULTS:The internal pressure of the new tube chamber system and ACP from the porcine eye closely matched proportional changes at vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with 20-gauge tips.Similarly,proportional changes at vacuum levels of 300 and 250 mm Hg with the 21-gauge tip were nearly equal.The bottle height at which the posterior capsule contacted with the tip and estimated ACP were 57.5±12.6 cm(20.2±7.9 mm Hg)at 200 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,35.0±10.0 cm(16.6±6.3 mm Hg)at 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip,47.5±12.6 cm(18.7±8.7 mm Hg)at 300 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip,and 32.5±5.0 cm(15.7±3.5 mm Hg)at 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip.CONCLUSION:A comprehensive understanding of this chamber system’s characteristics and usage can resolve anterior chamber instability caused by changing preoperative settings on the phaco machine.

Large-scale shaking table test on unlined tunnel in fault zone under threedimensional earthquake

A fault is a geological structure characterized by significant displacement of rock masses along a fault plane within the Earth's crust.The Yunnan Tabaiyi Tunnel intersects multiple fault zones,making tunnel construction in fault-prone areas particularly vulnerable to the effects of fault activity due to the complexities of the surrounding geological environment.To investigate the dynamic response characteristics of tunnel structures under varying surrounding rock conditions,a three-dimensional large-scale shaking table physical model test was conducted.This study also aimed to explore the damage mechanisms associated with the Tabaiyi Tunnel under seismic loading.The results demonstrate that poor quality surrounding rock enhances the seismic response of the tunnel.This effect is primarily attributed to the distribution characteristics of acceleration,dynamic strain,and dynamic soil pressure.A comparison between unidirectional and multi-directional(including vertical)seismic motions reveals that vertical seismic motion has a more significant impact on specific tunnel locations.Specifically,the maximum tensile stress is observed at the arch shoulder,with values ranging from 60 to 100 k Pa.Moreover,NPR(Non-Prestressed Reinforced)anchor cables exhibit a substantial constant resistance effect under low-amplitude seismic waves.However,when the input earthquake amplitude reaches 0.8g,local sliding occurs at the arch shoulder region of the NPR anchor cable.These findings underscore the importance of focusing on seismic mitigation measures in fault zones and reinforcing critical areas,such as the arch shoulders,in practical engineering applications.

Model tests and numerical analysis of emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide with quick-setting polyurethane

Shotcrete is one of the common solutions for shallow sliding.It works by forming a protective layer with high strength and cementing the loose soil particles on the slope surface to prevent shallow sliding.However,the solidification time of conventional cement paste is long when shotcrete is used to treat cohesionless soil landslide.The idea of reinforcing slope with polyurethane solidified soil(i.e.,mixture of polyurethane and sand)was proposed.Model tests and finite element analysis were carried out to study the effectiveness of the proposed new method on the emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide.Surcharge loading on the crest of the slope was applied step by step until landslide was triggered so as to test and compare the stability and bearing capacity of slope models with different conditions.The simulated slope displacements were relatively close to the measured results,and the simulated slope deformation characteristics were in good agreement with the observed phenomena,which verifies the accuracy of the numerical method.Under the condition of surcharge loading on the crest of the slope,the unreinforced slope slid when the surcharge loading exceeded 30 k Pa,which presented a failure mode of local instability and collapse at the shallow layer of slope top.The reinforced slope remained stable even when the surcharge loading reached 48 k Pa.The displacement of the reinforced slope was reduced by more than 95%.Overall,this study verifies the effectiveness of polyurethane in the emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide and should have broad application prospects in the field of geological disasters concerning the safety of people's live.

AquiferTest软件在抽水试验中的应用

通过现场原位抽水试验确定的水文地质参数的精度和准确性会直接影响基坑降水工程的准确性和可靠性。结合在某场地进行的潜水非稳定流抽水试验,在数据处理过程中,传统人工配线法效率、精度低,运用AquiferTest软件计算了潜水含水层渗透系数,采用Neuman法、Boulton法、仿泰斯公式法计算,提高计算结果精度,并对计算结果进行分析优化得到最终结果,符合实际水文地质条件。

昆明烟区土壤线虫数量与环境因子的Mantel Test分析

为进一步明确昆明烟区影响线虫的环境因素,于2022年采集云南昆明烟区8个县(市、区)64个乡镇的320个植烟土壤样品,调查与测定样品采集地的海拔、土壤线虫数量以及土壤理化性质(pH值及有机质、水解性氮、速效钾和有效磷含量),并探讨土壤线虫数量与植烟土壤环境因子之间的潜在关系。结果表明,昆明烟区土壤线虫数量一定程度上受到海拔及土壤理化性质的影响,海拔与有机质、水解性氮和速效钾呈显著正相关,pH值与有效磷呈极显著负相关,相关系数为-0.850;土壤线虫数量与土壤有效磷呈正相关,与海拔、pH值、有机质、水解性氮、速效钾呈负相关,其中与海拔、有机质和水解性氮的相关系数较大,分别为-0.751、-0.651和-0.568。通过Mantel test分析确定海拔、有机质和水解性氮含量是影响昆明烟区土壤线虫数量的重要因子。本结果可为有效防治土壤线虫提供科学依据。

Frost deformation and microstructure evolution of porous rock under uniform and unidirectional freeze-thaw conditions

The frost deterioration and deformation of porous rock are commonly investigated under uniform freeze-thaw(FT)conditions.However,the unidirectional FT condition,which is also prevalent in engineering practice,has received limited attention.Therefore,a comparative study on frost deformation and microstructure evolution of porous rock under both uniform and unidirectional FT conditions was performed.Firstly,frost deformation experiments of rock were conducted under cyclic uniform and unidirectional FT action,respectively.Results illustrate that frost deformation of saturated rock exhibits isotropic characteristics under uniform FT cycles,while it shows anisotropic characteristics under unidirectional FT condition with both the frost heaving strain and residual strain along FT direction much higher than those perpendicular to FT direction.Moreover,the peak value and residual value of cumulative frost strain vary as logarithmic functions with cycle number under both uniform and unidirectional FT conditions.Subsequently,the microstructure evolution of rock suffered cyclic uniform and unidirectional FT action were measured.Under uniform FT cycles,newly generated pores uniformly distribute in rock and pore structure of rock remains isotropic in micro scale,and thus the frost deformation shows isotropic characteristics in macro scale.Under unidirectional FT cycles,micro-cracks or pore belts generate with their orientation nearly perpendicular to the FT direction,and rock structure gradually becomes anisotropic in micro scale,resulting in the anisotropic characteristics of frost deformation in macro scale.

Effect of sodium starch octenyl succinate-based Pickering emulsion on the physicochemical properties of hairtail myofibrillar protein gel subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles

A Pickering emulsion based on sodium starch octenyl succinate(SSOS)was prepared and its effects on the physicochemical properties of hairtail myofibrillar protein gels(MPGs)subjected to multiple freeze-thaw(F-T)cycles were investigated.The whiteness,water-holding capacity,storage modulus(G')and texture properties of the MPGs were significantly improved by adding 1%-2%Pickering emulsion(P<0.05).Meanwhile,Raman spectral analysis demonstrated that Pickering emulsion promoted the transformation of secondary structure,enhanced hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions,and promoted the transition of disulfide bond conformation from g-g-g to g-g-t and t-g-t.At an emulsion concentration of 2%,theα-helix content decreased by 10.37%,while theβ-sheet content increased by 7.94%,compared to the control.After F-T cycles,the structure of the MPGs was destroyed,with an increase in hardness and a decrease in whiteness and water-holding capacity,however,the quality degradation of MPGs was reduced with 1%-2%Pickering emulsion.These findings demonstrated that SSOS-Pickering emulsions,as potential fat substitutes,can enhance the gel properties and the F-T stability of MPGs.

Failure characterization of fully grouted rock bolts under triaxial testing

Confining stresses serve as a pivotal determinant in shaping the behavior of grouted rock bolts.Nonetheless,prior investigations have oversimplified the three-dimensional stress state,primarily assuming hydrostatic stress conditions.Under these conditions,it is assumed that the intermediate principal stress(σ_(2))equals the minimum principal stress(σ_(3)).This assumption overlooks the potential variations in magnitudes of in situ stress conditions along all three directions near an underground opening where a rock bolt is installed.In this study,a series of push tests was meticulously conducted under triaxial conditions.These tests involved applying non-uniform confining stresses(σ_(2)≠σ_(3))to cubic specimens,aiming to unveil the previously overlooked influence of intermediate principal stresses on the strength properties of rock bolts.The results show that as the confining stresses increase from zero to higher levels,the pre-failure behavior changes from linear to nonlinear forms,resulting in an increase in initial stiffness from 2.08 kN/mm to 32.51 kN/mm.The load-displacement curves further illuminate distinct post-failure behavior at elevated levels of confining stresses,characterized by enhanced stiffness.Notably,the peak load capacity ranged from 27.9 kN to 46.5 kN as confining stresses advanced from σ_(2)=σ_(3)=0 to σ_(2)=20 MPa and σ_(3)=10 MPa.Additionally,the outcomes highlight an influence of confining stress on the lateral deformation of samples.Lower levels of confinement prompt overall dilation in lateral deformation,while higher confinements maintain a state of shrinkage.Furthermore,diverse failure modes have been identified,intricately tied to the arrangement of confining stresses.Lower confinements tend to induce a splitting mode of failure,whereas higher loads bring about a shift towards a pure interfacial shear-off and shear-crushed failure mechanism.

Unbound^(28)O,the heaviest oxygen isotope observed:a cutting-edge probe for testing nuclear models

The beyond-dripline oxygen isotopes^(27,28)O were recently observed at RIKEN,and were found to be unbound decaying into^(24)O by emitting neutrons.The unbound feature of the heaviest oxygen isotope,^(28)O,provides an excellent test for stateof-the-art nuclear models.The atomic nucleus is a self-organized quantum manybody system comprising specific numbers of protons Z and neutrons N.

Electrochemical biosensors for point-of-care testing

Point-of-care testing(POCT)is the practice of diagnosing and monitoring diseases where the patient is located,as opposed to traditional treatment conducted solely in a medical laboratory or other clinical setting.POCT has been less common in the recent past due to a lack of portable medical devices capable of facilitating effective medical testing.However,recent growth has occurred in this field due to advances in diagnostic technologies,device miniaturization,and progress in wearable electronics.Among these developments,electrochemical sensors have attracted interest in the POCT field due to their high sensitivity,compact size,and affordability.They are used in various applications,from disease diagnosis to health status monitoring.In this paper we explore recent advancements in electrochemical sensors,the methods of fabricating them,and the various types of sensing mechanisms that can be used.Furthermore,we delve into methods for immobilizing specific biorecognition elements,including enzymes,antibodies,and aptamers,onto electrode surfaces and how these sensors are used in real-world POCT settings.

Aquifer Test求群孔抽水试验水文地质参数

在水文地质条件复杂的地区,往往采用大型的群孔抽水试验充分揭露含水层特征,获取水文地质参数。用Aquifer Test软件求解水文地质参数,则方便实用、简捷高效,可快速输出拟合图形和求参结果。Aquifer Test提供了丰富的求参方案,求参必须结合当地当时的水文地质条件实际情况考虑,选择适合的方案和时空数据求取水文地质参数。

Micromechanical testing and property upscaling of planetary rocks:A critical review

Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of planetary rocks is indispensable for space explorations.The scarcity of pristine samples and the irregular shapes of planetary meteorites make it difficult to obtain representative samples for conventional macroscale rock mechanics experiments(macro-RMEs).This critical review discusses recent advances in microscale RMEs(micro-RMEs)techniques and the upscaling methods for extracting mechanical parameters.Methods of mineralogical and microstructural analyses,along with non-destructive mechanical techniques,have provided new opportunities for studying planetary rocks with unprecedented precision and capabilities.First,we summarize several mainstream methods for obtaining the mineralogy and microstructure of planetary rocks.Then,nondestructive micromechanical testing methods,nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy(AFM),are detailed reviewed,illustrating the principles,advantages,influencing factors,and available testing results from literature.Subsequently,several feasible upscaling methods that bridge the micro-measurements of meteorite pieces to the strength of the intact body are introduced.Finally,the potential applications of planetary rock mechanics research to guiding the design and execution of space missions are environed,ranging from sample return missions and planetary defense to extraterrestrial construction.These discussions are expected to broaden the understanding of the microscale mechanical properties of planetary rocks and their significant role in deep space exploration.

Seismic performance evaluation of water supply pipes installed in a full-scale RC frame structure based on a shaking table test

As an important part of nonstructural components,the seismic response of indoor water supply pipes deserves much attention.This paper presents shaking table test research on water supply pipes installed in a full-scale reinforced concrete(RC)frame structure.Different material pipes and different methods for penetrating the reinforced concrete floors are combined to evaluate the difference in seismic performance.Floor response spectra and pipe acceleration amplification factors based on test data are discussed and compared with code provisions.A seismic fragility study of displacement demand is conducted based on numerical simulation.The acceleration response and displacement response of different combinations are compared.The results show that the combination of different pipe materials and different passing-through methods can cause obvious differences in the seismic response of indoor riser pipes.

Surrounding rock pressure in the tunnel portal section through moraine under freeze-thaw action

Moraines,characterized by the accumulation of rock and soil debris transported by glacial activity,present unique challenges for tunnel construction,particularly in portal sections,due to prevailing geographical and climatic conditions that facilitate freeze-thaw action.Despite these challenges,there is a dearth of studies investigating the influence of freeze-thaw action and water content on the mechanical properties of moraines,and no research on calculating surrounding rock pressure in moraine tunnels subjected to freeze-thaw conditions.In this study,direct shear tests under freeze-thaw cycles were conducted to examine the effects of freeze-thaw cycles and water content on the mechanical properties of frozen moraine.A comprehensive parameter K,integrating the number of freeze-thaws and water content,was introduced to model cohesion c.Drawing on Terzaghi Theory,we propose an improved algorithm for calculating surrounding rock pressure at the portal section of moraine tunnels.Using a tunnel as a case study,surrounding rock pressure was calculated under various conditions to validate the Improved Algorithm's efficacy.The results show that:(1)Strength loss exhibits a linear trend with the number of freeze-thaw cycles at water content levels of 4%and 8%,while at 12%water content,previous freeze-thaw cycles induce more significant damage to the soil.(2)Moraine saturation peaks between 8%and 12%water content.Following repeated freeze-thaw cycles,moraine shear strength initially increases before decreasing with varying water content.(3)The internal friction angle of moraine experiences slight reductions with prolonged freeze-thaw cycles,but both freeze-thaw cycles and water content significantly influence cohesion.(4)Vertical surrounding rock pressure increases after the initial freeze-thaw cycle,particularly with higher water content,although freeze-thaw cycles have minimal effect on it.(5)Freeze-thaw cycles lead to a substantial increase in lateral surrounding rock pressure,necessitating reinforced support structures at the arch wall,arch waist,and arch foot in engineering projects to mitigate freeze-thaw effects.This study provides a foundation for designing and selecting tunnel support structures in similar geological conditions.

Experimental study on the movement of oil spill under freeze-thaw action

Oil leakages cause environmental pollution,economic losses,and even engineering safety accidents.In cold regions,researchers urgently investigate the movement of oil spill in soils exposed to freeze-thaw cycles.In this study,a series of laboratory model experiments were carried out on the migration of oil leakage under freeze-thaw action,and the distributions of the soil temperature,unfrozen water content,and displacement were analyzed.The results showed that under freeze-thaw action,liquid water in soils migrated to the freezing front and accumulated.After the pipe cracked,oil pollutants first gathered at one side of the leak hole,and then moved around.The pipe wall temperature affected the soil temperature field,and the thermal influence range below and transverse the pipe wall(35–40 cm)was larger than that above the pipe wall(8 cm)owing to the soil surface temperature.The leaked oil's temperature would make the temperature of the surrounding soil rise.Oil would inhibit the cooling of the soils.Besides,oil migration was significantly affected by the gravity and water flow patterns.The freeze-thaw action would affect the migration of the oil,which was mainly manifested as inhibiting the diffusion and movement of oil when soils were frozen.Unfrozen water transport caused by freeze-thaw cycles would also inhibit oil migration.The research results would provide a scientific reference for understanding the relationship between the movement of oil pollutants,water,and soil temperature,and for establishing a waterheat-mass transport model in frozen soils.

Testing method of rock structural plane using digital drilling

The rock mass consists of rock blocks and structural planes,which can reduce its integrity and strength.Therefore,accurately obtaining the characteristics of the rock mass structural plane is a prerequisite for evaluating stability and designing supports in underground engineering.Currently,there are no effective testing methods for the characteristic parameters of the rock mass structural plane in underground engineering.The paper presents the digital drilling technology as a new testing method of rock mass structural planes.Flawed rock specimens with cracks of varying widths and angles were used to simulate the rock mass structural planes,and the multifunctional rock mass digital drilling test system was employed to carry out the digital drilling tests.The analysis focuses on the variation laws of drilling parameters,such as drilling pressure and drilling torque,affected by the characteristics of prefabricated cracks,and clarifies the degradation mechanism of rock equivalent compressive strength.Additionally,an identification model for the characteristic parameters of rock mass structural planes during drilling is established.The test results indicate that the average difference of the characteristics of prefabricated cracks identified by the equivalent compressive strength is 2.45°and 0.82 mm,respectively.The identification model while drilling is verified to be correct due to the high identification accuracy.Based on this,a method for testing the characteristic parameters of the surrounding rock structural plane while drilling is proposed.The research offers a theoretical and methodological foundation for precise in situ identification of structural planes of the surrounding rock in underground engineering.

Fractal Study on the Evolution of Micro-Pores in Concrete Under Freeze-Thaw

After exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) were used to test the four mixtures. The microstructure is qualitatively analyzed from the 2D SEM image and the 3D pore distribution curve before and after freezing and thawing. The fractal dimension is utilized to characterize the two-dimensional topography image and the three-dimensional pore distribution, quantitatively. The results reveal that the surface porosity and volume porosity increase as the freeze-thaw action increases. Self-similarity characteristics exist in micro-damage inside the concrete. In the fractal dimension, it is possible to characterize pore evolution quantitatively. The fractal dimension correlates with pore damage evolution. The fractal dimension effectively quantitatively characterizes micro-damage features at various scales from the local to the global level.

Freeze-thaw cycles and associated geomorphology in a post-glacial environment:current glacial,paraglacial,periglacial and proglacial scenarios at Pico de Orizaba volcano,Mexico

The glacial history of Pico de Orizaba indicates that during the Last Glacial Maximum,its icecap covered up to~3000 m asl;due to the air temperature increasing,its main glacier has retreated to 5050 m asl.The retraction of the glacier has left behind an intense climatic instability that causes a high frequency of freeze-thaw cycles of great intensity;the resulting geomorphological processes are represented by the fragmentation of the bedrock that occupies the upper parts of the mountain.There is a notable lack of studies regarding the fragmentation and erosion occurring in tropical high mountains,and the associated geomorphological risks;for this reason,as a first stage of future continuous research,this study analyzes the freezing and thawing cycles that occur above 4000 m asl,through continuous monitoring of surface ground temperature.The results allow us to identify and characterize four zones:glacial,paraglacial,periglacial and proglacial.It was found that the paraglacial zone presents an intense drop of temperature,of up to~9℃ in only sixty minutes.The rock fatigue and intense freeze-thaw cycles that occur in this area are responsible for the high rate of rock disintegration and represent the main factor of the constant slope dynamics that occur at the site.This activity decreases,both in frequency and intensity,according to the distance to the glacier,which is where the temperature presents a certain degree of stability,until reaching the proglacial zone,where cycles are almost non-existent,and therefore there is no gelifraction activity.The geomorphological processes have resulted in significant alterations to the mountain slopes,which can have severe consequences in terms of risk and water.