Application of artificial neural networks for predicting the impact of rolling dynamic compaction using dynamic cone penetrometer test results

Rolling dynamic compaction(RDC),which involves the towing of a noncircular module,is now widespread and accepted among many other soil compaction methods.However,to date,there is no accurate method for reliable prediction of the densification of soil and the extent of ground improvement by means of RDC.This study presents the application of artificial neural networks(ANNs) for a priori prediction of the effectiveness of RDC.The models are trained with in situ dynamic cone penetration(DCP) test data obtained from previous civil projects associated with the 4-sided impact roller.The predictions from the ANN models are in good agreement with the measured field data,as indicated by the model correlation coefficient of approximately 0.8.It is concluded that the ANN models developed in this study can be successfully employed to provide more accurate prediction of the performance of the RDC on a range of soil types.

Application of dynamic compaction and rolling compaction in the subgrade improvement of Qarhan-Golmud Highway

Melt shrinkage, salt bulge, and corrosiveness are common problems with saline soils, which damage highway foundations and cause huge financial losses. In order to improve the saline soil subgrade, dynamic compaction （DC） and rolling compaction （RC） technology were applied on the Qarhan-Golmud Highway in Qinghai Province, China. A field experi- ment was conducted in which shear strength, deformation modulus, and the working mechanism of the composite foun- dation were analyzed after reinforcement. Both the DC and RC methods were found to be effective and helped to improve the foundation strength of saline soils, although the ultimate bearing capacity and deformation modulus of the RC method were lower than that of the DC method.

DESIGN AND PREPARATION OF SILICON NITRIDE COMPOSITE WITH HIGH FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND NACRE STRUCTURE

A new way of designing and preparing silicon nitride ceramic composite with high fracture toughness and nacre structure has been proposed. To mimic the laminated structure of nacre, Si_3N_4 matrix ceramic layer can be obtained through compacting rolling method. To mimic the secondary toughening of nacre structure, SiC whisker is added into Si_3N_4 and acts as the secondary toughening phase. Boron nitride (BN)is selected to mimic the organic layer in nacre so as to form the weak interfaces between Si_3N_4 layers. Alumina is added into BN to adjust the bonding strength of the interface.The Si_3N_4 sheets are stacked into the die after coating with BN. After the removal of the organic matter in them, the green body is hot pressed at 1820℃for 1.5 hours under N_2 atmosphere. The fracture toughness of the so-made Si_3N_4 composite at room temperature is 20.36MPa m￣(1/2), the three-point bending strength at room temperature is 651.47MPa. The crack spreads and deflects along the interface between BN and Si_3N_4 layer and extends through the BN layer into Si_3N_4 layer. The improvement of the fracture toughness may be due to the staircase-shape-like crack which provides the long crack path, the fracture and deformation of Si_3N_4 layer, and the pullout of SiC whiskers from the Si_3N_4 layer.

Optimization of residence time distribution in RCDG and an assessment of its applicability in continuous manufacturing

Knowledge of residence time is a critical aspect in developing control and material diversion strategies for continuous manufacturing processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing.Dry granulation is a promising continuous granulation technique as it is fast and economical.In this study,a step-change method to determine residence time in roll compaction/dry granulation is introduced.The factors roll speed and rotational speed of the impeller in the powder inlet unit of the compactor were evaluated using a central composite circumscribed statistical design of experiments in order to optimize the residence time.The fill volume in the compactor was varied exemplarily.It was found that high roll speed,low rotational speed of the impeller and low fill volume in the compactor are beneficial to generate fast transition through the compactor.The impact of roll speed increase was estimated.It can be concluded that despite fast residence time in the process,high roll speed and its subsequent high material throughput can generate a large amount of material that has to be discarded if material diversion is required.