Characterization of Clayey Soils from Congo and Physical Properties of Their Compressed Earth Blocks Reinforced with Post-Consumer Plastic Wastes

Physical properties of compressed earth blocks reinforced with plastic wastes are compared to those of nonreinforced ones. These bricks are made with two clayey soils from two deposits of Congo located in Brazzaville and Yengola. Mineralogical and geotechnical analysis revealed that the soil of Brazzaville is mainly composed of kaolinite whereas that of Yengola is a mixture of kaolinite and illite. The amounts of clay (46 and 48%, respectively) are higher than those usually recommended for bricks’ production without stabilizers. Despite this difference of mineralogical compositions, the physical properties of these soils are quite similar. The compressive strength of the resulted bricks compacted with an energy of 2.8 MPa is about 1.5 MPa, which is the lower limit value allowed for adobes. Reinforcing with polyethylene waste nets increased the strength by about 20 to 30% and slightly enhanced resistance to water, Young’s modulus and strain to failure. However, the reinforcement had no significant effect either on bricks’ curing length or on their shrinkage.

Optimisation of Thermal Comfort of Building in a Hot and Dry Tropical Climate: A Comparative Approach between Compressed Earth/Concrete Block Envelopes

Compressed earth blocks (CEB) are an alternative to cement blocks in the construction of wall masonry. However, the optimal architectural construction methods for adequate thermal comfort for occupants in hot and arid environments are not mastered. This article evaluates the influence of architectural and constructive modes of buildings made of CEB walls and concrete block walls, to optimize and compare their thermal comfort in the hot and dry tropical climate of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Two identical pilot buildings whose envelopes are made of CEB and concrete blocks were monitored for this study. The thermal models of the pilot buildings were implemented in the SketchUp software using an extension of EnergyPlus. The models were empirically validated after calibration against measured thermal data from the buildings. The models were used to do a parametric analysis for optimization of the thermal performances by simulating plaster coatings on the exterior of walls, airtight openings and natural ventilation depending on external weather conditions. The results show that the CEB building displays 7016 hours of discomfort, equivalent to 80.1% of the time, and the concrete building displays 6948 hours of discomfort, equivalent to 79.3% of the time. The optimization by modifications reduced the discomfort to 2918 and 3125 hours respectively;i.e. equivalent to only 33.3% for the CEB building and 35.7% for the concrete building. More study should evaluate thermal optimizations in buildings in real time of usage such as residential buildings commonly used by the local middle class. The use of CEB as a construction material and passive means of improving thermal comfort is a suitable ecological and economical option to replace cementitious material.

An Experimental Study on the Use of Fonio Straw and Shea Butter Residue for Improving the Thermophysical and Mechanical Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks

The efficient use of building materials is one of the responses to increasing urbanization and building energy consumption. Soil as a building material has been used for several thousand years due to its availability and its usual properties improving and stabilization techniques used. Thus, fonio straws and shea butter residues are incorporated into tow soil matrix. The objective of this study is to develop a construction eco-material by recycling agricultural and biopolymer by-products in compressed earth blocks (CEB) stabilization and analyze these by-products’ influence on CEB usual properties. To do this, compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) composed of clay and varying proportion (3% to 10%) of fonio straw and shea butter residue incorporated were subjected to thermophysical, flexural, compressive, and durability tests. The results obtained show that the addition of fonio straw and shea butter residues as stabilizers improves compressed stabilized earth blocks thermophysical and mechanical performance and durability. Two different clay materials were studied. Indeed, for these CEB incorporating 3% fonio straw and 3% - 10% shea butter residue, the average compressive strength and three-point bending strength values after 28 days old are respectively 3.478 MPa and 1.062 MPa. In terms of CSEB thermal properties, the average thermal conductivity is 0.549 W/m·K with 3% fonio straw and from 0.667 to 0.798 W/m. K is with 3% - 10% shea butter residue and the average thermal diffusivity is 1.665.10-7 m2/s with 3% FF and 2.24.10-7 m2/s with 3.055.10-7 m2/s with 3% - 10% shea butter residue, while the average specific heat mass is between 1.508 and 1.584 kJ/kg·K. In addition, the shea butter residue incorporated at 3% - 10% improves CSEB water repellency, with capillary coefficient values between 31 and 68 [g/m2·s]1/2 and a contact angle between 43.63°C and 86.4°C. Analysis of the results shows that, it is possible to use these CSEB for single-storey housing construction.

Comparative Study of Thermal Comfort Induced from Masonry Made of Stabilized Compressed Earth Block vs Conventional Cementitious Material

This paper investigates the stabilization effect on compressed earth blocks (CEB) produced from quartz-kaolinite rich earthen material stabilized with 0% - 25% calcium carbide residue (CCR). The paper evaluated various physico-thermal properties of the stabilized CEB and thermal comfort in the model building made of CEB masonry. The optical properties of CEB were evaluated from the mineral composition of the earthen material and CCR and apparent density of the CEB. A simulation was carried out on naturally ventilated model building whose masonry is made of CCR stabilized CEB comparing to the so-called conventional cementitious materials such as cement blocks and concrete. The results showed a decrease of the apparent density of the CEB from 2100 kg·m–3 for unstabilized CEB (0% CCR) to 1600 kg·m–3 for 25% CCR stabilized CEB. The thermal conductivity and depth of penetration of the heat flux on a 24 hours period of CEB respectively decreased from 1 W·m–1·K–1 and 12.7 cm for 0% CCR-CEB to 0.5 W·m–1·K–1 and 10.2 cm for 25% CCR-CEB. The emissivity, solar absorptivity and visible absorptivity of the CEB respectively decreased from 0.82, 0.82 and 0.82 for 0% CCR-CEB to 0.80, 0.64 and 0.64 for 25% CCR-CEB. The number of hours of warm and humid thermal discomfort was impacted for stabilized CEB based masonry in comparison with cement based masonry. The warm discomfort in building made of 20% CCR-CEB masonry was 400 hours lesser than that in building made of hollow cement blocks masonry. If air conditioning system is used to keep the indoor temperature below 28°C, the economy of 310,000 CFA francs (535 USD) is made every year on energy consumption for cooling in the model building made of 20% CCR-CEB masonry, corresponding to 9.6% less, with respect to that made of hollow cement blocks masonry.

Effect of Gum Arabic as Partial Replacement of Cement on the Durability Properties of Compressed Laterite Blocks

Compressed stabilized earth blocks are the innovation of building materials replacing the earth blocks commonly called adobe. Common stabilizers (cement and lime) have been found to be expensive and harmful to the environment. Finding a natural, available, environmentally friendly stabilizer is vital. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the effects of gum Arabic (GA) as binder on the durability properties of laterite blocks. Compressed laterite blocks were stabilized with 2% and 6% respectively as total percentage of binders in the blocks (cement and/or GA). The results showed that GA improved the abrasion and drop resistances of compressed blocks. It has been found that the abrasion resistance of compressed blocks increased with the increase of GA content and the decrease of cement content. For instance, the mass abraded away of blocks stabilized with cement only was reduced up to 95.18% when GA was used to partially replace cement. As for drop test, the higher the content of GA the higher the resistance of blocks to drop.

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(isoprene-b-butyl methacrylate) Block Copolymer in the Presence of Rare Earth Catalyst

Poly(isoprene-b-butyl methacrylate) block copolymer with a high molecular weight was synthesized in the presence of rare earth coordination catalyst [RE(P 204 ) 3-Al( i Bu) 3 DBE]. The block copolymer was characterized by means of GPC,IR,DSC,NMR and elemental analysis. The block copolymer prepared has two glass transition temperatures: -75 6 ℃ and 32 2 ℃. The microstructure of the diblock copolymer possessed 96 8% cis 1,4 addition for the isoprene segment and a 70% syndiotacticity for the butyl methacrylate segment.

PERCEPTIONS OF COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK AMONG RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS IN NORTH CAROLINA:AN EXPLORATORY EVALUATION

Compressed carth blocks(CEB)retain the environmental benchts of traditional carthen construction while reducing labor costs and project duration.Despitc these advantages,CEB remains a niche matcrial in the U.S.This study explored residential contractors'perceptions of CEB as a barrier to adoption.A survey was distributed to residential contractors in the North Carolina Picdmont,a region that possscs ideal soil for carthen buildings.Construction professionals in states where carthen construction has a larger market share(New Mexico,Oklahoma,and Texas)were also qucricd for comparison.Respondents with no CEB expcrience provided significantly(p<0.05)lower levcls of agreement with statements that CEB is cost ffective,struc-turally safe and acsthetically appcaling than did respondents with CEB experience.Intervicws conducted with an cxperienced CEB contractor and a manufacturer ol CEB production cquipment provided additional insight and informed the quantita-tive results.Findings represcnt an important stcp in exploring stakcholder perceptions as an impediment to the adoption of non-conventional matcrials like CEB in the residential construction scctor.Educating the next gencration of builders and home-owners is a key component for the implementation of CEB construction.Educational strategics,study limitations and opportunitics for further rescarch arc discussed.

Physico-Mechanical Characteristics of Earth Bricks Stabilized with Cement and Padouk Sawdust Residues

The objective of this work is to improve the physical and mechanical properties of stabilized earth blocks (BTC) used in construction in the Ndé department of Cameroon. To achieve this, two stabilizers, cement and sawdust, were used at varying percentages of 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. Physical characterization tests, including natural water content, specific weight, jar test, Protor, and Atterberg limits, were conducted. Additionally, mechanical tests, such as compression and three-point bending, were performed. The results show that as the amount of stabilizer increases, the density of BTC decreases. The samples with 8% sawdust have the highest density, while those without stabilizers have the lowest. Porosity decreases as sawdust and cement content increases, with smaller values observed in samples with 8% sawdust or cement. Our tests indicate that blocks stabilized with cement have slightly higher compressive strength than those stabilized with sawdust. However, the water absorption rate increases with higher sawdust content.

基于Google Earth的历史街区虚拟重建技术研究

历史街区是人类文明的重要标志,但是经过历史的冲刷,很多已经不复往日的风采。基于GoogleEarth进行历史街区重建,运用数字化技术、虚拟现实技术、网络技术的优势和现代艺术设计的手法,对历史街区进行保存和原貌的再现,使得人们能够再睹它们当年的辉煌。在历史街区虚拟重建的过程中,需要解决的重难点问题是街区的三维建模和三维显示,Google Earth平台为此提供了良好的解决方案。

Dihydroxy Capped Triblock DTC and CL Oligomers Prepared by an Alkyl Glycol/Yttrium Phenolate System

Dihydroxy capped triblock oligomers of 2, 2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC) andε-caprolactone (CL) with number-average molecular weight from 3,000 to 12,000 g/mol have beensynthesized by alkyl glycol initiator in the presence of yttrium tri(2, 6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate)s (Y(OAr)3) catalyst. They are expected to be used as macroinitiators for thedesign of new polymeric materials.

Stress-Deformed State of Geological Environment and Prognosis of Antropogenic-Tectonic Earthquakes

The highest priorities of any civilized country are in providing interests of social safety.The anthropogenic influence on geological environment is becoming greater because of the human activities increase. That’s why anthropogenic-tectonic earthquake problem has become important recently.It appeared as a hypothesis in the 30 s and became much clearer in 60 s.The anthropogenic-tectonic earthquake epiceneters are located not far from the surface and,as a rule。

两种天然纤维材料改性生土试件抗压强度试验比较研究

在内蒙古中部地区的生土中引入莜麦秸秆和羊毛纤维进行改性生土试件抗压强度提升的试验,试验中使用当地易于获取的天然土壤、莜麦秸秆和羊毛,经人工压实制坯,再进行抗压强度试验。试验数据表明,添加莜麦秸秆可将改性生土试件强度提高40.5%,添加羊毛纤维可将强度提高89.25%,此外,试验也揭示了改性生土试件抗压强度顺应两种纤维材料的变化规律,并确定了最佳纤维含量。

河北承德县北大山公园石海奇观的成因及地学旅游初探

石海是发育于基岩斜坡带较为特殊的地貌类型之一,因形成动力多样和过程复杂,前人对其成因的争论由来已久。河北省承德县北大山发育壮观的石海,是该森林公园的主要景观和旅游资源,为石海成因的研究提供了得天独厚的条件。利用野外地质调查、砾石统计和无人机航拍建模等技术方法和手段,对北大山森林公园石海地貌开展了系统的调查。研究结果表明,石海的物源来自沟头被断裂和节理破碎的花岗岩崩塌体;组成石海的巨大砾石具有重力崩塌和短距离流水搬运的特征,与冰川或泥石流搬运的特征并不符合;冻融分选作用是导致巨大石块集中出露地表,进而形成石海的主要动力。本文首次提出承德北大山石海地貌的冻融分选成因的新认识,不仅对石海成因的理论研究具有一定的促进作用,而且对其它区域石海地貌的成因研究也具有重要的参考价值。

内河航道板桩-浆砌块石结构共同护岸机理研究

在内河高等级航道建设中,新建板桩-原有浆砌块石共同护岸成为一种新型的护岸结构。通过对该护岸结构的离心模型试验研究,分析了板桩与原有结构之间无连接(J1)、刚性连接(J2)时,原有护岸结构位移、板桩桩侧土压力及桩身弯矩。试验结果表明,刚性连接时,原有结构后倾、下沉位移远小于无连接情况,板桩稳定性大幅度提升;开挖过程中J1,J2条件下板桩除了产生平移位移、还有转动位移,J1以转动为主,J2以平移为主;受U型板桩形状影响,开挖过程中板桩两侧土体形成土拱,同一深度不同位置板桩土压力有较大区别,土压力变化也有较大差异;开挖过程中,J2条件下桩身范围内土压力变化较一致,J1条件下随桩身深度增加,桩侧土压力变化幅度增加;J1条件下最大弯矩位于桩身下部、J2条件下位于桩身上部,且J2最大弯矩大于J1最大弯矩。

商741块火成岩构造应力场与裂缝系统研究

商741块是胜利油田发现的第一个中型火成岩油气藏,以裂缝为主要储集空间。从完钻的各类探井及取心资料看,试油产量及裂缝发育情况迥然不同,为研究油藏产能与储层裂缝系统的关系,开展了区块天然裂缝描述工作。通过对可类比的露头区裂缝系统描述、岩心实验、成像测井、古应力场等方面进行分析,研究裂缝发育特征并预测有利目标区域。

自锁式景观砌块加筋挡土结构的设计与应用

介绍砌块仿花岗岩挡土结构的特点和砌块形状,针对砌块挡土结构在我国刚开始应用,没有设计、施工规范的现状,依托可以借鉴的加筋挡土结构和浆砌块石挡土结构设计规范,提出了自锁式砌块加筋挡土结构设计中的地面荷载强度及土压力计算方法、砌块层间稳定验算方法、加筋长度和间距验算方法、挡土结构整体稳定验算方法和施工过程中需要注意的主要问题,为自锁式砌块加筋挡土结构设计人员提供了设计验算内容、验算方法和安全系数取值范围,为现场施工和监理人员提供参考,并为该类型的挡土结构推广应用提供技术支持。

三江地区盐源-丽江及川滇地块的地震活动与构造运动态势

阐述了盐源 -丽江地块的存在及其边界 ,根据遥感影像等资料论述了该地块范围内强烈地震活动和构造运动 ,并提出盐丽、川滇等地块的构造及运动态势应是在印度板块北移、压入欧亚板块并与之夹挤的作用下 ,使其间部分地球物质向东、东南或转向西南移 (流 )

腾冲地块稀土地球化学背景与泥岩中稀土超常富集特征

近年来围绕腾冲地块花岗岩取得了一系列重要稀土勘查突破,深入了解稀土元素地球化学背景是稀土矿产勘查的基础。系统总结腾冲地块全国地球化学基准值和区域化探扫面获得的水系沉积物和9个主要地质单元岩石的稀土元素分布,查明区域稀土元素地球化学背景。稀土元素主要在新近系泥岩、白垩纪花岗岩和全新世火山岩,其中新近系芒棒组泥岩具有稀土超常富集,稀土平均含量达444×10–6,是地壳克拉克值的3倍,并与水系沉积物La地球化学异常具有空间对应关系,结合区域地质成矿条件和新类型稀土矿成矿特点,认为除白垩纪花岗岩以外,腾冲地块芒棒组泥岩和全新世火山岩可能具有形成稀土矿的潜力。

中国大陆浅源强震分布与地球自转速率变化的关系

考查了1900～2001年中国大陆不同活动地块浅源强震分布与地球自转速率变化的关系,并讨论将其应用在地震趋势预测中的问题。研究结果表明,大陆西部的天山、祁连 柴达木、羌塘 拉萨及川滇地块的强震活动(MS≥7.0)和大陆东部的中朝 鲁东黄海地块和华南地块东边界(东南沿海地震带)东半段中的强震活动(MS≥6.0),大多数(70%以上)发生在地球自转加快的年份中;大陆西部滇东 滇西地块的强震活动(MS≥7.0),以及大陆东部中蒙 华北平原地块和华南地块东边界(东南沿海地震带)的西半段强震活动(MS≥6.0),大多数(67%以上)发生在地球自转减慢的年份中。并且讨论了地球自转速率变化在地震预报中可能作用的R值评分。

“雪球”假说与塔里木板块新元古代冰川事件

近年来,新元古代冰期的奇特地层引发了学者们对新元古代冰期环境特征与成因演化的研究热潮.各类假说和模型不断提出,Hoffman等人运用“雪球”假说对冰川沉积的低纬度和低海拔特征、冰室效应和温室效应的相互交替、盖碳酸盐岩的成因、稳定同位素变化的含义、冰期地层中铁矿的成因等均进行了较为合理的解释.近年国内在新疆塔里木展开了对新元古代冰川事件的研究,碳同位素和微量元素比值的研究成果,不仅进一步证明了前人提出的三期冰期的观点,而且从地球化学角度验证了“雪球”假说.