Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals in Groundwater Bassambiri-Nembe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study is focused on the post impact of oil spill contamination of groundwater in Bassambiri Nembe Bayelsa State. Groundwater samples were sampled from hand dug wells from eight stations including the control point for physico-chemical investigation using sterilized glass bottles. Standard methods were used for the analyses. The result of physico-chemical parameters analyzed shows that the values of the groundwater pH ranged between 5.90 - 6.35, electrical conductivity between 80.39 - 89.23 μS/cm, Salinity 23.3 - 28.69 mg/l, Turbidity 1.71 - 3.84 NTU, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 1.12 - 1.36 mg/l, Alkalinity 8.56 - 12.12 mg/l, Total Hardness 11.8 - 14.47 mg/l and Temperature 26.1℃ - 27.3℃. Analysis of cations shows that Na ranged from 7.38 - 10.34 mg/l, K 0.26 - 0.49 mg/l, Calcium ion levels 2.56 - 3.59 mg/l and Mg 0.88 mg/l - 1.23 mg/l. The anions showed Potassium ion levels ranged from 0.01 mg/l - 0.02 mg/l, Chloride ion levels 12.29 mg/l - 15.88 mg/l, Fluoride ion levels 0.01 mg/l and Nitrates from 0.27 mg/l - 0.48 mg/l. Total Heterotopic Fungi population ranged from 15.26 - 48.55 Coliform Forming units/ml. The maximum permissible value of total coliforms in drinking water was exceeded. However, the Total Hydrocarbon Concentration (THC) across the groundwater sample points was less than 0.01 mg/l. The concentration of PAH and BTEX was 0.01 mg/l across the study area. The heavy metal concentrations in the groundwater samples were negligible with levels of 0.01 mg/l observed in the study area except for iron ranging from 0.20 - 0.56 mg/l levels above the WHO permissible limit. The physico-chemical parameters of groundwater indicate that they fall below WHO permissible limits. The cations and anions concentration indicate a stable and healthy water system which is relatively good. The groundwater system has high levels of iron in groundwater and bacterial contamination. Treatment is required to avoid acute and chronic iron overload resulting from consumption from drinking groundwater within the study area.

Physico-chemical Characteristics of a Gold Mining Tailings Dam Wastewater

The study was conducted on the status of the quality of wastewater from the tailings dam of Central Africa Gold Limited in Bibiani, Ghana, to ascertain the level of contamination of the wastewater. The tailings dam stores process effluent from the gold extraction plant. Wastewater samples taken from the tailings dam were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics. Arsenic, iron and cyanide were identified as the major pollutants in the tailings dam wastewater with average concentrations of 4.5, 25.2 and 11.1 mg.L1, respectively. Arsenic, iron and free CN （cyanide） concentrations in the process effluent exceeded the Ghana EPA discharge limits of 0.2, 2 and 0.2 mg.Ll, respectively. High conductivity, total dissolved solids, sulphate and ammonium were found in the wastewater studied. The tailings dam serves as a natural reservoir that removes most of the total suspended solids and the turbidity, resulting in the improvement in the aesthetic appeal of the wastewater. Nonetheless, arsenic, iron and cyanide concentrations were still high and hence the wastewater cannot be discharged into the environment without prior treatment.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality of King Abdullah Canal, Using Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Water Quality Index, Jordan

The main aim of this research is to evaluate the water quality of King Abdullah Canal (KAC) using the water quality index method (WQI). For this purpose, nine different sampling sites were used in the calculation of WQI during the period of January to December 2012. The samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, ions of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Fluorite, Chloride, Sulfate, Bicarbonate, and Nitrate in different seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). The analyzed results (by WQI method) have been used to suggest models for predicting water quality. The relative weight assigned to each parameter has a range from 1 to 5, based on the important parameters for drinking purposes. The computed WQI for the nine samples has a range from 46.66 to 542.08. The analysis reveals that the water quality status of the study area is varying from excellent to good in the upper part of the canal and from poor to very poor in the lower part of the canal. Comparing with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Jordan Standard (JS), the results indicate that the lower part of the canal is polluted. Therefore, the water is not safe for domestic use and needs further treatment, especially in the lower part of the canal.

Assessment the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Water and Sediment in Rosetta Branch, Egypt

Water quality of Rosetta Branch may be changed by several factors in the last decades as a result of anthropogenic activities. So, it’s important to study the physicochemical characteristics of both water and sediment in the Rosetta Branch. Two identified sources are the main origin of most pollutants in this branch, namely: El-Rahawy drain and industrial activities in Kafr El-Zayat city. From the data of water quality index (WQI) based on six important parameters (pH, T °C, DO, BOD, COD and TP), it indicates that site 2 (from Kom Hamada to Edfina) is more polluted than the other two sites (from El-Qanater El-Khairia to Kom Hamada and from Edfina to Rosetta). The concentrations of heavy metals increase in sites that are more affected by drainage water from different drains. Great efforts are needed and wastewater must be treated before draining it into the River Nile water.

Analysis of Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Effluents from Beverage Industry in Ethiopia

Beverage industries are one of the most polluting industries producing huge amount of wastewater effluents. These industries have been recognized to cause pollution by discharging effluent into receiving environment especially to the nearby rivers. The aim of this study is to determine the status of waste water effluent discharge of beverage industry in Ethiopia. Samples were collected from 8 beverage industries’ wastewater effluent discharge end pipe and examined for different physico-Chemical parameters such as: COD, BOD5, TSS, ammonia, total nitrogen, PH and phosphate. The observed values were ranged between 9 - 397.5 mg/L for TSS, 0.185 - 69.7 mg/l for phosphate, 0.265 - 71 mg/l for ammonia, 226 - 1975 mg/l for COD, 15 - 576 mg/L for BOD, 4 - 86.6 mg/l for total nitrogen and 5.21 - 12.37 for PH. The finding of the study revealed that most of the beverage industries were extremely high amount of total suspended solids (TSS), BOD and COD effluent discharge were found above the Ethiopian beverage industry effluent discharge limit value. Half of the sampled beverage industries’ effluent discharge of PH, total nitrogen, ammonia and phosphate were found within the limit value while the rest of the industries are still discharging their effluent above the national standard limit value. The continuous discharge of effluents into rivers without any additional treatment raises the level of pollution and toxicity, which have significantly adverse impact on the aquatic environment.

Aspects of the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Rivers in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

The physico-chemical characteristics of ten permanently flowing rivers from Kahuzi Biega National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) were examined in July 2007. Water samples were collected from ten sites between 1800 and 3200 m asl and analyzed for the following chemical parameters: biological oxygen demand, total and carbonate hardness, alkalinity, total phosphorus, nitrogen, nitrate, and ammonia. Discharge, current velocity, temperature, and oxygen saturation were analyzed on site. In general, the chemical parameters revealed relatively low concentrations compared to others rivers in the region. The rivers were cold (10℃ - 15℃), well oxygenated, had low conductivity (generally <100 μS/cm), and had pH values ranging between 5.5 and 7.6. Nitrogen and phosphorus were also low (0.086 - 0.25 μmol/L for phosphorus and 2.21 - 4.25 μmol/L for nitrogen) in all rivers. The main natural sources of nitrogen and other nutriaents are from rain and atmospheric deposition, organic matter decomposition, and fixation of molecular nitrogen from allochthonous inorganic material. In the forested rivers of Kahuzi-Biega National Park the terrestrial and riparian environments are the only sources of nitrogen and phosphorus to the river water.

Studies on Various Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Some Vegetable Oils

The industrial chemistry of oils and fats is a mature technology, with decades of experience and refinement behind current practices, therefore some physico-chemical characteristics of eleven vegetable oils sunflower oil （four different manufacturing companies）, olive oil （three different manufacturing companies）, corn oil, castor oil, coconut oil and canola oil in Iraqi Kurdistan region （Hawler city center） have been evaluated according to association of official analytical chemists （AOAC） （1995） official methods. The refractive index, viscosity, acid value, peroxide value, pH values, and values of specific gravity of the vegetable oil samples were measured at various different conditions. The results showed that some of the oil samples have unacceptable values in comparison with the standards.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Gushing Water Aquifers in the Coastal Sedimentary Basin of Benin (West Africa)

The coastal sedimentary basin in southern Benin consists of monoclinal layers divided into two plateau zones (North and South) which are separated by a longitudinal depression ESE-WNW. The valleys of the main N-S-oriented rivers (Ouémé, Couffo and Mono) set the bondaries of the different plateau of the BSC (Coastal Sedimentary Basin). The present study, based on geology, hydrochemistry, temperature and log data available on boreholes, makes a physico-chemical characterization of the waters of the gushing aquifers of the coastal sedimentary basin of Benin. The gushing water boreholes are shared between the valleys of the main rivers of the BSC. Some of these boreholes are thermal with a water temperature between 38 and 69 degrees Celsius. The hydrogeological correlations established in the BSC in accordance to the North- South direction in the valleys of the main streams (Couffo and Ouémé) reveal that the captured aquifers are sands, marls and limestones that respond either in major discordance (northern zone) or above the sedimentation gaps (southern zone). Chemical analyses have shown that gushing thermal waters are mineralized in the south with a neutral to basic pH and are highly concentrated with bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium ions. In the North, on the other hand, thermal waters are acidic with a pH ranging from 4.8 to 5.9. The acidic nature of the northern waters is influenced by the crystalline base while the southern neutral to basic waters are influenced by the lithological nature (limestone and marl) of the aquifer. The random distribution of thermal water boreholes in the valleys of the main BSC streams is believed to be related to tectonic events.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Research on the influences of motion characteristics of jetting projectile charge under water

Shaped charge warhead is important for enhancing the damage performance of underwater weapons.This paper used finite element analysis software and based on JPC water penetration experiments to examine the influence of liner parameters(wall thickness,material),charge aspect ratio,and stand-off distance on the movement characteristics of JPC in water.The findings reveal that the head diameter of the JPC increases and experiences significant erosion after entering the water,the effective length of the JPC in water undergoes two distinct phases:a growth phase and a decrease phase,with the velocity of the JPC decaying exponentially.Increasing the liner thickness,stand-off distance and the charge aspect ratio can improve the erosion resistance and the velocity retention capacity of the JPC.The optimal ranges for liner thickness and stand-off distance are 0.0363D_(k) to 0.0545D_(k)(D_(k) is the charge diameter),the stand-off distance should be within 1.0D_(k).After the charge aspect ratio higher than 1.25,the charge structure exerts minimal influence the movement characteristics of the JPC in water.Material density plays a crucial role in the velocity decay pattern of the JPC during penetration.JPC with higher densities exhibit superior velocity retention capabilities in water,with the velocity decay pattern converging if the densities are similar.Consequently,copper,tantalum and tungsten liners are deemed appropriate for underwater shaped charge warhead.Finally,the results will provide an important reference for the design of underwater shaped charge warhead.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Dynamic response mechanism and precursor characteristics of gneiss rockburst under different initial burial depths

To investigate the influence mechanism of geostress on rockburst characteristics,three groups of gneiss rockburst experiments were conducted under different initial geostress conditions.A high-speed photography system and acoustic emission(AE)monitoring system were used to monitor the entire rockburst process in real time.The experimental results show that when the initial burial depth increases from 928 m to 1320 m,the proportion of large fracture scale in rockburst increases by 154.54%,and the AE energy increases by 565.63%,reflecting that the degree and severity of rockburst increase with the increase of burial depth.And then,two mechanisms are proposed to explain this effect,including(i)the increase of initial geostress improves the energy storage capacity of gneiss,and then,the excess energy which can be converted into kinetic energy of debris ejection increases,consequently,a more pronounced violent ejection phenomenon is observed at rockburst;(ii)the increase of initial geostress causes more sufficient plate cracks of gneiss after unloading ofσh,which provides a basis for more severe ejection of rockburst.What’s more,a precursor with clear physical meaning for rockburst is proposed under the framework of dynamic response process of crack evolution.Finally,potential value in long term rockburst warning of the precursor obtained in this study is shown via the comparison of conventional precursor.

Spatiotemporal deformation characteristics of Outang landslide and identification of triggering factors using data mining

Since the impoundment of Three Gorges Reservoir(TGR)in 2003,numerous slopes have experienced noticeable movement or destabilization owing to reservoir level changes and seasonal rainfall.One case is the Outang landslide,a large-scale and active landslide,on the south bank of the Yangtze River.The latest monitoring data and site investigations available are analyzed to establish spatial and temporal landslide deformation characteristics.Data mining technology,including the two-step clustering and Apriori algorithm,is then used to identify the dominant triggers of landslide movement.In the data mining process,the two-step clustering method clusters the candidate triggers and displacement rate into several groups,and the Apriori algorithm generates correlation criteria for the cause-and-effect.The analysis considers multiple locations of the landslide and incorporates two types of time scales:longterm deformation on a monthly basis and short-term deformation on a daily basis.This analysis shows that the deformations of the Outang landslide are driven by both rainfall and reservoir water while its deformation varies spatiotemporally mainly due to the difference in local responses to hydrological factors.The data mining results reveal different dominant triggering factors depending on the monitoring frequency:the monthly and bi-monthly cumulative rainfall control the monthly deformation,and the 10-d cumulative rainfall and the 5-d cumulative drop of water level in the reservoir dominate the daily deformation of the landslide.It is concluded that the spatiotemporal deformation pattern and data mining rules associated with precipitation and reservoir water level have the potential to be broadly implemented for improving landslide prevention and control in the dam reservoirs and other landslideprone areas.

Experimental investigation on coal pore-fracture variation and fractal characteristics synergistically affected by solvents for improving clean gas extraction

Chemical solvents instead of pure water being as hydraulic fracturing fluid could effectively increase permeability and improve clean methane extraction efficiency.However,pore-fracture variation features of lean coal synergistically affected by solvents have not been fully understood.Ultrasonic testing,nuclear magnetic resonance analysis,liquid phase mass spectrometry was adopted to comprehensively analyze pore-fracture change characteristics of lean coal treated by combined solvent(NMP and CS_(2)).Meanwhile,quantitative characterization of above changing properties was conducted using geometric fractal theory.Relationship model between permeability,fractal dimension and porosity were established.Results indicate that the end face fractures of coal are well developed after CS2and combined solvent treatments,of which,end face box-counting fractal dimensions range from 1.1227 to 1.4767.Maximum decreases in ultrasonic longitudinal wave velocity of coal affected by NMP,CS_(2)and combined solvent are 2.700%,20.521%,22.454%,respectively.Solvent treatments could lead to increasing amount of both mesopores and macropores.Decrease ratio of fractal dimension Dsis 0.259%–2.159%,while permeability increases ratio of NMR ranges from 0.1904 to 6.4486.Meanwhile,combined solvent could dissolve coal polar and non-polar small molecules and expand flow space.Results could provide reference for solvent selection and parameter optimization of permeability-enhancement technology.

Failure mechanism and infrared radiation characteristic of hard siltstone induced by stratification effect

The deformation in sedimentary rock induced by train loads has potential threat to the safe operation of tunnels. This study investigated the influence of stratification structure on the infrared radiation and temporal damage mechanism of hard siltstone. The uniaxial compression tests, coupled with acoustic emission(AE) and infrared radiation temperature(IRT) were conducted on siltstones with different stratification effects. The results revealed that the stratigraphic structure significantly affects the stress-strain response and strength degradation characteristics. The mechanical parameters exhibit anisotropy characteristics, and the stratification effect exhibits a negative correlation with the cracking stress and peak stress. The failure modes caused by the stratification effect show remarkable anisotropic features, including splitting failure(Ⅰ: 0°-22.50°, Ⅱ: 90°), composite failure(45°), and shearing failure(67.50°). The AE temporal sequences demonstrate a stepwise response characteristic to the loading stress level. The AE intensity indicates that the stress sensitivity of shearing failure and composite failure is generally greater than that of splitting failure. The IRT field has spatiotemporal migration and progressive dissimilation with stress loading and its dissimilation degree increases under higher stress levels. The stronger the stratification effect, the greater the dissimilation degree of the IRT field. The abnormal characteristic points of average infrared radiation temperature(AIRT) variance at local stress drop and peak stress can be used as early and late precursors to identify fracture instability. Theoretical analysis shows that the competitive relationship between compaction strengthening and fracturing damage intensifies the dissimilation of the infrared thermal field for an increasing stress level. The present study provides a theoretical reference for disaster warnings in hard sedimentary rock mass.

Grain Yield,Biomass Accumulation,and Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics of Rice under Combined Salinity-Drought Stress

Simultaneous stresses of salinity and drought often coincide during rice-growing seasons in saline lands,primarily due to insufficient water resources and inadequate irrigation facilities.Consequently,combined salinity-drought stress poses a major threat to rice production.In this study,two salinity levels(NS,non-salinity;HS,high salinity)along with three drought treatments(CC,control condition;DJ,drought stress imposed at jointing;DH,drought stress imposed at heading)were performed to investigate their combined influences on leaf photosynthetic characteristics,biomass accumulation,and rice yield formation.Salinity,drought,and their combination led to a shortened growth period from heading to maturity,resulting in a reduced overall growth duration.Grain yield was reduced under both salinity and drought stress,with a more substantial reduction under the combined salinity-drought stress.The combined stress imposed at heading caused greater yield losses in rice compared with the stress imposed at jointing.Additionally,the combined salinity-drought stress induced greater decreases in shoot biomass accumulation from heading to maturity,as well as in shoot biomass and nonstructural carbohydrate(NSC)content in the stem at heading and maturity.However,it increased the harvest index and NSC remobilization reserve.Salinity and drought reduced the leaf area index and SPAD value of flag leaves and weakened the leaf photosynthetic characteristics as indicated by lower photosynthetic rates,transpiration rates,and stomatal conductance.These reductions were more pronounced under the combined stress.Salinity,drought,and especially their combination,decreased the activities of ascorbate peroxidase,catalase,and superoxide dismutase,while increasing the contents of malondialdehyde,hydrogen peroxide,and superoxide radical.Our results indicated a more significant yield loss in rice when subjected to combined salinity-drought stress.The individual and combined stresses of salinity and drought diminished antioxidant enzyme activities,inhibited leaf photosynthetic functions,accelerated leaf senescence,and subsequently lowered assimilate accumulation and grain yield.

Investigation of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant breaking characteristics and mechanism impacted by submerged cavitation water jet

A submerged cavitation water jet(SCWJ)is an effective method to recycle solid propellant from obsolete solid engines by the breaking method.Solid propellant's breaking modes and mechanical process under SCWJ impact are unclear.This study aims to understand those impact breaking mechanisms.The hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene(HTPB)propellant was chosen as the research material,and a self-designed test system was used to conduct impact tests at four different working pressures.The high-speed camera characterized crack propagation,and the DIC method calculated strain change during the impact process.Besides,micro and macro fracture morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscope(SEM)and computed tomography(CT)scanning.The results reveal that the compressive strain concentration region locates right below the nozzle,and the shear strain region distributes symmetrically with the jet axis,which increases to 4% at first 16th ms,the compressive strain rises to 2% and 6% in the axial and transverse direction,respectively.The two tensile cracks formed first at the compression strain concentrate region,and there generate many shear cracks around the tensile cracks,and those shear cracks that develop and aggregate cause the cracks to become wider and cut through the tensile cracks,forming the tensile-shear cracks and the impact parts eventually fail.The HTPB propellant forms a breaking hole shaped conical after impact 10 s.The mass loss increases by 17 times at maximum,with the working pressure increasing by three times.Meanwhile,the damage value of the breaking hole remaining on the surface increases by 7.8 times while 2.9 times in the depth of the breaking hole.The breaking efficiency is closely affected by working pressures.The failure modes of HTPB impacted by SCWJ are classified as tensile crack-dominated and tensile-shear crack-dominated damage mechanisms.

A dynamic soil freezing characteristic curve model for frozen soil

The soil freezing characteristic curve(SFCC)plays a fundamental role in comprehending thermohydraulic behavior and numerical simulation of frozen soil.This study proposes a dynamic model to uniformly express SFCCs amidst varying total water contents throughout the freezing-thawing process.Firstly,a general model is proposed,wherein the unfrozen water content at arbitrary temperature is determined as the lesser of the current total water content and the reference value derived from saturated SFCC.The dynamic performance of this model is verified through test data.Subsequently,in accordance with electric double layer(EDL)theory,the theoretical residual and minimum temperatures in SFCC are calculated to be-14.5℃to-20℃for clay particles and-260℃,respectively.To ensure that the SFCC curve ends at minimum temperature,a correction function is introduced into the general model.Furthermore,a simplified dynamic model is proposed and investigated,necessitating only three parameters inherited from the general model.Additionally,both general and simplified models are evaluated based on a test database and proven to fit the test data exactly across the entire temperature range.Typical recommended parameter values for various types of soils are summarized.Overall,this study provides not only a theoretical basis for most empirical equations but also proposes a new and more general equation to describe the SFCC.

Liquefaction susceptibility and deformation characteristics of saturated coral sandy soils subjected to cyclic loadings-a critical review

Coral sandy soils widely exist in coral island reefs and seashores in tropical and subtropical regions.Due to the unique marine depositional environment of coral sandy soils,the engineering characteristics and responses of these soils subjected to monotonic and cyclic loadings have been a subject of intense interest among the geotechnical and earthquake engineering communities.This paper critically reviews the progress of experimental investigations on the undrained behavior of coral sandy soils under monotonic and cyclic loadings over the last three decades.The focus of coverage includes the contractive-dilative behavior,the pattern of excess pore-water pressure(EPWP)generation and the liquefaction mechanism and liquefaction resistance,the small-strain shear modulus and strain-dependent shear modulus and damping,the cyclic softening feature,and the anisotropic characteristics of undrained responses of saturated coral sandy soils.In particular,the advances made in the past decades are reviewed from the following aspects:(1)the characterization of factors that impact the mechanism and patterns of EPWP build-up;(2)the identification of liquefaction triggering in terms of the apparent viscosity and the average flow coefficient;(3)the establishment of the invariable form of strain-based,stress-based,or energy-based EPWP ratio formulas and the unique relationship between the new proxy of liquefaction resistance and the number of cycles required to reach liquefaction;(4)the establishment of the invariable form of the predictive formulas of small strain modulus and strain-dependent shear modulus;and(5)the investigation on the effects of stress-induced anisotropy on liquefaction susceptibility and dynamic deformation characteristics.Insights gained through the critical review of these advances in the past decades offer a perspective for future research to further resolve the fundamental issues concerning the liquefaction mechanism and responses of coral sandy sites subjected to cyclic loadings associated with seismic events in marine environments.

Analysis of mesoscopic mechanical dynamic characteristics of ballast bed with under sleeper pads

The meso-dynamical behaviour of a high-speed rail ballast bed with under sleeper pads(USPs)was studied.The geometrically irregular refined discrete element model of the ballast particles was constructed using 3D scanning techniques,and the 3D dynamic model of the rail-sleeper-ballast bed was constructed using the coupled discrete element method-multiflexible-body dynamics(DEM-MFBD)approach.We analyse the meso-mechanical dynamics of the ballast bed with USPs under dynamic load on a train and verify the correctness of the model in laboratory tests.It is shown that the deformation of the USPs increases the contact area between the sleeper and the ballast particles,and subsequently the number of contacts between them.As the depth of the granular ballast bed increases,the contact area becomes larger,and the contact force between the ballast particles gradually decreases.Under the action of the elastic USPs,the contact forces between ballast particles are reduced and the overall vibration level of the ballast bed can be reduced.The settlement of the granular ballast bed occurs mainly at the shallow position of the sleeper bottom,and the installation of the elastic USPs can be effective in reducing the stress on the ballast particles and the settlement of the ballast bed.