A novel approach to the dynamic response analysis of Euler-Bernoulli beams resting on a Winkler soil model and subjected to impact loads

This work presents a novel approach to the dynamic response analysis of a Euler-Bernoulli beam resting on a Winkler soil model and subjected to an impact loading.The approach considers that damping has much less importance in controlling the maximum response to impulsive loadings because the maximum response is reached in a very short time,before the damping forces can dissipate a significant portion of the energy input into the system.The development of two sine series solutions,relating to different types of impulsive loadings,one involving a single concentrated force and the other a distributed line load,are presented.This study revealed that when a simply supported Euler-Bernoulli beam,resting on a Winkler soil model,is subject to an impact load,the resulting vertical displacements,bending moments and shear forces produced along the span of the beam are considerably affected.In particular,the quantification of this effect is best observed,relative to the corresponding static solution,via an amplification factor.The computed impact amplification factors,for the sub-grade moduli used in this study,were in magnitude greater than 2,thus confirming the multiple-degree-of-freedom nature of the problem.

Influence of MBBR carrier geometrical properties and biofilm thickness restraint on biofilm properties,effluent particle size distribution,settling velocity distribution,and settling behaviour

The relatively poor settling characteristics of particles produced in moving bed biofilm reactor(MBBR)outline the importance of developing a fundamental understanding of the characterization and settleability of MBBR-produced solids.The influence of carrier geometric properties and different levels of biofilm thickness on biofilm characteristics,solids production,particle size distribution(PSD),and particle settling velocity distribution(PSVD)is evaluated in this study.The analytical Vi CAs method is applied to the MBBR effluent to assess the distribution of particle settling velocities.This method is combined with microscopy imaging to relate particle size distribution to settling velocity.Three conventionally loaded MBBR systems are studied at a similar loading rate of 6.0 g/(m^(2)·day)and with different carrier types.The AnoxK^(TM)K5 carrier,a commonly used carrier,is compared to so-called thickness-restraint carriers,AnoxK^(TM)Z-carriers that are newly designed carriers to limit the biofilm thickness.Moreover,two levels of biofilm thickness,200μm and 400μm,are studied using AnoxK^(TM)Z-200 and Z-400 carriers.Statistical analysis confirms that K5 carriers demonstrated a significantly different biofilm mass,thickness,and density,in addition to distinct trends in PSD and PSVD in comparison with Z-carriers.However,in comparison of thickness-restraint carriers,Z-200 carrier results did not vary significantly compared to the Z-400 carrier.The K5 carriers showed the lowest production of suspended solids(0.7±0.3 gTSS/day),thickest biofilm(281.1±8.7μm)and lowest biofilm density(65.0±1.5 kg/m^(3)).The K5 effluent solids also showed enhanced settling behaviour,consisting of larger particles with faster settling velocities.

Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Bio-Based Fertilizers:Bioavailability and Fractionation

Although to date some technologies producing bio-based phosphorus(P) fertilizers have been proposed and implemented, the efficient use of the recovered products is still limited due to legislative constraints and lack of insights in the P release with time and in the corresponding mechanisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate the fertilizer performance in terms of P release and use efficiency of recovered struvite, FePO_4-sludge, digestate, and animal manure as compared to fossil reserve-based mineral triple superphosphate(TSP). First, product physicochemical characteristics and P fractions in the context of European fertilizer legislation were assessed. Next, a controlled greenhouse experiment was set up to evaluate plant reactions as well as changes of P availability in a sandy soil with high P status and a Rheinsand soil with low P status. Soil P fractions were determined in the extracts with water, ammonium lactate and CaCl_2, and in soil solution sampled with Rhizon soil moisture samplers. Based on all results, it is worth conducting long-term field trials to evaluate the P release effect of struvite and digestate as compared to animal manure and TSP on different soil types with varying P status. These products showed promise as sustainable substitutes for conventional P fertilizers and could contribute to a more efficient use of P in agriculture. A refined classification of P application standards/recommendations in terms of soil P status, soil texture, and fertilizer characteristics, next to the crop P demand, is recommended. Moreover, the additional use of Rhizon samplers for determination of direct available P, including dissolved organic P, is proposed for better understanding and categorization of different P fertilizers in environmental and fertilizer legislations.