bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of stone columns in unsaturated soils: Numerical evaluation
Authors: Shakeel Abid Mohammed , Kulesza Stacey E. , Vanapalli Sai K.
Published: September 2024

Stone columns are often designed using the conventional framework of saturated soils, ignoring the influence of in-situ unsaturated soil conditions. Such an approach contributes to unrealistic and, in certain scenarios, over-conservative designs. The key objective of this paper is to quantify the influence of matric suction on the confining support offered by the surrounding soil towards stone columns. In addition, how this approach can be implemented through a numerical technique is also presented and discussed. The numerical analysis suggests that the load-carrying capacity of stone columns increased with an increase in the matric suction in the boundary effect, and the transition zone. However, the contribution of matric suction towards load-carrying capacity starts reducing from the residual zone of saturation. Furthermore, the performance of stone columns in unsaturated soils is strongly associated with the area replacement ratio. The results of the study are promising towards developing procedures that can be used in the rational design of stone columns in unsaturated soils.
Experience in locating leaks in geomembrane-lined ponds
Authors: Zidan Priscila , Kemnitz Matthew , Ritter Elisabeth
Published: September 2024

This study presents the results of five years of applying the dipole method in geomembrane-lined ponds to locate leaks arising from either the construction or operational stage. Inspections were conducted on 136 projects designed with single (n=57) or double (n=79) liner and located in the United States (n=108), Mexico (n=5), or Canada (n=23). The ponds were tested either full or at a depth between 0.3m and 0.8m, both sets of results were compared to the available literature. Approximately 210 ha of primary geomembrane-lined ponds were surveyed, uncovering 825 leaks during the study period. An average number of leaks/ha was 13.2 ranging from 0 to 272. The highest results were 272, 242, and 131 leaks/ha in double-lined, and 80 and 77 leaks/ha in single-lined ponds. The inspected data revealed that 43% of projects had 0-2 leaks/ha, 20% had >2-5 leaks/ha, 14% had >5-10 leaks/ha, and 16% of the ponds had >20 leaks/ha. The results of this study are crucial for designers, Landfill Operators, and Environmental Agencies in establishing inspection practiced for lined ponds, particularly after a period of operation.
Energy infrastructure and climate change: Protecting erodible slopes in fire-prone areas
Authors: George Joseph
Published: September 2024

Energy infrastructure is critical to the functioning of modern societies, and its protection against natural disasters and environmental threats is a top priority. Fire affects an estimated four million square kilometers (1.5 million square miles) of Earth’s land each year and is responsible for releasing aerosols and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The chances of erosion increase significantly when vegetation has been burned off, leading to mass movements of soil and water. Steep, hilly areas are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon. Post-incendiary erosion increases sediment and ash in waterways, and can put people, property, and water supplies at risk. Geocellular confinement minimizes movement and migration of the embankment materials, resists sheet flow, and prevents severe erosion while controlling rill and gully formation, especially in erosive post-incendiary soils. This paper discusses: 1) the growing need to protect erodible slopes near and around energy infrastructure in fire-prone areas; 2) a recent project example where aggregate-filled geocells were used for this purpose; and 3) how this solution set can be applied as a best practice for energy infrastructure protection and pre- or post-incendiary erosion control.
Use of high-performance turf reinforcement Mats for erosion protection
Authors: Mottadelli Luca , Wilkes Charles , Mandavkar Sachin
Published: September 2024

High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats (HPTRM) are a specific type of geocomposite used for erosion protection. These innovative products are 3D mats made up mainly of synthetic fibers, which are combined with synthetic or metallic reinforcement to create a strong, durable material that can withstand the forces of water and soil movement. Their purpose is to enhance the topsoil resistance and support the natural vegetation of a slope. HPTRMs serve multiple purposes. They act as physical barriers, absorbing water, and wind impact on soil. They also curtail soil loss, fostering vegetation growth, and augmenting superficial soil layer shear strength. Critical to achieving a successful application, is that the TRM allows for fast and durable re-vegetation. The 3D open weave structure of the matting provides the soil with stability and grants plant root establishment. This contributes to slope stabilization and erosion prevention. Further, these mats retain moisture, fundamental for vegetation growth in dry environments. Over the years, the use of HPTRM is gaining popularity in several different applications. In this paper, we will illustrate three different applications. The first one is a soil veneer reinforcement on a long slope, where the HPTRM provided increased shear stress to prevent sliding of the topsoil in extreme weather conditions. The second is an installation in a hydraulic application as a soft armor lining. The third is a soil nailing application, where the HPTRM has been used in combination with anchors to improve the stability of a steep slope.
Rocking foundations on geosynthetic-improved sand
Authors: Newgard Jeffrey , Hewitt Jordaina , Foster Taylor , Hutchinson Tara , McCartney John
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the load-deformation response of a heavily loaded rocking footing on geogrid-reinforced sand via centrifuge-model scale shake table tests. To mitigate issues observed with overturning failure and excessive settlement of shallow footings on unimproved ground, geogrid reinforcement can help control footing kinematics while maintaining the enhanced energy dissipation of a rocking footing. The scalemodel geogrid evaluated in this study was manufactured with 3D printing and placed at a depth equal to the footing width. Shake sequences induced controlled yielding, and the geogrid was observed to reduce settlement during rocking and preserved recentering under strong shaking.
Geosynthetic-encased columns (GEC): A proven case study over 30 years
Authors: Detert Oliver , Rodriguez Carlos , Ojaruega Vona
Published: September 2024

The construction of embankments on very soft soils is a challenge due to the low shear strength, low permeability, high compressibility, and high-water content of the subsoil. The surcharge load imposed by the embankment can result not only in a local or total loss of stability but also in unacceptable settlements and horizontal deformations or thrusts, which could endanger nearby structures. To overcome these problems, different construction methods are applicable. One particularly interesting and still innovative foundation system is the use of geotextile encased granular columns, which can be considered “State-of-the-Art” in Europe. It was developed and introduced in 1994, and since then many major projects have been realised using geotextile encased columns (GEC). The overall loads and stress concentrations above the column heads induce outwardly directed radial horizontal stresses in the columns. The particularity of the GEC system is that these stresses are counteracted not only by the inwardly acting pressure of the soft soil but also –most importantly – by the radial resistance of the tensile stiff geotextile casing. This paper briefly describes the GEC system and includes the description of a few notable projects using GEC as a foundation system: land reclamation at the Airbus site in Hamburg, Germany, and the Second Niger Bridge in Africa. The geotechnical challenges, design basis, and what can be considered the most important findings of each of these projects are also discussed in this paper.
A probabilistic design approach to the reinforced fill over a void problem
Authors: Bathurst Richard J. , Naftchali Fahimeh M.
Published: September 2024

Current design methods for the problem of a thin reinforced fill over a void are based on analytical solutions which are most often solved using an allowable (working) stress deterministic (factor of safety) approach. However, in practice there are uncertainties in the estimate of the input parameter values that appear in the analytical equations. The paper shows how margins of safety for the limit states that appear in the wellknown BS8006 method can be computed using Monte Carlo simulation or an equivalent closed-form solution for reliability index. Reinforcement strain, strength and stiffness limit states are formulated to include input parameter uncertainty and model accuracy. The probabilistic limit state solutions are expressed by simple equations that are easily implemented in an Excel spreadsheet. The paper shows that using a probabilistic approach provides a more nuanced appreciation of the margins of safety for these limit states than deterministic factor of safety approaches. The probabilistic approach demonstrated in this paper is also in alignment with the movement toward reliability theory performance-based design of reinforced soil structures.
Short-term durability of elastomeric bituminous geomembranes at 70°C: A comparison of the effect of immersion methods
Authors: Hojjati Fatemeh , Abdelaal Fady , Bhat Sam , Samea Alireza
Published: September 2024

A custom-designed apparatus is used to age a 4.8-mm thick bituminous geomembrane (BGM) under single-sided exposure to a synthetic mining solution (pH13.5) at 70oC over a 6-months period. These experiments involve exposing the BGM from the bitumen coat surface only to simulate the BGM’s chemical exposure conditions in the field. The degradation in the tensile and chemical properties of the BGM is compared to double-sided immersed coupons in which the BGM is exposed to the solution from both surfaces. The preliminary results show that the degradation rate of the mechanical properties of the BGM is higher in the double-sided immersion test than single-sided immersion test. However, the difference in the degradation rates of the chemical properties of the bitumen coat between the double-sided and single-sided immersed BGM samples was insignificant.
Transport of per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane liners
Authors: Ahmad Aamir , Tian Kuo
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to investigate the fate and transport of per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GM) that is commonly used in landfill composite liner systems. Tests were conducted to measure the sorption and diffusion of four per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with varying numbers of carbons in chain and functional groups on HDPE GM. Perfluoroalkyl carboxyl acids (PFCAs), and perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids (PFSAs) were investigated in this study. The partition coefficients (Kd) on HDPE GM ranged from 5 to 12 L/Kg. Kd showed an increasing trend with chain length and were found to be sensitive to functional groups of PFAS. Molecular weight directly affected the Kd. The diffusion coefficients (Dg) of PFCAs and PFSAs through 0.1-mm HDPE GM were found to be in the orders of 10-18 to 10-17 m2/s. The Dg decreased with increasing molar mass and were also observed to be dependent on the functional group. Dg of PFSAs was lower than that of PFCAs for a similar number of carbons in the chain.
Effect of geosynthetic reinforcement pull-out on the surface characteristics of facing blocks
Authors: Guler Erol , Karaoglan Halil
Published: September 2024

The friction coefficient between the facing blocks and the geosynthetic reinforcement is one of the parameters in MSE design. To obtain this parameter, specific tests are foreseen in the standards. However the pull-out process of the geosynthetic reinforcement has an effect on the facing block surfaces. In this study the roughness of the precast concrete block elements was determined before and after the pull-out test to see the effect of the pull-out process, since the frictional behavior is a function of surface roughness. For this purpose 3D scanning was performed on block surfaces and a special macro program was coded to get a surface reading for every 0.5 mm. Since the concrete blocks used in the experiments are produced using the dry-cast method, the surfaces are not smooth and many small sized aggregate particles stick out of the average surface. As a result these extrusions break during the pull-out test. Hence, in conclusion, the roughness values have always increased after pull-out tests for both geotextile and geogrid reinforcement.
Innovative woven geotextiles and geo fibres leading the sustainability path
Authors: Breyne Bet , Vandewalle Sophie , Verbrugghe Sam , De Meyer Simon
Published: September 2024

The Beaulieu International Group has established a transparent way to communicate the environmental impact of their products. Via Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), third party verified certifications and by following ISO 14025, the impact of the commercialized geotextile engineered solutions are calculated and presented to users. These show a clear advantage of using innovative products such as UltraForce staple fibers for non-woven geotextile fabrics or Beaulieu’s woven technical fabrics, evidenced by a reduced global warming potential (GWP), dematerialisation and increased product longevity.
Study of environmental impact from geosynthetic reinforced soil walls
Authors: Moncada Anibal , Damians Ivan P. , Olivella Sebastià , Bathurst Richard J.
Published: September 2024

Reinforced soil walls (RSWs) have proven to be a reliable and resilient solution in many geotechnical applications (e.g., bridge abutments, highway and railway embankments, soil retaining walls, dikes, among others). Moreover, the reduced impact of these types of structures over traditional solutions has been compared using life cycle analysis (LCA) and sustainability assessment methodologies. Nowadays, RSWs are often constructed with geosynthetic materials as reinforcement elements due to their ease of use, cost, and technical viability. The use of geosynthetic materials can assist to meet the global challenges of the United Nations global sustainability goals and to adapt to the effects of climate change. The LCA methodology allows designers to determine the environmental impact of different candidate solutions or structures for a given design life. By providing comparable score-based results, a LCA permits objective decision making. The present work describes the environmental impact assessment of idealized polymer strap geosynthetic RSWs using the LCA methodology. Case studies are focused on the use of different backfill material (granular soil from a quarry or riverbed, recycled construction aggregate, and low quality locally available soil). Analysis boundaries include cradle-to-gate considerations and a 100-year design life. Results indicate the reduced environmental impact of using on-site backfill.
A circular economy approach for geotextile reuse following lake water filtration
Authors: Pereira Antonio C. , Palakkeel Veetil Dileep , Mulligan Catherine N. , Bhat Sam
Published: September 2024

Eutrophication in lake systems is intensifying. To reduce this possible scenario, a method for suspended solids and associated nutrient removal by a novel on-site remediation has been investigated, using nonwoven geotextiles as filter media. These procedures generate clogged geotextile layers with captured suspended solids on them. To become more sustainable, circular economy principles were employed, more precisely reuse. Thus, this investigation aims to assess the potential reuse strategies by washing clogged layers and determining their possible reuse. The washing method was pressurized water (i.e., using a gardening pump sprayer). Preliminary results have shown the efficiency of the washing method in removing visible geotextile (non-woven) clogging, with permeate flow rates reaching values close to the initial process values. The geotextile apparent opening size increased by an order of 20%. Also, no geotextile fibre disruption was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imagery, indicating its possible reuse. The dilute liquid waste preliminary findings showed high concentrations of some metals such as manganese, (112.72 μg/L) and zinc (88.12 μg/L) in addition to phosphorus (120.18 μg/L) which requires additional studies. The washed geotextile leaching test did not indicate any contaminants in the permeate which would enable geotextile layer reuse for lake water filtration.
Evaluating the impact of bentonite granule size distribution and swelling on the hydraulic conductivity of geosynthetic clay liners
Authors: Hou Juan , Chu Chenxi , Benson Craig H.
Published: September 2024

The impact of granular size, distribution, total intergranular porosity, mobile intergranular porosity, and the tortuosity of the flow paths on the hydraulic conductivity of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) was assessed using a COMSOL hydrodynamic model. Results showed that as the intergranular pore spaces become smaller as the bentonite granules swell, the hydraulic conductivity of the GCL decreases. This effect is more significant when the density of the bentonite is lower. Outcomes from the model also illustrate that flow in GCLs with low hydraulic conductivity occurs in fine pore spaces with a width on the order of 1 um. The mobile intergranular porosity through which flow occurs is approximately 0.05 after the bentonite swells, and is small relative to the total intergranular porosity. This indicates that most water within bentonite having low hydraulic conductivity is occluded within isolated pores. As the hydraulic conductivity decreases, the tortuosity of intergranular flow paths increases, varying from 1.38 to 1.03. The findings provide insight into the complex flow behavior in GCLs and factors that affect achieving low hydraulic conductivity.
Design and use of multi-linear drainage geocomposites for gas collection layers
Authors: Fourmont Stephan , Beamier David , Benedito Lucie
Published: September 2024

Pore pressures generated by gas underneath a geomembrane can affect its integrity and the entire lining system. It can create whales/hippos in a surface impoundment, significantly reduce normal stress on the lower interface and create a veneer instability on final landfill cover. The membrane is lifted by the pressure of the gas trapped beneath it. The solution to avoid such occurrences is to install a permeable material that collects and transmits the gas outside the lining system. It can be vented to the atmosphere in the case of impoundments or collected in a gas collection network for valorization in case of landfills, for example. A sand layer is certainly possible, but drainage geocomposites offer an efficient and economical alternative. Depending on the application, the drainage geocomposite is designed to act as a passive system (no mechanical vacuum applied) or active. This paper presents the use of multi-linear drainage geocomposite for gas collection and its hydraulic behavior to collect and evacuate the gas. A case study is also given with the use of geocomposite as venting layer under a lined pond.
The methodology for mine closure with geosynthetics applied in Brazil
Authors: Todescan Bruna , Toniato Andrade Letícia , Caressato Junior Wladimir
Published: September 2024

Industrial and mining activities, exploring and processing minerals, often require specific treatment processes to avoid the generation of contaminants, as is the case with acidic waters, resulting from the contact of precipitation with the material to be treated. Therefore, closure projects are carried out, which require environmental treatment, a covering, so that the structure can be integrated into the environment. Therefore, there is a need to find alternatives to conventional systems for using natural materials for closing covers, due to the magnitudes involved in these projects, as well as the scarcity of natural material, considering the use of geosynthetics for this type. of solution. Thus, it is demonstrated how geosynthetics work in these structures, providing chemical, physical and biological stability to the scenario where it can often be an arduous task to ensure them with conventional solutions, resulting in an advantageous solution in technical and economic terms. Such factors are demonstrated methodologies developed for the application of geosynthetics used in coverage, which led to the elaboration of several projects to be carried out in Latin America in recent years, with practical examples completed in Peru. In this scenario, aiming to expand the application of the methodology, its peculiarities are addressed, aimed at application in tropical countries where, typically, there are effects generated by excessive precipitation, one of the main adverse agents to be considered, as is the case in Brazil.
Small earth dams of soil reinforced with geosynthetics, 30 years of experiences in Santander, Colombia
Authors: Ramírez C Mario
Published: September 2024

In Colombia, access to water resources is a critical problem due to population growth, deforestation, hardening of green areas and deficient water management infrastructure. The construction of small earth dams made soil slopes reinforced with Geosynthetics has been proposed. There have been more than thirty (30) years of experiences, both good and not so good. The objective of this presentation is to share these experiences and lessons learned for the good performance of this innovative, economically and environmentally very important system, as well as the experiences from which we have learned.
Loss of stability in geosynthetic-reinforced slopes
Authors: Ma Terrance , Javankhoshdel Sina
Published: September 2024

Geosynthetics are commonly considered to provide restoring forces against sliding during overall slope stability analyses. Where a slipping surface intersects a geosynthetic layer, the geosynthetic layer produces a reaction force either in the opposite direction of sliding, in the direction of the geosynthetic alignment, or in some intermediate direction. The provision of geosynthetic reinforcements typically increases the factor of safety in limit equilibrium against overall sliding in the design of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, and for this reason has become popular among practitioners. However, geosynthetics are typically installed in contiguous layers. These layers are potential interfaces for sliding which need to be checked with respect to slope stability. In other words, it is possible for a slope to become unstable via partial sliding along the interface of a geosynthetic. In this paper, a comprehensive method of analysis is demonstrated via an example which evaluates the stability of a slope reinforced by geosynthetics. All the cases of failure with respect to slope stability are considered via the dual treatment of the geosynthetic elements as weak layers and supporting elements in a limit equilibrium analysis in software.
Installation of geomembrane panels in low heights slopes
Authors: Meldau Adolpho , Silva Jucieli
Published: September 2024

We understand that one of Engineering's main services, in addition to following good construction techniques, is also allowing customers to low down costs, such as installation speed (shorter the time required to complete the work usually means lower costs). As a manufacturer of waterproofing geomembranes, we rarely participate in defining what kind of geomembrane is used for each job, but we are required to produce the geomembrane to the meet the necessary specifications. Sometimes, when we are asked to produce panels, we follow modulation requirements. This work was developed based on projects executed in mining areas, mainly in evaporation ponds to obtain potassium and lithium, located in the Atacama Desert, in Chile and in ponds of the same purpose located in the Uyuni Desert, in Bolivia. However, although we did not project, due to our experience as supplier participating in many projects and different works, this experience enable us to observe certain aspects of many projects we got in contact. One of these aspects, which we want to draw attention to here, was the installation of geomembranes in small lagoons with 2.00 m height, where the placement of panels reached a high speed coupled with also high security in the installation.
Approach to tailings facility liner configuration selection: A case study
Authors: Hughes-Games Dan , Patterson Kate , Murray Len , Mrak Cole , Rowe Kerry
Published: September 2024

What liner configuration should you use for a tailings facility? Do you need a geosynthetic liner? Should you include overdrains above your liner? This paper presents an approach to answer these questions for a case study tailings facility in a semi-arid environment. The case study project includes a performance criterion that the seepage flux be limited below the impoundment. Four liner configurations were shortlisted, and the efficacy of each arrangement compared with numerical modelling. The configurations are: (1) tailings directly over a liner, (2) tailings on an overdrain system over a liner, (3) tailings on an overdrain system over a blinding layer over a liner, and (4) sealing the foundation with tailings slimes (i.e., no geosynthetic membrane). This paper also presents estimates of the longevity of an HDPE liner system, as this is vital in assessing performance over very long time periods. Seepage and consolidation modelling results indicate that overdrains do not improve the potential to meet the performance criterion and overdrains have a limited post-closure consolidation benefit. All configurations with geosynthetics indicated the liner system would function adequately during the period prior to geosynthetic membrane degradation. The slimes sealing case was shown to not provide an adequate impedance to flow.
Use of geogrid-stabilized aggregate layers in roadway application projects, Honduras case studies
Authors: Galindo Alex
Published: September 2024

This document shows at least three roadway application projects that show the benefit of using geogrid-stabilized aggregate layers to build safe roads while reducing the carbon footprint construction and engineering. Most of these projects are located in conditions of narrow streets conditions where construction procedures tend to be more critical because alternative routes during construction are limited and traffic is high. Thus, where traditionally chemical stabilization or soil substitution has been used, mechanically stabilizaded layers with geogrids have been gaining importance, increasing their use because more previsibility, good performance, quick installation, carbon footprint reduction and others. These experiences could be helpful to planners and the engineering community for the implementation of more sustainable pavement projects.
Use of geosynthetics and reduction of environmental impacts in the construction of a new parking apron at Ostend airport in Belgium
Authors: Fontana Francesco , Cazzuffi Daniele , De Meyer Simon
Published: September 2024

The theme of microplastics (MP) emissions is one of the focuses of possible environmental concerns when using geosynthetic products in the civil engineering applications. For the construction of a new aircraft parking apron at the Ostend airport in Belgium, a relevant amount of gravel has been substituted with an appropriate woven geotextile for stabilizing the ground. The initial consideration for this decision was essentially due to the important economic and ecological advantages in terms of material savings, time needed for their installation and the overall construction costs. This paper reports the successive analyses showing a very relevant saving in CO2 emissions (more than 77%), which would justify by itself the solution with geosynthetics, if compared with the use of gravel. The specificity and precision of the data available allowed the calculation of a dramatic saving (more than 97%) also in terms of MP emissions, due to the spare of trucks for the transport of materials, preventing also the MP formation connected to the truck’s tires wearing.
Millability of geosynthetic pavement interlayers
Authors: Souza Tiago , Zornberg Jorge G. , Correia Natalia S.
Published: September 2024

Due to the increasing use of geosynthetic pavement interlayers, such as geogrids, paving geocomposites, and paving mats in asphalt rehabilitation works, asphalt milling projects involving milling the geosynthetic layers will significantly increase in the upcoming years. Thus, it is essential to understand how the milling process of conventional asphalt layers differ from milling paving interlayers. An experimental field section was constructed at the Salvador International Airport (Brazil) with different geosynthetic sections. Results showed that all geosynthetic pavement interlayers were “millable”, but with certain differences in the milling efficiency, as well as in the physical characteristics of the RAPs.
Design experiences of MSE structures under complex conditions in a highway project
Authors: Perez Alberto Jose , Stafford Mariana
Published: September 2024

The design and construction of Mechanically Stabilized Walls (MSE) have had a great boom in Guatemala in recent years. Central America’s largest private infrastructure road project has required the construction of more than 30,000 m2 of MSE structures under extreme seismic, topographical, and hydrological conditions. Considering that Guatemala has been a country with very high seismicity and the project being on a good percentage of slopes on the margins of a river, made both the design and construction of the project face great challenges. The project consists of tier walls, walls with upper slopes, walls supported on extremely steep slopes and walls with heights that can reach more than 20 meters. Many of these structures have critical hydraulic and global stability conditions. There are three case studies of walls, that by their complexity deserve to be considered for further study and from which there are many lessons for the future use of mechanically stabilized structures in the face of complex conditions.
The use of a geogrid – geotextile geo-composite to improve soft soils for construction works at a facility expansion site in Western Canada
Authors: Adesokan Doyin , Crutchlow Todd
Published: September 2024

Soft soils pose several challenges for construction works – from site accessibility and trafficability challenges, to earthworks, foundation design and other related challenges. This paper presents the use of a geocomposite reinforcement material to improve site accessibility and trafficability for a facility expansion project at a manufacturing and processing site in Western Canada. The soil stratigraphy at the site consisted of approximately 0.1 m to 0.8 m layer of organic topsoil (peat moss), underlain by soft lacustrine clay that extended up to depths of 11.5 m to 14.6 m below the ground surface. The soft surficial soils at the site made it challenging, or impossible in some areas, for the field investigation and construction equipment and crew to access the proposed construction areas. There was a high risk of equipment getting stuck or falling over in various areas, which had reportedly occurred during previous works on the site. To create a suitable working and trafficable surface for the required construction works, the geo-composite reinforcement material was placed directly on top of the stripped subgrade, followed by a 300 mm layer of compacted well-graded pit run. The use of the geo-composite reinforcement material helped to create the required stable working surface for equipment and crew to complete the construction of the facility expansion.
A study on GCCM (geosynthetic cementitious composite mat) performance improvement by structural composition of woven geotextiles
Authors: Ko Eunhee , Lee Hyungho , Nam Kyunghwa , Jeon Han-Yong
Published: September 2024

By applying ‘yarn inlay’ technology using reinforcing fibers, a double raschel GCCM that improved the structural elongation control and reinforcement ability of knitted fabrics was manufactured. In order to improve the cross-sectional reduction of GCCM due to curing shrinkage of concrete, the effects of blowing agent content and concrete filling rate were analysed as a result of the bending strength test, Double raschel GCCM showed the improved brittleness compared to that of general concrete. In addition, it was confirmed that the durability of Double Cell GCCM did not decrease significantly even after 10 days of concrete curing. Finally, the bending strength in special environments such as seawater, freeze-thaw, acidic and alkaline solutions was analysed, and the durability of double raschel GCCM in application environments was confirmed.
Performance benefits of white formulation HDPE geomembranes
Authors: Amtsberg Marc , Nanton Borja , Martin Gabriel , García Ignacio
Published: September 2024

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Geomembranes have been used in containment applications for the past 50 years. Over this period, Polyethylene Geomembrane formulations have changed markedly with a design need to contain higher risk contaminants stored in more challenging environments. One of the major product developments has seen the emergence of “White Top Layer” Geomembranes. Atarfil would concur, and our most recent immersion and exposure data is compelling. It is not simply the thermal behavior that is beneficial, the additive types required to meet the challenges of stabilizing white layers, also serve significantly better protection when subjected to UV and Immersion Testing. This is translating to significantly longer predictions of Geomembrane performance life.
Unconfined interfacial friction of Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats
Authors: Church Lee , Plumridge Charles , Koerner George
Published: September 2024

Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCMs) are flexible, cementitious material-filled geosynthetics that harden on hydration to form thin concrete layers and are primarily used for surface erosion protection applications. When installing GCCMs on steep slopes and channels, the interfacial friction between the GCCM and the substrate must be understood to determine if anchoring is required to secure the material in place. Determining interface shear resistance using test methods such as ASTM D5321 require a shear box and confining load acting on the soil/GCCM, which may not accurately represent GCCM resistance, as when installed there is typically no confining load other than GCCM self-weight and water. To provide a more detailed understanding of ‘unconfined’ interfacial friction properties of GCCMs, the authors created a tilt table which could be filled with different substrates and inclined to record the angle of GCCM specimen slip on the substrate surface. This paper reviews the tilt table testing on two common GCCMs with different backing layers (PVC and LLDPE), tested on a number of substrates that are typically lined in GCCMs. Both the interfacial friction angle and adhesion are determined, with discussion on the relationship between adhesion and surcharge for some substrate types.
Village road restoration in electrical steam power plant area in Banten, Indonesia through embankment reinforcement using geoframe technology
Authors: Anindita Nadya Ayu , Nurjannah Dhinta Ayundya , Widhiastuti Fajar , Avicenna Abdul Aziz
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a case study of the restoration of village road located between Zone 2A and Zone 2B after the excavation for box culvert underneath it. Geotechnical investigations showed that the area will be constructed upon volcanic rock material. The height of the Geoframe is approximately 19.7 meters. This system is a combination of polyester strip for reinforcing element and connected with clamp to the facing made of galvanized steel as a permanent formwork and non-woven geotextile material for filter element. The inclination of Geoframe structure can reach almost vertical with over 85⁰ inclined facing. The result of this work, Geoframe’s facing can be grown with vegetation (grass) to accentuate a natural and green structure. From design perspective, the embankment safety factor was above the criteria stated in Indonesian National Standard for Geotechnical Design Requirements which is above 1.50 and design with pseudo-static earthquake load which is above 1.10. The system has proven to be easy to implement in the field, fast and can be carried out with good quality control.
Development of a Stereospecific Strategy for the Total Synthesis of Diplodialide C and Formal Synthesis of (–)-Curvularin
Authors: Saha Sumit , Kumar Ravan , Banerjee Amit
Published: September 2024

A concise and efficient stereospecific approach for the total synthesis of diplodialide C (R,R and S,S isomers) has been demonstrated using chiral homoglycidol and propylene oxide as a source of starting material. Further oxidized ketolide product derived from diplodialide C (S,S isomer) was applied to the formal synthesis of (–)-curvularin following reported known literature.
ERN eUROGEN Guidelines on the Management of Anorectal Malformations Part III: Lifelong Follow-up and Transition of Care
Authors: Aubert Ophelia , Irvine Willemijn F.E. , Aminoff Dalia , de Blaauw Ivo , Cascio Salvatore , Cretolle Célia , Iacobelli Barbara Daniela , Lacher Martin , Mantzios Konstantinos , Miserez Marc , Sarnacki Sabine , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Schwarzer Nicole , Sloots Cornelius , Stenström Pernilla , Midrio Paola , Gosemann Jan-Hendrik
Published: September 2024

Introduction Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are complex congenital anomalies of the anorectal region, oftentimes also affecting the genitourinary system. Although successful surgical correction can often be achieved in the neonatal period, many children will experience functional problems in the long term. The European Reference Network for rare and complex urogenital conditions (eUROGEN) assembled a panel of experts to address these challenges and develop comprehensive guidelines for the management of ARM.

Methods The Dutch Quality Standard for ARM served as the foundation for the development of guidelines applicable on a European level. Literature was searched in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. The ADAPTE method was utilized to incorporate the newest available evidence. A panel of 15 experts from 7 European countries assessed currency, acceptability, and applicability of recommendations. Recommendations from the Dutch Quality Standard were adapted, adopted, or rejected and recommendations were formed considering the current evidence and/or expert consensus.

Results Lifelong follow-up, integration, and transition of care were assessed. A total of eight new studies were identified. The panel adapted 18 recommendations, adopted 6, and developed 6 de novo. Overall, the level of evidence was considered low.

Conclusion Successful lifelong follow-up and transition of care require a dedicated team of pediatric and adult specialist and an individually tailored patient-centered approach. This guideline summarizes the best available evidence on follow-up of ARM patients and provides guidance for the development of structured transition programs.
Nonlinear dynamical social and political prediction algorithm for city planning and public participation using the impulse pattern formulation
Authors: Bader R. , Linke S. , Gernert S.
Published: September 2024

A nonlinear-dynamical algorithm for city planning is proposed as an impulse pattern formulation (IPF) for predicting relevant parameters such as health, artistic freedom, or financial developments of different social or political stakeholders over the cause of a planning process. The IPF has already shown high predictive precision at low computational cost in musical instrument simulations, brain dynamics, and human–human interactions. The social and political IPF consists of three basic equations of system state developments, self-adaptation of stakeholders, two adaptive interactions, and external impact terms suitable for respective planning situations. Typical scenarios of stakeholder interactions and developments are modeled by adjusting a set of system parameters. These include stakeholder reaction to external input, enhanced system stability through self-adaptation, stakeholder convergence due to adaptive interaction, as well as complex dynamics in terms of fixed stakeholder impacts. A workflow for implementing the algorithm in real city planning scenarios is outlined. This workflow includes machine learning of a suitable set of parameters suggesting best-practice planning to aim at the desired development of the planning process and its output.
Effects of spin torque within ferromagnetic infinite medium: The short-wave approximation and Painlevé analysis
Authors: Nguepjouo Francis T. , Kuetche Victor K. , Tchomgo Felenou E.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the effects of spin-transfer torques within the ferromagnetic infinite medium through the short-wave approximation method. As a result, we have derived the new (1+1) dimensional nonlinear evolution system, which describes the propagation of electromagnetic short waves within the ferromagnet in the presence of electric current density. Using the Painlevé analysis and Hirota’s bilinearization, we unearth the integrability properties of this new evolution system. In the wake of such an analysis, the typical class of excitations and its physical implications are presented. We remark that the current density acts on magnetization like an effective magnetic damping, which is important for the stabilization of magnetic information storage and data process elements.
A class of nonlinear ship stability analysis: Stochastic dynamics with time-delayed control in crosswind and wave conditions
Authors: Ai Hao , Han ZiKun , Chen XiYuan , Wang QiuBao
Published: September 2024

The impact of ocean waves and crosswinds on ships has long been a focal point of research for many scholars. This paper proposes a stochastic ship rolling model influenced by crosswinds, ocean waves, and time delays. The safe operating region for ship navigation is presented through the phase space of the system. A quantitative discussion of the system is conducted using the stochastic Melnikov function, and the stochastic P-D bifurcation of the system is discussed using topological data analysis techniques. The research indicates that incorporating time delay feedback can effectively enhance the system’s stability.
A non-autonomous framework for climate change and extreme weather events increase in a stochastic energy balance model
Authors: Del Sarto G. , Flandoli F.
Published: September 2024

We develop a three-timescale framework for modeling climate change and introduce a space-heterogeneous one-dimensional energy balance model. This model, addressing temperature fluctuations from rising carbon dioxide levels and the super-greenhouse effect in tropical regions, fits within the setting of stochastic reaction–diffusion equations. Our results show how both mean and variance of temperature increase, without the system going through a bifurcation point. This study aims to advance the conceptual understanding of the extreme weather events frequency increase due to climate change.
Generating optical vortex needle beams with a flat diffractive lens
Authors: Kumari Anita , Dev Vasu , Hayward Tina M. , Menon Rajesh , Pal Vishwa
Published: September 2024

We present a novel method for generating optical vortex needle beams (focused optical vortices with extended depth-of-focus) using a compact flat multilevel diffractive lens (MDL). Our experiments demonstrate that the MDL can produce focused optical vortices (FOVs) with topological charges l=1−4 (extendable to other l values), maintaining focus over distances significantly longer than conventional optical vortices. Specifically, FOVs exhibit non-diffracting behavior with a depth-of-focus (DOF) extended beyond 5 cm, compared to conventional optical vortices, which show continuous size increase due to diffraction. When the MDL is illuminated by an optical vortex of 3 mm diameter, it achieves a transmission efficiency of approximately 90% and extends the DOF several times beyond that of traditional lenses. Increasing the size of the input optical vortex further extends the DOF but introduces additional rings, with their number increasing proportionally to the value of l. Our approach, validated by both experimental results and numerical simulations, proves effective for beams such as optical vortex and Hermite-Gaussian modes and holds potential applications in high-resolution imaging, material processing, optical coherence tomography, and three-dimensional optical tweezers, offering a simple and efficient solution for generating non-diffracting beams.
Real-time pricing considering carbon constraints for smart grid with multiple energy sources
Authors: Cheng Qiong , Lv Jianfeng
Published: September 2024

With the escalation of fossil fuel pollution and the challenges of climate change, the smart grid is forced to address the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel use. Real-time pricing of smart grid is an effective means to regulate the balance of supply and demand in the grid as well as to achieve energy conservation and environmental protection. This paper takes traditional fossil energy and clean energy power supply as the background, takes social welfare maximization as the goal, combines carbon emission cost with traditional power generation cost, and constructs a real-time pricing model that takes into account carbon emission cost, so that thermal power enterprises participate in the power market and carbon market at the same time. By using duality methods, we transformed the original optimization problem into an equivalent one. Furthermore, a distributed iterative algorithm based on the subgradient projection method is employed to solve the dual problem. The simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed real-time pricing strategy.
Directional self-migration of droplets on an inclined surface driven by wettability gradient
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhao Shuting , Liu Yao , Sun Deji , Ke Zhaoqing , Tian Yuan
Published: September 2024

In the current study, the anti-gravity directional self-migration of droplets on an inclined surface driven by wettability gradient (ω) was investigated using a front-tracking method. A unified mechanical model of droplet motion on an inclined wettability gradient wall was derived, considering the driving force generated by ω (Fd), gravity (G), and flow resistance (Ff). The model demonstrates that ω, G, and inclination angle (α) are key parameters affecting droplet motion. By varying ω, Bond number (Bo), and α, the droplet dynamic characteristics were analyzed, and a real-time Capillary number (Ca) was introduced to measure the droplet migration speed. The results indicate that a larger ω generates a greater Fd, leading to faster migration and more pronounced spreading. When the ratio of the channel width to the droplet diameter is 0.7, the droplet can cross three regions, obtaining double Fd, and Ca curve exhibits a bimodal structure. When the ratio of the channel width to the droplet diameter is 1.2, the droplet slides and spreads in the middle region without ω, resulting in a trimodal Ca curve. A larger Bo implies a stronger gravity effect, reducing the net driving force for upward migration and slowing the migration speed. At α=30° and ω=0.54, Bo reaches its critical value at 0.5, where G exceeds Fd, causing the droplet to slide downward along the wall. α affects droplet motion by controlling the gravitational component along the wall (Gx). A larger α results in a smaller net driving force for upward migration, reducing the migration speed.