bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of paste backfill performance using artificial neural networks
Authors: Rankine Rudd M.  , Sivakugan Nagaratnam
Published: February 2025

Increasing regulations and social expectations of mines to minimize environmental impacts whilst ensuring a safe working environment and maintaining profitability has led to a higher degree of control throughout the mining and processing cycle. In recent years there has been an increasing trend with regards to the use of paste fill. Paste fill is defined simply as mine tailings (typically an effective grain size of approximately 5 μm) mixed with some form of binder. The tailings used to manufacture paste fill are unclassified; that is they are not graded or sized in any form. This lack of grading results in greater variation of the tailings and consequently the material characteristics. Traditionally, additional cement has been added into the paste fill blend to compensate for the variation of the grain size distribution and improve stability of fill exposures. Cement is the most expensive component of paste and can constitute between 15%–20% of the total cost of mining. Therefore, any reduction in the use of excess cement will result in obvious economic benefits. Within this study, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied to the prediction of fill strengths, and were based on the input parameters of cement content, solids content, curing time and grain size distribution. Correlations between the predicted and achieved strength of the paste for both Cannington mine and paste fill worldwide using ANNs were excellent. The use of ANNs as part of an integrated planning tool for the design of backfills has also been discussed in the paper.
Performance of a large dam, field measurements and analytical approach
Authors: Sadrekarimi J.  , Kia M.
Published: February 2025

Estimation of during construction settlement of embankment dams is highly important in design and safety control of embankment and appurtenant structures. In order to evaluate the ability of Mohr-Coulomb and Soft Soil Creep models in prediction of embankment settlement, Alavian dam was selected as a well constructed and monitored case. The features of mentioned models and the dam under study have been explained in brief. The parameters required for analyses were provided screening laboratory and field test results. Then the during construction settlement profiles were established using Mohr-Coulomb and Soft Soil Creep models and compared with those obtained by direct field measurements with settlement meters. It was disclosed that, in general, the predicted settlement profiles are in agreement with that of field measurements. With Mohr-Coulomb model, better agreement is observed only in short term than the long term. However, as time passes the field measured profiles precede the predicted values. With soft soil creep model, however, agreement between the predicted and field measured values is quite encouraging all through the construction period. The predicted maximum settlement using both models, occur at 1/3 of embankment height which is coincident with field measurements
Comment un mur de quai sinistré a pu être remis en place
Authors: Simon B.  , Barras P.
Published: February 2025

Le quai Chef de Baie 1 construit en 1982, composé d'un rideau mixte pieux/palplanches, a été victime d'un déplacement soudain et inattendu en février 2001 qui imposa l'arrêt de son exploitation ainsi qu'un remblaiement d'urgence côté bassin. Les investigations entreprises ont permis d'identifier que les désordres avaient été provoqués par la rupture de plusieurs tirants qui supportaient des contraintes excessives, certains depuis la construction. Ceci put être corroboré grâce à un modèle numérique aux éléments finis avec le logiciel Plaxis, intégrant l'ensemble des données pertinentes. Le même modèle a été utilisé avec profit pour simuler plusieurs scénarii de redressement du quai et choisir l'association d'une excavation provisoire du terre plein et d'une précontrainte par tirants provisoires pour réaliser cet objectif. Le comportement du rideau durant ces opérations s'est révélé conforme aux prévisions du modèle numérique.
Propriétés d'injectabilité de sables par des coulis de ciment fin
Authors: Dupla J.-C.  , Canou J.  , Gouvenot D.
Published: February 2025

On présente les résultats d'une étude expérimentale sur l'influence de paramètres significatifs sur l'injectabilité de coulis de ciment dans des matrices sableuses. On s'intéresse en particulier à l'influence de la concentration du coulis en ciment et de la distribution granulométrique des ciments et des sables utilisés sur l'injectabilité. On donne finalement des éléments relatifs aux caractéristiques mécaniques des matériaux injectés après prise, évaluées à partir d'essais de compression simple, et on relie l'hétérogénéité des propriétés mécaniques mises en évidence au phénomène de filtration ayant lieu lors de la phase d'injection.
New developments in soil improvement under railway lines on soft soil
Authors: Katzenbach R.  , Ittershagen M.
Published: February 2025

To analyse the dynamic soil-structure interaction of railway lines on soft soil experimental and numerical investigations have been carried out. The mean intention was to get information about the influence of different soil improvement layouts and further on to establish a design tool for railway lines on soft soil based on the additional results of a numerically supported parametric study. The principle part of the paper is the presentation of the experimental and numerical investigations.
Deep mixing research results in under water conditions
Authors: Van Impe W.F.  , Verástegui Flores R.D.  , Van Impe P.O.  , Mengé P.  , Van den Broeck M.
Published: February 2025

The present paper deals with the improvement of mechanical properties of dredged material treated on site with addition of cementing agents, by means of wet mixing. Moreover, the influence of temperature on the improvement has been studied on specimens mixed with blast furnace cement. The results of the laboratory testing do suggest the choice of blast furnace cement for the under water deep mixing application in the field, installing columns of about 1.9m in diameter and about 8m long. The column quality control also revealed that the improvement level in the field was higher than on samples prepared in the laboratory; a Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis on specimen from the laboratory and the field has demonstrated the premise that the type of mixing procedure in the field (called SSI) is a key parameter and maybe the main cause of such beneficial difference.
Physical 1:1 scale model studies on geogrid reinforced soil walls
Authors: Palhas Saramago Robson  , Ehrlich Mauricio
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a physical model study of the compaction influence on the behavior of reinforced soil walls with extensible reinforcements. The experiments have been accomplished in a new facility at COPPE/UFRJ's Geotechnical Laboratory. Two model soil walls 1:1 scale reinforced with geogrids were performed. For soil compaction two different types of hand-operated compactors were used: a light vibrating plate and a vibratory tamper. Results show that soil compaction does not limit to the reduction of the soil void ratio. Compaction may lead to a significant increase of the horizontal stress inside the reinforced soil mass and generate a kind of preconsolidated material. Analyses of results show that compaction may be a decisive factor on reinforcement tensions and post-construction movements.
Rigidity characteristic and deformation calculation of large-area thick raft foundation
Authors: Gong J.F.  , Huang X.L.  , Teng J.
Published: February 2025

Model Test results show that when raft thickness is 1/6 of column span, the rigidity of frame structure with raft foundation is limited rigidity; and contact pressure of foundation may distribute linearly. The simplified global analysis method with the consideration of superstructure for the contact pressure and settlement of raft under partial load and superimposition principle can be employed in the settlement of large-area thick raft foundation with multi-tall buildings.
Mechanical behavior of caisson foundation reinforced by steel pipe sheet piles
Authors: Isobe K.  , Kimura M.
Published: February 2025

SPSP (Steel pipe sheet piles) reinforcement method for existing caisson foundations founded in water is proposed, in the method, SPSP are driven around the caisson foundation and connected onto the foundation. Centrifugal model tests and 3-D elasto-plastic FEM analysis are conducted to clarify the effect of reinforcement and its deformation mechanism. In this research, the connection condition of the caisson to SPSP reinforcement, flexural rigidity ratios of caisson to the SPSP and length of SPSP which influences the behavior of the reinforced foundation system is discussed. A suitable construction method is recommended based on the experimental and analytical results.
Densification of hydraulic fills by vibroflotation technique
Authors: Mecsi J.  , Gökalp A.  , Düzceer R.
Published: February 2025

This case history describes the densification of hydraulic fills by vibroflotation method. A total of 1,034,000 m3of hydraulic fills covering an area of 181,000 m2are densified to a minimum relative density of 70%. Soil classification for initial state of the hydraulic fills is investigated based on CPTU test results. The physical properties of the hydraulic fills and the details of the densification works are presented and the results of the quality control tests are discussed. Compaction energy and corresponding increase in cone resistance, Δqc, are examined for different type of soil and results are presented.
Foundation design for a new cable-stayed bridge crossing the Panama Canal
Authors: Moormann Ch.  , Humpf K.
Published: February 2025

The ‘Puente Centenario’ is the second bridge crossing the famous Panama Canal in Central America. The cable-stayed bridge with 185 m high pylons and a main span of 420 m cross the Canal in the area of the 100 m deep Gaillard Cut, the narrowest part of the Canal. Besides basalt flows the subsoil consists of very heterogeneous soft rocks of volcanic debris causing long-term creep behaviour and landslides moving. The foundation design for the new bridge is presented with a focus on the deep foundations and the O'cell-tests executed as single- and multi-level tests resulting in new experiences on the pile behaviour in soft volcanic rock.
Shallow penetration resistance of a minicone in sand
Authors: Tufenkjian M.R.  , Thompson D.
Published: February 2025

The minicone penetration test has shown promise in obtaining reliable geotechnical information within the upper two meters of the seafloor. Standard cones have well established correlations that relate measured cone parameters to soil strength at confining pressures simulating deeper penetration. However, these have not been extensively verified at shallow penetration depths. This paper presents the experimental results of an ongoing investigation to study the penetration resistance of a mincone in sand at shallow penetration.
Performance of some unbound roadbase materials from Queensland
Authors: Wijeyakulasuriya V.  , Ramanujam J.  , Creagh M.  , Soward G.
Published: February 2025

This paper summarises recent investigations into characterisation and performance of unbound roadbase materials carried out by Main Roads, Queensland (QDMR), on road projects across the state. Performance based tests such as the Repeated Load Triaxial (RLT) and the Wheel Tracker (WT) are the primary tools which are increasingly used by QDMR to overcome the limitations of simple specification type tests. This paper shows the inadequacy of current specification tests to rank material performance. The performance based tests show that the properties of the coarse aggregate alone are inadequate for sound performance; enable the contribution to mechanical behaviour by plastic fines with high matric suction to be assessed; further, and facilitates ranking of material behaviour. Simple shakedown analyses undertaken yield similar material rankings. Finally, some materials from the performance based characterisation are compared with Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) in-service pavement performance data.
Physico-chemical aspects of cementitious slurry design for the stabilisation of reactive soils
Authors: Wilkinson A.  , Haque A.  , Kodikara J.  , Adamson J.  , Christie D.
Published: February 2025

The physico-chemical implications of cementitious stabilisation across a range of soil geochemical conditions have been addressed to rationalise the current state of practice. The processes that influence the gain in soil characteristics include the short-term flocculation of clay particles that stabilises the expansive nature of moisture-sensitive soils, and the occurrence of pozzolanic reaction to give cementitious products. The proposed approach to slurry design is based on assessing the potential for these two processes in the soil chemistry and mineralogy and matching a complementary cementitious additive type and concentration. Ten soils have been collected and assessed using the Unified Soil Classification System and the Great Soil Group Classification System. The former classification system is used to express the plasticity characteristics of the soil deposit. The latter system is used by agricultural scientists to express the profile development of soil deposits, and provides a convenient source for gaining an appreciation of site geochemistry without deferring to expensive laboratory tests. The two systems can be used to determine an appropriate slurry composition to affect a desired geotechnical response. This will improve the efficiency of the stabilisation routine.
Progressive consolidation of highly structured clay under embankment loading
Authors: Asaoka A.  , Noda T.  , Yamada E.  , Tashiro M.
Published: February 2025

A long-term continuous consolidation settlement often observed in a natural soft clay foundation is numerically simulated using “super/subloading elasto-plastic constitutive model.” The settlement behavior was found to exhibit accelerated rate of settlement several times during consolidation with a rise of excess pore water pressure under a constant applied load after the completion of the embankment. The likely causes of this lie in the progressive decay of soil skeleton structure of the clay which causes “compression accompanied by softening.”
Failure of peat dikes in The Netherlands
Authors: Bezuijen Adam  , Kruse Gerard A.M.  , Van Meindert A.
Published: February 2025

A peat dike in The Netherlands unexpectedly failed at the end of the dry summer of 2003. The failure mode was not a Bishop type circular failure used in routine dike stability analyses in The Netherlands. The failed dike segment was displaced horizontally over 6 m The failure plane was found to lie at the boundary between peat and the underlying sand. It was concluded that failure was caused by a chain of events in which weight loss and shrinkage of the peat, due to the dry weather conditions, are considered important factors. Analyses of the behaviour of the peat made clear that several processes, controlled by hydrological conditions in the unsaturated and saturated zones in the embankment, resulted in fracturing of the peat. The fracturing along with a very high strength anisotropy of the peat resulted in a connection between the water in the canal and the water in the sand, raising the piezometric head in the sand by several metres, allowing the dike to simply 'float' away for over 5 m, pushed by the water in the canal.
Experimental and analytical study on the behaviour of circular piled raft on sand
Authors: Balakumar V.  , Kalaiarasi V.  , Ilamparuthi K.
Published: February 2025

In order to understand the load sharing and settlement reduction behaviour of circular piled raft resting on sand, 1g model tests were conducted on small-scale perspex models. The parameter studied were length, diameter and number of piles. The load settlement behaviour obtained from the tests has been validated using simplified linear and non-linear finite element models. Equivalent pier concept of Poulos and Davis (1980) was adopted to understand the load sharing response of piled raft and settlement reduction. The analytical and 1g model test results are found to be in reasonable agreement. The equivalent pier concept has proved to be a very useful method in representing the behaviour of piled raft.
Analysis for forced vibration test on a proto-type pile foundation in TSIP
Authors: Chen C.H.  , Ko Y.Y.  , Chu H.C.
Published: February 2025

In order to investigate the ground vibrations probably induced by the high speed rail when will pass through the Tainan Science Industrial Park, a proto-type bridge foundation supported on four large-diametered piles was built in the TSIP for the purpose of in-situ tests. A series of forced vibration tests on the pile foundation had been conducted. The test method, analysis procedure and results of test are briefly introduced in this paper. Besides, a numerical simulation by using the finite element program ABAQUS is conducted. Results obtained are in good agreement with the results of in-situ tests.
Bearing mechanism and pile foundation design
Authors: Wada Akira
Published: February 2025

In this paper, over 40 pile load test data were reviewed and the bearing capacity of the piles was studied. Through the analysis of pile load tests, the bearing mechanism of pile is established as follows: (a) Skin friction is mobilized by pile shaft displacement and its magnitude depends on the order of shaft displacement. (b) Ultimate skin friction is observed at certain depth and this depth shifts downwards with increasing pile load. At above/below this certain depth, the magnitude of skin friction is smaller than the ultimate shear strength. (c) The magnitude of skin friction depends on pile length. When the pile length exceeds 30m, the skin friction is more than 95% of the bearing capacity of pile. From this bearing mechanism, the pile adhesion factor and neutral point of negative skin friction are evaluated.
Socket friction capacity of large diameter drilled shafts in highly weathered rock
Authors: Erol Orhan  , Horoz Atilla  , Sağlamer Ahmet
Published: February 2025

Field load test of three drilled shafts socketed in completely weathered and exteremely fractured metadiorite/amphibolite were conducted using the Osterberg load cell. The objective of the testing was to determine the uplift capacity of short sockets bored in the base rock for foundation design verification of two major viaducts being constructed in the vicinity of North Anatolian Fault. Short piles with 2, 3, and 4m socket lengths were loaded to failure to obtain the ultimate frictional capacity in tension. Observed frictional capacity of the extremely weathered rock (soil like material) was found on the order of 200 kPa. The tests allowed to observe the mobilization of end bearing stresses at the lower part of the pile without reaching to failure.
Bored and screwed piles
Authors: Katzenbach R.  , Schmitt A.
Published: February 2025

Piling is one of the most necessary and powerful construction techniques applied in geotechnical engineering. The efficiency of bored piles (where soil is retrieved) and screwed piles (where soil is displaced) results from the interaction between the performance of the drilling equipment and the modifications created by the drilling process to the soil characteristics. Although little is known yet on what in detail is happening during the pile installation, continuum models can provide a reliable tool to predict load capacities and load bearing behaviour of axially loaded piles. Numerical simulations based on the Finite-Element-Method (FEM) are presented to predict the bearing capacities of bored and screwed test piles in sand.
Pore pressure induced slide in municipal solid waste Doña Juana Landfill – Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Fernandez Gabriel  , Hendron David  , Castro Alfonso
Published: February 2025

A sudden and catastrophic slide involving approximately 1.5 million metric tonnes of solid waste took place on September 27, 1997 in the Zone II area of the Doña Juana Landfill. Results from a forensic investigation carried out by the authors to assess the causes of failure are presented in this paper. This case history is considered to be significant because it documents a pore-pressure induced stability failure in a solid waste fill and provides field measurements of the critical pore pressures that were found to have induced failure. The study also shows that waste slope behavior can be modeled using basic soil mechanics principles and effective stress analysis.
Mechanical properties of municipal waste deposits and ground improvement
Authors: Itoh T.  , Towhata I.  , Kawano Y.  , Kameda M.  , Fukui S.  , Koelsch F.  , Yonai Y.
Published: February 2025

The present study carried out laboratory tests on different kinds of municipal waste samples in order to understand their deformation and strength properties as well as creep deformation. It was therein aimed to help develop huge areas of waste deposit island for future urbanization. Firstly, it was found that municipal wastes follow the conventional ideas of soil mechanics such as the optimal moisture content, effects of densification, and influence of effective stress. It was further shown that wastes are of remarkable shear strength, although the low rigidity at small strain and long duration of creep deformation are problems. Studies were conducted further to reveal that these problems are mitigated by such conventional soil improvement technologies as preloading, compaction, and cement mixing.
Comparison of single-well and two-well tracer tests at the laboratory scale
Authors: Frippiat C.  , Conde P.  , Holeyman A.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to verify whether hydrodispersive parameters obtained from a rapid and widely used tracer test such as the single-well injection-withdrawal test can be used confidently when designing remediation techniques such as two-well injection-recovery. Although previous work tends to be pessimistic regarding this issue, experimental results obtained during this study using an intermediate-scale laboratory device modelling a confined aquifer come to moderate these pessimistic assertions.
Environmental vibration problems during construction
Authors: Svinkin M.R.
Published: February 2025

Construction operations with involvement of impact or vibratory sources produce environmental vibration problems for adjacent and remote structures. High vibrations and unacceptable dynamic settlements could seriously disturb sensitive devices and people and even be the cause of structural damage. Each construction site is unique and requires consideration of specific conditions at the site for decreasing vibration effects of construction activities on surrounding structures. Monitoring and control of ground and structural vibrations provide the rational to select measures for prevention or mitigation of vibration problems.
About necessity of arranging geotechnical protections at the objects of nuclear power
Authors: Zhivoderov V.N.
Published: February 2025

The paper describes the essence of the problem arisen when arranging the protective geotechnical measurements during the elimination of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station (NPS). In spite of the 18 years passed after the accident, still now the existing normative documents do not envisage an obligatory arrangement of protective geotechnical measurements at the NPS being designed and constructed. The author carried out an analysis of the situation turned out and proposes the recommendations to solve these problems.
Effective stress back-analysis of past earthquake ground motions at paleoliquefaction sites
Authors: Luna Ronaldo  , Jadi Houda
Published: February 2025

A methodology that provides a ground motion time history at paleoliquefaction sites is presented. The methodology presented uses the Meramec site as an example paleoliquefaction feature, and modeling the dynamic soil behavior during liquefaction using an effective stress approach. This paper presents a research effort using a one dimensional non-linear site response analysis, with assessment of pore water pressure build up, in addition to site characterization of the liquefaction features. Thus site-specific conditions and the non-linear response of soils are both taken into account.
Reliable land subsidence mapping by a geostatistical spatial interpolation procedure
Authors: Murakami S.  , Yasuhara K.  , Suzuki K.
Published: February 2025

Land subsidence is an important environmental issue, particularly in extensive plain regions. Settlements at many locations have been observed using a bench mark survey to establish the present situation and forecast future trends. A land subsidence map is very useful for disaster mitigation and environmental preservation in the objective region. It is important for sustainable development of the region to evaluate the reliability of the map developed from limited information. A reliable land subsidence mapping by a geostatistical spatial procedure has been proposed and the method has been successful in expressing the accuracy of maps of the present stuations and future trends of land subsidence to evaluate the reliability of hazard maps of this kind.
A simplified ranking procedure to assess dam safety in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Reynaga Martín  , Silva Francisco
Published: February 2025

Experience with inspections, incidents, and investigations of failure in dams in Mexico led to a risk-based Simplified Ranking Procedure (SRP) that prioritizes dams in order of dam failure risk and focuses dam safety activities on prevention of rather than reaction to incidents and emergencies. The SRP combines current methods of risk assessment with a simplified procedure for incorporating probabilities of failure by applying Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) as a decision-making tool to assess dam safety and manage the risks associated with dam infrastructure in Mexico. It will help engineering and financial managers focus resources on those cases with highest risk, and could also serve as a guideline to establish a Mexican Dam Safety Standard within a National Dam Safety Program to institutionalize best practices for evaluating structural and operational dam safety. To help implement the MCA processes of ranking, rating, weighting, the SRP method—illustrated with actual dam incidents from Mexico—considers geotechnical, hydrological, geological, and other factors (including human errors) as the main causes of dam failure.
Experimental study of cementation effect on cohesion of Tehran alluvial deposits
Authors: Fakharian K.  , Pournaghiazar M.
Published: February 2025

Metropolitan Tehran is located on the highly cemented granular deposits in upper central to northern parts of the city which is fairly close to the Alborz Mountains with altitudes around 4000m. Due to the specific geological conditions, the deposited alluviums are very non-homogeneous in different zones, but generally the cementation is high to very high contributing to cohesions of up to 160 kPa, mostly resulted from the existence of calcite. The main objective of this paper is to investigate experimentally the effect of calcite content on the cohesion and angle of internal friction. A special chemical analysis method consisting of solution in HCl was conducted to measure the calcite content at 10 different locations in northern Tehran. In order to simulate the effect of calcite content, soil samples with different lime percentages (1, 3, 5 & 7 %) were prepared and cured in the laboratory, and large scale direct shear tests were performed. The results showed considerable effect of cement content (calcite) on the soil behavior and shear strength, in particular substantial increase in cohesion.
Anisotropic geomechanical parameters as a result of glacial shearing
Authors: Gareau Laurent  , Molenkamp Frans  , Remijn Marcel  , Sharma Jitendra  , Huang Bingquan
Published: February 2025

Anisotropic stress and stiffness conditions have been measured on deposits of glaciated soils from the European and North American continents. The orientation and magnitude of this anisotropy appears to be related to the known directions of glacial advance/retreat. The research carried out suggests that glacial remoulding involved two distinct phenomena: rotation of principal stresses in the direction of glacial advance/retreat, and true anisotropic conditions (i.e., σ1≠σ2≠σ3).
Geotechnical characteristics of the meander belt soils of Niger Delta in Nigeria
Authors: George E.A.J.  , Thomas L.  , Oko C.
Published: February 2025

Three main sedimentary environments are distinguishable in the Niger Delta in Nigeria. These are the continental, transitional, and marine environments. The continental environment comprises the upper and lower flood plain environments made up of the braided streams and the meander belt systems. The area enclosed by the Orashi River in the east and the Forcados River and Ase River in the west and the mangrove swamps in the south form the meander belt of the Niger Delta. A significant proportion of the Niger Delta lies within the meander zone where the area is filled with sedimentary sand deposits capped with variable thickness of problematic clays. Many crude oil processing facilities were founded within these soils and some of them have undergone structural damages. Also, several road pavements and embankments have been subjected to the damaging influence of these soils. The disruptive nature of these soils, particularly the upper clay deposits in the area had necessitated the demand for ground investigations to characterize these soils for design purposes. The characterization of the soils was made on the basis of mineralogical characteristics, identification and classification tests and engineering properties. Ground investigations had been conducted in the area using borings with sampling, in-situ tests and laboratory tests to evaluate the engineering properties of the soils. This paper summarizes the findings of the investigations with special attention paid to the engineering behaviour of the clay.
Soil-water characteristic curve assessment using a reference state concept
Authors: Sung Sang-Gyu  , Lee In-Mo  , Cho Gye-Chun  , Reddi Lakshmi N.
Published: February 2025

The soil-water characteristic curves are used to investigate the fundamental behaviors of unsaturated soils such as pore size distribution, permeability, and strength. In order to suggest a generalized procedure to estimate the soil-water characteristic curves of natural soils, a new pressure cell extractor was developed for deformable soils and experimental tests were carried out on the specimens of various void ratios. During experimental tests, the residual soils used in this study showed a significant volume change due to matric suction. The results highlight the importance of correction for volume change. The normalized constituent parameters of soil-water characteristic curves exhibit a linear relationship with the normalized void ratio, indicating the validity of the reference state approach in estimating the soil-water characteristic curves of natural soils. An empirical procedure was provided for the estimation of generalized soil-water characteristic curves using liquid limit state as a reference state.
Research on strength and deformation properties of Swedish fine-grained sulphide soils
Authors: Westerberg B.  , Albing D.  , Larsson R.
Published: February 2025

A recently started research project concerning strength and deformation properties of Swedish fine-grained sulphide soils is presented. The scope of study is outlined. The overall purpose of the project is to find suitable testing methods in field and laboratory to determine reliably the mechanical properties of fine-grained sulphide soils. In this paper, some test results of undrained shear strength of sulphide soils, determined with different test methods at two test sites, is presented. The results confirm that there is a need for calibration of the different evaluation methods in order to obtain relevant values in fine-grained sulphide soils.
Geophysical process monitoring in scaled models
Authors: Lee Jong-Sub  , Santamarina J. Carlos  , Li Zhihua  , Kutter Bruce L.
Published: February 2025

Soil characterization and process monitoring in small-scale tests such as 1g models, shake table and centrifuge models can be effectively conducted with complementary elastic and electromagnetic waves. Small changes in P-wave impedance permit developing P-wave reflection imaging. Its implementation using ultrasound in small-scale soil models is attained by optimizing the operating frequency and selecting the proper transducers. The technique permits detecting layers and inclusions in submerged soils with sub-millimeter resolution. S-wave velocity depends on the shear stiffness of the skeleton. Shear wave propagation gains particular relevance in the characterization of uncemented soils where stiffness is stress dependent. Bender elements are excellent transducers for S-waves due to their outstanding soil-transducer coupling and their high frequency response. The installation can be designed to gather tomographic data. The electrical conductivity of a soil depends on the conductivity of the pore fluid, porosity and the soil specific surface. High-resolution electrical resistivity profiles are determined using an electrical needle probe. These profiles provide detailed information regarding the spatial variability of the soil mass with millimeter resolution. Resistivity measurements are extended to noninvasive electrical resistance tomography to produce images that correlate to density distribution, contaminant concentration, and/or anomaly detection.
The Dynamic Penetration Cone Index as an alternative for the control of a subgrade surface
Authors: Stanichevsky Miguel  , Bosio Juan José
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of the Dynamic Penetration Cone Index (DPCI) as an alternative for the control of sub grade surface. Correlating its results with other in place parameters such as load tests and the Penetration Index, the geotechnical characteristics of the sub grade surface can be estimated with great accuracy. The DPCI, gives consistent relationship when it is plotted against depth. Previous research concentrated on the relationship of the DCP with the CBR and SPT and the water content. This paper goes one step further introducing an index that better represent the geotechnical engineering properties of the subgrade surface. An extension of the use of the method for hard soils, such as the cemented sands of Asuncion, Paraguay, is also presented as an alternative to penetrability determinations with SPT equipment.
Linking Nurses with Evidence-Based Information via Social Media Tools: An Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Carter-Templeton Heather  , Krishnamurthy Mangala  , Nelson Ramona
Published: February 2025

Many health professional believe that social media tools can play a pivotal role in sharing and facilitating the use of evidence-based information with patients and other healthcare providers. By understanding how social media tools function, healthcare professionals can capitalize on these interactive platforms to improve the health of others. However, limited information exists to guide nurse educators in preparing healthcare professionals to engage patients or share evidence-based information among peers. The purpose of this literature review was to determine the extent to which professional development programs using social media for sharing evidence-based information have reported their research and/or experience in the published literature.
Understanding the Learning Needs of New Graduate Nurses at a Surgical Ward to Develop a Smartphone/Table Based Training System
Authors: Lu Yen-Chiao Angel  , Lin Yen-Ju  , Cyu Lin-Yi
Published: February 2025

Taiwan government and health officials had made the new graduate nurses training program a mandatory requirement for all teaching hospitals in order to train new graduate nurse staffs to prepare them for the clinical practice. Mobile devices may provide a feasible and useful tool for the new graduate nurses to learn knowledge/skills, thus, the study researchers proposed to develop a smartphone/tablet based learning system to assist the new graduate nurses in the study hospital ease their transition into the RN roles. Prior to developing this electronic training system, learning needs assessment was carried out. A focus group research method was used to help the researchers better understand the learning needs of new graduate nurses. The data is still under analysis, results and discussed will be reported as soon as the analysis is completed.
A Social Media-Based Mindful Yoga Program for Pregnant Women in Taiwan
Authors: Guo Sophie Huey-Ming  , Lee Chia-Wen  , Tsao Chien-Ming  , Hsing Hung-Chun
Published: February 2025

Social media, a communication tool, is increasingly used to facilitate the engagement of experts (such as a health provider) and other participants in a wide range of programs. However, social media requires study to elucidate its applications under women health-related conditions. This work develops a social media-based mindful yoga program for pregnant women, and delivers media content by ways of Facebook platform and DVD. The results of pilot testing revealed users' preference of using Facebook platform. Developing experience and uses' responses can provide valuable information for further implement socialmedia based interventions.
eHealth Literacy Scale: An Nursing Analisys and Italian Validation
Authors: De Caro W.  , Corvo E.  , Marucci A.R.  , Mitello L.  , Lancia L.  , Sansoni J.
Published: February 2025

Background: One of the scales most used to measure quickly and easily eHealth Literacy is the eHealth LiteracyScale (eHEALS); however, there was no validation of this scale in Italian. Therefore, the aim of this study was to adapt and validate the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) to the italian context.
Software Quality Evaluation Models Applicable in Health Information and Communications Technologies. A Review of the Literature
Authors: Villamor Ordozgoiti Alberto  , Delgado Hito Pilar  , Guix Comellas Eva María  , Fernandez Sanchez Carlos Manuel  , Garcia Hernandez Milagros  , Lluch Canut Teresa
Published: February 2025

Information and Communications Technologies in healthcare has increased the need to consider quality criteria through standardised processes. The aim of this study was to analyse the software quality evaluation models applicable to healthcare from the perspective of ICT-purchasers. Through a systematic literature review with the keywords software, product, quality, evaluation and health, we selected and analysed 20 original research papers published from 2005–2016 in health science and technology databases. The results showed four main topics: non-ISO models, software quality evaluation models based on ISO/IEC standards, studies analysing software quality evaluation models, and studies analysing ISO standards for software quality evaluation. The models provide cost-efficiency criteria for specific software, and improve use outcomes. The ISO/IEC25000 standard is shown as the most suitable for evaluating the quality of ICTs for healthcare use from the perspective of institutional acquisition.
A Service Design Thinking Approach for Stakeholder-Centred eHealth
Authors: Lee Eunji
Published: February 2025

Studies have described the opportunities and challenges of applying service design techniques to health services, but empirical evidence on how such techniques can be implemented in the context of eHealth services is still lacking. This paper presents how a service design thinking approach can be applied for specification of an existing and new eHealth service by supporting evaluation of the current service and facilitating suggestions for the future service. We propose Service Journey Modelling Language and Service Journey Cards to engage stakeholders in the design of eHealth services.
Towards Educational Electronic Health Records (EHRs): A Design Process for Integrating EHRs, Simulation, and Video Tutorials
Authors: Shachak Aviv  , Elamrousy Samer  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Domb Sharon  , Kushniruk Andre W.
Published: February 2025

Electronic health records (EHRs) are becoming ubiquitous in healthcare practice. However, their use in medical education has been slower to catch on and a new category of EHRs is beginning to emerge known as eduEHRs. These systems allow learners to explore and experiment with EHRs in the context of medical education. However, current eduEHRs have limitations, such as a lack of dynamic interaction built-in that would mimic real-world use of these tools. To overcome this, the integration of eduEHRs with software and tools such as video simulations and tutorials has considerable promise. In this paper we describe a new design process for integrating EHRs, simulations, and video tutorials.
The Joyful Aging Club: An Example of Universal Design Practice on Architectural and Urban Settings
Authors: Guimarães Marcelo Pinto  , Picceli Angelica Baldin  , Pereira Carolina Furtado
Published: February 2025

Universal Design is a very simple idea that is based on complex decisions and it involves user satisfaction during performance of activities and socially inclusive interaction. Generally, the design guidelines for application in architecture requires that both students and professionals explore their imagination about the situations in which the design of a certain building becomes more pleasant and inviting than simply accessible to the needs of people with permanent and temporary disabilities. In this paper, the aim is to discuss peculiar aspects in the design of a three storey building that make it special. The result of technical solutions create environments that are not restricted to the boundaries of a site. It also encompasses the street, the crossing, the corner square and traffic signals and marks beside some accessible parking areas. The building design is an academic exploration of potential usage to an actual site. It belongs to an institution for social network of people aging above sixty-five year old.
A Universal Design Approach to Government Service Delivery: The Case of ChileAtiende
Authors: Sandoval Leonardo
Published: February 2025

A common challenge for government administrations that aim to improve the delivery of information and services to citizens is to go beyond a government-centred approach. By focusing on citizens and the needs of a wide range of citizens, Universal Design (UD) can help to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of government services. This paper examines the case of an internationally recognised Chilean government service delivery programme inspired by UD principles known as ChileAtiende (“ChileService”). A brief account of its creation and current status is provided.
Improving Patient Safety, Health Data Accuracy, and Remote Self-Management of Health Through the Establishment of a Biometric-Based Global UHID
Authors: Hembroff Guy
Published: February 2025

Healthcare systems globally continue to face challenges surrounding patient identification. Consequences of misidentification include incomplete and inaccurate electronic patient health records potentially jeopardizing patients' safety, a significant amount of cases of medical fraud because of inadequate identification mechanisms, and difficulties affiliated with the value of remote health self-management application data being aggregated accurately into the user's Electronic Health Record (EHR). We introduce a new technique of user identification in healthcare capable of establishing a global identifier. Our research has developed algorithms capable of establishing a Unique Health Identifier (UHID) based on the user's fingerprint biometric, with the utilization of facial-recognition as a secondary validation step before health records can be accessed. Biometric captures are completed using standard smartphones and Web cameras in a touchless method. We present a series of experiments to demonstrate the formation of an accurate, consistent, and scalable UHID. We hope our solution will aid in the reduction of complexities associated with user misidentification in healthcare resulting in lowering costs, enhancing population health monitoring, and improving patient-safety.
Approach to Diagnosis of Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Gilbert-Barness Enid  , Farrell Philip M.
Published: February 2025

Inborn errors of metabolism are generally categorized as rare diseases. Their presentations are often so subtle and insidious as to cause daunting diagnostic challenges for even the most astute clinicians. Thus, irreversible morbidity and preventable mortality have been unavoidable until recent decades because of delayed diagnoses. This unfortunate circumstance has led to newborn screening programs worldwide for 40 or more hereditary metabolic disorders beginning with the dramatic improvements for patients with phenylketonuria in the 1960's. Increasingly sophisticated testing procedures such as tandem mass spectrometry and other multiplex technologies applied to dried blood spot specimens are now having greater impact without raising costs significantly. The advent of next generation sequencing methods is likely to stimulate further progress and lead to whole genome or exome sequencing as prenatal and neonatal screening expands further. With early diagnosis through screening and expedited therapies better outcomes are routinely possible, and even preventive therapies amounting to “cures” can be anticipated through research.
Metabolic Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Bartlett Heather L.  , Ralphe J. Carter
Published: February 2025

Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with structural and functional myocardial abnormalities. Primary cardiomyopathies are those that predominantly affect the myocardium. Common examples are defects in contractile proteins such as myosin binding protein C and myosin heavy chain. Secondary cardiomyopathies are myocardial disorders that develop in addition to multiorgan involvement. These include glycogen storage diseases and mitochondrial disorders. Recent advances in molecular genetics, proteomics, physiology and cellular biology, as well as imaging and clinical care have led to improvements in knowledge about the etiology, mechanism and treatment. The most impressive discoveries concern the genetic basis for many cardiomyopathies, which has led to remarkable diagnostic advances, and novel targeted treatments including enzyme replacement therapy. Our knowledge of the role of mitochondria in disease has rapidly increased. Cardiovascular complications remain dominant clinical concern in most patients with metabolic cardiomyopathies but advances in care are leading to improved survival.
Opportunity and Approach for Implementation of a Self-Assessment Tool: Nursing Informatics Competencies for Nurse Leaders (NICA-NL)
Authors: Phillips Andrew  , Yen Po-Yin  , Kennedy Mary  , Collins Sarah
Published: February 2025

The changing environment of healthcare and the increasing reliance on technology to drive and evaluate change requires efficient tools to assess and educate nursing leadership on the skills necessary to succeed in their leadership roles. Using the Nursing Informatics Competencies for Nurse Leaders (NICA-NL) Scale as an example, this chapter will explore how such a tool can be implemented and provide value to healthcare organizations, as well as advance nursing practice.