bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descripción de pruebas de laboratorio para la determinación de propiedades reólogicas y mecánicas de morteros especiales
Authors: Ortiz R.  , Olguín S.  , Chávez J.
Published: February 2025

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de las pruebas de laboratorio realizadas en diferentes tipos de morteros. Los ensayos de laboratorio se desarrollaron con el fin de determinar las propiedades reológicas y mecánicas de morteros elaborados con diversos materiales. Se caracterizan los morteros compuestos por aglomerantes-agua-arena-aditivo. Los aglomerantes usados fueron el cemento, hidróxido de calcio, perlita o vidrio volcánico y cenizas volantes; los aditivos usados fueron la bentonita, aserrín y hollín. Las pruebas de laboratorio que se llevaron a cabo para caracterizar a estos materiales consistieron en ensayes triaxiales, de compresión simple, viscosidad dinámica con equipo Elcometer 2300-RV1 y cono Marsh, adhesión en placa, decantación y densidad.
Bearing capacity of a column-reinforced soil foundation under inclined loading
Authors: Arévalos Burró María Alicia  , Maghous Samir
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the present work is to investigate the ultimate bearing capacity problem of column-reinforced foundations under inclined loading, within the framework of limit analysis theory. Special emphasis is given to the effect of reinforcement on the interaction diagram relating the foundation load components. Starting from the situation of an isolated column, a lower bound solution for the bearing capacity is derived by considering statically admissible piecewise linear stress fields that comply with the failure condition everywhere in the foundation soil. On the other hand, the kinematic approach of limit analysis makes it possible, through the implementation of failure mechanisms on the column-reinforced structure, to derive upper bound estimates of the bearing capacity for each value of the inclination angle of applied load. The semi-analytical expressions of both lower and upper bound estimates allow for a parametric study on the improvement of the bearing capacity as a function of dimensionless parameters, which are defined from geometrical and strength properties. In this context, design charts are presented to provide an insight into the reinforcement mechanism. Finally, the generalization of the approach to the situation of a soil reinforced by a group of columns is outlined.
Evaluating the Durability of Lightly Stabilized Granular Base Materials Subjected to Wet-Dry Cycles Using Different Element Testings
Authors: Theivakularatnam Mathanraj  , Gnanendran Carthigesu T.
Published: February 2025

A laboratory study was undertaken to evaluate the durability of lightly stabilized granular base material subjected to wet-dry (w-d) cycles using repeated load triaxial (RLT) test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and flexural beam test. RLT and flexural tests were conducted on a typical granular base material stabilized with 1.5% cement-flyash (CF) binder and the test specimens were cured for 28 days. Two different CF binder contents of 1.5% and 3% were selected to stabilize the UCS test specimens which were then cured for 7 days. Cured specimens were then subjected to w-d cycles prior to the testing. RLT test studied the permanent and resilient deformation behaviour of lightly stabilized granular base material subjected to w-d cycles under cyclic loading whereas UCS and flexural beam test were carried out under monotonic loading to determine the UCS and Modulus of rupture (MoR). Irrespective of the testing, specimens stabilized with 1.5% binder deteriorated heavily and did not last for more than 4 w-d cycles. UCS specimens stabilized with 3% binder showed greater resistance to w-d cycles and remained integrated even after 12 w-d cycles. MoR was significantly affected by w-d cycles compared with other mechanical properties. This study indicates that evaluating the durability using permanent deformation from multi-stage RLT test or UCS test is a better approach than conducting resilient modulus test.
Centrifuge Modeling of Lateral Soil-Pipe Interaction
Authors: Guimar aes Marcela P.P.  , Trejo Pablo C.  , Oliveira Jose RenatoM.S.  , Lukiantchuki Juliana A.  , Almeida Marcio S.S.  , Almeida Maria C.F.
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the centrifuge modeling of the soil-pipe lateral interaction under cyclic conditions for the case of shallowly embedded pipes in sandy soil. The main goal was to evaluate the horizontal forces versus lateral pipe displacement. In that way, centrifuge tests were performed with two different scale factors, 33g and 55g, in order to simulate two external diameters of prototype pipes, respectively 300 mm and 500 mm. Two embedment conditions were studied, respectively 25% and 50% of the pipe diameter. Two rates of pipe displacement were also assessed, 0,5 mm/s and 5mm/s. The sandy soil was characterized in terms of index tests and triaxial tests. Mini-CPT tests were also conducted during centrifuge tests in order to assess the strength of the soil samples during the course of the centrifuge tests.
Instalação de Fundações Profundas, Utilizando Hidrojateamento, em Solos Argilosos
Authors: Lourenço David  , Schnaid Fernando
Published: February 2025

A Petrobras utiliza as estacas torpedo metálicas, para ancoragem de plataformas flutuantes no leito oceânico, cuja instalação consiste na queda livre e penetração no solo argiloso marinho por ação da aceleração da gravidade. Este trabalho apresenta uma nova técnica de instalação de âncoras baseada em modelos reduzidos ensaiados para duas escalas de comprimento, correspondendo a relação protótipo/modelo de 1:67 e 1:76. A técnica consiste na instalação de hastes metálicas livres de movimentos pela ação do seu peso próprio e por aplicação de jatos de água verticais, provenientes de tubos metálicos que penetram em solos argilosos. Pretende-se identificar e avaliar a influência do fluxo de água a partir das variáveis: vazão, pressão, velocidade e diâmetro do jato, bem como os efeitos da massa e diâmetro das hastes metálicas. Para esta finalidade desenvolveu-se um aparato experimental em laboratório e utilizando-se solo argiloso artificial representativo de condições observadas na costa brasileira. As observações dos ensaios permitiram caracterizar a instalação das hastes metálicas e os resultados indicaram que as maiores profundidades de penetração das estacas ocorreram em modelos reduzidos de maiores massas, maiores vazões do fluxo de água e menor resistência não drenada. Com base em análises estatísticas foi desenvolvida uma equação para prever a profundidade alcançada pelos modelos dos torpedos. Estes resultados permitem uma avaliação inicial da eficiência do jateamento, dos parâmetros de controle do mecanismo de erosão, avanço e profundidade máxima de penetração alcançados pelas hastes em solo argiloso.
Juan M. de Rosas Water Treatment Plant Interaction between Deep Foundations and Adjacent Infrastructure on Soft Clays
Authors: Vardé Oscar Alberto  , de Mello Luiz Guilherme  , Aradas Rodolfo  , Guidobono Rodolfo Eduardo
Published: February 2025

Aguas del Paraná, a joint-venture by Odebrecht (Brazil), Cartellone, Roggio and Supercemento (Argentina), was awarded by AySA, local water and sewer public company, with the contract to build Juan Manuel de Rosas water treatment plant. Given the site is in a lowland flood prone area, there are 3.5 m to 8 m high embankments around the processing units. The main structures of the plant were founded on 50 cm diameter SCAC centrifuged piles driven to dense silty sands and sands. An approach comprised of analytical methods, numerical models and interpretation from monitoring system was used to evaluate the interaction between the peripheral driven piles and the adjacent embankment. This paper describes how this approach influenced the design, the height of the embankments and the construction schedule so as to minimize the impact of the loads on the existing foundations, contributing to the ultimate objective of delivering the work safe and on program.
Determinación de la resistencia a la fricción en la interfaz de geomembranas, para su aplicación en depósitos de residuos mineros (relaves)
Authors: Menz Angela  , Jara Gonzalo
Published: February 2025

El uso de geomembranas en el diseño de depósitos de relaves tiene variadas aplicaciones como son: control de filtraciones que se generan a través de la base del muro, reducción de pérdidas de agua de drenaje y revestimiento de piscinas de recuperación de agua. En el mercado existe una gran variedad de geomembranas que son empleadas para estos fines. Para propósitos de diseño, es necesario conocer las propiedades de cada una de ellas y la resistencia a la fricción en la interfaz que se desarrolla en el contacto con suelos, material de drenaje y relaves. Este artículo presenta los resultados de un programa de ensayos realizado para evaluar la resistencia en la interfaz entre distintos tipos de geomembranas y materiales como suelo, material de drenaje y relaves, para un rango de esfuerzos verticales entre 50 a 3.000 kPa. Además, al final de cada ensayo se ha realizado una completa descripción visual, determinación del espesor y resistencia a la rotura de cada geomembrana ensayada. Las geomembranas usadas han correspondido a una geomembrana de HDPE (espesor 1,5 mm) y tres tipos de geomembranas bituminosas (Coletanche SC1, ES1, ES3).
Mapa de Riesgo Geotécnico con Fines de Urbanismo en la Vía de Mérida-Jají, Estado Mérida
Authors: Belandria Norly  , Bongiorno Francisco  , Rivas Daniel  , Moreno Sol
Published: February 2025

Este estudio tiene como objetivo generar un mapa de riesgo geotécnico, a partir de las características geomecánicas de los macizos rocosos y suelos, que se encuentran en la vía Mérida – Jají del municipio Campo Elías del estado Mérida. En base a datos recolectados de estudios del área e implementando la metodología de zonificación de susceptibilidad, amenaza, vulnerabilidad y riesgo propuesta por Suárez en 2009, que considera los parámetros físicos, mecánicos y geomecánicos que condicionan el grado de susceptibilidad de movimientos en masa de los taludes y laderas, los cuales están implícitos en el factor del seguridad determinado en la zona. Este último, aunado con eventos detonantes permite determinar niveles de amenaza, y a su vez con la evaluación de áreas pobladas y obras civiles, se establece el grado de vulnerabilidad socioeconómico. El producto de la amenaza por la vulnerabilidad permite precisar y clasificar el tipo de riesgo geotécnico presente en el área, representado en un mapa que ofrece información para la población que habita en estas localidades sobre el riesgo al que se encuentran expuestos y como base para futuros estudios civiles de mitigación y urbanismo. Mayormente la zona se caracteriza por presentar un riesgo moderado a alto por la existencia de un dominio geológico-estructural y de factores climáticos que afectan la estabilidad de los taludes y laderas. El sector del Manzano Alto, posee un riesgo muy alto y se recomienda un estudio detallado de los rasgos estructurales que afectan dicha área.
CPT-Based Soil Type Classification in a Platinum Tailings Storage Facility
Authors: Torres-Cruz Luis Alberto
Published: February 2025

A site exploration program was conducted at a platinum tailings storage facility (TSF) in South Africa. The program included 14 cone penetration tests (CPTs) and the determination of 49 grain size distribution (GSD) curves. The CPTs measured tip resistance (qc) and dynamic pore water pressure (u2). Additionally, equilibrium pore water pressure (pwp) profiles were inferred from u2dissipation tests. This allowed the use of a CPT-based soil classification chart that uses qcand excess pwp as inputs. CPT-based soil classification charts that require sleeve friction (fs) were not considered because fsis often not measured in South African geotechnical practice. A soil behavior type (SBT) index (IQ-Bq) is proposed here to quantify the results of the CPT-based soil classification chart with a single scalar value. IQ-Bqis analogous to an existing SBT index Ic. The main difference between the two indices is that Icrequires fs, whereas IQ-Bqdoes not. The match between laboratory and CPT-based soil classification was improved by using a calibration procedure that uses the site-specific GSD curves. The calibration correlates IQ-Bqvalues with fines content (FC), although further research is required to establish confidence intervals of the predicted FC profiles. Finally, data is presented showing that FC can be a good predictor of the shape of the GSD curve for samples within a TSF. The importance of estimating the shape of the GSD curve is discussed in the context of previously published results.
Seismic Monitoring of Microbial Plugging for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Noh Dong-Hwa  , Kwon Tae-Hyuk
Published: February 2025

Microbial plugging by insoluble biopolymer production in porous media is considered as a promising technique to increase sweep efficiency during water flooding for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). For successful application of this technique, detecting the regions of active microbial growth and monitoring biopolymer accumulation will be critical. Thus, developing techniques for monitoring in-situ bacterial growth, biopolymer formation, and hydraulic conductivity reduction is essential for successful application of this MEOR approach. We examined the feasibility of using seismic signatures (P- and S-wave velocity and attenuation) for monitoring the accumulation of insoluble biopolymers in unconsolidated sediments. A model bacterium, Leuconostoc mesenteroides was selected, which produces a certain type of insoluble biopolymer, called dextran when metabolizing sucrose. We performed a column experiment, where the model bacteria were grown and stimulated to produce insoluble dextran in a fully saturated fine sand-pack. Over the course of the experiment, ultrasonic transducers and bender elements were used to monitor the changes in P- and S-wave responses at an ultrasonic frequency range. After 20 days of the experiment, the hydraulic conductivity significantly decreased by approximately one order of magnitude. Meanwhile, P-wave velocity remained consistent and S-wave velocity increased by more than 200%. Amplitudes of the P-wave signatures decreased by 80% during accumulation of the soft biopolymer, indicating an increase in P-wave attenuation; and the S-wave amplitudes increased. The results suggest possibility that reduction in hydraulic conductivity by insoluble soft biopolymer formation can be seismically monitored at this laboratory scale.
Modelling a Railway Rock Tunnel Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning and The Distinct Element Method
Authors: Cacciari Pedro P.  , Morikawa Daniel S.  , Futai Marcos M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an example of 3DEC modelling of a rock tunnel using geological mapping obtained from 3D images of terrestrial laser scanner and the discrete fracture network approach. Three main discontinuity sets were identified in an 8-m-long section of a tunnel constructed in gneiss. The amount of discontinuity data obtained by 3D Terrestrial laser scanner mapping allowed the application of several sophisticated discontinuity analysis (orientation, size and frequency), and probability density functions were defined. These functions were used as input to discrete fracture network modeling, leading to a more representative 3DEC block model. Thus, if the mechanical characterization of the rock mass is also properly made, this approach can be used for stability analysis in rock mechanics. Specifically, it could be very useful for analyzing sections of uncoated tunnels in which the rock mass is strongly fractured.
Role of Reservoir Geomechanics in the Integrity of Oil Wells – Part II
Authors: Lautenschläger Carlos Emmanuel Ribeiro  , Righetto Guilherme Lima  , Inoue Nelson  , da Fontoura Sergio Augusto Barreto
Published: February 2025

This paper is the second part of a work that deals with the role of reservoir geomechanics in the assessment of the well's casing behavior. A case of study is presented in order to illustrate the numerical strategy developed to evaluate the fluid-mechanical behavior of reservoir and the resulting response of the well from generated geomechanical effects in the field. The built global model was based on Namorado Field (Campos Basin, Brazil), and was simulated considering a robust fluid-mechanical coupling methodology, presented in the first paper. A horizontal well was locally modeled, and it was simulated employing the submodeling technique. Results showed the importance of employing a rigorous fluid-mechanical methodology in well integrity analysis, once the stress states in the well region were fairly affected by the accounting of geomechanical effects, reflecting on the casing yielding onset.
Imaging the Redistribution of Stresses in a Pillar during Mining Production
Authors: Meulemans Ashley  , Wang Herb  , Fratta Dante
Published: February 2025

Located in North Aurora, Illinois, the Lafarge-Conco plant is a room-and-pillar mine that is in active production of aggregates, taken from the Galena-Platteville formations. To better understand how stresses are distributed among the pillars over periods of mining production, we collected data to create tomographic images of the interior of the pillar using seismic data collected in November 2012 and March 2013. Seismic tomographic images showed changes in seismic velocity between the two surveys, which is interpreted as change in stress. The southeast corner pillar showed a significant stress increase, which could indicate a possible area of very high stresses within the pillar. Understanding how stress and moisture distribution changes within pillars during excavation is valuable to mine design and to the maintenance of mine safety.
A Continuum Approach for Application of the 2002 Hoek-Brown Disturbance Factor (D) in Slopes
Authors: Stilwell Ian  , Gonzalez Shand Gastón
Published: February 2025

The application of the Disturbance Factor (D) in the stability of rock slopes has been the subject of much debate among practitioners since its first appearance in the paper Hoek et al. (2002). For mined slopes, it is generally accepted that rock masses are subject to near-field or shallow disturbance due to the effects of blasting and/or mechanical excavation, and deeper disturbance due to unloading. One of the sources of debate is related to the distribution of disturbance within the rock mass. In limit-equilibrium analyses techniques, the disturbance is often modeled using a series of one or more discrete disturbance layers or zones, within which D is held constant. There are a number of approaches that can be used to define the boundaries between these layers, including: empirical techniques, blast damage modeling, numerical analysis, and experience based engineering judgment. However, all of these methods generate artificial boundaries between the disturbance layers which are often exploited by the search routines used to identify the least stable failure paths. This paper proposes to represent D as a function of σ3 in the Hoek-Brown formulae, thereby modeling disturbance as a continuum rather than discrete layers. This method allows the use of any function of σ3 that represents a variation of D and can then be used to generate principal-normal or shear-normal stress functions, which can be input directly into commercial stability analysis software. Examples of the application of this method are presented in this paper.
Risk and the Internet of Things: Damocles, Pythia, or Pandora?
Authors: Showell Chris
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things holds great promise for healthcare, but also embodies a number of risks. This analysis suggests that the risks are as yet poorly delineated (having features in common with the oracle Pythia, and with Pandora and her box), and that adopting the precautionary principle is appropriate.
An Integrated Children Disease Prediction Tool within a Special Social Network
Authors: Apostolova Trpkovska Marika  , Yildirim Yayilgan Sule  , Besimi Adrian
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a social network with an integrated children disease prediction system developed by the use of the specially designed Children General Disease Ontology (CGDO). This ontology consists of children diseases and their relationship with symptoms and Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL rules) that are specially designed for predicting diseases. The prediction process starts by filling data about the appeared signs and symptoms by the user which are after that mapped with the CGDO ontology. Once the data are mapped, the prediction results are presented. The phase of prediction executes the rules which extract the predicted disease details based on the SWRL rule specified. The motivation behind the development of this system is to spread knowledge about the children diseases and their symptoms in a very simple way using the specialized social networking website www.emama.mk.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Health IT
Authors: Urquhart Christine  , Currell Rosemary
Published: February 2025

This contribution examines how systematic reviews contribute to the evaluation of health IT planning and implementation. It defines and explains the systematic review process and how higher level overviews of health IT can be conducted. A reprise of some of the Cochrane reviews relating to health IT, particularly those conducted for the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Group (EPOC), provides examples of the type of question that can be answered (at least in part) by a Cochrane-type systematic review. The contribution also discusses the benefits and limitations of the systematic review process using examples of reviews on telemedicine, nursing records, and home uterine monitoring in pregnancy.
Quality of Health IT Evaluations
Authors: Nykänen Pirkko  , Kaipio Johanna
Published: February 2025

Health IT evaluation studies have often been found to be of limited quality. To address this problem, several guidelines and frameworks have been developed as tools to support improvement of the quality of evaluation studies. In this contribution, we review available guidelines and then present the Good Evaluation Practice Guideline in Health Informatics (GEP-HI) in more detail. GEP-HI is a comprehensive guideline which supports especially planning and execution of a health IT evaluation study. The GEP-HI guideline helps to overcome the quality problems related to weak study planning and methodological study design. We also discuss application of GEP-HI on an evaluation project and discuss the need to publish systematically following the recognised publication guidelines. Finally we discuss the future trend on multi-method evaluation approaches.
Developing an Approach for Aggregating Information From a EHR into a Fully Structured Patient Summary
Authors: Mangesius Patrick  , Saboor Samrend  , Schabetsberger Thomas
Published: February 2025

Background: Providing healthcare professionals with adequate access to well-filled electronic patient records and health-related information contributes to an improvement of the treatment process. Compared to conventional Electronic Medical Records these EHR systems commonly contain more medical artifacts due to their cross institutional, multipurpose use cases. Physicians and health professionals are therefore concerned about information overflow.
Secondary Use of Claims Data from the Austrian Health Insurance System with i2b2: A Pilot Study
Authors: Endel Florian  , Duftschmid Georg
Published: February 2025

Background: In conformity with increasing international efforts to reuse routine health data for scientific purposes, the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Organisations provides pseudonymized claims data of the Austrian health care system for clinical research.
Analyzing Readmissions Patterns: Assessment of the LACE Tool Impact
Authors: El Morr Christo  , Ginsburg Liane  , Nam Victor-Seungree  , Woollard Susan  , Hansen Bojay
Published: February 2025

This paper will discuss the assessment of the use of the LACE tool at North York General Hospital (NYGH). The LACE tool estimates the readmission risk of patients. This paper describes the tool and a modified LACE score implementation and use at NYGH. We also describe our statistical analysis for the LACE effectiveness in order to inform future decisions in resource allocations. We will look at suggestions for adjustments in the way the LACE tool is used as well as implications for service delivery and patients' quality of life. Our study shows that the modified LACE is a predictive tool for readmission risk in day-to-day hospital activity, but that implementation of LACE alone cannot reduce readmission rates unless coupled with efforts of those in charge of providing community-based care.
An IT-Supported Evaluation Tool for Biobanks Based on International Guidelines to Improve the Biosample Quality
Authors: Neururer Sabrina B.  , Hofer Philipp  , Göbel Georg
Published: February 2025

Background: The quality of samples stored within a biobank relies on the specimen collection, the transportation, the pre-analytical processing and the long-term storage. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential tools to guarantee the quality of samples.
Implementation of a Clinical Decision Support System for Interpretation of Laboratory Tests for Patients
Authors: Semenov Ilya  , Kopanitsa Georgy  , Karpov Anatoly  , Lakovenko Georgy  , Laskovenko Andrey
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the results of the development and implementation of an expert system that automatically generates doctors' letters based on the results of laboratory tests. Medical knowledge is expressed using a first order predicate based language. The system was implemented and evaluated in the Helix laboratory service.
Personalized USB Biosensor Module for Effective ECG Monitoring
Authors: Sladojević Srdjan  , Arsenović Marko  , Lončar-Turukalo Tatjana  , Sladojević Miroslava  , Ćulibrk Dubravko
Published: February 2025

The burden of chronic disease and associated disability present a major threat to financial sustainability of healthcare delivery systems. The need for cost-effective early diagnosis and disease prevention is evident driving the development of personalized home health solutions. The proposed solution presents an easy to use ECG monitoring system. The core hardware component is a biosensor dongle with sensing probes at one end, and micro USB interface at the other end, offering reliable and unobtrusive sensing, preprocessing and storage. An additional component is a smart phone, providing both the biosensor's power supply and an intuitive user application for the real-time data reading. The system usage is simplified, with innovative solutions offering plug and play functionality avoiding additional driver installation. Personalized needs could be met with different sensor combinations enabling adequate monitoring in chronic disease, during physical activity and in the rehabilitation process.
PATHway: Decision Support in Exercise Programmes for Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Filos Dimitris  , Triantafyllidis Andreas  , Chouvarda Ioanna  , Buys Roselien  , Cornelissen Véronique  , Budts Werner  , Walsh Deirdre  , Woods Catherine  , Moran Kieran  , Maglaveras Nicos
Published: February 2025

Rehabilitation is important for patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) to improve health outcomes and quality of life. However, adherence to current exercise programmes in cardiac rehabilitation is limited. We present the design and development of a Decision Support System (DSS) for telerehabilitation, aiming to enhance exercise programmes for CVD patients through ensuring their safety, personalising the programme according to their needs and performance, and motivating them toward meeting their physical activity goals. The DSS processes data originated from a Microsoft Kinect camera, a blood pressure monitor, a heart rate sensor and questionnaires, in order to generate a highly individualised exercise programme and improve patient adherence. Initial results within the EU-funded PATHway project show the potential of our approach.
Stability of embankments founded on deep-mixing-method columns: Three-dimensional considerations
Authors: Navin M.P.  , Kim M.  , Filz G.M.
Published: February 2025

Two-dimensional analyses cannot capture all aspects of column behavior for deep mixing method (DMM) columns used to support embankments founded on soft soils. One difficulty is that a two-dimensional analysis cannot simultaneously provide accurate representations of both the axial stiffness and the bending stiffness of the columns. This paper compares the results of two- and three-dimensional finite difference analyses of column-supported embankments using the computer program FLAC.
Effect of compaction grouting in loosely packed sand on density
Authors: Pachen H.  , Meijers P.  , Korff M.  , Maertens J.
Published: February 2025

Randstadrail is the future light-rail link between the cities of Rotterdam, The Hague and Zoetermeer, the Netherlands. In the city area of Rotterdam a shield tunnel will be built for two single track tunnels. The tunnel crosses an intensively used railway track, called the Gouda Link, built on an embankment of saturated loose sand, constrained by very soft clay and peat layers, and reaching almost the Pleistocene sand layer. Boring through and just beneath this loose sand imposes some geotechnical risks, in particular the risk of liquefaction due to monotonic loading. In order to reduce the risks of uncontrolled movements (liquefaction, settlement) during the boring process several design options have been investigated. This paper describes the model test for one of the considered options, densifying the embankment by compaction grouting. The aim of the test was to gain insight in the mechanism and effectiveness of compaction grouting in loosely packed sand. Two effects of compaction grouting are discussed in more detail: i) the change on density and ii) the change on stress level.
Settlement estimation of soils reinforced by columns using a poroelastic model
Authors: Guetif Fessi Zahra  , Bouassida Mounir
Published: February 2025

A significant part of the consolidation of soft clay fitted with vertical drains (or stone columns) occurs during a step by step embankment loading. In order to schedule the loading program, it is necessary to predict the settlement evolution during the construction process. A unit cell model, made up with one column surrounded by saturated soft clay overlaid by drained layer, is considered with oedometric conditions. An analytical poroelastic solution is derived that provides, in addition to the degree of radial consolidation and excess pore water pressure dissipation, the evolution with time of the reinforced soil settlement. The latter is predicted by introducing the concept of “equivalent membrane” assuming a uniform excess pore water pressure in the soft clay. The Barron's factor time of radial consolidation is also adopted that provides the determination of the permeability of this “equivalent membrane”. The results of the proposed method are illustrated as a function of the substitution factor.
Footing load tests on single and group of stone columns
Authors: Maurya R.R.  , Sharma B.V.R.  , Naresh D.N.
Published: February 2025

For an essential facility of a thermal power plant located along the eastern coast of India, ground improvement using rammed stone columns have been carried out. Vertical footing load tests on single and three column groups were conducted to assess the improvement in the sub-surface condition after installation of stone columns. This paper describes series of footing load tests and the results. The observed load settlement behavior of the improved ground has also been presented. Behavior of single and group of stone columns have been compared and criteria adopted for arriving at desired factor of safety based on the settlement observed, has also been discussed.
Deformation characteristics of railway asphalt roadbed under a moving wheel load
Authors: Momoya Y.  , Sekine E.
Published: February 2025

For the purpose of a basic study to develop a relevant performance-based design method for railway asphalt roadbed, resilient and residual deformation characteristics of roadbed and subgrade were evaluated by means of scale model tests. In this study, moving-wheel loading tests were carried out, because the deformation characteristics under fixed-point loading were substantially different from that under traveling trainloads. This paper discusses the effect of the stiffness and thickness of roadbed on the resilient and residual deformation of roadbed and subgrade under the moving-wheel loads.
Seismic analysis and design of rockfill dams in the Lower Thjorsa River, Iceland
Authors: Arnorsson A.G.  , Erlingsson S.
Published: February 2025

In order to harness the hydropower potential of the lower part of the Thjorsa River in South Iceland, two hydropower schemes are proposed in the area, one near the Urridafoss rapids and the other near the Nupur hill. Three different types of rockfill dams for the two schemes are studied in this paper. Two of the dam types have a central core, one made of loessoidal soil and the other of asphaltic concrete. The third dam type has a concrete face on its upstream side. The proposed building sites are in a well known earthquake region called the South Iceland Seismic Zone. In June 2000 two major earthquakes of magnitude 6.6 and 6.5 occurred in the near vicinity of the proposed sites with a maximum registered peak ground acceleration of 0.84g. The dam design as addressed in this paper is twofold. Firstly, the generalized method of slices is used to analyse the stability of the dam slopes and to determine how steep they can be. Secondly, the Finite Element method is used to perform dynamic analysis to determine the permanent displacements due to a proposed earthquake loading as well as liquefaction potential. The largest permanent deformations developed during earthquake will be approximately 0.4 m but should not jeopardize the overall safety of the dam, although some local damage could occur. Liquefaction of the core material is not plausible.
Seismic stability evaluation and criteria of rockfill dam basing on residual deformation
Authors: Okamoto T.
Published: February 2025

In this study, some measurement results of acceleration response and residual deformation of actual dams under strong earthquakes have been analized to clarify the effect of rockfill density and embnkment method, and residual deformation of rockfill dam by centrifuge test under strong earthquake is verified, and then stability criteria based on residual deformation are discussed taking account of dam performance. It found that density of embankment affects residual deformation and big displacement of the embankment is restricted near the surface and the crest without slip circle. Relationship between crest settlement and maximum base acceleration in this test almost agrees with that of in-situ observation for existing dams. Beside allowable and critical settlement ratio is discussed for soil core and facing type RD.
Static and dynamic lateral response of a 15 pile group
Authors: Rollins Kyle M.  , Snyder Jeffrey L.  , Broderick Rick D.
Published: February 2025

To improve our understanding of the lateral resistance of pile groups, we have performed a series of static and dynamic lateral load tests on a full-scale pile group. The pile group consisted of 0.324 m-diameter steel pipe piles driven closed-ended into cohesive soil with an undrained shear strength of about 45 kPa. The test piles were driven in a 3x5 arrangement at a normalized spacing of 3.92 pile diameters in the direction of loading. A single pile test was also performed for comparison purposes. Lateral resistance was found to be a function of row position with piles in the first row carrying about the same average load as a single pile. The average load decreased for the second and third row piles but then remained about the same for subsequent rows. P-multipliers were determined for each row and were found to decrease as deflection increased. After 15 cycles of loading, the peak static resistance decreased by about 17%. Following static loading, dynamic loads were applied using a statnamic device. The dynamic load-displacement curves were stiffer and had larger hysteretic loops than the static curves. Analyses using an equivalent single degree of freedom model indicate that the damping ratio was between 30 and 40%.
Chemico-osmotic behaviour of modified “Multiswellable” bentonite
Authors: Mazzieri F.  , Van Impe P.O.  , Di Emidio G.
Published: February 2025

The potential for membrane behaviour of a chemically modified bentonite (MSB) is evaluated. Test results showed that MSB exhibited initial membrane behaviour. However, the membrane behaviour was gradually destroyed in the presence of a 0.005 M CaCl2solution. Conversely, the impact of the 0.005 M CaCl2solution on the hydraulic conductivity of MSB is shown to be mild.
Geosynthetic drainage layers in contact with unsaturated soils
Authors: McCartney John S.  , Kuhn Jeffrey A.  , Zornberg Jorge G.
Published: February 2025

The use of geosynthetic drainage layers in contact with unsaturated soils is being investigated at the University of Texas at Austin. A series of large-scale soil-geosynthetic profiles were constructed using a silt soil in contact with a sand drainage material as well as with a drainage geocomposite (a geonet sandwiched between geotextiles). In contrast to the performance of saturated drainage layers, unsaturated drainage layers were found to impede downward flow of moisture consistent with the formation of a capillary break at the drainage layer-silt interface. Accumulation of moisture associated with an increase in moisture storage in the silt soil was observed, which progressed with depth until breakthrough of flow occurred into the drainage layer. Despite having significantly lower thickness than the sand capillary break, the geocomposite capillary break exhibited similar performance.
Slope stabilization with socket walls using the observational method
Authors: Brandl H.  , Blovsky S.
Published: February 2025

Numerous highways and railways in the Austrian Alps have been constructed on the basis of the observational method along unstable slopes, which originally had been considered unsuitable for such alignments. The paper reports on a highway embankment along a creeping slope. In the year 2000 long-term monitoring showed cracks in the carriage way and slip zones in about 30 and 40 m depth. Parametric studies lead to the design of a socket wall for dowelling the slip zones as a first step of rehabilitation. The sockets required the sequential excavation of 55 m deep shafts (with shotcrete support and nailing) subsequently filled with reinforced concrete. The contingency plan for possible long-term strengthening comprises prestressed anchors on the top of the sockets. For the optimisation of detailed design and construction, for risk assessment and long-term monitoring several measuring systems were installed.
Sensitive infrastructures in instable slope conditions
Authors: Quick H.  , Keiper K.  , Meissner S.  , Arslan U.
Published: February 2025

The report presents an open cut for the construction of a railway line in a landslide area. Before the construction an extensive ground exploration programme was carried out. The landslide is secured with piles. The design of the piles is based on analytical calculations. To predict the ground deformations of the secured landslide and the planned track and to proof the serviceability, two- and three-dimensional finite-element models were developed. The observational method including a large variety of measurements was installed to observe the predicted ground deformations.
Shear strength/moisture content models for a laterite soil in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Jimoh Yinusa A.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents various models for the relationship between the cohesion (c) and frictional angle (φ) and the moisture content of a laterite soil. Conventional laboratory shear box test was performed on sample of a laterite soil in Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria. It was carried out at various moisture contents ranging from 0% - 30% at intervals of 2% - 4%. The c and φ values were found to decrease with increasing moisture content in linear and parabolic forms, respectively and reaching zero values at the liquid limit. The modular of elasticity were also found to exhibit a parabolic model. The implication of the formulated models for the c (w) and φ (w) on the variation of bearing capacity at prevailing moisture contents was quantitatively demonstrated in the paper.
Influence of sand fraction on compressibility and hydraulic conductivity of clayey soils
Authors: Watabe Y.  , Saitoh K.
Published: February 2025

For mixtures of a dredged clay and a sand in various ratios, the compressibility and the hydraulic conductivity were investigated by carrying out the incremental loading consolidation test (oedometer test), scanning electron microscopic observation (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry test (MIP), in consideration of influence of sand fraction on the compressibility and the hydraulic conductivity. The followings were derived as conclusions: If the sandy particles do not make a skeletal structure and each particle independents in the clay matrix, increasing sand fraction contributes to decrease the compressibility, but does not affect on the hydraulic conductivity, under the same overburden stress. In this study, some evidences of sandy skeletal structure were observed in the specimens, whose clay (less than 0.005 mm) and sand (larger than 0.075 mm) fractions are smaller than 16.5% and larger than 68.6%, respectively.
Constitutive equations for Murro clay
Authors: Korhonen O.  , Korhonen K.-H.  , Lojander M.  , Koskinen M.
Published: February 2025

This paper concerns formulating the potential function and stress-dilatancy equation for soft clay. The equations have been verified using test results of Murro clay. Empirical stress-strain equations and plastic potential function formed by integrating the yield function have been fitted to results of triaxial stress path controlled tests and shear tests.
Un modèle simplifié pour le calcul du tassement d'un massif de fondation renforcé par inclusions rigides
Authors: Rospars C.  , Bourgeois E.  , Humbert P.  , de Buhan P.
Published: February 2025

La technique du renforcement des sols par inclusions rigides consiste à reporter une partie de la charge, à travers un matelas de répartition, sur les inclusions. On propose ici une modélisation simplifiée qui permet de prédire le comportement mécanique du massif, notamment le déplacement relatif des inclusions par rapport au sol. Deux paramètres doivent être identifiés, un paramètre représentant le report de charge en tête et un paramètre caractérisant le transfert de charge le long des inclusions. Par calage sur un calcul par éléments finis en condition tridimensionnelle, ces paramètres sont introduits dans le calcul d'un massif « modèle » dont la solution analytique est connue pour le modèle simplifié. On montre ainsi la pertinence du modèle pour traiter des problèmes de géométrie quelconque, sans discrétisation des inclusions, ce qui représente un avantage considérable du point de vue du traitement numérique.
Perceptions of Older Adults with Heart Failure on Playing an Interactive Digital e-Health Game (IDEG) for Learning About Heart Failure (HF): Prototype Development and Usability Testing
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita  , Toprac Paul  , O'Hair Matt  , Bias Randolph  , Mackert Mike  , Xie Bo  , Kim Miyong  , Bradley Paul
Published: February 2025

Effective self-management can decrease up to 50% of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. However, self-management by patients with HF remains poor. We describe the development and usability testing of an interactive digital e-health game (IDEG) for older patients with HF in Central Texas, USA. Majority of the participants (5 out of 6) who participated in the usability testing found the game interesting, enjoyable and helpful to play. Developing an IDEG that is satisfying and acceptable to older adults with HF is feasible.
The Usefulness of the Electric Textbooks at Nursing Practicam by Analyzing the Usage Logs of the Terminal Tablet
Authors: Nakamura Yumiko  , Majima Yukie  , Fukayama Kaori
Published: February 2025

We conducted assessment tests for clinical training, analyzing the usage of the electronic textbooks and the tablet functions from the log information of the terminal tablets. Results revealed that usage of the terminal tablet and digital nursing dictionary (ver. 2), by which users can enjoy free access to electric textbooks during clinical training, was effective as learning support.
The Integrated Patient's Self-Care Process Model
Authors: Milavec Kapun Marija  , Šusteršič Olga  , Rajkovič Vladislav
Published: February 2025

Long-term care is more efficient and effective when it involves the active participation of the empowered patient and informal caregivers. To achieve this, it is necessary to guide the patient and informal caregivers through the systematic process of self-care. Well-documented observations and assessments are fundamental to plan further interventions of the interdisciplinary team.
Use of Nurses in Tele-Consultation for Patients in Remote Areas
Authors: Robin Metilda  , Xavier Teenu  , Agrawal Deepak
Published: February 2025

There is poor penetration of trauma healthcare delivery in rural areas. On the other hand, mobile penetration in India is now averaging 80% with most families having access to mobile phone.
The Role of Nurses in E-Health: The MobiGuide Project Experience
Authors: Parimbelli Enea  , Sacchi Lucia  , Budasu Roxana  , Napolitano Carlo  , Peleg Mor  , Quaglini Silvana
Published: February 2025

Leveraging the experience of the European project MobiGuide, this paper elaborates on the nurses' role in developing, delivering and evaluating e-health based services. We focus on the home monitoring of atrial fibrillation. Patients enrolled in our study are provided with a smartphone and an ECG sensor, and receive recommendations, reminders and alerts concerning medications and measurements that they should perform through a mobile decision support system that is constantly updated by a backend system. Patients' data are sent to health care personnel that may visualize them, and act accordingly. Nurses play a central role in such setting. After being involved in the design of the caregiver interface, they are responsible for the patients' enrollment phase (which includes patients' training), for the daily checking of incoming data, for the triage of patients' complaints, and for the final phase of the study where patients are interviewed about their experience with the system.
Tripartite Governance: Enabling Successful Implementations with Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Kennedy Margaret Ann
Published: February 2025

Vulnerable populations are often at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to the implementation of health information systems in an equitable, appropriate, and timely manner. The disadvantages experienced by vulnerable populations are innumerable and include lack of representation, lack of appropriate levels of funding, lack of resources and capacity, and lack of representation. Increasingly, models of representation for complex implementations involve a tripartite project governance model. This tripartite partnership distributes accountability across all partners, and ensures that vulnerable populations have an equitable contribution to the direction of implementation according to their needs. This article shares lessons learned and best practices from complex tripartite partnerships supporting implementations with vulnerable populations in Canada.