bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Desalination of Nakhon Ratchasima groundwater in Thailand by membrane capacitive deionization
Authors: Thungsuai Kunchaya , Thanayupong Eknarin , Pimpha Nuttaporn , Chaleawlert‐umpon Saowaluk 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA single‐pass mode of membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) stack unit was fabricated for alternative desalination in local brackish groundwater. Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand, is in the northeastern region and mostly faced the salinity groundwater problem. A commercial coconut shell‐based activated carbon (PAC) was used for electrode material due to an available and cost‐effective choice. Comparing two different specific surface areas of PAC (1153 and 2145 m2 g−1) for the electrode material was studied regarding a basic electrosorption capacity. It revealed that the more hydrophilic surface of PAC and lower internal resistance, the higher electrosorption performance was observed, regardless of the specific surface area in the case of a similar pore structure. The MCDI stack unit with a large active area (16 × 16 cm2) of 80 pairs of electrodes (a large lab‐scale unit) demonstrated a sufficient removal efficiency in single‐pass mode to reduce salinity and hardness in Korat groundwater, composed of multi‐coexisting ions (TDS ~ 2000 mg L−1). A relative selectivity coefficient (RSC) demonstrated that highly charged cations with smaller hydrated ionic radii predominantly played a crucial role in removal efficiency. While the initial concentration was strongly affected by the same charged ions. Total removal efficiency (REtotal) and ion removal efficiency (REion) revealed performance stability during 20 days of operation and produced purified water with acceptable standards for consumption. Finally, this finding demonstrated the possibility of applying the PAC1‐MCDI stack unit for natural groundwater desalination with a satisfactory desalination performance. We hope that the data in this study can be beneficial guidance for further practical MCDI system improvement and setup in a local area of Thailand, dealing with the salinity groundwater problem.Practitioner Points
Desalination of brackish groundwater by membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI).
Hydrophilic surface of activated carbon materials predominantly influenced a higher electrosorption performance.
Relative selectivity coefficient mainly relied on ionic charges and hydrated ionic radii.
Using MCDI for local brackish groundwater desalination applications produced water safe for consumption.
Novel Vehicle Technologies for Shared Automated Mobility Services with Real-Life Pilots
Authors: Flötteröd Yun-Pang , Münster Marco , Brost Mascha , Ochs Sven , Zofka Marc René , Lambauer Karl , Schratter Markus , Scheibe Sebastian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAs part of the European project SHOW (GA No 875530), 3 types of innovative automated vehicles, i.e., a U-Shift, a modular vehicle with an interchangeable capsule, a free-moving FZI-shuttle and a VIF-robotaxi, were deployed at 3 sites in Germany and Austria. Two of the vehicles provided both passenger and cargo transport services. The piloting period varied from 7 to 13 months. In total, all automated vehicles travelled 30,000 km and transported 14,000 people. No critical failures occurred. Passengers’ enthusiasm and high acceptance of AVs are noteworthy. Further technical challenges still need to be addressed, particularly regarding interaction with other road users, to achieve fully automated operation.
On International Collaboration Within Research Projects for Large-Scale Piloting of Shared Automated Mobility
Authors: Cornet Henriette , Riggs William , Gkemou Maria , Dreher Stephane 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAutomated vehicles (AVs) are being tested and deployed globally, offering benefits such as reduced accidents, enhanced public transportation, and optimized operational costs. These advancements vary by region, with Europe focusing on shared AV fleets in public transport, Japan investing in infrastructure and safety technologies, and the U.S. being mostly driven by private sector innovations. This paper highlights the importance of international collaboration in AV development and deployment, emphasizing the need for thorough planning before any mutual project initiation. Effective collaboration so far is revealed to be more feasible and fruitful at the research level rather than high policy levels, especially when projects have similar scales, scopes, and timelines. Despite resource constraints, international collaboration is crucial for exchanging on practices and will become more and more important for harmonizing regulations and bringing innovation around AV technology. This chapter explores best practices and lessons learned for collaboration between the EU, the U.S., and Japan, using case studies built in SHOW (GA No 875530), to guide future international efforts in sustainable automated transport.
Unlocking the Full Spectrum of User Perspectives on Automated Mobility Using the ‘Supertesters’ Method
Authors: Schallauer Dominik , Soteropoulos Aggelos , Dollinger Annika , Mirnig Alexander , Fröhlich Peter , Tengg Allan , Moschig Alexander , Prutej Walter , Schoiswohl Petra 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAs vehicle automation advances, integrating automated vehicles into the existing transportation system is crucial, considering technical but also social factors. This chapter investigates two Austrian pilot sites, Graz and Pörtschach, by assessing user preferences through a novel “supertester” approach that included experiential elements as well as interviews, questionnaires and workshops. The supertester approach is a within-subjects empirical method in which the same group of individuals experiences various use cases. Employing this approach allowed a comparative analysis across diverse settings, use cases, vehicle types and user perspectives. The study underscores the critical role of fundamental safety functions and the relation between different vehicle types and corresponding expectations of passengers.
Societal Impacts of Automated Mobility for Public Transport: Insights from a Modified Delphi Study and Expert Interviews
Authors: Ferran Víctor , Magallón Ignacio , Rodríguez Paola 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis chapter reports findings from a study using a consensus method with an expert and stakeholder panel (n = 78) to analyse the societal implications of Cooperative, Connected and Automated Vehicles (CCAV) in public transport. To address the uncertainty about the wider societal impacts of CCAV, this study combines the results of a modified Delphi study, insights from interviews conducted at pilot sites deploying CCAV in real-word environment, and expert interviews from various CCAM-focused European initiatives. The modified Delphi study assesses direct consequences of CCAV such as accessibility and equity of public transport, user-perceived safety, and the impact on job creation/destruction and re-skilling as well as indirect effects of CCAV such as variation in house prices. These impacts are assessed within four scenarios related to different services and business models being deployed and tested across Europe in the Horizon 2020 SHOW project (GA No 875530).
Lossy Image Compression with Foundation Diffusion Models
Authors: Relic Lucas , Azevedo Roberto , Gross Markus , Schroers Christopher 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIncorporating diffusion models in the image compression domain has the potential to produce realistic and detailed reconstructions, especially at extremely low bitrates. Previous methods focus on using diffusion models as expressive decoders robust to quantization errors in the conditioning signals. However, achieving competitive results in this manner requires costly training of the diffusion model and long inference times due to the iterative generative process. In this work we formulate the removal of quantization error as a denoising task, using diffusion to recover lost information in the transmitted image latent. Our approach allows us to perform less than 10% of the full diffusion generative process and requires no architectural changes to the diffusion model, enabling the use of foundation models as a strong prior without additional fine tuning of the backbone. Our proposed codec outperforms previous methods in quantitative realism metrics, and we verify that our reconstructions are qualitatively preferred by end users, even when other methods use twice the bitrate.
Study on the Influence of Basalt Fiber on Concrete Performance
Authors: Wei Peipei , Zhang Xiaofei , Yin Chuan , He Jiulong , Kong Ming , Chen Xiaoxuan , Yang Runxue 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBasalt fiber has excellent quality, and adding appropriate amount of basalt fiber into concrete can enhance the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Basalt fiber concrete has a broad development and application prospect. This paper summarizes the research progress of basalt fiber concrete in recent years and its application in water conservancy projects, analyzes the reinforcement mechanism of basalt fiber in concrete, and puts forward some suggestions for further research and development of basalt fiber concrete.
Study on the New Preparation Method and Properties of Green Self-Compacting Transparent Concrete
Authors: Liu Junliang , Fang Guangxiu , Lu Jiaxing , Jin Han 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThrough reading and integrating a large amount of literature, this paper innovatively proposed a new method of making transparent concrete. On this basis, we added fly ash and slag powder to replace cement according to different volume ratios, and developed four new types of green self-compacting transparent concrete with different mix ratios. By testing the compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus and thermal conductivity of these concrete, found that according to (20%, 20%) added fly ash and slag powder cement instead of new green self-dense light transparent concrete in all aspects of the best performance, test results show that the 28 days compressive strength of 36.2 Mpa, 28 days of tensile strength 4 Mpa, 28 days of elastic modulus of 27.1 Gpa. This new type of green self-dense transparent concrete not only has high compressive strength, tensile strength and elastic modulus, but also has excellent transparent thermal conductivity. The experimental results show that the average illumination of four self-dense transparent concrete of 25W bulb is 152XL, and the average illumination of 40W bulb is 246XL and the average temperature is 32.125 ℃. In addition, the photothermal conductivity of the four different mix ratios showed good consistency, indicating that the addition of fly ash and slag powder has no negative impact on the light transmittance of the transparent concrete. This new type of transparent concrete not only has high mechanical properties, but also has good transparent thermal conductivity, which has wide application prospects and provides reference for subsequent research and application.
Superposed Element Method for the Temperature Field Simulation in Mass Concrete Structures Containing Cooling Pipes
Authors: Ding Jianxin , Yang Qingzhou 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPipe cooling is an important measure for controlling the temperature in mass concrete structures, so it is one of the key problems to specifically simulate the effect of the cooling pipes in temperature field analysis. Because the size of cooling pipe is quite small from that of mass concrete structure, its exact simulation is the focus of simulation calculation. In this paper, a new method called SEM (superposed element method) is proposed to analyze the temperature field of mass concrete with cooling pipes in it. First, the structure is divided into two independent meshes. One is the global mesh without cooling pipes, and the other is the local mesh of the cooling pipes together with its adjacent region. Then the elements within the local mesh is treated based on FEM, and the two independent meshes are coupled together through the coupling surface by the coordination of heat conduction. Finally, using the SEM proposed in this paper, the numerical model with a single pipe was analyzed and the calculation precision was validated. The convenient process of grid discretization and good performance in both precision and efficiency show the feasibility of the new method in engineering application.
Effect of Machine-Made Sand Rate on the Compressive Strength, Workability, and Impermeability of Sleeper Concrete
Authors: Liu Zhenchao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe exploitation and utilization of river sand along the SGR Phase II A Project in Kenya was rare. This work aims to explore the effect of the machine-made sand rate on the compressive strength, workability, and impermeability of sleeper concrete. The research demonstrated that the 28d compressive strength (46.30 MPa) of sleeper concrete (KD-45) were the optimal when the machine-made sand rate in the sleeper concrete was 45%. These results indicated that the compactness of the KD-45 was improved, leading to an increase in compressive strength. The slump (175 mm) and extensibility (455 mm) of the sleeper concrete KD-45 were the highest as the machine-made sand rate was 45% in the sleeper concrete. This result proved that the workability and flowability of KD-45 pre mixed sleeper concrete were excellent. The electrical flux (840 °C) of KD-45 was lowest when the machine-made sand rate in the sleeper concrete was 45%. This phenomenon demonstrated that the ability of sleeper concrete KD-45 to resist chloride ion penetration was higher compared to other sleeper concrete. These properties meet the requirements of C40 sleeper concrete. Therefore, this work presents novel insight on the performance improvement of sleeper concrete based on the machine-made sand rate.
Basic Properties and Microstructure of Coal Gangue Pervious Concrete Under Acid Rain Environment
Authors: Xia Junwu , Yu Linli , Zhu Zhichun , Li Pengxu , He Yuan , Yu Jun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTo systematically investigate the durability performance of coal gangue pervious concrete (CGPC) under acid rain environment, various factors are taken into account, including designed porosity, acid rain pH value, and erosion time. These factors affect the mass, compressive strength, and permeability coefficient of CGPC. Moreover, the research delves into the erosion mechanism of acid rain. The results indicate that the compressive strength of CGPC shows an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease under acid rain environment. The permeability coefficient slightly decreases in the early stage of acid rain erosion, followed by an increase in the later stage. In the acid rain, the reaction between $${\text{SO}}_{{4}}^{{2 - }}$$

SO

4

2
-

and Ca2+ generates expansive products such as gypsum. Initially, these products fill the pores, increasing the structural density. However, as erosion progresses, the continuous accumulation of gypsum leads to the formation of expansive microcracks, resulting in a reduction in strength.
Experimental Study on Axial Compressive Properties of Early Strength and High Ductility Cement-Based Composite Concrete
Authors: Jiang Weihong , Duan Wenhong , Yuan Jiaquan , Xiong Li , Li Huimei , Mou Lin , Yang Xiaohua , Huang Xiaomin , Xu Weibing , Yang Kun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCement concrete is widely used in various levels of highways, and it is prone to diseases such as cracking, potholes, and local collapse during operation. The maintenance and repair of existing cement concrete has become an important task in the daily operation and maintenance of roads and bridges. However, traditional cement-based repair materials have problems such as long maintenance periods and low bonding strength with existing concrete. In view of this, this article proposes an early strength and high ductility cement composite material, aiming to achieve good curing age, compressive performance, and relatively low price. The compressive performance tests of a new type of composite material were conducted to study the effects of PVA fiber content, fly ash (FA) content, and sand cement ratio on the axial compression performance. The results show that the FA content is 50wt.% When the PVA fiber content is around 2% and the sand cement ratio is 0.36, the compressive performance of early strength and high ductility cement composite materials at different ages is better. Under optimal mix ratio conditions, the axial compressive strength of early strength and high ductility cement-based composite materials at 2 h, 1 day, 3 days, and 28 days reaches 18.1, 27.5, 34.4, and 37.6 MPa; The peak strain at each age is greater than 0.5%.
Research on Anti-shear Performance of Steel-Mixed Combination Beam Bridge Single-Nail Shear Connector
Authors: Yang Haiyuan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn order to study the shear performance of single spigot shear connectors when applied in practical engineering, the shear performance research is carried out with the engineering background of a waveform steel web steel-mixed girder bridge under construction in a certain area, using the finite element modeling method to establish a local model in the connecting part of the steel box girder and the concrete plate, and combining with the practical engineering to carry out the simulation launching test of the spigot connectors and comparing the results of the load displacement curve with the classical theoretical curve, the results match well and verify the modeling correctness. The results of load displacement curve are compared with the classical theoretical curve, and the results are in good agreement, which verifies the correctness of modeling. On this basis, the influence of steel strength and concrete strength on the shear performance of the peg is investigated, and it is found that the shear capacity increases with the increase of peg strength and concrete strength, and the peg strength has a greater influence on the shear capacity than the concrete strength.
Research on the Fracture Evolution Characteristics and Mesoscopic Fracture Mechanism of Fissured Basalt Based on PFC2D
Authors: Chen Jun , Liu Ning , Wang Chaoyi , Gao Yaohui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe surrounding rock of large underground engineering projects is often composed of hard rock, and defects such as mineral particles and micro-cracks in the hard rock, significantly affect the mechanical properties of the rock. To investigate the influence of micro-crack distribution on the mechanical behavior, damage evolution, and fracture mechanism of rock, a numerical simulation model of basalt with single crack was established using the particle flow code PFC2D, based on the widely distributed cryptocrystalline basalt in the Baihetan Hydropower Station. In this study, the laws of crack initiation, propagation, and connection in the basalt under loading were deeply studied; the influence of different crack angles on the deformation and strength of the rock mass was discussed; the evolution characteristics and fracture mechanism of the whole process of the basalt under different confining pressures were revealed. The results of this study are significant for further studies into the mechanical properties characterizing fissured rock masses, as well as providing guiding principles for the design of cavern support.
Temperature Control Sensitivity Analysis and Research on Thin-walled Hydraulic Tunnel Lining Concrete
Authors: Zhang Bu , Wang Zhenhong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe phenomenon of concrete cracking is a major problem plaguing the engineering community, and one of the major factors causing cracking is temperature loading, while thin-walled concrete, such as hydraulic tunnel lining and other similar projects, makes the impact of this phenomenon more prominent due to its special structure and role. To address this problem based on the concrete temperature field theory, combined with the three-dimensional finite unit method of temperature control methods in engineering analysis and research, it is concluded that surface water conservation and water cooling can effectively reduce the base temperature difference to reduce the temperature stress; early low temperature water flow may cause excessive temperature gradients, resulting in large temperature stress; surface insulation layer can be applied to effectively mitigate the rate of temperature drop and environmental temperature changes on the concrete.
Experimental Study of the Fiber Improvement Test on the Unsaturated Soil
Authors: Guo Lina , Chen Yun , Luo Minmin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAt present, the engineering properties of unsaturated soil have been studied intensively in the soil mechanics community. The shear strength of unsaturated soil is particularly important for the engineering properties of soil. In this study, GDS unsaturated back pressure shear apparatus (UBPS) is employed to control the matrix suction to 50 kPa to conduct the direct shear test of consolidation and drainage on the unsaturated soil and the unsaturated fiber soil. Through the analysis of the test data, the fiber material is found to be able to improve the shear strength of unsaturated soil when controlling the matrix suction, but the improvement effect is not as good as in the case without considering the matrix suction. It can be concluded that the matrix suction is an important factor that must be taken into account in soil improvement engineering since most soils are unsaturated under natural condition.
Investigating Effect of Bentonite Support Fluid on Soil-Pile Interface Behavior by Ultra-Weak Fiber Bragg Gratings
Authors: Li Zhihong , Gu Yu , Jia Xiaonan , Hu Xuehui , Zhang Xuqun , Li Zhaofeng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEngineering practice indicates that the use of bentonite support fluid in borehole may significantly reduce the pile bearing capacity. To estimate the reduction quantitively, the static load test in field was performed on two kinds of piles with and without bentonite fluid, i.e., the slurry displacement (SD) pile and continuous flight auger (CFA) pile. Test site was selected in Huangpu District of Guangdong, and two CFA piles and one SD pile were installed. Sensing technology of ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating was applied to measure the soil-pile interface behavior, with a series of sensors attached to the longitudinal steel bar. Evolution of shaft resistance with the static load was thereby captured. Test results show that the bentonite support fluid reduces the shaft resistance by 52 and 61% in granitic residual soil and completely decomposed granite soil, respectively. Field excavation suggests that the reduction is attributed to the existence of residual bentonite layer between the pile concrete and soil, instead of the filter cake formed by bentonite filtration.
Study on Improvement Measures of Hydraulic Engineered Cementitious Composites Layer Bonding Performance
Authors: Wang Yupu , Li Jiazheng , Shi Yan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe layer bonding performance is very vital for the utilization of hydraulic engineered cementitious composites (HECC). The layer bonding performance involves the interlayer performance of HECC and HECC, and the layer performance of HECC and normal mortar (NM). The bonding strength of the untreated layer is very low, only half of that of the whole specimen without layer. Based on the fact, this article proposes three different improvement measures to improve the bonding performance of the layers: pickling surface, using interface agents, and using high-speed stirring devices to stir layer. The layer bonding performance is tested by the layer flexural strength. The test results show that: muriatic acid and acetic acid pickling can improve the interlayer bonding performance by 10% to 30%, while citric acid will reduce it by more than 90%; different interface agents have different improvement effects, among which The epoxy resin mortar interface agent has the most obvious improvement effect, reaching 44.9%; high-speed stirring of the layer eliminates the layer in a certain sense, improving the layer bonding performance by 349%, and has the most obvious effect among all methods.