bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of ultrasonics to monitor long-term creep tests of salt rock samples
Authors: Guillaume S. , du Mouza J. , Brulhet J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Over recent years, much attention has been focused on the geomechanical properties of salt rocks (halites) from the Bressan Basin, France. This paper presents the results of studies of the textural evolution of salt rocks during creep tests. Four samples were tested under various thermal and mechanical stresses, ranging from 25° to 70°C and under varying isotropic (2 to 5 MPa) and deviator stresses (5 to 20 MPa), in order to reproduce
in situ
conditions. A special experimental biaxial cell was set up in order to stress the samples in such conditions, and ultrasonics was used to monitor changes in rock texture and other properties and to control the experiments. Four tests were carried out on the two main facies of the halite of the Bressian Basin (France), each covering a threemonth period. All the ultrasonic parameters (velocity, attenuation, amplitude) proved to be sensitive to thermo-mechanical conditions. Their variations are functions of the rock type and the imposed stresses. The main result is that damage of the samples could be precisely determined. The limit between dilatant and non-dilatant creep is determined in terms of deviatoric stress. This limit depends on temperature and facies.
Seismic refraction in relation to geotechnical information for (road) construction contracts
Authors: Stewart I. E. , Williams J. R. , Walker C. S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW (RTA) (Australia) has developed a high standard of practice in collecting, interpreting and documenting geotechnical information for road construction contracts. In particular high standards have been developed for seismic refraction information and its integration into overall geotechnical information in relation to detailed design, documentation for contract tendering, road construction and its possible use in evaluating contract claims. It is important to treat the seismic information as an independent source of data for an overall geological model that is developed for the site. This model is derived from sources such as geological mapping and surface observations, drilling, pitting and geophysics. Use of this approach has been critical in achieving substantial reductions is cost overruns attributable to geotechnical conditions. The simplistic approach of comparing bulk property information from geophysics with the specific point information from drilling or test pits, and ascribing differences to erroneous geophysical interpretation, or adjusting the geophysics to agree with the drilling can lead to errors in the geological model. This in turn can lead to costly errors in tendering and in construction planning and often to protracted contractual claims.
A new standard in the practice of engineering seismic refraction
Authors: Walker C. S. , Win M. A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Seismic refraction is applied routinely to all stages of highway engineering projects in Australia and is particularly useful for investigation, design and contract documentation of road cuttings. The Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW (Australia) has developed a new standard of practice in seismic refraction since the late 1980s. The most significant advance has been to reduce shot spacing. This means that high levels of reversed coverage of all refractors and high levels of data redundancy are achieved, ensuring a well controlled interpretation with much reduced ambiguity. Other important advances are more efficient and rigorous equipment and field procedures, greater attention to data quality, PC based interpretation and improvements in reporting and documentation. The seismic information is now an important component, together with geological information, in the development of a geological model of a site. Previously, particularly in complex weathered and fractured terrains, the seismic information was not regarded as reliable enough for this purpose. The result of these advances is that seismic refraction surveys cost the same or less per km as ten years ago but produce more detailed and reliable information. The benefits are better information for design, more reliable information for construction tendering and reduced incidence and cost of contractual claims. This paper discusses in detail the new standard in seismic refraction practice and presents a field example.
Modern geophysics in engineering geology: an overview
Authors: Eddleston M. , McCann D. M. , Cripps J. C. , Johnson P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The 30th Annual Conference of the Engineering Group (September 1994) of the Geological Society was structured to reflect the application of modern geophysical methods in current engineering geology practice.
This paper aims to highlight some of the important points raised during the discussions at the conference. It is based on transcripts of the discussion sessions, but it is not intended to be a verbatim reproduction of all the points raised, rather it concentrates on key themes that were discussed at length. The direct points raised on particular papers have been addressed and amended by the proceedings editors and authors and are not repeated in detail here. The authors apologise to those delegates whose points may have been poorly represented, misrepresented or omitted. The aim is to take an overview of the major conference discussion themes and bring together material addressed by different speakers during different sessions.
The main topics which generated protracted discussions form the subheadings of the paper as follows:

professional status of engineering geologists and geophysicists

geophysical imaging and tomography

investigation of rock masses

accuracy/resolution of various techniques

evaluation of soil/rock stiffness/strength using geophysical methods and sample disturbance effects

presentation of geophysical data in contract documentation

Professional status of engineering geologists and geophysicists

The topic of the professional status of engineering geologists was raised by Professor Atkinson (City University, London, UK) Chair of the Engineering Group of the Geological Society. He noted that while in the UK Chartered Geologists currently work closely
The outlook for rock armour and beach recharge
Authors: Thomas Richard Stephenson 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Rock armour and beach recharge have been used increasingly over recent years as central elements of coastal defence and other forms of coastal construction. In attempting to define the outlook for rock armour and beach recharge, the context at the coastline, the background to coastal defence, the present need for coastal works and the environmental value of the coast are considered. The advantages of natural materials such as rock, sand and gravel compared with some of the more traditional forms of coastal construction are reviewed. The ‘market’ for rock armour and beach recharge materials, including the legal background and relevant economic factors, is considered and the actual demand for the materials estimated. Important environmental considerations are discussed.
An approach to the abrasion testing of individual pieces of construction materials
Authors: Eden M. A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper briefly introduces the basis of abrasion testing and suggests a rapid and simple test that allows the abrasion resistance of specific materials to be evaluated. Small, individual pieces of rock, mortar, or concrete can be tested and the method has been used to evaluate the potential for surface abrasion of concrete surfaces. Many of the commonly used test methods for measuring abrasion resistance of construction materials are aggregate tests such as the QMW mill abrasion test and the ASTM Los Angeles abrasion test which measure the combined resistance of a material to impact and abrasion. Other tests such as the aggregate abrasion and polished stone value tests require a smaller numberof resin mounted aggregate pieces to be studied. The ASTM surface abrasion test for concrete uses physically large flat test pieces. Like the ASTM test, the test method described in this paper measures only the abrasion resistance. However, it provides a means of comparing the abrasion resistance of small pieces of construction material and introduces quartz as a reference material.
The test uses a mixture of oil and carborundum as a grinding medium with 10 mm square test pieces held by a standard load against a rotating steel lapping wheel in a rotating jig. The results are expressed as a ratio of the abrasion rate of the test material to that of quartz tested in the same way. This comparative approach enables the test to be carried out using equipment of various designs.
The economics of contaminated site remediation: decision making and technology selection
Authors: Hardisty Paul E. , Bracken Robert A. , Knight Mark 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Most activities associated with production of goods and services in modern society are linked directly or indirectly to the production of wastes and pollution. In general, environmental impacts increase with the level of production (as measured by the Gross National Product, or GNP). The decision to remediate a contaminated site can be seen from the macroeconomic and microeconomic viewpoints. Macroeconomics can be used to plan and account for the overall cost of pollution as part of a firm's production, and thus make overall decisions on the real cost of pollution and the level of clean-up that may be called for. Valuation of damaged resources, option values and intrinsic worth is an important part of this process. Once the decision to remediate has been taken, the question becomes how best to remediate. It is safe to say that cost is one of the single most important factors in site clean-up decision making. A basic rule of remediation is often taken to be the maximization of contaminant mass removed for the money spent. However, remediation may also be governed by other objectives and constraints. In some situations, minimization of time, rather than cost, could be the constraint. Evaluation of the economics of a clean-up project is directly linked to the objectives of the site owner, and the constraints within which the remediation is to be performed. Once objectives and constraints have been clearly identified, a range of possible remedial approaches and technologies can be developed, and each option evaluated on a comparative basis. One of the most powerful tools for comparative options analysis is technical-economic analysis. This approach combines evaluation of technical feasibility and effect, with consideration of capital, operation and maintenance costs over a selected time horizon. By constraining remedial alternatives within cost and time boundaries, possible solutions can be evaluated with respect to specific criteria. Two examples illustrate these concepts. Economic analysis of remedial options for containment of a 350 000 1 hydrocarbon spill migrating through fractured rock into a river in Alberta, Canada, provided clear direction to the site owner. Economic analysis of remedial alternatives for contaminated sites in the UK sheds interesting light on the common practice of landfilling, when compared to other alternatives.
Evaluation of inter-organisational sampling trials on contaminated land: comparison of two contrasting sites
Authors: Argyraki A. , Ramsey M. H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The measurement process in environmental studies on contaminated land comprises sampling and analysis with the objective of estimating the values of the analyte concentrations. The estimated mean concentration has a real variation but also a variation due to errors originating from sampling and analysis. Inter-organizational trials, in the form of collaborative trials and proficiency testing, is a well established methodology for the estimation of the analytical uncertainty. However, such trials applied to sampling are in a very early stage of development. The objectives of inter-organisational sampling trials are to reveal discrepancies due to sampling at a particular site, to estimate measurement uncertainty on the estimates of mean metal concentrations at the site and ultimately to improve reproducibility of the participants' results. The very first pilot sampling trial was conducted on a smelter-contaminated site in Derbyshire. The results showed the feasibility of conducting sampling trials and also that errors originating from sampling tend to be much greater than the analytical errors. A second inter-organizational sampling trial was conducted on Hounslow Heath, West London, which is an old landfill site with different contamination characteristics. The results from both trials have shown large discrepancies in estimates of mean metal concentrations in soils by factors up to 2.5 times. The role of heterogeneity of the distribution of the contaminants is a limiting factor when conducting such trials and their usefulness in measuring uncertainty of metal concentration at a particular site has been demonstrated.
The importance of understanding groundwater flow history in assessing present-day groundwater contamination patterns: a case study
Authors: Jones Ian , Davison Ruth M. , Lerner David N. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Locating and delineating suspected or known groundwater contamination is often a difficult and costly task. Prior to drilling the first borehole or taking the first sample it is standard practice to undertake a desk study. This is likely to involve investigating the history, geology and hydrogeology of the site. Often, only present-day groundwater flow patterns are used to assess the current situation and plan a site investigation. This paper uses a recent experience to illustrate the importance of understanding the history of groundwater flow in planning a successful and cost-effective groundwater investigation.
The site of an old coal carbonization (coking) plant in the UK East Midlands was selected as a field site to undertake research into coal tar related contamination in sandstone aquifers. From the evidence of previous studies, contamination was known to exist in the aquifer, although its exact location and extent was unknown. A comprehensive desk study, extensive surface geophysics and a solute transport modelling exercise were undertaken prior to doing any drilling. Based on the results of this work a number of monitoring wells were installed and samples taken. Results from these initial wells confirmed the original hypothesis. As more wells were completed it became evident that our understanding was not entirely correct and that the evolution and distribution of the contamination was more complex than the initial investigations indicated.
Ongoing investigations have revealed a complex groundwater flow and contaminant history. This paper intends to illustrate how limited information can be made to fit and ‘prove’ expectations, whereas in reality an entirely different situation may exist.
Characterization of extensive hydrocarbon contamination of an alluvial aquifer, Ploiesti, Romania
Authors: Wallace Stephen , Burgess William , Dottridge Jane , Kim Alexander , Zamfirescu Daniela , Zamfirescu Florian 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

The alluvial aquifer in Ploiesti, Romania, is severely contaminated with hydrocarbons. Petroleum products from four major refineries and 30 km of pipeline affect an area of 37 km
2
, occurring as free product floating on the shallow water table, dissolved hydrocarbon in the groundwater, and residual hydrocarbon in the unsaturated zone. Surveys performed between 1975 and 1995 defined the extent, nature and rapid movement of the contamination at rates up to 100 m a
-1
. Analysis of free product and soil samples showed a complex mixture of crude and refined hydrocarbons, with advanced biodegradation in both phases. Concentrations of non-volatile hydrocarbons in groundwater from the zone surrounding the free product plume were high, averaging 25 mg l
-1
, with dissolved contaminants as far as 6 km down-gradient of the industrial area. Organic and inorganic analyses indicate that biodegradation is occurring. Remediation requires the prevention of further spillages and application of economical and innovative technology. The highly permeable aquifer favours the use of
in situ
remediation, but remedial action is currently limited to a few skimming wells to remove free product.
Sorption of three heterocyclic compounds and their hydrocarbon analogue from coal-tar contaminated water in a natural clayey till
Authors: Broholm Mette M. , Broholm Kim , Arvin Erik 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

The natural attenuation of contaminants in fractured media is controlled by biodegradation and by diffusion into the matrix. The effective rate of diffusion and the mass of contaminants thereby removed from the aqueous phase in the fracture depends on the sorption of the contaminants. The sorption of three heterocyclic compounds and their hydrocarbon analogue from an aqueous solution of a complex mixture of 25 organic coal-tar compounds including all major groups of organic coal-tar compounds in clayey till was studied in batch experiments for a large range of concentrations including concentrations approaching the effective solubility of the mixture and for two different solid:liquid (s:l) ratios. For the high s:l ratio sorption experiment the isotherms were close to linear and best fitted by Freundlich isotherms. Sorption of the four compounds was correlated with
K
ow
, but an order of magnitude greater than predicted from a
K
ow
-
K
ow
relationship for aquifer materials. Sorption was primarily dominated by hydrophobic sorption. However, at high surface density carbazole sorption appeared to be influenced by dipole-dipole attraction. For the low s: 1 ratio experiment at higher concentrations a dramatic increase in sorption was observed for all four compounds. The dramatic increase is likely a result of multi-layer formation/condensation of organic compounds on mineral surfaces at high surface density of organic compounds possibly induced by the complexity of solutes. The steepness of the increase and sensitivity to total compound surface density appears to be related to compound hydrophobicity. The impact of these four compounds on groundwater quality from sources of coal-tar in fractured clayey till overburden may be significantly lower than predicted from general sorption relationships.
On the controls of fluvial hazards in the north Bihar plains, eastern India
Authors: Sinha Rajiv 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The rivers of the north Bihar plains, eastern India, pose three major fluvial hazards: rapid lateral migration, frequent flooding and extensive bank erosion. Lateral shifting of the Kosi, Gandak and several other rivers in the area has been attributed mainly to neotectonic tilting and subsidence of the area, and to some extent, local topography and sedimentological readjustments in the basin. Overbank flooding is a perennial problem, with most of the rivers of the north Bihar plains causing enormous damage to life and property. The construction of embankments along major portions of the rivers is only a short-term solution to mitigate floods not only because of frequent breaches in the embankment due to extremely high discharges during high flows but also because of the fact that these rivers carry a high sediment load causing rapid siltation and thereby raising the water level in a few years’ time. Severe bank erosion takes place during the lateral shifting of rivers as well as during high flows. Efforts to prevent these fluvial hazards in the area have largely failed as the geological and geomorphological considerations have not been taken into account.
The construction of a drainage tunnel as part of glacial lake hazard mitigation at Hualcán, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Authors: Reynolds J. M. , Dolecki A. , Portocarrero C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
At Hualcán in the Cordillera Blanca is a high-altitude glacier lake dammed by a moraine. Local glaciers regularly produce ice avalanches. In 1988 it was confirmed that the moraine was ice-cored. The rate of melting of the ice was sufficiently fast that, unless mitigation measures had been undertaken rapidly, the moraine would have collapsed. This would have resulted in the inundation downstream of Carhuaz, a town with a population of 25000 people. Following the successful installation of siphons in 1988–89 to reduce the water level by 8 m, it was decided to undertake more permanent engineering works to ensure that the lake could never again pose a threat. It was proposed to construct a 2-m diameter tunnel, 155 m long beneath a rock bar below the moraine dam, to lower the lake level by a further 20 m. This would create sufficient freeboard to contain possible displacement waves.
Work on the tunnel was started in May 1993 using compressed air drilling and blasting with hand excavation. The initial tunnel design consisted of a single tunnel drive 135 m long plus a 20-m inclined drive under the lake. A second, near-vertical shaft was constructed for ventilation and access. Had the proposed method of breakthrough from the tunnel to the lake been carried out, it would have resulted in a rockburst leading to the catastrophic discharge of the lake. The tunnel design was changed on site to include three additional inclined drives from the main shaft, reaching the lake at vertical intervals of 5 m. Using this method, the lake level was lowered 20 m safely.
The objective of this paper is to describe in detail the geotechnical engineering aspects of the tunnel construction, the reasons for the change in its design, and the results of the mitigation work.
Assessing erosion of sandy beaches due to sea-level rise
Authors: Nicholls Robert J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The prospect of accelerated sea-level rise in the coming century makes beach erosion more likely. Given the concentration of human habitation and infrastructure adjacent to sandy beaches, it is prudent to consider the implications of such changes. To select the most appropriate approach to evaluate this problem, three levels of increasingly complex assessment can be distinguished: (1) screening assessment (SA); (2) vulnerability assessment (VA); and (3) planning assessment (PA). SA and VA are amenable to analysis with a Bruun rule-based approach. SA can be quickly and effectively accomplished using a simple proportionality approach that shoreline recession is in the range of 100 to 200 times the sea-level rise scenario. For VA, a range of shoreline response scenarios can be estimated by selecting appropriate low and high offshore boundary conditions. PA ideally requires a comprehensive sediment budget approach. SA may trigger VA, which may in turn, trigger PA, depending on the results. The limitations of this structured approach are discussed.
The distal impact of Icelandic volcanic gases and aerosols in Europe: a review of the 1783 Laki Fissure eruption and environmental vulnerability in the late 20th century
Authors: Grattan John 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

This paper presents detailed documentary evidence for volcanic pollution of the atmosphere over many parts of Europe during the eruption of the Laki Fissure in Iceland during
ad
1783. The environmental impact of this event appears to have been severe, with reports of an acid dry fog in many parts of Europe, and often of associated damage to vegetation. It is argued that the meteorological conditions that led to this event are precisely the same as those which are associated with modern-day air pollution episodes in European conurbations, and the potential addition of millions of tonnes of volcanic gaseous material to the air over already polluted cities poses a rare, but in health terms potentially major, risk.