bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-Situ Pore-Pressure Measurements for a Detailed Geotechnical Assessment of Marine Sediments: State of the Art
Authors: Schultheiss PJ 
Published: March 2009

The purpose of sampling and geotechnical testing of marine sediments is to ascertain and predict their in-situ properties. For many applications, limitations in accuracy imposed by the sampling and testing procedures may not be critical. However, for the safe disposal of some toxic wastes, there is a requirement for higher degrees of precision and reliability in the determination of some pertinent parameter. For waste products that are to be buried in marine sediments, and where the sediments themselves provide a geologic barrier to the release of waste products into the oceans, it is essential to determine accurately the flow regime of the natural pore waters. Furthermore, it may be desirable to monitor any changes that occur in the flow regime after emplacement. In-situ measurement of pore-water pressure and permeability is possibly the simplest, most reliable, and perhaps the most accurate technique for determining the rate of pore-water advection in marine sediments.
Experience of developing the techniques required to make these measurements and in interpreting the data has been gained in one area of the North Atlantic Ocean (Madeira abyssal plain) for the feasibility study into the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes and in other areas for different applications. Over 40 deployments have been made using pop-up pore-pressure instruments (PUPPIs) over the past few years to depths of up to 6 m below the seabed in water depths greater than 5000 m. PUPPIs have a resolution as low as 15 Pa, are calibrated in-situ at the end of each deployment, and can be deployed in water depths of up to 6000 m for periods of up to a year. Ambient differential pore pressures are measured at the end of each deployment after the insertion pressure has fully decayed (this may take several days depending on the sediment type). Permeability values are obtained using the hydrostatic tidal cycle. Natural pore-water advection rates are determined using these in-situ values assuming Darcian flow. Depending on the permeability, the resolution can be as low as 1 mm/year.
In addition to determining pore-water flow rates, the PUPPIs provide other pertinent geotechnical information. For example, the ambient pore-pressure measurements enable the effective stress profile to be calculated from sediment density core data; hence the consolidation state of the sediments can be determined. The maximum insertion pressure is indicative of the shear strength, and the horizontal coefficient of consolidation can be obtained from the pressure decay curve.
Apart from the geotechnical site assessment aspects of pore-pressure measurements, the PUPPIs can be used for short and long-term monitoring of changes that may occur either naturally or artificially as a direct result of the waste emplacement.
Subseabed Disposal Project Experiment: Pore Water Pressure Response to Piezometer and Canister Insertion
Authors: Valent PJ , Burns JT , Walter DJ , Li H , Bennett RH 
Published: March 2009

Induced excess pore water pressures resulting from the insertion of piezometer probes of 8-mm (0.31-in.) diameter and a simulated waste canister of 102-mm (4.0-in.) diameter and the dissipation of these excess pressures were measured during deep-ocean component tests of the In Situ Heat Transfer Experiment (ISHTE). The sediment at the Pacific test site 1100 km north of Oahu, Hawaii, is an illitic clay.
Insertion-induced excess pore pressures were found to agree well with those predicted by models. Several aspects of the induced excess pressure dissipation were evaluated including the effects of probe and heater diameter, distal excess pore pressure response, and the synergistic excess pore pressure response from multiple insertions. The dissipation of induced excess pressures measured at each piezometer is predicted well by theory. The same analytical models predict the excess pore pressure history measured at the piezometers in response to the waste canister insertion. Present models were evaluated that predict insertion excess pressures and their dissipation rate at the probe surface and at distal, far field, points.
A Geotechnical Investigation of a Deep Ocean Site
Authors: Freeman TJ , Schüttenhelm RTE 
Published: March 2009

A site investigation in deep water often relies solely on laboratory tests to evaluate the geotechnical properties of the sediments. This imposes two fundamental limitations on the investigation: (1) the maximum depth to which the properties can be profiled and (2) the uncertainty of sample disturbance and de-pressurization effects on the measured data. This paper uses results from investigations performed in a water depth of 5.4 km at an abyssal plain site, Great Meteor East (GME), to illustrate how ambiguities can arise in laboratory measurements of strength, and discusses how a simple in-situ test, the expendable “penetrator,” can be used to corroborate the laboratory data.
Despite the layered nature of the sediments at GME, both laboratory and penetrator data indicate the overall trend to be a linear increase of strength with depth. However, triaxial tests where the sample was consolidated back to the estimated in-situ stress σ'ν indicate a strength gradient 70% greater than that determined from quick undrained (UU) tests; normalized data from tests performed at higher consolidation pressures show better agreement with the UU data. Odometer test results show little evidence of over-consolidation or cementation in the sediments, suggesting sample disturbance to be the most likely explanation of the discrepant triaxial strengths.
The results of some 14 penetrator tests allow the sediment strength profile to be extrapolated to a depth of 58 m. Tests performed up to 60 km apart yielded similar resistance profiles, and the inferred strength gradient agrees broadly with that based on the UU data. It is concluded that the sediments at GME are normally consolidated, unindurated, and not fundamentally different to other soft cohesive deposits found on land or in shallow water.
Development of a Computer Vision Methodology for the Analysis of Surface Deformations in Magnified Images
Authors: Sutton MA , Chae TL , Turner JL , Bruck HA 
Published: March 2009

An optical system, similar in concept to a telecentric lens system, has been developed to decouple in-plane surface deformations from out-of-plane motions for magnified images of a specimen under loading. The key parameters of the optical system were identified and rigorous testing of a prototype system was completed. The range in system parameters that can be used to eliminate the effect of out-of-plane motion (ΔSo) when ΔSo is less than a pre-specified magnitude (β) was experimentally quantified. Using the test results, an optical system was designed, built and successfully tested.
Images of two test specimens at various loads are obtained at magnifications ranging from 2X to 6X, after testing was performed to ensure that the specimens do not move out-of-plane more than β during the loading history. First, images of a specimen undergoing uniaxial loading are acquired. Next, images of a single edge cracked specimen under load are obtained. For both specimens, the in-plane surface displacement field is determined by using digital image correlation of image subsets. Displacement gradients on the surface are computed after smoothing the displacement data. It is shown that the optical system developed in this work can be combined with a digital correlation method to accurately quantify in-plane surface deformations independent of the out-of-plane motion for magnifications up to 6X. Similar considerations will allow one to use the methodology with larger or smaller magnification factors.
Development of an On-Line Expert System: Cycle Chemistry and Demineralizer Operation Advisor
Authors: Sopocy DM , Montanus JA , Jonas O , Rice JK , Agogino A , Dooley B , Divakaruni SM 
Published: March 2009

An on-line expert system for fossil fuel power plants, the Cycle Chemistry and Demineralizer Operation Advisor (CYCLEXPRTtm/DEMINXPRTtm), is being developed as an Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) project. This expert system will assist plant operating personnel in the identification of trends and interpretation of plant chemistry data from both on-line analyzers and laboratory analyses in the context of plant physical conditions and operation. CYCLEXPRT/DEMINXPRT will operate on a microcomputer and will interface with existing plant instrumentation, data acquisition, and/or monitoring systems, which presents a variety of design challenges. Several significant features of this expert system are discussed in this paper, including the design of a modular expert system architecture, design of a consistent user interface, development of a standard specification for information transfer, and application of sensor validation techniques.
A critical element of this expert system is the validation of sensor information. The importance of QA/QC measures in the interpretation of plant chemistry data is being illustrated dramatically in EPRI Research Project 2712-3, “Monitoring Cycle Water Chemistry at Fossil Plants.” The techniques developed and refined in this research project are being applied in CYCLEXPRT/DEMINXPRT.
Present Practice and Future Prospects for Field Gas Chromatography
Authors: Spittler TM 
Published: March 2009

The past five years have seen a significant emphasis on the use of chemical instrumentation to perform rapid assessment and accurate analysis in the field. This trend began with gas chromatography and has grown rapidly with the introduction of new instruments with remarkable sensitivity and versatility. Coupled with a renewed interest in simple techniques like headspace analysis for volatiles and rapid extraction procedures for nonvolatiles, field gas chromatography is proving to be invaluable in field investigations.
There are several features which make an instrument suitable for field use. Among the key factors are ruggedness and simplicity of design, reliability and versatility. A few of the most versatile and sensitive instruments will be discussed here and some of the most practical applications will be discussed. Finally, reference will be made to one of the most important problems facing the environmental community today, protection of drinking water supplies. Because of their unique sensitivity, field chromatographs show great promise in enabling an analyst to cost-effectively and rapidly assess the condition of potable groundwater before contamination has progressed to the point of rendering it unfit for consumption.
Relation Between the National Handbook of Recommended Methods for Water Data Acquisition and ASTM Standards
Authors: Glysson GD , Skinner JV 
Published: March 2009

In the late 1950's, intense demands for water and growing concerns about declines in the quality of water generated the need for more water-resources data. About thirty Federal agencies, hundreds of State, county and local agencies, and many private organizations had been collecting water data. However, because of differences in procedures and equipment, many of the data bases were incompatible. In 1964, as a step toward establishing more uniformity, the Bureau of the Budget (now the Office of Management and Budget, OMB) issued “Circular A-67” which presented guidelines for collecting water data and also served as a catalyst for creating the Office of Water Data Coordination (OWDC) within the U.S. Geological Survey. As one of its early actions, OWDC gathered representatives from private enterprises, educational institutions, technical societies and government agencies to form two advisory committees. Work groups from these committees then wrote a manual entitled, “The National Handbook of Recommended Methods for Water Data Acquisition.” Nationally accepted methods were cited for measuring, sampling, and analyzing water and for processing hydrologic data. The methods included the collection of data on water in aquifers, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and the atmosphere. The long-range plan was to periodically update the manual by adding new water-data methods as they were developed.
This paper discusses past, present, and future aspects of the relation between methods in the National Handbook and standards published by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Committee D-19 on Water's Subcommittee D-19.07 on Sediment, Geomorphology, and Open Channel Flow. The discussion also covers historical aspects of standards-development work jointly conducted by OWDC and ASTM.
The Application of Ion Exchange to Meet the Many Challenges to Produce an Improved Grade of Pure Water in the 90'S
Authors: McGarvey FX 
Published: March 2009

The term “pure water” has a constantly changing meaning. Over the years ion exchange has played an important role in these changes. The first large scale production of 18- megohm-cm water became possible through the use of the mixed bed ion exchange process. In a sense, this was the start of pure and ultrapure waters.
Ion exchange processes will continue to play an important role in the evolution of new water grades. Ion chromatography has shown the way to measure concentrations of dissolved substances in the part per trillion (ppt) range, and new plant specifications are being measured at the ppt level, and this will result in future environmental standards.
In the future ion exchange technology will continue to lead the way, resulting in materials and processes which will accomplish the new requirements. Ion exchange resins, having low leachables, are being developed so that total organic carbon (TOC) levels can be achieved in pure water. Selective ion exchange materials with chelating functionality are appearing. These, coupled with stable conventional ion exchange resin, will help to solve waste problems resulting from toxic and radioactive substances.
Usage of Chemicals in Offshore Oil and Gas Production
Authors: Hudgins CM 
Published: March 2009

This paper reviews the chemicals used to help control many operating problems encountered in U.S. offshore oil and gas production. The discussions covers the production treating chemicals, gas processing chemicals, and stimulation and workover chemicals. A brief discussion of each chemical group presents its purpose, solubility properties, primary generic chemical types, and typical use concentrations. Acute aquatic toxicity and solubility information provided by the chemical suppliers is presented for the production treating chemicals, including biocides, scale and corrosion inhibitors, emulsion breakers, etc. Aquatic toxicity data for the gas processing chemicals (methanol, glycols) was primarily obtained from the literature.
A portion of these chemicals will dissolve in the produced water, with the remainder going with the oil. Most of the water produced with oil and gas in offshore operations in the U.S. is treated to remove dispersed oil and grease, then discharged to the sea. The discussion on environmental aspects summarizes information on the aquatic toxicity, solubility, and typical treatment and discharge concentrations for chemicals used for each purpose. Actual environmental impact must include site specific factors, such as water depth, current, temperature, etc., which are outside the scope of this paper.
Emerging Techniques in Pollution Control
Authors: Levin MA 
Published: March 2009

Observing the short history of molecular biology it is clear that the emergence of new techniques has transformed how one approaches and thinks about specific problems, both fundamental and applied, and that the infrastructure of the biotechnology industry provides impetus for new techniques to rapidly reach the marketplace and become readily available. The use of the ELISA technique and the polymerase chain reaction are examples of techniques that developed from laboratory study to a full fledged commercialized product within three years.
This paper surveys developments in the industry that may impact assay techniques and monitoring methods used in environmental situations and water analysis.
Suggested Microbiological Water Quality Tests for Developing Countries and Rural and Isolated North American Communities
Authors: Dutka BJ 
Published: March 2009

In developing countries and in the rural and northern parts of North America, the delivery of potable water which is safe, adequate and accessible to all is not an easy task. Limited resources must be directed toward achieving an optimum balance between these needs. An important consideration in the development and maintenance of safe water supplies is the use of appropriate monitoring technology for assessing microbiological water quality. Presently used microbiological water quality tests have several disadvantages for routine monitoring programs in developing countries and rural isolated communities in North America. Firstly, they are not easily portable for use in isolated areas. They require trained technicians, sophisticated laboratory equipment and expensive supplies, most of which are not readily available in developing countries.
To overcome these problems, simplified reliable microbiological water quality tests are required. Testing procedures which fulfill the above requirements would make it possible for countries and isolated communities to monitor and classify their raw water supplies, potable waters and recreational waters with a minimum of input in terms of resources and expertise.
Flexibility of the Human Knee as a Result of Varus/Valgus and Axial Moments in Vivo: Apparatus Design and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Mills OS , Hull ML 
Published: March 2009

The contributions of this paper are twofold. One is the design and performance evaluation of new equipment to determine the rotational flexibility of the human knee in vivo. Because determining knee flexibility requires the application of external loads and the measurement of knee rotations, the new equipment consists of a load application stand and a triaxial goniometer. The triaxial goniometer noninvasively mounts to the leg and directly measures the relative three-degree-of-freedom rotations of the knee. The goniometer incorporates several unique design features that enhance measurement accuracy. The load stand applies pure varus/valgus and external/internal axial moments either individually or in combination through the use of motors controlled by the test subject. Unique to this design are features that enable the application of moments to the knee to minimize shear forces. Other unique design features permit the stand to control hip and knee flexion angles, muscle contraction, and axial loading. To assess the accuracy with which rotations are measured during experiments, three tests were conducted with the equipment. One test evaluated the inherent accuracy of the goniometer, a second test assessed the potential for goniometer slippage during loading, and a third test explored the effect of goniometer mounting on the repeatability of results. A special verification apparatus facilitated evaluation of goniometer inherent accuracy.
A second contribution of the paper is an investigation of the effect of foot constraints (that is, boundary conditions) on flexibility results. To make this investigation, three subjects were tested with the knee at 15° flexion. Results revealed large differences in flexibility between constraining the foot in both external/internal and varus/valgus rotations and permitting the foot to rotate freely in the direction not being loaded. Further, constraint moments as high as 23 Nm were also recorded. These results emphasize that to obtain accurate flexibility results for isolated loads, the foot must be unconstrained by the loading apparatus.
Nationwide Registration of Ski Injuries in Sweden
Authors: Sandegård J , Eriksson B , Lundkvist S 
Published: March 2009

The founding of a nationwide organization of ski areas in Sweden enabled annual collection of data from first aid services about skiing injuries and medical emergencies. The results show that, during the study period (1981 to 1988), the distribution of injuries changed very little.
Wearing a helmet has become more popular. The percentage of head injuries among those injured skiers wearing a helmet is half the percentage of head injuries among those skiing without a helmet. This may be because a helmet has a true head-protecting function, although other factors such as changing the way of falling or skiing should be considered.
Lack of background statistics makes the comparison of relative figures for various injuries presented in our investigation difficult.
Designing Effective Health Education for Downhill Skiers: Results of a Randomized Intervention Study
Authors: Damoiseaux VMG , de Jongh AML , Bouter LM , Hospers HJ 
Published: March 2009

This article presents the results of a randomized intervention study among Dutch downhill skiers of 18 years and older. The objective of the study was to find an effective method to convince skiers that they have to adjust their ski bindings adequately. Literature study revealed that adequate adjustment of bindings (that is, by an expert and by means of a test device) is the most important behavior that can be manipulated to decrease the occurrence of ski injuries.
Three conditions were varied: when (the “moment”) information materials were sent to skiers (one week versus three weeks before departure on a ski vacation), the medium (cassette versus leaflet), and the approach (fear-arousing versus neutral information). In this way, eight experimental groups were composed. In addition, a control group was formed that did not receive any information. The effects of the three conditions on the following factors were measured: attention, comprehension, intention, and behavior.
The cassette received a higher degree of attention than the leaflet, irrespective of time or degree of fear. The level of comprehension was higher in all experimental groups than in the control group. The information sent long before departure and with a high degree of fear produced the most effect on the level of comprehension. As for the factors intention and behavior, no differences were found between the experimental groups and the control group. Differences in intention and behavior did appear among the distinctive experimental groups. The information sent shortly before departure as well as the information with a low degree of fear proved to have the least effect on intention. Behavior was most affected by information with a high degree of fear, irrespective of time and medium.