The reliability of asset management regime of the SROH using air void content of asphalt mixtures

The comparison pairs of cores (each 100 mm apart) from 68 reinstatements sites from various parts of the UK revealed that, the compounding consequences of generic non-homogeneous characteristics of hand laid recipe mixed materials (specified in Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH)) and high likeliness of being biased during air void (AV) testing makes the coring method extremely unreliable with very low repeatability and reproducibility. The wide-ranging maximum density reported in every instance in the comparison pair coring experiments meaningfully rationalizes the distorted homogeneity of materials. Although not only maximum density but also bulk density of adjacent cores located only 100 mm apart were found to be varied in the case of every pair in this study. Furthermore, the in situ performance shown by from 50 reinstatements after experiencing 1.5–10 years real-life ageing from various parts of the UK predictably indicates that either the linkage between the reinstatement with non-compliant AV and its impact on footways durability is non-proven or the reported AV content is extremely over estimated. At 95% level of significance, there exists enough evidence to conclude that, due to high uncertainty, very low repeatability and reproducibility and poor reliability with high chances of bias, the assessment of hand laid reinstatement work by AV testing will expose both the contractor and the client to unacceptable risk. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Grou

New developments with cold asphalt concrete binder course mixtures containing binary blended cementitious filler (BBCF)

A weakness in early strength and the need for longer curing times in the case of cold bituminous emulsion mixtures (CBEMs) compared to hot mix asphalt have been cited as barriers to the wider utilization of these mixtures. A binary blended filler material produced from high calcium fly ash (HCFA) and a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FC3R) was found to be very effective in providing microstructural integrity with a novel fast-curing cold asphalt concrete for the binder course (CACB) mixture. Balanced oxide compositions within the novel filler were identified as responsible for an enhanced hydration reaction, resulting in a very high early strength and a significant improvement in permanent deformation and fatigue resistance. Improved water sensitivity for progressive hydration with the new binary filler was also established while SEM analysis confirmed the formation of hydration products after various curing ages. © 2016 Elsevier Lt

Shake-table tests of a reinforced concrete frame designed following modern codes: seismic performance and damage evaluation

This paper presents shake-table tests conducted on a two-fifths-scale reinforced concrete frame representing a conventional construction design under current building code provisions in the Mediterranean area. The structure was subjected to a sequence of dynamic tests including free vibrations and four seismic simulations in which a historical ground motion record was scaled to levels of increasing intensity until collapse. Each seismic simulation was associated with a different level of seismic hazard, representing very frequent, frequent, rare and very rare earthquakes. The structure remained basically undamaged and within the inter-story drift limits of the "immediate occupancy" performance level for the very frequent and frequent earthquakes. For the rare earthquake, the specimen sustained significant damage with chord rotations of up to 28% of its ultimate capacity and approached the upper bound limit of inter-story drift associated with "life safety". The specimen collapsed at the beginning of the "very rare" seismic simulation. Besides summarizing the experimental program, this paper evaluates the damage quantitatively at the global and local levels in terms of chord rotation and other damage indexes, together with the energy dissipation demands for each level of seismic hazard. Further, the ratios of column-to-beam moment capacity recommended by Eurocode 8 and ACI-318 to guarantee the formation of a strong column-weak beam mechanism are examined

Seismic performance and damage evaluation of a reinforced concrete frame with hysteretic dampers through shake-table tests

Passive energy dissipation devices are increasingly implemented in frame structures to improve their performance under seismic loading. Most guidelines for designing this type of system retain the requirements applicable to frames without dampers, and this hinders taking full advantage of the benefits of implementing dampers. Further, assessing the extent of damage suffered by the frame and by the dampers for different levels of seismic hazard is of paramount importance in the framework of performance-based design. This paper presents an experimental investigation whose objectives are to provide empirical data on the response of reinforced concrete (RC) frames equipped with hysteretic dampers (dynamic response and damage) and to evaluate the need for the frame to form a strong column-weak beam mechanism and dissipate large amounts of plastic strain energy. To this end, shake-table tests were conducted on a 2/5-scale RC frame with hysteretic dampers. The frame was designed only for gravitational loads. The dampers provided lateral strength and stiffness, respectively, three and 12 times greater than those of the frame. The test structure was subjected to a sequence of seismic simulations that represented different levels of seismic hazard. The RC frame showed a performance level of "immediate occupancy", with maximum rotation demands below 20% of the ultimate capacity. The dampers dissipated most of the energy input by the earthquake. It is shown that combining hysteretic dampers with flexible reinforced concrete frames leads to structures with improved seismic performance and that requirements of conventional RC frames (without dampers) can be relieved

On the effects of friction modelling on small punch creep test responses: a numerical investigation

This paper shows the results of finite element (FE) analyses of Small Punch Creep Testing (SPCT) of a P91 steel at 600°C using two different approaches to model the friction between the specimen and the punch. The numerical results obtained by using the “classical” Coulomb friction model (i.e. constant friction coefficient) have been compared with those obtained by a more modern formulation, which takes into account the effects of local loading conditions, i.e. the contact pressure, between the contacting bodies (the small disc specimen and the punch) on the coefficient of friction. The aim of the work is to investigate the effects of the friction formulation used for the calculations on the numerical results representing the output of the test, i.e. the variation of the punch displacement versus time and the time to rupture. The calculations, carried out for various load levels, showed that the friction coefficient is not constant at all positions on the contacting surface between the punch and the specimen during the deformation process. The maximum value for the coefficient of friction is reached at the contact edge, which is a very important region in the specimen, because this is the position at which most of the creep deformation occurs. As expected, the displacement versus time curve (that is usually the only output obtained from experimental SPCTs) is affected by friction formulation which is used, as this directly influences the stress and strain fields in the specimen

Charring rate for fire exposed X-Lam

Design of timber structures has been outlined in Eurocode 5. Notional charring rate for softwood and hardwood timber is given. For the performance of X-LAM panels in fire, only little information on charring is available and whether the fire behaviour of X-LAM is similar to homogenous timber panels has not yet been systematically analysed. This paper presents an overview of fire performance of X-LAM and evaluation of its resistance to elevated temperature as an element of structure in comparison to homogeneous timber panels. Numerical study has been carried out based on available experimental results. Charring rates for X-LAM panels obtained from experimental results are compared with those obtained from Eurocode 5 and proposed simplified model

Development of sustainability indicator scoring (SIS) for the food supply chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify mechanisms for using a quantitative benchmarking approach to drive sustainability improvements in the food supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was undertaken and then a strategic and operational framework developed for improving food supply chain sustainability in terms of triple bottom line criteria. Findings Using a sustainability indicator scoring approach, the paper considers the architecture for analysis so that strategic goals can be clearly formulated and cascade into specific, relevant and timebound strategic and operational measures that underpin brand value and product integrity. Originality/value This paper is of value to academics and also practitioners in the food industry

Assessment of biochar and hydrochar as minor to major constituents of growing media for containerized tomato production

"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Fornes, Fernando, Rosa M Belda, Pascual Fernández de Córdova, and Jaime Cebolla-Cornejo. 2017. Assessment of Biochar and Hydrochar as Minor to Major Constituents of Growing Media for Containerized Tomato Production. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 97 (11). Wiley: 3675 84. doi:10.1002/jsfa.8227, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.8227. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving."[EN] BACKGROUND: Chars are emerging materials as constituents of growth media. However, chars of different origin differ in their characteristics and more studies are needed to ratify them for such a role. The characteristics of coir mixed with 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v) of two biochars, from forest waste (BCH-FW) and from olive mill waste (BCH-OMW), and one hydrochar, from forest waste (HYD-FW), and their effects on growth, yield and fruit quality of two tomato cultivars (Gransol RZ and Cuarenteno) were assessed. RESULTS: Chars negatively affected plant growth and yield but not fruit quality. The effect was related to the char dose and was larger in HYD-FW and BCH-FW than in BCH-OMW, despite the high salinity of the latter, and more acute in Cuarenteno than in Gransol RZ. The results were discussed on the basis of the large particle size of BCH-FW, which could have caused low nutrient solution retention and, hence, reduced plant nutrient uptake, and the highwater-holding capacity, poor aeration and large CO2 emission of HYD-FW, which could lead to root anoxia. CONCLUSION: BCH-OMW can be used at high proportion in media for tomato cultivation. The use of BCH-FW at a high proportion might be taken into consideration after adjusting particle size, yet this needs additional assays. HYD-FW is inadequate for soilless containerized tomato cultivation. (C) 2017 Society of Chemical IndustryThis study was funded by the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (Proyectos de nuevas Lineas de Investigacion Multidisciplinares; PAID-05-12).Fornes Sebastiá, F.; Belda Navarro, RM.; Fernández De Córdova Martínez, PJ.; Cebolla Cornejo, J. (2017). Assessment of biochar and hydrochar as minor to major constituents of growing media for containerized tomato production. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 97(11):3675-3684. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.8227S367536849711Martí, R., Roselló, S., & Cebolla-Cornejo, J. (2016). Tomato as a Source of Carotenoids and Polyphenols Targeted to Cancer Prevention. Cancers, 8(6), 58. doi:10.3390/cancers8060058Dorais, M., Ehret, D. L., & Papadopoulos, A. P. (2008). 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Comparison of biochars derived from wood pellets and pelletized wheat straw as replacements for peat in potting substrates. Industrial Crops and Products, 51, 437-443. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.10.010Steiner, C., & Harttung, T. (2014). Biochar as a growing media additive and peat substitute. Solid Earth, 5(2), 995-999. doi:10.5194/se-5-995-2014Petruccelli, R., Bonetti, A., Traversi, M. L., Faraloni, C., Valagussa, M., & Pozzi, A. (2015). Influence of biochar application on nutritional quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Crop and Pasture Science, 66(7), 747. doi:10.1071/cp14247Libra, J. A., Ro, K. S., Kammann, C., Funke, A., Berge, N. D., Neubauer, Y., … Emmerich, K.-H. (2011). Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass residuals: a comparative review of the chemistry, processes and applications of wet and dry pyrolysis. Biofuels, 2(1), 71-106. doi:10.4155/bfs.10.81Fornes, F., Belda, R. M., & Lidón, A. (2015). Analysis of two biochars and one hydrochar from different feedstock: focus set on environmental, nutritional and horticultural considerations. Journal of Cleaner Production, 86, 40-48. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.08.057Kuzyakov, Y., Subbotina, I., Chen, H., Bogomolova, I., & Xu, X. (2009). Black carbon decomposition and incorporation into soil microbial biomass estimated by 14C labeling. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 41(2), 210-219. doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2008.10.016Bargmann, I., Martens, R., Rillig, M. C., Kruse, A., & Kücke, M. (2013). Hydrochar amendment promotes microbial immobilization of mineral nitrogen. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 177(1), 59-67. doi:10.1002/jpln.201300154Bargmann, I., Rillig, M. C., Buss, W., Kruse, A., & Kuecke, M. (2013). Hydrochar and Biochar Effects on Germination of Spring Barley. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 199(5), 360-373. doi:10.1111/jac.12024Akhtar, S. S., Li, G., Andersen, M. N., & Liu, F. (2014). Biochar enhances yield and quality of tomato under reduced irrigation. Agricultural Water Management, 138, 37-44. doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2014.02.016Vaccari, F. ., Maienza, A., Miglietta, F., Baronti, S., Di Lonardo, S., Giagnoni, L., … Genesio, L. (2015). Biochar stimulates plant growth but not fruit yield of processing tomato in a fertile soil. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 207, 163-170. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.04.015Cortés-Olmos, C., Valcárcel, J. V., Roselló, J., Díez, M. J., & Cebolla-Cornejo, J. (2015). Traditional Eastern Spanish varieties of tomato. Scientia Agricola, 72(5), 420-431. doi:10.1590/0103-9016-2014-0322Fornes, F., Belda, R. M., Carrión, C., Noguera, V., García-Agustín, P., & Abad, M. (2007). Pre-conditioning ornamental plants to drought by means of saline water irrigation as related to salinity tolerance. Scientia Horticulturae, 113(1), 52-59. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2007.01.008Cebolla-Cornejo, J., Valcárcel, M., Herrero-Martínez, J. M., Roselló, S., & Nuez, F. (2012). High efficiency joint CZE determination of sugars and acids in vegetables and fruits. ELECTROPHORESIS, 33(15), 2416-2423. doi:10.1002/elps.201100640Cebolla-Cornejo, J., Roselló, S., Valcárcel, M., Serrano, E., Beltrán, J., & Nuez, F. (2011). Evaluation of Genotype and Environment Effects on Taste and Aroma Flavor Components of Spanish Fresh Tomato Varieties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(6), 2440-2450. doi:10.1021/jf1045427Dunlop, S. J., Arbestain, M. C., Bishop, P. A., & Wargent, J. J. (2015). Closing the Loop: Use of Biochar Produced from Tomato Crop Green waste as a Substrate for Soilless, Hydroponic Tomato Production. HortScience, 50(10), 1572-1581. doi:10.21273/hortsci.50.10.1572Bunt, A. C. (1988). Media and Mixes for Container-Grown Plants. doi:10.1007/978-94-011-7904-1Mukherjee, A., & Zimmerman, A. R. (2013). Organic carbon and nutrient release from a range of laboratory-produced biochars and biochar–soil mixtures. Geoderma, 193-194, 122-130. doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2012.10.002Schulz, H., & Glaser, B. (2012). Effects of biochar compared to organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and plant growth in a greenhouse experiment. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 175(3), 410-422. doi:10.1002/jpln.201100143Fornes, F., Carrión, C., García-de-la-Fuente, R., Puchades, R., & Abad, M. (2010). Leaching composted lignocellulosic wastes to prepare container media: Feasibility and environmental concerns. Journal of Environmental Management, 91(8), 1747-1755. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.03.01