Durability and compressive strength of blast furnace slag-based cement grout for special geotechnical applications

Special foundations, most prominently micropiles and soil anchors, are frequently used in construction today. In Spain, the grout for these special technical applications is generally prepared with portland cement, although the codes and standards in place stipulate only the minimum compressive strength required, with no mention of cement type. Those texts also establish a range of acceptable water:cement ratios. In the present study, durability and compressive strength in cement grout prepared with blast furnace slag cement at different w/c ratios are characterised and compared to the findings for a reference portland cement grout. The results show that slag grout exhibits greater durability than the portland cement material and complies with the compressive strength requirements laid down in the respective codes.

Management of subluxated cataract with capsule anchor implantation

We describe a small case series that provides preliminary evidence of the usefulness of a new capsule-anchoring device for the management of subluxated cataracts. Three eyes of 3 patients with traumatic subluxated cataract causing a significant visual loss were enrolled. Phacoemulsification was performed in all cases with implantation of a capsule-anchoring device (AssiAnchor) because partial zonular dehiscence was present. A significant visual improvement was achieved in the 3 cases. The capsular bag was well centered and the anchors firmly attached to the capsulorhexis and sclera at 12 months postoperatively. The capsule-anchoring device was helpful in managing traumatic subluxated cataracts, enabling effective centration of the intraocular lens–capsular bag complex and, consequently, effective visual restoration.