The definition of potential infiltration areas in Guaratingueta watershed, Paraiba do Sul Basin, Southeastern Brazil: an integrated approach using physical and land-use elements

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Commensal worm traces and possible juvenile thalassinidean burrows associated with Ophiomorpha nodosa, Pleistocene, southern Brazil

The Pleistocene Chui Formation at Osorio (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) consists of coastal marine and eolian sands, the former containing abundant and well-preserved Ophiomorpha nodosa burrow systems. Detailed ichnological study has revealed interesting features associated with them. Small-sized Ophiomorpha, here assigned to a new ichnospecies, O. puerilis, are interpreted as possible burrows of juvenile thalassinidean crustaceans probably belonging to the same species as the producers of larger O. nodosa. Additionally, helicoidal burrows with thick, concentrically laminated linings are associated with the walls of O. nodosa. They are assigned to the new ichnospecies Cylindrichnus helix, and they are interpreted as dwellings of commensal annelid worms. The association of these three icbnospecies constitutes a fossil example of the role of thalassinideans as ecosystem engineers able to modify their environment and to create new space and resources usable by other organisms. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SPT-T: test procedure and applications

Ranzini (1988) proposed the Standard Penetration Test with torque measurement (SPT-T) and some geotechnical engineers in Brazil have been using it since 1991. This paper presents the state of the art on SPT-T testing, emphasizing what is already established as common knowledge in Brazilian engineering practice, besides a suggestion for test procedure, including equipment and practical aspects. In addition, the study of the shape of the torque versus rotation-degree angle curve obtained by an electric torquemeter used in several SPT-T tests carried out on six experimental research sites in the southeast region of Brazil is discussed here. Four different methods to predict pile capacity based on SPT-T test results are briefly presented and a comparison with load tests carried out on different types of piles, on those six experimental research sites, is presented.

Specific depth cone resistivity measurements to determine soil engineering properties

The University of British Columbia (UBC) began performing piezocone penetration tests (CPTU) with electrical resistivity measurements (RCPTU) in 1989. Since then, RCPTU research at UBC has focused on obtaining geo-environmental parameters such as fluid resistivity and soil engineering properties such as porosity and degree of saturation from measurements of bulk soil electrical resistivity using the empirical relationship proposed by Archie (1942). Within this framework, the paper illustrates and discusses important design and calibration issues for resistivity modules such as the use of isolated circuitry to achieve linear calibrations over large ranges of resistivity. The suitability of RCPTU measurements for determination of geo-environmental and geotechnical parameters are assessed using typical ranges of soil and groundwater properties and methods of isolating individual factors for study are discussed. Illustrative examples of RCPTU research efforts including the environmental characterization of mine tailings, delineation of saline water intrusions in fresh water aquifers and the quality control of geotechnical ground densification are presented throughout the text. It is shown that groundwater temperature and hence ion mobility is not significantly altered by frictional heat generated during piezocone penetration and that ratio-based approaches to monitoring soil porosity can be used to eliminate the requirement for extensive groundwater sampling programs. Lastly, it is shown that RCPTU measurements above the water table can only be made using resistivity modules that are stable over a large range of resistivities and that such measurements are the most difficult to interpret because of grain surface conduction effects and generally unknown fluid resistivities.

Cross-hole and seismic CPT tests in a tropical soil site

A large portion of Brazil is covered with tropical soils but literature about dynamic parameters of these soils is very limited. SCPT and cross-hole tests were carried out at an experimental research site inland in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Shear wave velocities (VS) determined based on both tests are presented and compared. A good agreement was observed between both test results and the differences can be associated with soil variability, which was very sensitive to CPT tests. It was also observed that Go/q c ratio determined based on SCPT appears to be an interesting technique to help identify tropical soils. Copyright ASCE 2006.

How the delphi and AHP methods are aiding to define the critical success factors priorities in a digital factory project implementation

Digital factory is a concept that offers a collaborative approach to enhance product and production engineering processes through simulation. Products, processes and resources are modeled to be used to develop and test the product conception and manufacturing processes, before their use in the real factory. The purpose of this paper is to present the steps to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSF) priorities in a digital factory project implementation in a Brazilian company and how the Delphi and AHP Methods are aiding to identify these CSF priorities. Copyright © 2008 SAE International.

Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) after different exposures of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly vinyl chloride (PVC) geomembranes

This paper presents the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests in PVC (1.0; 2.0 mm) and HDPE (0.8; 2.5 mm) geomembranes exposed to weathering and leachate after 30 months. The aim of this paper is the comparison of fresh and exposed samples to assess the degradation process concerning the total loss of mass of geomembranes. The exposure was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of ASTM standards. The TGA tests were carried out according to ASTM D6370 and E2105. Results show, for instance, that for PVC geomembrane the largest reductions of plasticizers occurred for samples exposed to weathering. The loss of plasticizers after the exposure contributed to the decrease of deformation and consequent increase in stiffness. TGA tests shows to be a valuable tool to control the quality of the materials. © 2012 ejge.

Trade, resources and inequality in Latin America

Includes bibliography

Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties after chemical degradation of PVC and HDPE geomembranes

Chemical compatibility between geomembranes and site-specific waste liquids should be assessed since the waste liquids are highly complex mixtures. This paper presents some considerations about the chemical compatibility of geomembranes and some results of mechanical tests in HDPE and PVC geomembranes that were exposed to leachate and chemical residue (niobium). PVC and HDPE geomembranes of two thicknesses were tested: 1.0, 2.0 mm (PVC) and 0.8, 2.5 mm (HDPE). The results obtained show that after exposure the PVC geomembranes (1.0, 2.0 mm) were more rigid and stiffer than fresh samples. The HDPE geomembranes, on the other hand, when exposed to leachate and niobium residue presented increases in deformation. Melt flow index (MFI) tests were also carried out to verify the oxidation. © 2013 ejge.

Recycling residues from the pulp and paper industries in the civil construction

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Shear strength of a natural and compacted tropical soil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Mapeamento geológico-geotécnico por meio de análise integrada no Parque Estadual do Juquery - Franco da Rocha-SP

Pós-graduação em Geociências e Meio Ambiente - IGCE

Laboratory and in situ studies on a compacted clayey silt fill

This paper presents laboratory and in situ studies carried out on a 200 000 m(3) large clayey silt compacted embankment. Laboratory studies carried out on undeformed block samples included index tests, strength tests and water retention curves using the filter paper technique. Grain size analyses with and without a deflocculating agent clearly showed the existence of grain clusters, which appear to be naturally formed. Field instrumentation installed at depths from 0.25 m to 1.0 m included tensiometers, equitensiometers, time domain reflectometry and geothermometers. Pluviometer data from a nearby weather station are also used to analyse the field data. The ranges of water content and suction values were measured, both of which correlated well with the pluviometer data. The water retention curves including laboratory and field data showed a bimodal shape, consistent with the presence of microand macropores shown in the grain size analysis.