Estimates of Total Fuel Consumption in Transporting Grain from Iowa to Major Grain-Importing Countries by Alternative Modes and Routes, 1985

This study measured fuel consumption in transporting grain from Iowa origins to Japan and Amsterdam by alternative routes and modes of transport and applied these data to construct equations for fuel consumption from Iowa origins to alternative final destinations. Some of the results are as follows: (1) The metered tractor-trailer truck averaged 186.6 gross ton-miles per gallon and 90.5 net ton-miles per gallon when loaded 50% of total miles. (2) The 1983 fuel consumption of seven trucks taken from company records was 82.4 net ton-miles per gallon at 67.5% loaded miles and 68.6 net ton-miles per gallon at 50% loaded miles. (3) Unit grain trains from Iowa to West Coast ports averaged 437.0 net ton-miles per gallon whereas unit grain trains from Iowa to New Orleans averaged 640.1 net ton-miles per gallon--a 46% advantage for the New Orleans trips. (4) Average barge fuel consumption on the Mississippi River from Iowa to New Orleans export grain elevators was 544.5 net ton-miles per gallon, with a 35% backhaul rate. (5) Ocean vessel net ton-miles per gallon varies widely by size of ship and backhaul percentage. With no backhaul, the average net ton-miles per gallon were as follows: for 30,000 dwt ship, 574.8 net ton-miles per gallon; for 50,000 dwt ship, 701.9; for 70,000 dwt ship, 835.1; and for 100,000 dwt ship, 1,043.4. (6) The most fuel efficient route and modal combination to transport grain from Iowa to Japan depends on the size of ocean vessel, the percentage of backhaul, and the origin of the grain. Alternative routes and modal combinations in shipping grain to Japan are ranked in descending order of fuel efficiencies.

KRM 1403B

Brown sediment with clasts ranging from small to medium in size. Clast shape ranges from sub-angular to rounded. Grain crushing and rotation structures are abundant in this sample. Some lineations and necking structures can also be seen. This sample also contains areas of lighter brown sediment in patches throughout.

AI-8

Brown sediment with clasts ranging from small to large in size. The grain shape ranges from angular to rounded. Grain crushing is abundant throughout the sample, along with rotation structures surrounding larger clasts. Lineations and and areas of clay can also be seen. A few necking structures are also present.

Grain unloading of arsenic species in rice

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the staple food for over half the world's population yet may represent a significant dietary source of inorganic arsenic (As), a nonthreshold, class 1 human carcinogen. Rice grain As is dominated by the inorganic species, and the organic species dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). To investigate how As species are unloaded into grain rice, panicles were excised during grain filling and hydroponically pulsed with arsenite, arsenate, glutathione-complexed As, or DMA. Total As concentrations in flag leaf, grain, and husk, were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and As speciation in the fresh grain was determined by x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy. The roles of phloem and xylem transport were investigated by applying a +/- stem-girdling treatment to a second set of panicles, limiting phloem transport to the grain in panicles pulsed with arsenite or DMA. The results demonstrate that DMA is translocated to the rice grain with over an order magnitude greater efficiency than inorganic species and is more mobile than arsenite in both the phloem and the xylem. Phloem transport accounted for 90% of arsenite, and 55% of DMA, transport to the grain. Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence mapping and fluorescence microtomography revealed marked differences in the pattern of As unloading into the grain between DMA and arsenite-challenged grain. Arsenite was retained in the ovular vascular trace and DMA dispersed throughout the external grain parts and into the endosperm. This study also demonstrates that DMA speciation is altered in planta, potentially through complexation with thiols.

HG 198.20-198.35 Thin Section

Coarse grained brown sediment with angular-sub-angular grains. Contains mainly medium sized clasts with a few smaller aggregates. A dark organic rich domain can be seen within this sample. Grain crushing (edge-to-edge and into one another) can be seen alongside with grain stacks, and silt caps.

HG 264.30-264.45

Coarse grained sample with clasts that range from small to large in size. The clast shape ranges from angular to rounded, and many grains are fractured. Grain crushing is present in large amounts. This includes edge-to-edge crushing as well as grains that are crushed into one another. Rotation structures are also common among the clasts that are sub-rounded to rounded. Areas of finer sediment can also be seen.

HG 303.85-303.95

This is a dark grey, coarse grained sediment with inclusions of fine grained sand. Lineations and grains stacking are the most common features seen, along with grain crushing (mainly edge-to-edge). A few minor rotation structures can also be observed with comet structures.

EJM-8

Coarse grained sediment with clasts ranging from small to large. Clast shape ranges from angular to sub-rounded. Lineations are abundant in this sample, as well as grain crushing. Grain crushing is mainly edge-to-edge but there are also some grains that have been crushed into one another. Some rotation structures can also be seen.

Grain size distribution in surface sediments samples of the continental shelf and slope of southeast Greenland

During "Meteor" Cruise 6/1966 in the northwest Atlantic a systematic survey of the bottom topography of the southeast Greenland continental margin was undertaken. Eighty-seven profiles transverse to the shelf edge at distances of 3-4 nautical miles and two longitudinal profiles parallel to the coast were carried out with the ELAC Narrow Beam Echo-Sounder giving a reliable record of even steep slopes. On the basis of the echo soundings the topography and morphology of the continental shelf and slope are evaluated. A detailed bathymetric chart and a serial profile chart were designed as working material for the morphological research. These maps along with the original echograms are morphometrically evaluated. The analysis of the sea bottom features is the basis of a subsequent morphogenetical interpretation, verified and extended by means of interpretation of magnetic data and sediment analysis (grain size, roundness, lithology). The results of the research are expressed in a geomorphological map. The primary findings can be summarized as follows: 1) The southeast Greenland shelf by its bottom topography can be clearly designated as a glacially formed area. The glacial features of the shelf can be classified into two zones nearly parallel to the coast: glacial erosion forms on the inner shelf and glacial accumulation forms on the outer shelf. The inner shelf is characterized by the rugged and hummocky topography of ice scoured plains with clear west/east slope asymmetry. On the outer shelf three types of glacial accumulation forms can be recognized: ice margin deposits with clearly expressed terminal moraines, glacial till plains and glaciomarine outwash fans. Both zones of the shelf can be subdivided into two levels of relief. The ice scoured plains, with average depths of 240 meters (m), are dissected to a maximum depth of 1060 m (Gyldenloves Trough) by trough valleys, which are the prolongations of the Greenland fjords. The banks of the outer shelf, with an average depth of 180 m, surround glacial basins with a maximum depth of 670 meters. 2) The sediments of the continental shelf can be classified as glacial due to their grain size distribution and the degree of roundness of the gravel particles. The ice margin deposits on the outer shelf can be recognized by their high percentage of gravels. On the inner shelf a rock surface is suggested, intermittently covered by glacial deposits. In the shelf troughs fine-grained sediments occur mixed with gravels. 3) Topography and sediments show that the southeast Greenland shelf was covered by an ice sheet resting on the sea floor during the Pleistocene ice-age. The large end moraines along the shelf edge probably indicate the maximum extent of the Wurm shelf ice resting on the sea floor. The breakthroughs of the end moraines in front of the glacial basins suggest that the shelf ice has floated further seaward over the increasing depths. 4) Petrographically the shelf sediments consist of gneisses, granites and basalts. While gneisses and granites occire on the nearby coast, basalt is not known to exist here. Either this material has been drifted by icebergs from the basalt province to the north or exists on the southeast Greenland shelf itself. The last interpretation is supported bythe high portion of basalt contained in the sediment samples taken and the strong magnetic anomalies probably caused by basaltic intrusions. 5) A magnetic profile allows the recognition of two magnetically differing areas which approximately coincide with the glacial erosion and accumulation zones. The inner shelf shows a strong and variable magnetic field because the glacially eroded basement forms the sea floor. The outer shelf is characterized by a weak and homogenous magnetic field, as the magnetized basement lies at greater depthy, buried by a thick cover of glacial sediments. The strong magnetic anomalies of the inner shelf are probably caused by dike swarms, similar to those observed further to the north in the Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord region. This interpretation is supported by the high basalt content of the sediment samples and the rough topography of the ice scoured plains which correlates in general with the magnetic fluctuations. The dike structures of the basement have been differentially eroded by the shelf ice. 6) The continental slope, extending from the shelf break at 313 m to a depth of 1270 m with an average slope of 11°, is characterized by delta-shaped projections in front of the shelf basins, by marginal plateaus, ridges and hills, by canyons and slumping features. The projections could be identified as glaciomarine sediment fans. This conclusion is supported by the strong decrease of magnetic field intensity. The deep sea hills and ridges with their greater magnetic intensities have to be regarded as basement outcrops projecting through the glaciomarine sediment cover. The upper continental rise, sloping seaward at about 2°, is composed of wide sediment fans and slump material. A marginal depression on the continental rise running parallel to the shelf edge has been identified. In this depression bottom currents capable of erosion have been recorded. South of Cape Farvel the depression extends to the accumulation zone of the "Eirik" sedimentary ridge. 7) By means of a study of the recent marine processes, postglacial modification of the ice-formed relief can be postulated. The retention effect of the fjord troughs and the high velocity of the East Greenland stream prevents the glacial features from being buried by sediments. Bottom currents capable of active erosion have only been found in the marginal depression on the continental rise. In addition, at the time of the lowest glacio-eustatic sea level, the shelf bottom was not situated in the zone of wave erosion. Only on the continental slope and rise bottom currents, sediment slumps and turbidity currents have led to significant recent modifications. Considering these results, the geomorphological development of the southeast Greenland continental terrace can be suggested as follows: 1. initial formation of a "peneplain", 2. fluvial incision, 3. submergence, and finally 4. glacial modification.

Graze to grain - measuring and modelling the effects of grazed pasture leys on soil nitrogen and sorghum yield on a Vertosol soil in the Australian subtropics

Highly productive sown pasture systems can result in high growth rates of beef cattle and lead to increases in soil nitrogen and the production of subsequent crops. The nitrogen dynamics and growth of grain sorghum following grazed annual legume leys or a grass pasture were investigated in a no-till system in the South Burnett district of Queensland. Two years of the tropical legumes Macrotyloma daltonii and Vigna trilobata (both self regenerating annual legumes) and Lablab purpureus (a resown annual legume) resulted in soil nitrate N (0-0.9 m depth), at sorghum sowing, ranging from 35 to 86 kg/ha compared with 4 kg/ha after pure grass pastures. Average grain sorghum production in the 4 cropping seasons following the grazed legume leys ranged from 2651 to 4012 kg/ha. Following the grass pasture, grain sorghum production in the first and second year was < 1900 kg/ha and by the third year grain yield was comparable to the legume systems. Simulation studies utilising the farming systems model APSIM indicated that the soil N and water dynamics following 2-year ley phases could be closely represented over 4 years and the prediction of sorghum growth during this time was reasonable. In simulated unfertilised sorghum crops grown from 1954 to 2004, grain yield did not exceed 1500 kg/ha in 50% of seasons following a grass pasture, while following 2-year legume leys, grain exceeded 3000 kg/ha in 80% of seasons. It was concluded that mixed farming systems that utilise short term legume-based pastures for beef production in rotation with crop production enterprises can be highly productive.

Ultra-fine Grain Materials by Severe Plastic Deformation: Application to Steels

Severe plastic deformation techniques are known to produce grain sizes up to submicron level. This leads to conventional Hall-Petch strengthening of the as-processed materials. In addition, the microstructures of severe plastic deformation processed materials are characterized by relatively lower dislocation density compared to the conventionally processed materials subjected to the same amount of strain. These two aspects taken together lead to many important attributes. Some examples are ultra-high yield and fracture strengths, superplastic formability at lower temperatures and higher strain rates, superior wear resistance, improved high cycle fatigue life. Since these processes are associated with large amount of strain, depending on the strain path, characteristic crystallographic textures develop. In the present paper, a detailed account of underlying mechanisms during SPD has been discussed and processing-microstructure-texture-property relationship has been presented with reference to a few varieties of steels that have been investigated till date.

Phloem transport of arsenic species from flag leaf to grain during grain filling

Strategies to reduce arsenic (As) in rice grain, below concentrations that represent a serious human health concern, require that the mechanisms of As accumulation within grain be established. Therefore, retranslocation of As species from flag leaves into filling rice grain was investigated.

Arsenic species were delivered through cut flag leaves during grain fill. Spatial unloading within grains was investigated using synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) microtomography. Additionally, the effect of germanic acid (a silicic acid analog) on grain As accumulation in arsenite-treated panicles was examined.

Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) were extremely efficiently retranslocated from flag leaves to rice grain; arsenate was poorly retranslocated, and was rapidly reduced to arsenite within flag leaves; arsenite displayed no retranslocation. Within grains, DMA rapidly dispersed while MMA and inorganic As remained close to the entry point. Germanic acid addition did not affect grain As in arsenite-treated panicles. Three-dimensional SXRF microtomography gave further information on arsenite localization in the ovular vascular trace (OVT) of rice grains.

These results demonstrate that inorganic As is poorly remobilized, while organic species are readily remobilized, from leaves to grain. Stem translocation of inorganic As may not rely solely on silicic acid transporters.

Sola romani: morteros hidráulicos romanos en la Península Ibérica

En esta investigación se han analizado morteros de cal de cronología romana en el interior de la Península Ibérica. Para ello, se seleccionó una serie de muestras procedentes de diversos yacimientos, y de estructuras de carácter industrial. Estas muestras presentan aditivos cerámicos y conglomerantes de cal, como característica principal. Desde un principio el esfuerzo debía de centrarse en los fragmentos cerámicos presentes en los morteros. Para ello se documentaron varios morteros con aditivos cerámicos, a fin de conocer sus características básicas (componentes, distribución, micro-estratigrafía, granulometría, etc.). Por ello, y una vez tomadas las muestras, ésta fueron tratadas y procesadas para desarrollar una primera fase de estudio por medio de macroscopía. Se obtuvieron buenos resultados en cuanto a la caracterización visual de los morteros, localizando y documentando los fragmentos cerámicos. Durante la observación de dichos aditivos se observó que los fragmentos cerámicos tenían unas coronas o anillos de coloración que recorrían el borde, justo al contacto con la matriz de cal. Fueron seleccionados algunos fragmentos en los que eran más visibles dichos anillos. A fin de conocer la posible relación entre algunos yacimientos cercanos y la presencia de dicho anillo cromáticos se desarrolló una microscopía óptica polarizada, realizando láminas delgadas de las muestras y sobre los fragmentos cerámicos más determinantes, en concreto de una serie de enclaves del valle del Henares. Además de caracterizar microscópicamente los morteros, se observó que los anillos no eran un defecto visual ni una alteración física, producida tal vez por la extracción, la fase del corte o por la cocción de la cerámica. Tras analizar varios ejemplares se pudo apreciar que esos anillos eran habituales en todas las muestras y que se presentaban de diferente manera, es decir, que se observaban en granos cerámicos de diferentes características físicas (cochura, tamaño, situación con respecto del conglomerante, etc.). A fin de conocer los aspectos químicos de dicha alteración se seleccionó un grupo de muestras en las que los resultados macroscópicos habían sido muy claros, y en las que la microscopía óptica polarizada había determinado en los bordes, áreas adecuadas para otros análisis. Se realizó un mapeado o mapping de elementos químicos, a fin de saber qué podía estar sucediendo en esa interfaz entre el fragmento cerámico y la matriz de cal. Gracias a los resultados obtenidos se comprobó que existía una acumulación potencial de calcio tanto en el interior de los granos cerámicos como en el exterior, justo en la zona de contacto con el conglomerante, formando manchas que recorrían longitudinalmente el borde. Estos datos fueron muy útiles para llevar a cabo la siguiente fase de estudio, que permitiría conocer puntualmente qué estaba sucediendo químicamente en esa zona de contacto. Finalmente y con el objetivo de describir química y puntualmente este efecto en las adiciones cerámicas, se volvió a seleccionar una serie de muestras, escogidas esta vez en función de los granos cerámicos que cumpliesen unas variables estadísticas. Se eligieron granos con distintos tipos de cocciones, así como granos con tamaños diversos y granos con aditivo ceniciento en la matriz de cal, pensando que podrían ser las variables más útiles de interpretar de existir algún tipo de cambio químico entre la arcilla cocida y la matriz de cal. Tales variables se adaptaron a un sistema estadístico multi-varial y geométrico, con el objetivo de sintetizar los resultados y visualizar de forma óptima los datos en conjunto, como se ha comentado en varias ocasiones en este trabajo. Una vez seleccionados los granos por variables se procedió a realizar un análisis lineal y espectral semi-cuantitativo de SEM-EDX, con el que se caracterizaba químicamente una sección lineal del grano, desde la matriz de arcilla cocida de la cerámica hasta la matriz de cal –del interior al exterior del grano- pasando por el centro de la banda de reacción. Este análisis permitió determinar que se había producido una serie de cambios químicos porcentuales en los granos de cerámica. Dichos cambios se resumen en un incremento global de los porcentajes de calcio en el interior de las bandas de reacción de la cerámica, desde el borde mismo del anillo hasta el exterior. Así también se observaron picos porcentuales en el interfaz del fragmento cerámico con la matriz de cal, lo que confirmaba los resultados obtenidos por medio del mapping. Globalmente en todas las muestras se apreció un hombro en las gráficas de calcio a su paso por la zona de afección del anillo de reacción. Los restantes porcentajes de magnesio, silicio y aluminio se mantienen normales. En esta tesis se ha confirmado que dicho incremento global de calcio se acentúa en las muestras en donde no hay cenizas en la matriz de cal. Los casos correspondientes a estos granos sufren un incremento mayor que en el resto. La segunda variable que sufre un mayor incremento de calcio es la que corresponde a granos con buena cocción de la arcilla. Por lo tanto, parece que la tercera variable, la que corresponde con el tamaño del fragmento cerámico, no es decisiva. Por lo tanto, teniendo en cuenta la prueba visual de los anillos de reacción, y atendiendo a los resultados químicos, podríamos pensar que ese incremento de calcio en la banda de reacción de los fragmentos cerámicos se debió a una absorción de calcio en el interior de la arcilla cocida en la fase inmediatamente previa al fraguado, incluso durante el apagado de la cal. Es en este punto donde estaría la clave del cambio químico que se produce en esta interfaz, el calcio sílice-aluminato del que algunos autores ya han investigado. Esta absorción de calcio en el interior del grano no vendría sola, sino que generaría una costra de cal en el interfaz exterior de la cerámica, la cual ha sido observada químicamente por mapping y mineralógicamente por medio de microscopía óptica de polarización. La consecuencia de estos resultados es, primero, la mejora de nuestro conocimiento general acerca del factor hidráulico en los morteros. Asimismo se aprecia que la incorporación de materiales orgánicos como cenizas, puede alterar los porcentajes de calcio en el interior de los aditivos cerámicos, por lo que habría que sopesar, en trabajos futuros, si este tipo de material es adecuado o no en las mezclas destinadas a la restauración, así como seguir indagando en las propiedades de los morteros con la incorporación de aditivos orgánicos. Desde el punto de vista de la catalogación de los suelos industriales hidráulicos de época romana, además de mejorar la documentación incorporando micro-estratigrafías y granulometrías, la investigación de este material histórico constructivo mejora en cuanto a que se incorporan ensayos sencillos, que facilitan incluso la peritación de un estado de conservación por medio de una lupa binocular. Arqueológicamente hablando, es muy interesante correlacionar fábricas diferentes de estructuras situadas o bien en un mismo yacimiento, o bien en una misma área regional. Los estudios de caracterización y micro-estratigrafía no sólo aportan datos nuevos de cara a la restauración de morteros, sino que crean la posibilidad de generar patrones constructivos que sirvan de fósiles-guía para datar relativamente a unas estructuras o a otras. En lo referido a los resultados obtenidos en los diferentes complejos arqueológicos se ha observado una diferencia entre los morteros destinados a piletas y cubetas con respecto a los suelos industriales de uso indeterminado. La muestra correspondiente al yacimiento de Las Arenas no dispone de ninguna micro-estratigrafía, como sí por el contrario en las muestras obtenidas en Rotonda de Mejorada, Val de la Viña y La Magdalena. En estos enclaves las estructuras presentan grandes similitudes, con diferentes niveles constructivos empleando morteros de cal con áridos y gravas en las capas interiores, y áridos con adiciones cerámicas en las exteriores. En lo relativo a la granulometría las adiciones cerámicas de las muestras de Val de la Viña y La Magdalena presentan varias coincidencias en cuanto al tamaño de los granos y la distribución. Asimismo, de las muestras tomadas en La Magdalena, existe una gran diferencia entre las muestras MG1, MG2, MG3 y MG4 con respecto a las muestras MG5 y MG6, correspondientes éstas últimas a un mortero con fragmentos cerámicos de gran tamaño. Las estructuras EMG1 y EMG2, correspondientes a una cubeta y una pileta de La Magdalena, guardan similitud en lo referido a la micro-estratigrafía y a la granulometría. Se ha determinado que su función, así como su fabricación, debieron estar vinculadas a un mismo contexto cronocultural. Química y mineralógicamente, las muestras presentan características iguales, con presencia de un conglomerante de cal con áridos y aditivos cerámicos de diferentes cochuras. Destaca la muestra de Las Arenas, con un tamaño de los fragmentos cerámicos muy superior al resto, seguido de la estructura EMG3 de La Magdalena. Las muestras restantes de éste enclave, junto con las muestras recogidas en Val de la Viña y Rotonda de Mejorada presentan condiciones similares. En conclusión, los datos revelan que existían diferentes fábricas destinadas a distintas finalidades, y que las estructuras industriales empleaban aditivos cerámicos para la manipulación de productos con líquidos, de distintas densidades pero que requerían de cierto grado de hidraulicidad. ABSTRACT Lime Roman mortars from the Iberian Peninsula has been analyzed in this reesearch. A group of samples were selected from some sites and all the samples come from industrial structures. All this samples show ceramic additives. From the start, the effort was centered in the pieces of pottery that were found in the mortars. The samples were treated and processed to develop a first phase of the research using macroscopy. With this technique, great results were achieved in the characterization of mortars, the microstratigraphy and the location of the ceramic pieces. While observing these pieces, it was seen that the fragments of pottery had a ring bordering the piece. The pieces with the bigger and more vivid rings were chosen and they were analyzed by a polarized light microscope. The mortars were characterized microscopically and it also showed that the rings were not a physical alteration or a visual defect. After some more tests, the rings were a chemical change associated with the hydraulicity of the mortar. The best samples were selected and mappings of their chemical elements were performed in order to know what could be happening in the interface between the ceramic matrix fragment and lime. With the results obtained it was found that there was a potential; both calcium accumulation within the ceramic grains and outside, just in the area of contact with the binder, forming spots longitudinally along the edge. These data were very useful for carrying out the next phase of study, which would meet promptly what was happening chemically in the area of contact. Another group of samples were taken, and this time focused on ceramic grains that met a statistical variables. Grains were chosen with two types of cooking as well as grains with different sizes and grains with ash additive in the matrix of lime, thinking that might be the most logical to be some sort of chemical change between the baked clay and lime array variables . Such variables were adapted to a multi-varial and geometric statistical system in order to synthesize the results and optimally display the data together, as mentioned several times in this work. After selecting the variables grains proceeded to perform a linear and spectral analysis SEM-EDX. This analysis led to determine that the chemical changes were graduals. These changes are summarized in an increase in the percentages of calcium inside the reaction rim of ceramics, from the edge to the outer ring. So percentage increasing is also observed at the interface of the ceramic matrix fragment with lime, confirming the results obtained by the mapping. Overall in all samples can be seen a shoulder in graphic calcium through the area of the ring reaction condition. The remaining percentages of magnesium, silicon and aluminum are usual. We have promptly confirmed that the increase of calcium is accentuated in samples where there is no ash and lime matrix. Cases for these grains suffer a greater increase than the rest. The second variable suffering more calcium is increased corresponding to good cooking grains with clay. Therefore, it appears that the variable size of the fragment is not critical. Therefore, considering the visual tests to the rings and their response to chemical results, we might think that increasing calcium inside the ceramic fragments was due to an injection of calcium inside clay in the run-up to the setting phase. It is at this point that would be the key to the chemical change that occurs at this interface, silica-calcium aluminate some authors have already investigated. This injection of calcium into the grain does not come alone, but generate a lime crust on the outside interface of ceramics, which we tested for mapping is real in our samples. The consequence of these results is the improvement of our understanding of historical hydraulic factor in building materials, such as mortar. For example, knowing that the incorporation of organic materials such as ash powder, may be detrimental to the injection of calcium inside the ceramic additives. Archaeologically speaking, it's very interesting to correlate different factories or structures located on a single site, or in the same regional area. Characterization studies and microstratigraphy not only provide new information to help restore mortars, but create the possibility of generating constructive patterns that serve as guide fossils to determinate the age of the structures. With regard to the results obtained in different archaeological sites it has seen a difference between mortars of pools or sinks with respect to industrial floors of undetermined use. The sample of the site of Las Arenas does not have any micro-stratigraphy, as if instead in the samples obtained in Rotonda de Mejorada, Val de la Viña and La Magdalena sites. In these settlements the structures are really similar, with different construction levels using lime mortars with aggregates and gravel in the inner layers, and ceramic aggregates as external additions. With regard to the grain size of the ceramic additions Val de la Viña and La Magdalena samples has several coincidences about the size of grains and distribution. Also, samples taken at La Magdalena, there is a difference between the MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 samples and the MG5 and MG6 samples, so the last corresponding to a mortar samples with larger ceramic fragments. The EMG1 and EMG2 structures, corresponding to a bucket and a pool of La Magdalena settlement, have similarities with regard to micro-stratigraphy and grain size. It has been determined that the function and manufacturing must be linked with a same chronocultural context.