Article
Engineering, Ocean
W. Isbert, C. Lindemann, J. Lemburg, M. Littmann, K. Tegethoff, N. Goseberg, S. Durst, D. Schuerenkamp, B. H. Buck
Summary: This article discusses the increased inertia load caused by biofouling on device components, which modifies hydrodynamic properties and increases stress on structures. It also introduces two independent test stations for measuring biofouling and highlights their advantages in obtaining standardized biofouling samples.
APPLIED OCEAN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Abed Soleymani, Mohammad Amir Najafgholipour, Ali Johari
Summary: An experimental study was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of clay brick masonry fabricated using traditional mortars. The compressive stress-strain behavior, compressive strength, elastic modulus, and rupture modulus of the mortars were determined. Tests on masonry prisms and wallettes were carried out to evaluate the compressive stress-strain behavior of masonry and the shear bond strength of the brick-mortar interface. The results showed that the highest compressive strength, elastic modulus, and diagonal shear strength were observed in the masonry fabricated with gypsum mortar.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
F. Pellegrino, R. Salvador, S. Aparicio, M. G. Hernandez, J. J. Anaya, S. H. P. Cavalaro, I Segura
Summary: This study focused on characterizing the early age properties of sprayed mortars using a novel continuous monitoring system based on in situ ultrasound measurements. The results indicated that the developed system can continuously monitor the evolution of early age properties of sprayed mortars, avoiding the common drawbacks observed in penetration tests.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Soonkie Nam, Marte Gutierrez, Panayiotis Diplas, John Petrie
Summary: This paper critically compares the use of laboratory tests against in situ tests combined with numerical seepage modeling to determine the hydraulic conductivity of natural soil deposits. The results show that hydraulic conductivity values obtained by the in situ test better match the actual conditions in the field compared to laboratory tests.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Pratik N. Gajjar, Elena Gabrielli, Dafne Carolina Martin-Alarcon, Joao M. Pereira, Paulo B. Lourenco, Camilla Colla
Summary: The assessment and modelling of unreinforced masonry structures require a thorough understanding of masonry behavior under shear loading, with particular attention to the interfaces between brick and mortar. Experimental techniques and numerical models are used to replicate masonry behavior under seismic actions, focusing on the behavior of the unit-joint interface to better characterize the performance of masonry structures.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ahmed Moussa, Hany El Naggar, Abouzar Sadrekarimi
Summary: The study focuses on the dynamic characteristics of granulated rubbers under cyclic loading, revealing the importance of understanding their behavior under different stress levels. The shear modulus and damping ratio are crucial parameters for evaluating the material performance and suitability in civil engineering applications. The comparison between cyclic triaxial and cyclic simple shear tests provides insights into the dynamic properties of granulated rubber and their independence from vertical consolidation stress.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuqing Yang, Jian-Xin Lu, Chi Sun Poon
Summary: The study found that recycling waste glass into cement mortar can improve its high temperature compressive strength, but excessive use of glass materials can soften the mortar, requiring careful control of the dosage.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hailong Li, Xueyu Pang, Jian Zhang, Xian Shi
Summary: The mechanical behavior of a low-density cement under shale oil in-situ conversion conditions was studied in this paper. A series of tests were conducted to determine its physical and mechanical properties, and XRD and TGA tests were performed for composition evaluations after exposure to high temperatures. The results showed that the cement's strength was stabilized after 7 days at 50 degrees C, but deteriorated significantly at temperatures above 380 degrees C due to the decomposition of hydration products. The triaxial test results indicated that the mechanical properties were sensitive to confining pressure, and pore collapse was the main cause for the change in failure patterns from brittle to ductile.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bruno L. Neneve, Marienne R. M. M. Costa, Ronaldo A. Medeiros-Junior
Summary: This study proposed an alternative small-scale accelerated test to measure the effect of thermal shock on rendering mortar properties. The main property affected by thermal shock was the length change of prismatic specimens, while other properties were affected by about 10%-30%. Tensile thermal stress values estimated from a theoretical model were greater than tensile strength values of the mortars, indicating a tendency of internal cracking.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vania Freitas, Odete Goncalves, Marina Dolbeth, Sandra Ramos, Joao Morais, Rodrigo O. de A. Ozorio, Irene Martins, Joana R. Almeida
Summary: Biofouling presents a challenge to bivalve aquaculture, and this study evaluates the impact of aquaculture material and environmental conditions on biofouling. The study reveals significant differences in the performance of different materials under diverse environmental conditions, offering valuable insights for material selection to mitigate biofouling in the aquaculture industry.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Hanna Sopha, Zdenek Spotz, Marcela Sepulveda, Mahnaz Alijani, Martin Motola, Ludek Hromadko, Jan M. Macak
Summary: In this study, the crystallization process of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers was investigated through in-situ annealing in an XRD chamber. TNT layers of different thicknesses (1, 5, and 20 μm) and morphologies (double wall vs single wall) were annealed with two different annealing rates in the temperature range of room temperature to 500 degrees C. Three different annealing atmospheres (air, N2, and 5%H2/95%N2) were also explored. XRD patterns were measured at every 15 degrees C of the heating ramp, and the crystallite sizes of the anatase phase were calculated using the Scherer equation. The differences in crystallization behavior for different TNT layers and the influence of the annealing atmosphere on 5 μm thick TNT layers are described and discussed.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mohammad Khajouei, Mahsa Najafi, Seyed Ahmad Jafari, Mohammad Latifi
Summary: Nanofiltration processes using polysulfone (PSF) membranes containing graphene oxide (GO)/Pt nanoparticles were studied for the removal of contaminants like nitrate. The addition of GO/Pt significantly improved the biofouling resistance of the membranes. The PSF membrane with 0.75 wt% GO/Pt nanoparticles showed the highest nitrate flux and rejection ability, and simulations confirmed its stability.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Deepa Suresh, Pei Sean Goh, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Tuck Whye Wong
Summary: This review discusses conventional and advanced biofouling evaluation techniques used in reverse osmosis membranes, covering the fundamentals, mechanisms, impacts, and prevention strategies of reverse osmosis biofouling. While conventional techniques offer versatility and ease of use, advanced methods provide real-time and accurate monitoring, allowing for timely cleaning and improved performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Suhang Yang, Junxia Wang, Zhifeng Xu
Summary: This paper uses the crush compression test method to determine the compressive strength of in-situ masonry mortar. By studying the effect of multiple variables, the precision and reliability of the CCTM test are determined, and a high correlation between the CCTM results and mortar strength parameters is observed.
IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Lang Liu, Nathan Deisman, Rick Chalaturnyk
Summary: Understanding the evolution of elastic stiffness in Opalinus Clay is crucial for predicting ground deformation in the construction and operation of radioactive waste repositories. This study examines the stress-dependent elastic stiffness of Opalinus Clay through multi-staged triaxial tests and proposes a phenomenological constitutive model to account for stress dependency, damage, and plasticity in this rock type. The model, implemented in a finite element code, successfully predicts borehole response during drilling unloading and pressuremeter testing. However, it fails to predict the unloading-induced damage indicated by borehole ultrasonic survey, likely due to limitations in laboratory data and the simplified borehole model. Furthermore, the study shows that borehole damage affects pressuremeter measurements, reducing the measured shear modulus. Despite some limitations, this research effectively quantifies laboratory and in-situ measurements under a simplified constitutive framework.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
C. Lors, D. Damidot, L. Petit, A. Legrix, N. C. Tran, B. Masson
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tristan Lecomte, Yannick Mamindy-Pajany, Christine Lors, Marie Lemay, Nor-Edine Abriak, Christine Bazin, Emmanuel Vernus
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pauline Courtois, Agnieszka Rorat, Sebastien Lemiere, Clement Levard, Perrine Chaurand, Anna Grobelak, Christine Lors, Franck Vandenbulcke
Summary: Research on earthworms exposed to silver-contaminated soil revealed that different forms of silver had varying effects on survival, but exhibited similar speciation and content in the earthworms at the end of exposure, indicating biotransformation. X-ray micro-computed tomography images showed silver preferentially accumulated in specific tissues, suggesting efficient bioaccumulation with a regulatory mechanism in E. fetida. The competition between silver and copper, along with the speciation of internal silver, indicates a link to thiol-rich proteins like metallothioneins involved in metal sequestration and detoxification.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Oceane Ly, Francine Monchau, Sebastien Remond, Christine Lors, Alain Jouanneaux, Etienne Debarre, Denis Damidot
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mathilde Berthomier, Christine Lors, Denis Damidot, Thomas De Larrard, Cyril Guerandel, Alexandra Bertron
Summary: The study found that under pH 7 conditions and using aggressive solution or drinking water for semi-dynamic leaching tests, the amount of aluminum released from CEM III paste was very low, with a leaching coefficient approaching 50%.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pauline Courtois, Agnieszka Rorat, Sebastien Lemiere, Remy Guyoneaud, Eleonore Attard, Manon Longepierre, Francois Rigal, Clement Levard, Perrine Chaurand, Anna Grosser, Anna Grobelak, Malgorzata Kacprzak, Christine Lors, Agnes Richaume, Franck Vandenbulcke
Summary: This study compared the effects of direct exposure to AgNPs or indirect exposure via sewage sludge contaminated with AgNPs on earthworms and soil microbial communities. Results showed that direct exposure to AgNPs led to a decrease in potential carbon respiration in the soil, while the addition of sewage sludge had a greater impact on soil microbial diversity. The formation of Ag sulfides in sewage sludge reduced the impact of AgNPs on earthworms and soil microorganisms compared to direct addition.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rachid Belhadi, Alexandre Govin, Philippe Grosseau
Summary: This study investigated the impact of citric acid, PCE, and their combination on the hydration and workability of CSA, finding that citric acid could help retain the dispersion efficiency of PCE over time, although it also decreased the initial dispersion efficiency. A dispersion model was proposed to describe the mechanism of action of these admixtures on CSA.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pauline Courtois, Annette de Vaufleury, Anna Grosser, Christine Lors, Franck Vandenbulcke
Summary: The study shows that consumer products containing silver nanoparticles can release silver into the environment through wastewater, leading to accumulation in sewage sludge which can then be spread on agricultural land. The transfer of silver from silver nanoparticles and sulfidized silver into plants and primary consumers was measured, with species-specific bioaccumulation observed. Sulfidized silver was found to be less available than silver from original silver nanoparticles, potentially impacting food webs through chronic exposure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Giroudon, Cedric Perez, Matthieu Peyre Lavigne, Benjamin Erable, Christine Lors, Cedric Patapy, Alexandra Bertron
Summary: This study identified the interaction between biowaste and cementitious matrices and found that adding certain binder materials did not have a negative impact on the anaerobic digestion process, as the microbial community was able to carry out anaerobic digestion successfully.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Linda Anes, Mansour Tazrout, Alexandre Govin
Summary: The study suggests that treating wood with boiling water can improve the compatibility between wood and cement, affecting the hydration kinetics of the cement. Higher wood powder content delays the hydration reaction of cement components and slows down the hydration rate of silicate phases. The presence of wood extractives does not affect the formation of ettringite.
MATERIAUX & TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cedric Perez, Christine Lors, Pascal Floquet, Benjamin Erable
Summary: The study aims to investigate the role of biofilm in the biodeterioration of cementitious materials during anaerobic digestion. Results show the heterogeneity of microbial populations within the biofilm and their relationship to the reactive medium in anaerobic digestion.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
I Feurgard, C. Lors, R. Gagne, D. Damidot
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Christine Lors, Denis Damidot, Laurent Petit, Nhu Cuong Tran, Alexis Legrix, Benoit Masson
MATERIAUX & TECHNIQUES
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)