In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the research of earthen construction, driven by the rising demand for low-cost and sustainable building materials. Numerous studies have investigated the properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs), however, very few have examined the properties of earth-based mortar. Mortar is an essential component and further investigation is required to enhance the mechanical performance of CEB structures. The study focuses on raw earth mortar (REM), which is a rudimentary mix of water with natural earth consisting of sand, silt and clay. Through experimental investigation, the fresh and hardened properties of three REM mixes were examined to determine the influence of cement stabilisation and jute fibre reinforcement. Shear triplet CEB assemblages were manufactured and tested to determine the initial shear strength of each mortar mix. The addition of 20 mm jute fibre at 0.25 % by weight increased the compressive and flexural strength of cement-stabilised raw earth mortar by 12 % and 20 % respectively. The addition of jute fibre also enhanced the initial shear strength, angle of internal friction and coefficient of friction during shear triplet testing. Finite element analysis (FEA) was undertaken to model the failure mechanism of the CEB assemblages, employing the use of cohesive zone modelling. The results of the FEA provided a satisfactory correspondence to the behaviour observed during experimental analysis and were within +/- 5.0 % of the expected values. The outcome of this investigation demonstrates the potential of REM and contributes to the development of low-cost and sustainable earth construction.

This research examines the influence of blast furnace slag (BFS) on the physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilised with cement and/or lime. A three-factor mixture design is employed to assess the effects of BFS, cement and lime on key properties such as dry density, water content and compressive strength at 28 and 90 days. The study maintains a constant dune sand proportion with soil substitutions up to 20% (420 grams), while the BFS, lime and cement proportions vary with soil substitutions up to 15% (315 g). The findings indicate that mixtures with over 7.5% cement and equal proportions of lime and BFS, as well as a ternary mixture of 10% cement, 2.5% lime and 2.5% BFS, deliver superior strength. Notably, the optimal compressive strength with a high desirability score of 0.93 is achieved using around 14% cement and 1% lime. Proctor curve analysis shows that BFS-cement-lime substitution reduces water content and increases dry density. Statistical analysis confirms the model's robustness in predicting compressive strength, supported by high F-values and low probabilities, and highlights its effectiveness in guiding design decisions. Additionally, the study's evaluation of rupture types offers further insights into material strength and validates adherence to testing standards.

Traditional disposal methods such as landfilling and land reclamation are insufficient to mitigate the environmental impact of construction spoil, making non-sintered blocks a promising approach for resource utilization. This study investigates the production and performance of steel slag soil blocks as an alternative to conventional cement-based materials for non-sintered blocks. The optimal manufacturing parameters were identified as a sodium silicate solution with 6% Na2O, 30% steel slag content, a liquid/solid ratio of 0.18, and a forming pressure of 10 MPa, achieving a peak compressive strength of 14.46 MPa. Further, the synergistic combination of alkali activation and carbonation enhanced compressive strength to 17.4 MPa, attributed to the development of a compact microstructure characterized by a honeycomb-like C-(A)-S-H gel and well-crystallized, triangular-shaped aragonite. However, durability tests under freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles revealed that carbonation can detrimentally affect performance. The transformation of C-(A)-S-H gel into calcium carbonate, with relatively weaker cementitious properties, led to internal cracking and surface detachment. Micro-CT analysis confirmed ring-like patterns under freeze-thaw conditions and diagonal cracks during wet-dry cycling, whereas reference blocks incorporating 30% ordinary Portland cement maintained superior compactness with no cracks. These findings suggest that although the alkali activation and carbonation process enhances early strength, further optimization is necessary to improve long-term durability before broader application can be recommended.

Introduction Gas migration in low-permeability buffer materials is a crucial aspect of nuclear waste disposal. This study focuses on Gaomiaozi bentonite to investigate its behavior under various conditions.Methods We developed a coupled hydro-mechanical model that incorporates damage mechanisms in bentonite under flexible boundary conditions. Utilizing the elastic theory of porous media, gas pressure was integrated into the soil's constitutive equation. The model accounted for damage effects on the elastic modulus and permeability, with damage variables defined by the Galileo and Coulomb-Mohr criteria. We conducted numerical simulations of the seepage and stress fields using COMSOL and MATLAB. Gas breakthrough tests were also performed on bentonite samples under controlled conditions.Results The permeability obtained from gas breakthrough tests and numerical simulations was within a 10% error margin. The experimentally measured gas breakthrough pressure aligned closely with the predicted values, validating the model's applicability.Discussion Analysis revealed that increased dry density under flexible boundaries reduced the damage area and influenced gas breakthrough pressure. Specifically, at dry densities of 1.4 g/cm3, 1.6 g/cm3, and 1.7 g/cm3, the corresponding gas breakthrough pressures were 5.0 MPa, 6.0 MPa, and 6.5 MPa, respectively. At a dry density of 1.8 g/cm3 and an injection pressure of 10.0 MPa, no continuous seepage channels formed, indicating no gas breakthrough. This phenomenon is attributed to the greater tensile and compressive strengths associated with higher dry densities, which render the material less susceptible to damage from external forces.

The major agriculture products of India include Rice, Wheat Maize, even though India has emerged as a major food production entity, there exist several challenges which makes the yields to reduce, due to lack of mechanization, soil erosion, effective marketing and bird flocking. Among these bird flocking is a major issue due to which the crop may get damaged in the final stage. Bird flocks cause major damage to the crops at ripening stage. Among several methods available, only a few are effective, but those methods are very expensive. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel innovative, simple prototype which is designed for bird scaring based on Drone and Motion Detection Algorithms (DMDA). The proposed prototype has totally three modules; they are Bird Flocks Detection, Scaring Mechanism and Hexacopter. The first module is mounted on the top of Hexacopter and it consists of a High Resolution Camera Connected to Raspberry PI controller. Over the video captured, this module applies Temporal Difference based Motion Detection algorithm for Bird Flocks detection. Next, the Scaring unit is mounted at the bottom of Hexacopter and it consists of a loud speaker which is triggered through Raspberry PI controller upon the detection of bird flock. Finally, the Hexacopter is operated through Drone Pilot using a Flysky Controller. Extensive filed trials of proposed prototype shown satisfactory performance on different types of crops and also reduced the manual burden.

Modern research is focused on the discovery of new compounds that meet the requirements of modern construction. An example of low energy consumption is that buildings consume between 20% and 40% of energy. In this research, the effect of fiber addition on the properties of compacted earth bricks composed of clay and sand and fixed with cement is studied. Fiberglass or palm are used in different proportions (0% and 0.4%). This is done by studying the change in mechanical and thermal properties. The study focuses on clarifying the role of fiber type and the amount of compressive force applied to the soil. To change the properties of bricks. This is studied using experimental methods and systematization criteria. The results showed a decrease in density by 9.1%, with a decrease in water absorption by 8%, an increase in brick hardness by 42.7%, and a decrease in thermal conductivity by 22.2%. These results show that the addition of fiber improves mechanical and thermal properties. Which reduces energy consumption. The results are important because they explain the changes that occur in the earth block when palm fibers and glass are added and how they are used to improve earthen buildings.

Innovative powder coating system for hydraulic steel construction Unprotected steel corrodes in the atmosphere, water and soil. In order to ensure structural safety and maintain fatigue strength, steel structures of all kinds must be protected from corrosion. Hydraulic steel structures such as locks, gates, canal bridges, ship lifts and water power plants largely characterize our waterways, coastal fortifications and port facilities. They are exposed to a particularly high level of corrosive attack because, in addition to atmospheric influences such as wind and weather, they are particularly affected by water, constant water changes and aggressive substances such as salts and minerals. Since such constructions and buildings usually represent investments of the century, their preservation, use and operational safety over generations is an economic necessity. But it ' s not just corrosion that poses a problem for hydraulic steel construction; the formation of biofilms and the growth of algae and mussels can also lead to problems that can even lead to a restriction in the functionality of the systems. The newly developed powder coating system prevents both and thus helps to extend maintenance intervals, increase the lifecycle of steel components in hydraulic steel construction and reduces the lifecycle costs. The new powder coating system thus makes an innovative and sustainable contribution to the preservation of structures in hydraulic steel construction.

The Karnak Temples complex, a monumental site dating back to approximately 1970 BC, faces significant preservation challenges due to a confluence of mechanical, environmental, and anthropogenic factors impacting its stone blocks. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the deterioration affecting the northeast corner of the complex, revealing that the primary forms of damage include split cracking and fracturing. Seismic activities have induced out-of-plane displacements, fractures, and chipping, while flooding has worsened structural instability through uplift and prolonged water exposure. Soil liquefaction and fluctuating groundwater levels have exacerbated the misalignment and embedding of stone blocks. Thermal stress and wind erosion have caused microstructural decay and surface degradation and contaminated water sources have led to salt weathering and chemical alterations. Multi-temporal satellite imagery has revealed the influence of vegetation, particularly invasive plant species, on physical and biochemical damage to the stone. This study utilized in situ assessments to document damage patterns and employed satellite imagery to assess environmental impacts, providing a multi-proxy approach to understanding the current state of the stone blocks. This analysis highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted conservation strategy. Recommendations include constructing elevated platforms from durable materials to reduce soil and water contact, implementing non-invasive cleaning and consolidation techniques, and developing effective water management and contamination prevention measures. Restoration should focus on repairing severely affected blocks with historically accurate materials and establishing an open museum setting will enhance public engagement. Long-term preservation will benefit from regular monitoring using 3D scanning and a preventive conservation schedule. Future research should explore non-destructive testing and interdisciplinary collaboration to refine conservation strategies and ensure the sustained protection of this invaluable historical heritage.

This paper investigates the effect of integrating Alfa fibers into compressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilized with varying Portland cement contents. CEB composites were manufactured with earth stabilized using different cement contents (5% and 10% by weight) and Alfa fibers reinforcement (0-0.4% by weight), compressed at 10 MPa with a compaction loading press. After 28 days of drying, the CEBs underwent diverse experimental tests to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and durability properties. The findings indicated that incorporating fibers led to a diminution in unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dry compressive strength. Moreover, an increase in water absorption was linked with higher fiber content and less cement stabilizer. Despite the drop in mechanical strength, CEBs with lower cement (5%) and higher fiber content (0.4%) show better thermal performance. Thermal conductivity values were decreased from 0.5166 W/m.K (10% cement without fibers) to 0.3465 W/m.K (5% fibers with 0.4% fibers). The findings show also satisfactory erosion resistance, which could play a crucial role in areas prone to extreme weather events (floods and storms). According to the findings of this research, this material has potential as a promoting composite for the building materials industry.

This study investigates the potential of integrating areca fiber as a reinforcement agent in Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs), used in combination with cement. Traditional earth-based construction methods, once prevalent, have seen a decline in industrialized nations with the advent of modern building materials. However, there is a growing resurgence in the use of earth-based materials, motivated by their economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. This renewed interest in CSEBs is primarily due to their superior energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially when compared to conventional materials like fired clay bricks or concrete blocks. Areca catechu, widely recognized as the areca palm, thrives in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Asia, and East Africa. The fibers derived from areca nutshells, often regarded as agricultural waste, present an intriguing material for study. While the application of areca fiber in soil reinforcement has been previously acknowledged in scholarly literature, its specific role in enhancing the engineering properties of CSEBs represents a novel area of exploration, which this research aims to address comprehensively. In this research endeavor, CSEBs were manufactured with varying proportions of areca fibers, spanning from 0 % to 3 %, based on the dry mass of soil. Subsequently, these blocks underwent comprehensive testing to assess their strength and durability characteristics. Strength properties were evaluated through unconfined compression, split tensile strength, and flexural strength tests, while durability was meticulously examined using wet strength, water absorption, submersion, and efflorescence tests. Here, CSEBs displayed increases in compressive strength (107.04-436.38 %), split tensile strength (208.66-358.08 %), and flexural strength (16.49-82.47 %). Durability tests revealed enhanced wet compressive strength (up to 100.42 % increase) and optimized water absorption rates. A notable finding is identifying 2 % areca fiber content as optimal, yielding significant improvements in strength and durability parameters. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) further confirmed the benefits of 2 % fiber content, showing a compact and cohesive internal structure with reduced voids and fissures. This microstructural integrity underlines the enhanced bonding and stability imparted by the areca fibers. Another essential aspect of the study was evaluating the compliance of CSEBs with various international standards on earthen construction. The fiber-reinforced blocks met or exceeded several standards, demonstrating their suitability for broader construction applications. Finally, this study underscores the promise of areca fiber as a valuable reinforcement material in CSEBs stabilized with cement. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly building material option, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious construction practices.