1. Validation of the recycled backfill material for the landslide stabilization at a railway lineKarmen Fifer Bizjak, Barbara Likar, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: In mountain areas landslides many times endanger safety of transport infrastructures, and these must be stabilized with retaining wall structures. In this paper the validation of a new composite as a backfill material for landslide stabilization with a large scale demo retaining wall is presented. The new composite was made from residues of paper industry, which uses for its production deinking process. New composite was validated with the laboratory tests, construction of small demo sites and at the end with a large demo retaining wall structure with a length of 50 m. It was concluded that the paper sludge ash and the paper sludge are in proportion 70:30, compacted on the optimal water content and maximum dry density, reached sufficient uniaxial compressive and shear strength. However, the composite's hydration processes required the definition of an optimal time between the composite mixing and installation. In 2019, the retaining wall structure from the new composite was successfully built. The large demo structure is an example of the knowledge transfer from the laboratory to the construction site, in which composite and installing technology could be verified.
Keywords: landslides, recycled backfill material, paper sludge ash, geotechnical composite, railway line, recycled material, environment
Published in DiRROS: 26.03.2024; Views: 112; Downloads: 85
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2. Enhancing circular business model implementation in pulp and paper industry (PPI) : a phase-based implementation guide to waste valorisation strategiesaAmaia Sopelana, Asier Oleaga, Juan José Cepriá, Karmen Fifer Bizjak, Helena Paiva, Francisco-Javier Rios-Davila, Adriana H. Martinez, Antonio Cañas, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Innovation in the circular economy (CE) and the deployment of effective circular business models (CBM) have attracted significant attention in times of growing natural resource scarcity. Despite this widespread interest, significant challenges remain between theoretical innovations and effective CBM implementation in any industrial sector where companies pursue cost-saving opportunities through waste valorisation strategies. Since current methods mislead in terms of the real limitations to designing feasible novel products and services under a circular economy, this study proposes exploring determinants underpinning the organisational resilience of CBMs under a resource efficiency strategy through three case studies. As a result of a co-creation process, the implementation of a CBM framework was built upon empirical data and, thence, a phase-based implementation guide was laid out to assist companies in designing and implementing innovative CBM dealing with the complexity of innovative waste valorisation strategies between the PPI and construction sectors. Relevant findings on managerial and policy recommendations encountered along the demo stage are provided in this paper favouring an effective implementation of CE strategies: the role of technological and non-technological aspects within the CBM, the perspective of the ecosystem and its value proposition, and specific guidelines for the different phases of CBM life cycle.
Keywords: circular business models (CBMs), resource recovery, waste valorisation, strategic management, pulp and paper industry (PPI), construction sector
Published in DiRROS: 13.12.2023; Views: 177; Downloads: 82
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3. Corrosion monitoring of steel structure coating degradationBojan Zajec, Mirjam Bajt Leban, Tadeja Kosec, Viljem Kuhar, Andraž Legat, Stanislav Lenart, Karmen Fifer Bizjak, Gavin Kenneth, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: An important aspect regarding the sustainability of steel structures is to ensure the structure is protected from corrosion. A number of surface coatings are availablethat play an important role in protecting these structures. An important part of the management of these structures is reliable and regular inspection along with methods forearly detection of corrosion processes. In this paper, a development and application of sensors for monitoring the steel coating degradation and corrosion damage to steelsubstrate are presented. An encapsulated corrosion kit with integrated EIS sensors and ER probes was developed. To test its efficiency, steel probes were coated withselected coatings in the laboratory and their performance was assessed under various aggressive atmospheres, including; salt, industrial and humid atmosphere.
Keywords: coatings, corrosion, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrical resistance probes, railways, steel structures
Published in DiRROS: 13.12.2023; Views: 166; Downloads: 89
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4. Quantified joint surface description and joint shear strength of small rock samplesKarmen Fifer Bizjak, Andraž Geršak, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: Geotechnical structures in rock masses such as tunnels, underground caverns, dam foundations and rock slopes often have problems with a jointed rock mass. The shear behaviour of a jointed rock mass depends on the mechanical behaviour of the discontinuities in that particular rock mass. If we want to understand the mechanical behaviour of a jointed rock mass, it is necessary to study the deformation and strength of a single joint. One of the primary objectives of this work is to improve the understanding of the frictional behaviour of rough rock joints under shear loads with regard to the roughness of the joint surface. The main problem is how to measure and quantify the roughness of the surface joint and connect the morphological parameters into a shear strength criterion. Until now, several criteria have been developed; however, all of them used large rock samples (20×10×10 cm). It is often not possible to get large samples, especially when the rock is under a few meters thick layer of soil. In this case, samples of rock can only be acquired with investigation borehole drilling, which means that the samples of rock are small and of different shapes. The paper presents the modified criterion that is suitable for calculating the peak shear stress of small samples.
Keywords: camera-type 3D scanner, rock mechanics rock joint, roughness of the joints, rock joint shear strength
Published in DiRROS: 11.12.2023; Views: 168; Downloads: 79
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5. Izgradnja lizimetrov za preučevanje izpiranja potencionalno nevarnih snovi iz gradbenih proizvodovJanez Turk, Janko Urbanc, Ana Mladenovič, Alenka Sešek Pavlin, Primož Oprčkal, Karmen Fifer Bizjak, Barbara Likar, Marko Brodnik, Nina Mali, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Z uporabo recikliranih odpadkov v gradbeništvu nadomeščamo naravne materiale in s tem vzpostavljamo krožno gospodarstvo na lokalnem nivoju. Pomemben vidik je tudi ohranjanje naravnih virov. To je še posebno pereče pri zemeljskih delih (npr. zasipih in nasipih), kjer prihaja do velike porabe materialov. Geotehnični kompoziti iz recikliranih materialov, v primerjavi z naravnimi agregati ali zemljinami, lahko vsebujejo višje celotne koncentracije potencialno nevarnih snovi (težke kovine, klorid, sulfat, fluorid, organska onesnaževala itd.). Pogoj za uporabo takšnih kompozitov je, da so v njih potencialno nevarne snovi imobilizirane in da so zato iz kemijskega vidika trajno inertni. Možni vplivi na okolje, predvsem prenos različnih potencialno nevarnih snovi iz kompozitov v tla oziroma vodonosnik, so običajno ovrednoteni na laboratorijski ravni, medtem ko je njihovo obnašanje v dejanskem okolju slabo proučeno. Zato se pojavljajo zahteve po razvoju občutljivih, zanesljivih in cenovno ter časovno učinkovitih orodij za določitev masnih tokov potencialno nevarnih snovi iz gradbenih proizvodov, na primer geotehničnih kompozitov, pod vplivi različnih okoljskih dejavnikov. V članku predstavljamo postopek vzpostavitve terenskega laboratorija na osnovi sistema "pan" lizimetrov, za zbiranje izcednih voda iz zasipov, ki so bili izdelani iz geotehničnih kompozitov iz recikliranih materialov. Lizimetre smo konstruirali in izvedli tako, da je njihova izgradnja cenovno ugodna, hkrati pa so po svojih dimenzijah dovolj veliki, da reprezentativno odražajo procese v zgrajenih geotehničnih zasipih. Pridobljeni podatki o količini in parametrih izcedne vode bodo služili kot osnova za določanje vodne bilance in za študij imobilizacije potencialno nevarnih snovi v kompozitih. Hkrati bodo uporabljeni kot vhodni podatki za geokemijski numerični model, s katerim bomo simulirali transport potencialno nevarnih snovi, sproščenih iz preučevanih kompozitov, v različnih tipih vodonosnikov (npr. medzrnski in razpoklinski).
Keywords: lizimeter, izlužek, okoljski monitoring, geotehnični zasip, odpadki
Published in DiRROS: 12.09.2023; Views: 265; Downloads: 124
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6. Using recycled material from the paper industry as a backfill material for retaining walls near railway linesKarmen Fifer Bizjak, Barbara Likar, Stanislav Lenart, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: The construction industry uses a large amount of natural virgin material for different geotechnical structures. In Europe alone, 11 million tonnes of solid waste is generated per year as a result of the production of almost 100 million tonnes of paper. The objective of this research is to develop a new geotechnical composite from residues of the deinking paper industry and to present its practical application, e.g., as a backfill material behind a retaining structure. After different mixtures were tested in a laboratory, the technology was validated by building a pilot retaining wall structure in a landslide region near a railway line. It was confirmed that a composite with 30% deinking sludge and 70% deinking sludge ash had a high enough strength but experienced some deformations before failure. Special attention was paid to the impact of transport, which, due to the time lag between the mixing and installation of the composite, significantly reduced its strength. The pilot retaining wall structure promotes the use of recycled materials with a sustainable design, while adhering to government-mandated measures.
Keywords: paper sludge ash, deinking sludge, paper industry, backfill material, retaining wall
Published in DiRROS: 04.07.2023; Views: 242; Downloads: 153
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7. Valorized deinking paper residue as fill material for geotechnical structuresKarmen Fifer Bizjak, Barbara Likar, Ana Mladenovič, Vesna Zalar Serjun, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: This study introduces a novel geotechnical composite material comprising two types of fill material sourced from the paper industry-deinking paper sludge ash (DPSA) and deinking paper sludge (DPS). Five composites with different DPSA and DPS contents were investigated. Two composites were selected for further analyses. The technology and procedure for composite installation were implemented in field tests. The composites with 80% and 70% DPSA exhibited the elasticity required to withstand minor landslide slip deformations, in addition to achieving sufficiently high values of uniaxial compressive strength. The composites had a low maximum dry density value, which led to fewer settlements in the entire support structure. The enhanced shear characteristics can enable the construction of a thinner retaining wall. The delay between preparation and installation of the composites was further investigated. The field tests confirmed that the composites with 80% and 70% DPSA can be installed on the construction site 4 h and even 24 h after mixing. In 2018, a retaining wall structure with 70% DPSA and 30% DPS was successfully implemented near a railway line using conventional technology as followed-up research to the herein presented study. Results have been derived from work performed in the scope of the H2020 Paperchain project in which novel circular economy models centered on the valorization of the waste streams generated by the pulp and paper industry as secondary raw material for several resource-intensive sectors, including the construction sector, have been developed. Environmental benefits are savings in natural raw materials, reduction of landfill disposal as well as CO2 emission reduction.
Keywords: deinking paper sludge ash, deinking paper sludge, secondary resources, fill material, geotechnical structure, landslide, open access
Published in DiRROS: 04.07.2023; Views: 253; Downloads: 202
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8. Evaluation of sediments from the river Drava and their potential for further use in the building sectorVilma Ducman, Karmen Fifer Bizjak, Barbara Likar, Mitja Kolar, Ana Robba, Jernej Imperl, Mojca Božič, Boštjan Gregorc, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Sedimentation is a naturally occurring process of allowing particles in water bodies to settle out of the suspension under a gravity effect. In this study, the sediments of the Drava River were fully investigated to determine the heavy metal concentrations along the river and their potential reuse in the construction sector. Naturally dehydrated sediments from the Drava River were tested as an additive for the production of fired bricks. The dredged sediments were used as a substitute for natural brick clay in amounts up to 50% by weight, and it was confirmed that up to 20% by weight of the added sediment could be used directly in the process without critically affecting performance. Finally, the naturally dehydrated sediments were also evaluated for their use as a filling material in the construction of levees. The natural moisture content of the dehydrated sediment was too high for it to be used without additives, so quicklime was added as an inorganic binder. The test results showed an improvement in the geotechnical properties of the material to such an extent that it is suitable as a filling material for levees.
Keywords: sediment, pollution, clay industry, soil stabilization, open access
Published in DiRROS: 31.05.2023; Views: 299; Downloads: 157
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9. Innovative circular economy models for the european pulp and paper industry : a reference framework for a resource recovery scenarioAmaia Sopelana, Camille Auriault, Anurag Bansal, Karmen Fifer Bizjak, Helena Paiva, Christian Maurice, Gunnar Westin, Javier Rios, Asier Oleaga, Antonio Cañas, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: According to recent literature in the field of sustainability, the circular economy (CE) appears to be a thriving opportunity for creating new businesses, although less attention has been paid to the form in which its principles fit into a comprehensive framework that enables companies to design it in a practical way. This paper presents the methodology that has been adopted to pave the way to a coherent reference framework for circular business model innovation and its outstanding design and implementation, taking into consideration the entire value and supply chain. A unique analysis of recent innovations in circular economy models is provided herein, together with an exhaustive analysis of those elements that enable or hinder their implementation. The main interactions among all those critical elements influencing how organisations innovate and operate cooperatively within a CE ecosystem are also evaluated. In addition, a study of five industrial cases in the pulp and paper industry allowed searching for industrial insights and empirical evidence of the relevance of those elements, including observation, document analysis, and interviews. Lastly, the main outcomes of this research are illustrated using the CE reference framework designed when applied to the aforementioned industrial cases, and relevant insights into future improvements are also provided.
Keywords: circular economy business models, pulp and paper industry, construction sector, open access
Published in DiRROS: 12.05.2023; Views: 302; Downloads: 167
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10. Prediction of the peak shear strength of the rock joints with artificial neural networksKarmen Fifer Bizjak, Rok Vezočnik, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: With the development of computer technology, artificial neural networks are becoming increasingly useful in the field of engineering geology and geotechnics. With artificial neural networks, the geomechanical properties of rocks or their behaviour could be predicted under different stress conditions. Slope failures or underground excavations in rocks mostly occurred through joints, which are essential for the stability of geotechnical structures. This is why the peak shear strength of a rock joint is the most important parameter for a rock mass stability. Testing of the shear characteristics of joints is often time consuming and suitable specimens for testing are difficult to obtain during the research phase. The roughness of the joint surface, tensile strength and vertical load have a great influence on the peak shear strength of the rock joint. In the presented paper, the surface roughness of joints was measured with a photogrammetric scanner, and the peak shear strength was determined by the Robertson direct shear test. Based on six input characteristics of the rock joints, the artificial neural network, using a backpropagation learning algorithm, successfully learned to predict the peak shear strength of the rock joint. The trained artificial neural network predicted the peak shear strength for similar lithological and geological conditions with average estimation error of 6%. The results of the calculation with artificial neural networks were compared with the Grasselli experimental model, which showed a higher error in comparison with the artificial neural network model.
Keywords: artificial neural network, camera-type 3D scanner, rock mechanics, rock joint, joint roughness
Published in DiRROS: 18.01.2023; Views: 323; Downloads: 174
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