221. Environmental impacts and immobilization mechanisms of cadmium, lead and zinc in geotechnical composites made from contaminated soil and paper-ashMarija Đurić, Primož Oprčkal, Vesna Zalar Serjun, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Janez Ščančar, Radmila Milačič, Ana Mladenovič, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Paper-ash is used for remediation of heavily contaminated soils with metals, but remediation efficiency after longer periods has not been reported. To gain insights into the mechanisms of immobilization of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and znic (Zn), a study was performed in the laboratory experiment in uncontaminated, artificially contaminated, and remediated soils, and these soils treated with sulfate, to mimic conditions in contaminated soil from zinc smelter site. Remediation was performed by mixing contaminated soil with paper-ash to immobilize Cd, Pb, and Zn in the geotechnical composite. Partitioning of Cd, Pb, and Zn was studied over one year in seven-time intervals applying the sequential extraction procedure and complementary X-ray diffraction analyses. This methodological approach enabled us to follow the redistribution of Cd, Pb, and Zn over time, thus, to studying immobilization mechanisms and assessing the remediation efficiency and stability of newly formed mineral phases. Cd, Pb, and Zn were effectively immobilized by precipitation of insoluble hydroxides after the addition of paper-ash and by the carbonization process in insoluble carbonate minerals. After remediation, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the water-soluble fraction were well below the limiting values for inertness: Cd by 100 times, Pb by 125 times, and Zn by 10 times. Sulfate treatment did not influence the remediation efficiency. Experimental data confirmed the high remediation efficiency and stability of insoluble Cd, Pb, and Zn mineral phases in geotechnical composites.
Keywords: cadmium, lead, zinc, contaminated soil, paper ash, immobilization mechanisms
Published in DiRROS: 04.07.2023; Views: 362; Downloads: 235
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222. The effect of crystalline waterproofing a dmixtures on the self-healing and permeability of concreteAnita Gojević, Vilma Ducman, Ivanka Netinger Grubeša, Ana Baričević, Ivana Banjad Pečur, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: This paper investigates the effectiveness of a specific crystalline waterproofing admixture (CWA) in concrete as a function of a water–binder ratio. Four concrete mixes with and without CWA were prepared; two of them with a water–binder ratio of 0.45 and two of them with a water– binder ratio of 0.55. Water permeability and compressive strength were tested on hardened concrete specimens and self-healing of cracks over time was observed. Cement paste and CWA paste were prepared to clarify the results obtained on the concrete specimens. SEM and EDS and XRD and FTIR were performed on the hardened pastes to explain the mechanism of CWA working. The results show that the addition of CWA had no significant effect on the compressive strength of the concrete, but reduced the water penetration depth in the concrete, and the reduction was more effective for mixes with lower water–binder ratio. Regarding the self-healing effect, it can be concluded that the addition of CWA improves the crack healing in concrete, but the efficiency of self-healing is highly dependent on the initial crack width. The mechanisms involved in the reduction of water penetration depth and crack healing in concrete can be explained by different mechanisms; one is creation of the CSH gel from unreacted clinker grains, then formation carbonate, and additional mechanism is gel formation (highly expansive Mg-rich hydro-carbonate) from magnesium based additives. The presence of sodium silicate, which would transform into carbonate/bicarbonate, also cannot be excluded.
Keywords: slag, self healing concrete, crystal admixture, microstructural analysis
Published in DiRROS: 03.07.2023; Views: 285; Downloads: 204
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223. Microstructural characteristics of belite–sulfoaluminate cement clinkers with bottom ashLea Žibret, Andrej Ipavec, Sabina Dolenec, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The incorporation mechanism of impurities derived from raw materials into a belite-sulfoaluminate cement clinker with bottom ash was investigated in two raw mixtures. Alkalis lowered the sintering temperature by 50 °C. Ti stabilized β belite and prevented the formation of γ-belite. Sodalite solid solution showed an incomplete substitution of Si by Al. At a higher Ti content ferrite solid solution trended towards perovskite composition. Although calcium sulfoaluminate only fully developted at 1300 °C, the clinkers sintered at 1200 °C were the most reactive, as the presence of anhydrite at 1200 °C accelerated early hydration. Clinker reactivity decreased with an increase in sintering temperature.
Keywords: BSCA clinker, belite, calcium sulfoaluminate, secondary raw materials, microstructure, reactivity
Published in DiRROS: 03.07.2023; Views: 409; Downloads: 195
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224. The deformation of alkali-activated materials at an early age under different curing conditionsMark Češnovar, Katja Traven, Vilma Ducman, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: The production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) is known for its environmentally friendly processing method, where several amorphous-rich aluminosilicate material sources combine with an alkali media solution to form solid, ceramic-like materials. In terms of the Si:Al, Na(K):Al, and Na(K):H2O ratios, the theory of AAM formation is quite well developed, but some open questions in the technology process remain, especially with regards to the means of curing, where the generation of defects can be persistent. Knowing that deformation is extremely high in the early ages, this study investigates the effects of temperature and moisture on shrinkage behavior within the first 72 h of AA pastes made from ladle (LS) and electric arc furnace (EAF) slag and activated by sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). The method to determine the deformation of alkali-activated slag-based materials, in terms of both autogenous and drying shrinkage, was based on the modified ASTM C1698-19 standard for the measurement of autogenous shrinkage in cement pastes. Autogenous deformation and strain were measured in four samples, using the standard procedure at room temperature, 40 and 60°C. Furthermore, using an adjusted method, nine samples were characterized for strain and partial surface pressure, while drying at room temperature, 40, or 60°C at a relative humidity of 30 or 90%. The results show that the highest rate of autogenous shrinkage occurred at a temperature of 60°C, followed by drying shrinkage at 60°C and 30% relative humidity, owing to the fact that the rate of evaporation was highest at this moisture content. The study aimed to provide guidance regarding selection of the optimal curing set in order to minimize deformations in slag-based alkali-activated materials. In the present case, curing at a temperature of around 40°C under lower moisture conditions for the first 24 h provided optimal mechanical properties for the slags investigated. The methodology might also be of use for other aluminosilicate sources such as metakaolin, fly ash, and mineral wool–based alkali-activated materials.
Keywords: alkali-activated materials, slag, drying, autogenous shrinkage, partial surface pressure, curing deformation
Published in DiRROS: 03.07.2023; Views: 410; Downloads: 147
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225. Influence of weathering on the degradation of cellulose acetate microplastics obtained from used cigarette buttsBranka Mušič, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Andrijana Sever Škapin, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Cellulose acetate is used in many applications, including for cigarette filters. Unfortunately, unlike cellulose, its (bio)degradability is under question, yet it often ends up uncontrolled in the natural environment. The main purpose of this study is to compare the effects of weathering on two types of cigarette filter (classic filters and newer filters that have more recently arrived on the market) following their use and disposal in nature. Microplastics were prepared from polymer parts of used (classic and heated tobacco products—HTP) cigarettes and artificially aged. TG/DTA, FTIR, and SEM analyses were performed both before and after the aging process. Newer tobacco products contain an additional film made of a poly(lactic acid) polymer which, like cellulose acetate, burdens the environment and poses a risk to the ecosystem. Numerous studies have been conducted on the disposal and recycling of cigarette butts and cigarette butt extracts, revealing alarming data that have also influenced the decisions of the EU, who addressed the disposal of tobacco products in the EU Directive (EU) 2019/904. Despite this, there is still no systematic analysis in the literature evaluating the impact of weathering (i.e., accelerated aging) on the degradation of cellulose acetate in classic cigarettes compared with that in newer tobacco products that have recently appeared on the market. This is of particular interest given that the latter have been promoted as being healthier and environmentally friendly. The results show that in cellulose acetate cigarette filters the particle size decreased after accelerated aging. Also, the thermal analysis revealed differences in the behavior of the aged samples, while the FTIR spectra showed no shifts in the position of the peaks. Organic substances break down under UV light, which can be seen by measuring the color change. The PLA film was found to be more stable than cellulose acetate under the influence of UV light.
Keywords: cellulose acetate, cigarette filters, microplastics, artificial weathering, polymer degradation
Published in DiRROS: 30.06.2023; Views: 382; Downloads: 232
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226. Quantitative in situ X-ray diffraction analysis of early hydration of belite-calcium sulfoaluminate cement at various defined temperaturesMaruša Mrak, Christian L. Lengauer, Sabina Dolenec, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: The influence of temperature on the early hydration of belite-calcium sulfoaluminate cements with two different calcium sulfate to calcium sulfoaluminate molar ratios was investigated. The phase composition and phase assemblage development of cements prepared using molar ratios of 1 and 2.5 were studied at 25, 40 and 60 ◦C by in situ X-ray powder diffraction. The Rietveld refinement method was used for quantification. The degree of hydration after 24 h was highest at ambient temperatures, but early hydration was significantly accelerated at elevated temperatures. These differences were more noticeable when we increased the temperature from 25 ◦C to 40 ◦C, than it was increased from 40 ◦C to 60 ◦C. The amount of calcium sulfate added controls the amount of the precipitated ettringite, namely, the amount of ettringite increased in the cement with a higher molar ratio. The results showed that temperature also affects full width at half maximum of ettringite peaks, which indicates a decrease in crystallite size of ettringite at elevated temperatures due to faster precipitation of ettringite. When using a calcium sulfate to calcium sulfoaluminate molar ratio of 1, higher d-values of ettringite peaks were observed at elevated temperatures, suggesting that more ions were released from the cement clinker at elevated temperatures, allowing a higher ion uptake in the ettringite structure. At a molar ratio of 2.5, less clinker is available in the cement, therefore these differences were not observed.
Keywords: in situ X-ray diffraction, hydration, temperature, cement, rietveld analysis
Published in DiRROS: 26.06.2023; Views: 346; Downloads: 199
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227. The influence of flexible sound insulation layers on the seismic performance of cross laminated timber wallsBoris Azinović, Tomaž Pazlar, Meta Kržan, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign investigating the seismic behaviour of full-size cross laminated timber (CLT) wall systems with sound-insulated shear-tension angle brackets. The main aim of the study was to investigate the influence of more and less flexible soundproofing bedding under the CLT wall. The paper shows a comparison of lateral load-bearing capacity, displacement capacity, ductility and stiffness obtained from racking tests on uninsulated specimens and specimens with various types of bedding insulation and levels of vertical load. Moreover, an analytical procedure to estimate the lateral load-displacement response of CLT walls with bedding insulation is proposed. This model is verified by direct comparison to the experimentally determined lateral load-displacement backbone curves. The results show that the elastomeric bedding does not have a significant effect on the bearing capacity of the wall system tested, but it reduces the stiffness and increases the displacement capacity. Due to the large decrease in stiffness, the insulation causes an overall reduction in ductility. The analytical estimation proposed was able to capture the reduction in lateral stiffness and adequately predict the load-bearing capacity.
Keywords: CLT wall system, insulated angle bracket, elastomer sound insulation, racking tests, lateral load-bearing capacity, stiffness, open access
Published in DiRROS: 26.06.2023; Views: 298; Downloads: 235
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228. 3D finite element analysis of a concrete dam behavior under changing hydrostatic load : a case studyPavel Žvanut, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: In this study, a large arch-gravity Moste Dam was analyzed, where an automated system for the measurements of horizontal displacements of the upper part of the dam was established. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) analyses of dam behavior, taking into account the earth pressures and the hydrostatic load, using the finite element method (FEM)-based computer program DIANA, were performed. The influence of lowering the water level of the reservoir by 6.2 m, on the horizontal displacements of the upper part of the dam, at stationary temperature conditions, was investigated. It was found that the results of the performed 2D and 3D FEM analyses fitted in very well with the result of experimentally determined measurement of horizontal displacements (which was 0.48 mm in the upstream direction) that was obtained using a hanging pendulum. An additional comparison of the results of 3D calculations showed that the finite element mesh density had a small effect on the calculated horizontal displacements.
Keywords: concrete dam, finite element method, material properties, structure behavior, measuring instruments, monitoring, ime series analysis, horizontal displacements, hydrostatic pressure
Published in DiRROS: 21.06.2023; Views: 363; Downloads: 205
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229. Modelling the electrochemical transients during repassivation under open-circuit conditions in a neutral solutionBojan Zajec, Tadeja Kosec, Andraž Legat, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The responses of the current and the coupled potential to rapid depassivation have been studied on a three-electrode system under open-circuit conditions. Passivated AISI 304 stainless steel in low- and high-conductivity solutions of NaSO has been depassivated with a single, rapid scratch over the small fraction of surface of the working electrode (WE). Single- and dual-WE configurations have been implemented. Once the surface is scratched, the current and potential transients exhibit a delayed maximum and minimum, respectively, in contrast to the outcome of more common potentiostatic scratching experiments. A simple model based on the equivalent circuit has been developed to predict the observed transients and provides clear relations between the features of the transient and the parameters of the electrolyte and the electrodes. The interfacial capacitance of the electrodes’ passive surfaces proves crucial for the shapes of the observed potential and current transients. It is shown that this capacitance temporarily provides the majority of the charge for repassivation under open-circuit conditions. Possible sources of specific discrepancies between the model and the measured transients are indicated.
Keywords: repassivation, open circuit conditions, transient, modelling, interfacial capacitance
Published in DiRROS: 21.06.2023; Views: 349; Downloads: 162
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230. Characterizing the interfacial zones of fly ash based alkali activated adhesives to various substratesWolfgang Wisniewski, Vilma Ducman, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Alkali Activated Materials (AAMs) are important potential substitutes for cement in many materials. The AAMs presented here are based on industrial ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash (FA). They are tested for their suitability as adhesives for joining concrete, ceramic tiles, a wood-based geopolymer (WGP) and a high density geopolymer (HDGP). After mixing multiple batches and performing preliminary tests of the resulting shrinkage, bending-, compressive- and pull-of-strengths to standard ceramic tiles, selected mixtures are tested for their open time and applied to bond intended substrates. The interfacial zones (ITZ) of an AAM containing additional KOH and the most comparable KOH-free AAM to concrete, ceramic tiles, WPG and HDGP are subsequently characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). Both mechanical interlocking and areas of probable chemical bonding are identified.
Keywords: adhisive, fly ash, ITZ, pull of test, open ccess
Published in DiRROS: 21.06.2023; Views: 327; Downloads: 227
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