Extending the Service-Life of Bridges using Sustainable and Resilient Abutment Systems: An Experimental Approach to Electrochemical Characterization of Lightweight Mechanically Stabilized Earth

Bridges are critical components of transportation infrastructure. This research addresses the need to extend the service life of bridges by improving the safety and reliability of bridge abutments and reducing their life-cycle cost and footprints. Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) is a known strategy to enhance the economy and performance of bridge abutments. In addition, the application of rotary-kiln-manufactured lightweight aggregate backfills improves the performance of MSE bridge abutments with a leaner structural system. Such improvements include a reduction of structural demands due to a lower density, free drainage of granular materials, a high internal friction angle, less settlement with no consolidation, and accelerated construction requiring less compaction effort. This project aims to assess the electrochemical properties of expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) aggregates and their influence on the corrosion of embedded steel strips. The experimental methodology involves evaluating current testing methods to measure electrical resistivity, pH, sulfate, chloride, and corrosion considering various gradation, moisture, dilution, and curing conditions. Samples represent available sources of ESCS with one source of normal weight aggregates for comparison. Results indicate the appropriateness of ESCS for addressing corrosion in MSE backfills. Further, outcomes provide guidelines to categorically predict the corrosivity of steel reinforcement when ESCS is employed as fill within MSE systems. These guidelines can help optimize the design and reduce the need to maintain and rehabilitate bridges, abutments, and approach and departure slabs on roadways to keep transportation systems safe and cost-efficient for sustainable infrastructure

Extending the Service-Life of Bridges Using Sustainable and Resilient Abutment Systems: An Experimental Approach to the Electrochemical Characterization of Lightweight Mechanically Stabilized Earth

ZSB12017-SJAUXBridges are critical components of transportation infrastructure. This research addresses the need to extend the service life of bridges by improving the safety and reliability of bridge abutments and reducing their life-cycle cost and footprints. Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) is a known strategy to enhance the economy and performance of bridge abutments. In addition, the application of rotary-kiln-manufactured lightweight aggregate backfills improves the performance of MSE bridge abutments with a leaner structural system. Such improvements include a reduction of structural demands due to a lower density, free drainage of granular materials, a high internal friction angle, less settlement with no consolidation, and accelerated construction requiring less compaction effort. This project aims to assess the electrochemical properties of expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) aggregates and their influence on the corrosion of embedded steel strips. The experimental methodology involves evaluating current testing methods to measure electrical resistivity, pH, sulfate, chloride, and corrosion considering various gradation, moisture, dilution, and curing conditions. Samples represent available sources of ESCS with one source of normal weight aggregates for comparison. Results indicate the appropriateness of ESCS for addressing corrosion in MSE backfills. Further, outcomes provide guidelines to categorically predict the corrosivity of steel reinforcement when ESCS is employed as fill within MSE systems. These guidelines can help optimize the design and reduce the need to maintain and rehabilitate bridges, abutments, and approach and departure slabs on roadways to keep transportation systems safe and costefficient for sustainable infrastructure

Extending the Service-Life of Bridges Using Sustainable and Resilient Abutment Systems: An Experimental Approach to the Electrochemical Characterization of Lightweight Mechanically Stabilized Earth [Research Brief]

This research addresses the need to extend the service life, reduce the life cycle cost, and improve the safety and reliability of bridge abutments, part of the nation\u2019s critical transportation infrastructure. Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) abutments contribute to the constructability and economy of bridge infrastructure. The electrochemical properties of backfill materials influence the corrosion of embedded steel strips in MSE systems. The application of rotary kiln manufactured lightweight aggregates contributes to the sustainability of bridge abutments by addressing corrosion concerns, reducing structural loads and settlements, providing free drainage, and accelerating construction. This project investigates the properties and characteristics of expanded shale, clay, and slate aggregates compared with normal-weight aggregates concerning the corrosivity of steel reinforcement

The Effect of Cinnamon Extract on Spermatogenesis and

Safety and beneficence of farm animal nutrition plays a great role in their healthy life which in turn have impact on human nutrition via diary or meat products. Assessing safety and beneficence of Vicia varibilis Freyn and Sint. Which is chosen intrinsically by domesticated animals of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Iran is the aim of the present work. Our results not only show no cytotoxic activity in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,4-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay but also admit the antioxidant activity of the species through scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals confirmed in DPPH assay

[Photograph 2012.201.B1038.0379]

Photograph used for a story in the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. Caption: "Death aftermath leaves sober faces at NW 47 and Western Tuesday as police quiz the driver of a truck which killed Paul S. Jackson, 47, of 1601 NW 19. Officers L. A. Gramling, left, and Bill Lewellen, right, say the man was reported to have "dived" beneath the wheels of a truck driven by Bill Parker, El Reno, center.