Physical scale modeling of geotechnical structures at one-G

The use of physical scale modeling techniques for geotechnical applications is investigated. The scaling laws to relate a prototype structure to a model are developed for the centrifuge modeling technique and for the laboratory (or one-g) environment. A theory based on critical or steady state concepts for the constitutive scaling of the behavior of the soil in a one-g model is investigated. A series of one-g models of varying configurations was constructed in a laminar box and subjected to earthquake like motions on a shake table. A total of 73 tests was performed. Most tests were constructed of saturated Nevada sand placed in a loose and dense state in adjacent halves of a laminar box, and the results of these tests were compared with a similar centrifuge test (Model 3) which was performed as part of the VELACS study. Some of the one-g models were constructed with an alternate model sand and an alternate pore fluid to investigate these modeling variations. One-g models were also constructed with the sand at a uniform density throughout the laminar box. The research indicates that there is a significant conflict between the time scaling for dynamic processes and dissipation processes in both the centrifuge and one-g techniques, which means that excess pore pressures generated in the model saturated sand by a simulated earthquake will be less than what would occur in the same sand in the real prototype. This effect is generally more severe in the centrifuge. This implies that model tests performed to investigate liquefaction, flow failure problems, and/or deformation problems in saturated sands may significantly underestimate the potential behavior of the prototype. In addition to the above, the research provides insight into the behavior of adjacent loose and dense sands and indicates the potential for high excess pore pressures to develop in the dense sand. Current practice ignores the potential for liquefaction in dense sands or the development of cyclic mobility in the assessment of the seismic performance of geotechnical structures

OSINT from a UK perspective: considerations from the law enforcement and military domains

Both law enforcement and the military have incorporated the use of open source intelligence (OSINT) into their daily operations. Whilst there are observable similarities in how these organisations employ OSINT there are also differences between military and policing approaches towards the understanding of open source information and the goals for the intelligence gathered from it. In particular, we focus on evaluating potential similarities and differences between understandings and approaches of operational OSINT between British law enforcement agencies and UK based MoD researchers and investigators. These observations are gathered towards the aim of increasing interoperability as well as creating opportunities for specific strengths and competencies of particular organisational approaches to be shared and utilised by both the military and law enforcement

Planting Date Effects on WinterTriticale Grain and Forage Yield

Triticale (trit-ah-kay-lee) is a close relative of wheat. When durum wheat is pollinated with rye pollen, the cross is used in a breeding program to produce these stable, self-replicating varieties. Triticale yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance are typically greater than similar traits found in wheat. Triticale doesn’t currently possess the grain traits of bread wheat, so its greatest market potential is as animal feed

Stacking with the unnatural DNA base 6-ethynylpyridone

The authors are grateful to EaStCHEM for computational support via the EaStCHEM Research Computing Facility.It was previously reported that the incorporation of 6-ethynylpyridone (E) into a DNA duplex (replacing T in a T:A base pair) leads to DNA duplexes that are more stable than the T:A-containing duplexes. DFT calculations at the M06-2X/6-31+G(d) and BLYP-D3/6-31+G(d) levels on various base pairs, stacked bases and stacked base pairs in continuum solvation water suggest that the observed increased stability of E:A-containing duplexes is due to the combined effects of stronger base pairing and enhanced stacking of the E:A base pair.PostprintPostprintPeer reviewe

Planting Date Effects on Winter Triticale Grain Yield

Triticale (trit-ah-kay-lee) is a close relative of wheat resulting from pollinating durum wheat with rye pollen and using the cross in a breeding program to produce stable, self-replicating varieties. Yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance are typically greater in triticale than in wheat. Triticale doesn’t currently possess the grain traits of bread wheat, so its greatest market potential is as animal feed

KYTC Maintenance Overview and Budget Analysis

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) manages over 27,500 miles of the state’s roadways and is responsible for preserving many assets in a good state of repair, including bridges, traffic signals, lighting features, traffic signs, and guardrails. The Cabinet’s Maintenance function, which encompasses maintenance (e.g., patching potholes, repainting roadway lines and markings, cleaning bridges, mowing) and operations (e.g., plowing and salting roadways; keeping signs, traffic signals, and roadway signals functional), had a budget in FY 2018 of roughly $350 million. This report describes core maintenance functions and reviews their importance for preserving Kentucky’s roadway network and analyzes trends in KYTC’s maintenance budget. Among the maintenance issues explored are potholes; guardrails, signs, and striping; roadside vegetation; and winter operations (i.e., snow and ice removal). Without adequate maintenance funding, pressing maintenance issues are sometimes left unattended, which has negative consequences for the entire transportation network. Time trend analysis of KYTC’s maintenance budget indicates that inflation has reduced the purchasing power of funding allocated for maintenance activities. Forecasts suggest that its purchasing power will continue to decline through FY 2022. Winter maintenance operations, which vary significantly in scope and expense from year to year, can apply significant pressure to the Cabinet’s maintenance budget. In years with particularly severe winters, some maintenance activities are deferred because of the high cost of snow and ice removal. Accordingly, a starting point to improve maintenance outcomes is keeping maintenance funding on pace with inflation. Improving maintenance outcomes has many benefits, including extending the service lives of assets, eliminating potential safety hazards, and increasing traffic flow efficiency

Inventory of Hazardous Materials Shipments Moving into Fayette County, Kentucky

Each day, significant quantities of hazardous materials are transported through Fayette County. The bulk of the materials pass through without incident, but some vehicles carrying them are involved in roadway incidents and/or accidents. However, first responders and management personnel lack clear knowledge of what hazardous material commodities are on central Kentucky’s roads. This project was designed to provide a high level analysis of hazardous material commodity flows in Fayette County