Mechanical characterization and reinforcement of the adobe material of the Chellah archaeological site

The evaluation of historical buildings has always posed significant challenges due to the difficulties associated with the characterization of complex geometries, the variability of the properties of building materials and the actual state of damage to these structures. This challenge is even more complex when it concerns historical adobe masonry buildings, because earthen masonry has a high variability and rapid deterioration over time if it is not properly maintained. In the context of the previous, it was important to provide information to support intervention projects in historic centres. This research involves the experimental analysis of the adobe material collected from the Chellah archaeological site (Rabat-Morocco), in order to study the mechanical behaviour of this material as well as that reinforced by wood shaving. A series of mechanical tests carried out, which include compressive and tensile strength on the adobe material and the mixture adobe/wood fibre in different proportions. The improvement of the mechanical properties of the reinforced adobe, led us to a SEM study, which was carried out on the surface of the test specimens to examine the morphology and observe the interfaces of the adobe/wood mixture, as well as the state of dispersion of the fibres in the adobe mixture

Utilization of Coal and Biomass Ash

Sustainable utilization of the ash generated from the combustion of coal or biomass is a big challenge for the power industry. Huge quantities of ash are generated and, in general, they are disposed-off in ash ponds. However, recent regulatory requirements demand 100% utilization of ash. So many new areas of ash utilization are being explored by the researchers and ash managers. Bulk utilization sectors are cement industry, construction, bricks, landfill, mine back filling, and soil amendment for growing plants. Efforts to enhance the use in value-added low-volume sectors like fertilizer, cenosphere, catalyst support, zeolites, aerogels, and so on are continuously evolving. The heterogeneity of the ash properties is one of the main challenges for advocating a generalized utilization pattern of the ash. Biomass has some typical properties that limit its use for some sectors. However, beneficiation of both coal and biomass ash and use of other additives could improve the suitability of the ashes to multifarious uses