Ultrasonic, molecular and mechanical testing diagnostics in natural fibre reinforced, polymer-stabilised earth blocks

The aim of this research study was to evaluate the influence of utilising natural polymers as a form of soil stabilization, in order to assess their potential for use in building applications. Mixtures were stabilized with a natural polymer (alginate) and reinforced with wool fibres in order to improve the overall compressive and flexural strength of a series of composite materials. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and mechanical strength testing techniques were then used to measure the porous properties of the manufactured natural polymer-soil composites, which were formed into earth blocks. Mechanical tests were carried out for three different clays which showed that the polymer increased the mechanical resistance of the samples to varying degrees, depending on the plasticity index of each soil. Variation in soil grain size distributions and Atterberg limits were assessed and chemical compositions were studied and compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques were all used in conjunction with qualitative identification of the aggregates. Ultrasonic wave propagation was found to be a useful technique for assisting in the determination of soil shrinkage characteristics and fibre-soil adherence capacity and UPV results correlated well with the measured mechanical properties

A combination of SEM and EDX studies on a clay-based natural composite with animal fibre and its mechanical implications

A variety of natural fibres are nowadays being utilized as soil reinforcement. Test results demonstrate the positive effects of adding natural fibres to soils, in that they decrease shrinkage, reduce curing time and enhance compressive, flexural and shear strength if an optimum reinforcement ratio can be utilised. This paper describes a study which uses a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and an Energy Diffraction Analysis of X-rays (EDX) technique on clay-based composites stabilized with natural polymer and fibres. Different dosages of fibres and several types of soils have been used in this study with the aim of determining advantageous properties for building material applications. SEM and EDX test results reveal the degree of bonding between the particles of soil and the natural fibers. This has enabled a better understanding of the micro-morphology of the natural fibers and their effect on the overall composite material structure. Microscopic analysis was combined with mechanical tests to establish the different strength characteristics of every soil

Ultrasonic, molecular and mechanical testing diagnostics in natural fibre reinforced, polymer-stabilised earth blocks

The aim of this research study was to evaluate the influence of utilising natural polymers as a form of soil stabilization, in order to assess their potential for use in building applications. Mixtures were stabilized with a natural polymer (alginate) and reinforced with wool fibres in order to improve the overall compressive and flexural strength of a series of composite materials. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and mechanical strength testing techniques were then used to measure the porous properties of the manufactured natural polymer-soil composites, which were formed into earth blocks. Mechanical tests were carried out for three different clays which showed that the polymer increased the mechanical resistance of the samples to varying degrees, depending on the plasticity index of each soil. Variation in soil grain size distributions and Atterberg limits were assessed and chemical compositions were studied and compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques were all used in conjunction with qualitative identification of the aggregates. Ultrasonic wave propagation was found to be a useful technique for assisting in the determination of soil shrinkage characteristics and fibre-soil adherence capacity and UPV results correlated well with the measured mechanical properties

Heritage and community centre in Matta Sur, Chile

[EN] The Matta Sur neighbourhood in Santiago acquired official protection for its heritage value in 2016. It is the largest protected area in the city and one of the few in which vernacular architecture, local lifestyles and community networks withstand the city's rapid urban development.  It has a regular urban structure of wide streets framed by continuous facades, which predominantly belong to one-storey homes, organised around a central courtyard. They are built combining burnt or raw masonry and wood and earth traditional building systems, which are now discontinued and often misunderstood, leading to poor interventions which deteriorate the quality of buildings and liveable spaces. The Heritage and Community Centre Project attends the need for comprehensive interventions to approach appropriate conservation of Matta Sur under these circumstances. This project aims, on one hand, to provide a suitable community space within the neighbourhood and, on the other, to set an example for appropriate intervention, management and maintenance of the vernacular constructions in the neighbourhood. All of the process is developed through community-based design and intervention, attending to the role of community organisations in Chile, which have been traditionally responsible for filling the gap between public policies and community wellbeing, particularly in urban contexts, through strong solidarity networks. Through a process of co-design and co-management, the project aims to refurbish a traditional house of the neighbourhood into a community centre in which various community initiatives converge and which allows for these solidarity networks to keep functioning in a contemporary context.Rivera Vidal, A.; Gomez Maestro, C. (2022). Heritage and community centre in Matta Sur, Chile. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1063-1069. https://doi.org/10.4995/HERITAGE2022.2022.145271063106

Application of the BPM-Kraljic model to improve supply management in an agroindustrial MSE

Studies present insufficient information on working models within the purchasing area using the BPM tool for agro-industrial companies, especially in Latin America, which aim to improve performance and optimize the processes of an organization. For this reason, the need for this research arises. This scientific article presents a model to improve supply management. The BPM methodology was proposed to standardize internal processes and the Kraljic matrix, a tool used in purchasing management to classify materials and optimize purchase planning. The level of compliance within the purchasing area did not satisfy the established policies, reaching only 55.96% and generating a gap in the savings goal of approximately S/.500,000. This causes an imbalance at the administrative and operational level due to a lack of general standardization of the processes. This triggered problems at the macro level, such as lack of communication between areas, inefficient operations, and economic losses. The proposal that was carried out covers different areas, such as a harmonization within the administrative processes to reduce time variability and logistics focused on the efficient management of purchases and classification of materials. It was possible to prove the hypothesis; it is feasible to reach 85% of the target scope by restructuring the areas and generating strategies. The simulation could prove the optimization of resources by up to 60% and reduce processing times

Higiene y Seguridad Laboral aplicada en el Área de Administración y Finanzas de la Alcaldía Municipal de La Concordia en el primer Semestre del año 2015

El presente trabajo de investigación, consiste en el análisis y la descripción de las condiciones actuales de higiene y seguridad que se aplican en el trabajo de Administración y Finanzas de la Alcaldía de La Concordia y así proporcionar un estudio que facilite la toma de decisiones. El propósito es Identificar y analizar las condiciones de Higiene y Seguridad en el Área de Administración y Finanzas de la Alcaldía de La Concordia y que los resultados sean tomados en cuenta para mejorar estas condiciones. Este estudio es importante ya que se obtienen herramientas para la realización del Plan de Higiene y Seguridad Ocupacional y el Plan de Emergencia los que permitirán reglamentar y aplicar medidas para eliminar o reducir el riesgo de reducir accidentes y enfermedades laborales. Los resultados de la investigación demuestran que la mayoría de los trabajadores no están apropiados del significado de las condiciones de higiene y Seguridad laboral; que existen condiciones. Sin embargo hacen falta condiciones de higiene y seguridad para desempañar mejor los trabajos. Además no cuentan con instrumentos y que no existe un plan de higiene y seguridad laboral en la Alcaldía de La Concordia. Palabras clave: plan, higiene, seguridad, accidentes, laboral, peligros, riesgos, trabaj

AVIFAUNA DE LOS BOSQUES RIBEREÑOS DE LAS SELVAS PEDEMONTANAS DEL NOROESTE ARGENTINO

RESUMEN Los bosques de ribera usualmente hacen referencia a un cuerpo de agua y su bosque asociado, y representan una zona de transición entre el ambiente acuático y el entorno. Estos bosques, constituyen hábitats particulares que proveen sitios de alimentación y reproducción, y rutas de paso para numerosas especies. En general, albergan una rica y abundante fauna en comparación con los ambientes no ribereños circundantes. Las aves constituyen un grupo conspicuo en los bosques de ribera, tanto en regiones templadas como tropicales y frecuentemente los ensambles son diferentes y de mayor riqueza específica que los de áreas vecinas. En este estudio examinamos en detalle la diversidad de los ensambles de aves en seis bosques de ribera de la selva pedemontana del noroeste de la Argentina (Yungas Australes) y comparamos la riqueza y abundancia de las aves entre la temporada seca y húmeda. Encontramos un total de 207 especies de aves. Las especies migratorias latitudinales y altitudinales representaron el 15% y 9% de las especies de aves, respectivamente. Los ensambles de aves entre las temporadas seca y húmeda fueron significativamente diferentes (ANOSIM: R = 0,32, p = 0,02) si bien estas diferencias fueron moderadas. El 30% de las 56 especies que más contribuyeron a esta diferenciación fueron aves migratorias. El gremio trófico más representativo fue el de las aves insectívoras, seguido de las granívoras. Los bosques de ribera estuvieron dominados por especies de aves que típicamente habitan bosques maduros de las Yungas Australes. Registramos una especie clasificada globalmente como “Casi Amenazada” y cuatro especies consideradas Amenazadas a escala nacional. Este trabajo resalta la importancia de los bosques de ribera en su rol como refugio tanto para las especies de aves migratorias como residentes, contribuyendo a la diversidad regional. ABSTRACT ∙ Bird assemblages of riparian forests of premontane forests in northwestern ArgentinaRiparian forests usually refer to a water‐body and its associated forest, and represent a transitional zone between the aquatic environment and the surrounding area. These forests are singular habitats that provide feeding and breeding sites as well as migration routes for many species. Usually, the fauna found in riparian forests is more diverse and abundant than in surrounding, non‐riparian habitats. Birds are a conspicuous group in riparian forests, both in temperate and tropical regions, and they often form very distinctive assemblages compared to neighboring areas. In this study, we examined in detail the diversity of bird assemblages at six riparian forests within the piedmont of a subtropical montane forest from NW Argentina (Southern Yungas), assessing their richness and abundance in the wet and dry seasons. We found a total of 207 bird species. Latitudinal and altitudinal migrants represented 15% and 9% of species, respectively. Birds assemblages in the wet and dry seasons were significantly different (ANOSIM: R = 0.32, p = 0.02) although differences were relatively small. Thirty percent of the 56 species that contribute most to this difference were migratory birds. Insectivorous birds, followed by granivorous birds, were the best represented trophic guilds. Riparian forests were dominated by bird species that typically occur in undisturbed, mature forests of the Southern Yungas. We recorded one species classified as “Near Threatened” at a global scale, and four species considered “Threatened” at a national scale. This study points out the importance of riparian forests as refuges for migratory as well as resident bird species, which can be crucial for the maintenance of the regional bird diversity

Higiene y Seguridad Laboral Aplicada en el área de Finanzas de la Alcaldía Municipal de Jinotega en el primer semestre del año. 2015

El Tema general que se estudio es la Higiene y Seguridad Laboral Aplicada en el área de Finanzas de la Alcaldía Municipal de Jinotega en el Primer Semestre del año 2015. El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar las medidas de higiene y seguridad laboral. Así mismo Identificar describir y valorar las condiciones de higiene y seguridad para proporcionar los resultados de la investigación para facilitar la toma de decisiones. Las variables estudiadas son: Higiene Ocupacional y Seguridad Ocupacional. Para obtener la información utilizamos las técnicas de Entrevista al Jefe de Área de Finanzas y Encuesta a los trabajadores, además utilizamos la Observación Directa. El propósito es contribuir con información de higiene y seguridad en el ambiente laboral en el que se desempeñan los trabajadores del Área de Finanzas Su importancia reside en que la Municipalidad tiene como propósito mantenga la buena salud del trabajador, así también obtener los medios de prevención de accidentes y enfermedades laborales y la seguridad de la vida del trabajador. En cuanto a las conclusiones se pudo descubrir que: La Municipalidad, no cuenta con un Plan de Higiene y Seguridad, ni tampoco cuenta con un Comité encargado de velar por medidas de seguridad e higiene que deben mantener los empleados en los puestos de trabajo, por lo que se recomienda la implementación de un programa que contribuya a disminuir los casos de accidente y enfermedades entre los empleados, y la formación de un comité que vele por la implementación adecuada de dicho programa. Para darl e cumplimiento a la Ley 61