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The Gubbio Revisited project, initiated to reinterpret the archaeological evidence collected during the 1980s Gubbio Project, primarily by a conversion from a paper to a digital record, has revealed significant insights into the evolving settlement patterns and religious expression in the Gubbio valley in Central Italy. This reanalysis of the survey evidence underscores the rhythms of settlement and ritual practice from the Neolithic through the Bronze and Iron Ages, into Roman times. Key excavations in the 1980s at Monte Ingino, Monte Ansciano, San Marco Romano, and San Marco Neolitico added details not only of settlement activity but also of embedded ritual, evidenced by material culture including pottery, faunal remains, and votive offerings. The foundation myth of indigenous religious practices, even amidst Roman influence, is documented through the Iguvine Tables alongside the introduction of new cults, showcasing a blend of local and imperial religiosity, a common feature in the Roman world. This research enriches the understanding of Gubbio's historical and cultural landscape, emphasizing the demographic rhythms of the valley alongside the integral role of ritual in its societal evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methods for modeling rigid inclusion ground improvements are well documented in the literature, yet their application to large-scale geotechnical simulations remains underanalyzed. Due to the large number of discretization elements/nodes used in such simulation, certain simplifications are necessary. This paper presents methods for modeling rigid inclusion ground improvements in large-scale geotechnical simulations. The methodologies involve modeling the inclusions using continuum elements, beam elements or replacing them with an equivalent medium through homogenization techniques. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are discussed, particularly regarding their applicability to analyses covering significant areas. In the second part of the paper, a case study of the foundation of the conduit pipe in the dam of Szalejów Górny dry antiflood reservoir in Poland is simulated using two of the considered methods. The obtained results are compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Praehistorische Zeitschrift is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This is the first of two papers on a wide pile group. The geology and a geotechnical model of the site are presented, along with the design of a single pile, analysis of a static loading test, and some dynamic tests. Response of the piled foundations comprising 399 bored piles supporting three 70-storey towers on a common mat was monitored. Records consist of results of a static loading test, dynamic tests of four piles, the development of load in 15 piles, and settlement of 40 points during construction and nine years following. At end of construction, the perimeter piles received more load from the towers than did the interior piles and the mat settled on average 90 mm. By the end of the monitoring period, due to the general subsidence, the average settlement of the mat had increased by 50 mm. Most of the settlement is considered to originate from the compression of the soil layers below the pile toe level. A subsequent paper will present the analysis and design of the wide pile group, and the numerical analysis of the static loading test on a single pile and of the wide pile group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force in the financial industry, offering the potential to streamline and enhance financial markets' clearing and settlement processes. This paper explores the application of blockchain technology in these critical areas. We examine traditional clearing and settlement procedures, the challenges they pose, and how blockchain can address these issues. Through case studies and technical insights, we illustrate the benefits and limitations of implementing blockchain solutions. This paper utilizes the PRISMA method to survey papers related to blockchain-based clearing and settlement systems, while using Science Direct to identify papers that have been published in this area. These papers were reviewed to identify themes that relate to extending blockchain development for clearing and settlement system in financial markets. As a result, this paper also shows how the Layer One X (L1X) blockchain can be applied to develop financial markets clearing and settlement systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 1940s, 75% of the population of Egypt had been living in the rural vernacular settlements. After independence and with the establishment of a parliamentary monarchy, the focus of Egypt has been the reform of these rural settlements. It became an opportunity to explore new ways of creating settlements from a conscious architecture. In this endeavour, the Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy rose as a humble yet visionary giant who was instrumental in making these transformations. This paper examines two settlements designed by Hassan Fathy in Egypt: New Gourna, completed in 1945 and New Baris, completed in 1964. They exemplify the sustasinable design approach Fathy took, even before sustainability was discovered by the world. They employ powerful ideas about optimization of resources and the maintannace of identity of vernacular architecture. The research employs a comparative method to examine the two settlements. The research involves observations and documentations during field trips to the sites, and examination of literature as well as photographs and drawings. It also examines existing documentation at the American University in Cairo. Moreover, new drawings have been developed based on the architect's original drawings. They show the evolution of the architect's approach to urban planning and housing typology. couched deeply in sustainability in response to the desert climate. The paper reveals the principles Hasan Fathy has employed deriving from the vernacular settlements in the projects and their evolution. It offers guidelines for the proper development of a sustainable settlement in any arid climate and environment. The paper concludes that despite not having been able to complete the construction of either of the two projects, the theoretical approaches of them are valid and should be considered for application in contemporary and future settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In settlements for internally displaced persons (IDPs), achieving sustainable on-site faecal sludge management is crucial. Effective stabilization and treatment methods are vital, as the wrong choices can result in dire sanitary conditions. Tropical climate, marked by low-income settings and overburdened sanitation facilities, pose unique challenges that demand tailored solutions. This review paper focuses on simplicity, cost-efficiency, and minimal land requirements for stabilization, along with affordability, low health risks, and valuable end-products for treatment. Notable findings include mechanical presses, planted drying beds, and solar greenhouse drying beds as robust stabilization methods, while microwave heating, black soldier fly larvae, and anaerobic digestion show promise as sustainable treatment techniques. Adopting these techniques promises sustainable faecal sludge management and potential improvements in living standards. This paper guides the way toward enhanced sanitation and well-being in the toughest conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed trains running on ballasted tracks intensify the vibration of ballast layers to a greater extent than conventional passenger trains, with detrimental effects to train operations. The stabilisation effect of the geogrid in real railways under high-speed train moving loads remains unclear. Herein, full-scale model tests on a ballasted trackbed with and without geogrid were conducted, and a novel sequential loading system was adopted to apply the train moving loads. The highest train speeds were 300 km/h for the ballasted track without geogrid, and 360 km/h for the ballasted track with geogrid. To monitor the geogrid tension strain, distributed fibre Bragg grating sensors were mounted on the geogrid ribs. It was found that the maximum geogrid tension strain between neighbouring sleepers was six times larger than that beneath the sleepers. The geogrid influence zone in the ballast layer was identified as being at least 15 cm above the geogrid. The dynamic stress on the subballast surface was decreased by about 49% in the stabilised trackbed. The testing results also showed that geogrid stabilisation could reduce ballast breakage from 14·9% to 2·5% and reduce the permanent settlement of ballast layer by 40%. The experimental results presented in the paper provide a benchmark for geogrid-stabilisation modelling and will be referenced for the optimal design of ballasted tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service providers' crucial roles in securing housing for refugees in Canada is a topic scantly addressed in the broader literature. A focus on frontline workers in the housing and settlement sectors offers a productive analytic lens to map the critical link between service provision and housing access for refugees. Based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with service providers across nine organizations in Toronto, Canada, this study illuminates housing access barriers, such as lack of affordable housing and perceived housing discrimination. Furthermore, this paper unearths the intersectional praxis of frontline workers. Broadening the analytical frame to include an intersectional lens centring race, class, immigration status, and gender, this paper enriches current scholarship on 1) housing inequality, 2) refugee settlement, and 3) intersectionality. This paper also makes an epistemic intervention in the evolving field of housing studies at critical junctures. While this research was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study reflects on the added complexity of the pandemic to refugees' housing access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ground Improvement is the property of Journal of Ground Improvement Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Traditional settlements are often associated with residences that still hold customary and cultural values that are closely related to the beliefs or religions of a particular community rooted in a particular place beyond historical determinations. Such is the case of the traditional settlement of the Ata Krowe community in Romanduru Village, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The Ata Krowe community speaks the Sikka language and lives in the mountains. This research examines the characteristics of the settlement of the Ata Krowe community in Romanduru village. It employs a cultural landscape approach. Findings show that the Ata Krowe community in Romanduru village has a centralized settlement concept and consists of several components including watu mahang, wisung wangar, wua mahe, and Ai Tali. The paper concludes that, as an old village, Romanduru village has a distinctive residential pattern: a sedentary concept based on the presence of springs. The existence of Romanduru village is inseparable from the existence of the Buang Baling clan, which is a tribe/clan that opened the land first and is honored as Tana Pu'an. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A settlement analysis of a new high-rise building, the Nivy Tower, in Bratislava, Slovakia, is presented in this paper. A 3D finite element model was prepared. A non-linear elasto-plastic material model with double hardening and increased stiffness in a small-to-very-small strain range was adopted for the Tertiary (Neogene) subsoils. Due to the lack of an appropriate in-situ test, the results from a 1D compression test were used for the calibration of the soil input parameters. However, the results from these tests, especially in the primary loading, are often biased due to the effects of soil disturbance during the preparation of the sample. Therefore, a different procedure has been proposed, in which the stiffness parameters were obtained from unloading-reloading branches of 1D compression tests. It could be concluded that the predicted and measured settlements are in a reasonable match for all the points measured. The computed distributions of the vertical displacements and those measured by sliding micrometres show greater differences from a depth of twenty meters beneath the foundation slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study originates as a design experiment for a sustainable housing system built on-site. The context is Niamey, the capital of Niger. The study takes into account the environmental issues in the construction sector and aims to find a solution capable of meeting housing, environmental, and economic needs. In the field of earthen construction, the most important developments have been achieved in manufacturing methods. In particular, the use of an additive digital manufacturing system, such as large-scale 3D printing, allows the construction of complex shapes derived from structural and thermal studies, maintaining a high degree of automation in the construction process, reducing construction times and labor costs. This paper investigates the possibility of responding to housing and environmental needs with a settlement system made almost entirely of printed earth, maintaining the highest possible degree of automation. Starting from a study on the state of the art of 3D printing in architecture and printable earthen compounds, the design choices of similar cases are analyzed to understand the construction techniques, potentials, and limitations of the medium. Finally, a design proposal is developed based on the definition of a fully printable functional module, which, upon aggregation, determines the characteristics of the final settlement. This implies a radical change of approach compared to previous prototyping of 3D-printed earthen buildings, as the design of the single functional module is not an exercise that finds completion in itself, but is oriented to the scale of the settlement right from the definition of its basic geometric characteristics. In other words, the settlement is no longer the result of the serial aggregation of independent basic units, but arises spontaneously from the juxtaposition of functional modules designed to interact with each other and merge into a single residential complex. The settlement is, therefore, the large-scale replication of the alternation between full and empty spaces that characterizes the single functional module and, even more importantly, the replication can take multiple forms. In fact, the full and empty spaces of the functional module are planned to allow multiple combinations of aggregation. This introduces a certain degree of customization into the growth dynamics of the settlement, a factor that is entirely new compared to previous proposals by repeatable modules. No less important are the environmental implications, as designing for the scale of the settlement allows the low carbon footprint typical of earth-based construction to be extended from the single building to the entire settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the concept of resilience in the context of the Cvjetno housing estate in Zagreb, Croatia, a recognized cultural and historical complex. While extensive literature exists on the estate's architectural and historical significance, limited research explores its resilience. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the Cvjetno estate's planned resilience to natural hazards and socioeconomic challenges. It investigates the estate's design, historical context, and physical characteristics through archival documents, historical records, and field research. The analysis focuses on the estate's planned resilience to natural disasters, particularly flooding from the nearby river Sava and seismic risks due to its location in a seismically active area. Based on the literature on resilient communities, the study draws on dimensions, characteristics, and qualities of resilience, and explores how the Cvjetno estate exemplifies these traits. Future research could explore and compare similar mid-20th century European settlements to enhance the understanding of urban resilience during the modern era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial services industry has analysed the benefits and barriers of accelerating the US securities markets to trade date plus one day (T + 1). The focus of this paper is on the areas impacted and the need for driving industry modernisation efforts through technological advancement and operational scalability while at the same time seeking to mitigate risks and operational inefficiencies in the capital markets infrastructure. The purpose of the paper is to provide the reader with an understanding of the impacts across the different brokerage functions, businesses, behaviours that need to be considered, in order for individual firms and the industry as a whole, to transition to a T + 1 settlement. Firms will need to prepare for the anticipated transition scheduled for September 2024 (pending SEC rule adoption). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of element size on the microstructure of the steel–concrete interface in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Experiments were conducted on two types of test elements: a deep beam measuring 1440 × 640 × 160 mm and a wall element measuring 2240 × 1600 × 160 mm. The SCC mix was consistently pumped from the top, using a single casting point located near the formwork's edge. Horizontal steel ribbed rebars with a diameter of 16 mm were embedded in these elements. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to provide three-dimensional insights into the microstructure of the rebar-to-concrete interface. An analysis of X-ray CT images from core samples revealed that the microstructure of this interface is influenced by the distance of the specimen from the mix casting point and its vertical position within the element. The combined effects of bleeding, air-pore entrapment, and plastic settlement within the SCI were observed under the top rebars. Their extent was independent of the type of element analyzed, suggesting that the deterioration of the SCI is related to the distance from the top surface of the element. These results elucidate phenomena occurring during the fresh state of concrete near reinforcing bars and their implications for bond properties. To date, some of the standards differentiate between bond conditions according to the depth of concrete beneath the rebar. In the view of the studies, this approach may be unduly rigorous. The findings offer valuable guidance for reinforced concrete execution and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The auto-balancing mechanism is used in the spin-dry regime of the laundry machine. The high rotating speed and unbalanced mass inside the drum create centrifugal force, which is the cause of vibration. The auto-balancing mechanism consists of a set of balls in the circular guiding track. During the spin-dry process, the balls settle in the opposite position to an unbalanced mass. The centrifugal force of the balls compensates the one of the unbalanced masses. The paper deals with the non-linear numerical simulation of the imbalance settlement and the following parametric study. The solution to the problem is demonstrated on an industrial laundry machine with a maximum capacity of 7 kg of dry laundry and a maximum rotating speed of 930 rpm. The proposed numerical model allows us to investigate the behavior of the auto-balancing mechanism and predict the vibration amplitudes of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Proceedings in Archeology & History of Ancient & Medieval Black Sea Region is the property of Cimmeria Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Groundwater-exposed liquid clay soil (CL) makes foundations unstable. This study used recycled rice husk ash and treated clay soil exposed to groundwater with low-cost, environmentally friendly materials. This paper presents a recent prediction of three equations that link the plastic index to soil strength, cohesion, and the bearing capacity of a foundation. This prediction takes into account the soil' characteristics before and after treatment, as well as the cumulative load until failure. It creates four models before and after treatment, as well as a different time period after treatment, to study the situation. This is achieved by mixing the best-added ratios in depth equal to the foundation width. The limitations of Atterberg, and the unconfined compressive strength were tested using three additives: cement alone, rice husk ash alone, and rice husk ash plus 2% cement. The percentages were 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the soil weight. It was noted that soil activity dropped from 0.98 to 0.31, 0.32, and 0.42 for cement 8%, rice husk ash 8% plus 2% cement, and 8% RHA alone. The foundation bearing capacity increased from 49 at 1 day to 115, 275, and 460 Kpa for 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-soft soil is distributed in coastal areas around the world and has poor engineering properties. There is a significant difference in settlement between semi-rigid pile and surrounding soil under embankment load. Based on existing research results, the settlement calculation formula of ultra-soft soil composite foundation reinforced by semi-rigid pile is derived in this paper. Based on the Alamgir displacement model, assuming a three-zone model of pile skin friction with a negative skin friction plastic zone in the upper part of the pile, an elastic zone in the middle part of the pile, and a skin friction-bearing plastic zone in the lower part of the pile, the upward and downward penetrations of pile, and pile–soil slip deformation characteristics are considered. Analytical expressions for settlement calculations of semi-rigid pile composite foundations under embankments were derived based on differential equations for pile–soil load transfer in the unit cell. The influences of pile diameter and the compression modulus of the underlying layer at the pile end on the settlement characteristics of the semi-rigid pile composite foundation are discussed. The results show that the derived theoretical calculation method is in good agreement with the field measurement and laboratory model test results. Ultra-soft soil composite foundations have long settlement stabilization times and large settlement deformations. Penetration deformation occurs at the semi-rigid pile end. The relationship between pile end resistance and pile end piercing deformation is hyperbolic. The compression modulus of the underlying layer has a great influence on pile end penetration. The lower the compression modulus of the underlying layer, the larger the penetration deformation of pile end. The larger the pile diameter is, the smaller the penetration deformation is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of Palestine Studies / Filistin Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Bulletin of Palestine Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Models of soil behaviour, in situ and laboratory testing techniques and system models for describing the geometry and time-dependent processes involved in the settlement of embankments on soft soils have reached a level of maturity where reliable predictions for this problem should be readily achievable. Despite this, there is clear evidence to demonstrate engineering predictions of embankment behaviour can be inaccurate, resulting in construction cost and schedule overruns. One key reason for this is the significant influence that personal judgement plays in processing soil test data to derive engineering parameters. In this paper, a method that makes progress toward overcoming this is developed using oedometer test results directly in a data-driven approach, thus avoiding the need to evaluate profiles of compression indices and yield pressures. The method has been deployed as an easy-to-access cloud-based application and its use demonstrated with a comprehensive case history. Data used in this paper are freely available in electronic format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the consolidation and settlement behaviour of soft clay deposits treated with granular columns (single and in groups). Two Rowe cell loading chambers were used to conduct the investigations on samples of kaolin and a local Belfast natural estuarine alluvium called 'sleech'. Tests were carried out on unreinforced samples and then reinforced samples with single and multiple column configurations. The test duration for each test was between 3 and 4 months, depending on the test material and the granular column configuration. The settlement reduction factors based on primary and secondary consolidation were examined. The study suggests that the effectiveness of granular columns at mitigating primary and/or secondary settlement is directly related to the loading intensity, the stress history and the creep characteristics of the subsoil. It was also found that the stress concentration ratio reduced with the stress level. Secondary consolidation also has some effects on the stress concentration ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragility curve expresses the probability that an asset exceeds some serviceability state for a given level of environmental perturbation or other loadings. It is an important component in the quantitative risk analysis and resilience evaluation of infrastructure exposed to natural hazards. Incidences of over-settlement of embankments are increasingly reported due to more intense and longer-duration rainfall events. This paper develops fragility curves for the rainfall-induced embankment settlement. For this purpose, an embankment incorporating enhanced seepage and displacement analysis within unsaturated soil conditions is modelled based on a reported case history. A Monte Carlo simulation is used for rainfall infiltration and embankment deformation analysis under various rainfall scenarios. Probability values are obtained to achieve three levels of damage states in terms of road embankment settlement. The parametric analysis produces the exceedance probability curves for various rainfall intensities, saturated permeabilities and embankment slope angles. This work offers an efficient tool for assessing fragility to rainfall-induced excessive settlement of embankments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research paper is to highlight the emergence and functioning of the crossing and the unique thing for this region - the stone bridge on Kyiv Shliakh (road) in the early modern period. The scientific novelty. Based on the analysis of available written and pictorial sources, conclusions have been drawn regarding the existence of a crossing on the river Perevod in the early modern period, from the time of the foundation of Derzhykrai Sloboda (settlement inhabited by free peasants and tradespeople) till its abandoning and the change of Pryluky - Kyiv route. Conclusions. At the beginning of the 17th century, the process of gradual land settlement of Left-Bank (Zadniprianska) Ukraine began. The initiative of founding slobodas and towns belonged to the representatives of princely families and the gentry. It was with their assistance that a number of fortified settlements were founded - Lubny, Pryluky, and Myrhorod, which became military and economic centers, and small villages and khutirs (hamlets) began appearing around them. At the same time, traffic on Kyiv Shliakh, which led from the Dnipro crossing to the town of Pryluky, was resumed. In the first half of the 17th century, in the upper reaches of the Perevod River, the sloboda of Derzhykrai was founded. It was located on 'Chernihiv lands', but it was founded on the initiative of Prince Ya. Ostrozkyi by Ya. Chernyshovskyi, Pereiaslav pidstarosta. In the first years of the sloboda's existence, it was subject to armed raids headed by S. Lyko, Lubny Cossack uriadnyk (sergeant). In the late 1640s, the settlement became part of the left-bank possessions of Prince I. Vyshnevetskyi. Supposedly, at that time, the construction of a small earthen fortification, and possibly a stone bridge, was started near it. After 1648, the sloboda fell into desolation. This is written in the diary entries of Archdeacon Paul of Aleppo, who traveled along Kyiv Shliakh in 1654. He mentions the destroyed town of Batfudi, which suffered due to wars and Tatar raids. After the decline of Derzykrai Sloboda, the small village of Perevod, and later Piddubivka, were founded near the crossing. A Cossack khutir was founded on the island, and in 1656 it was sold to Hustynia Holy Trinity Convent. The monks used the former fortifications to keep livestock, for which they dug passages in the ramparts and partially filled in the moat. At that time, Kyiv Shliakh passed through the island near the khutir, and both villages were connected by a stone bridge. Over time, the route of the Shliakh shifted and the stone bridge was gradually dismantled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the bearing capacity of two-layered soil medium using finite element (FE) software ABAQUS/CAE 2023. Although geotechnical engineers design foundations for layered soil, majorly current geotechnical studies emphasize single homogenous soil. So, this research has significant novelty as it focuses on layered soil and adds to the current literature. A nonlinear FE model was prepared and analyzed to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of two-layered soil (sandy soil over clayey soil). The Drucker–Prager and Mohr–Coulomb models were used to represent sandy soil and clayey soil layers, respectively. Strip footing material properties were considered isotropic and linearly elastic. This study performed parametric studies to understand the effects of thickness, unit weight, and the modulus of the elasticity of sandy soil on the ultimate soil bearing capacity. Additionally, it also analyzed the effect of the cohesive strength of clayey soil on layered soil bearing capacity. Results showed that an increase in sandy soil layer thickness strengthens the layered soil, and thus, improves the bearing capacity of soil. Increasing the sandy soil layer thickness over footing width (h1/B) ratio from 0.15 to 2.0 improved the ultimate bearing capacities with elastic settlements of 350 mm and 250 mm by 145.62% and 101.66%, respectively. Additionally, for a thicker sandy soil layer, an increase in the unit weight and modulus of the elasticity of sandy soil led to higher ultimate bearing capacity. Furthermore, it was concluded that an increase in clayey soil's cohesive strength from 20 kPa to 30 kPa resulted in a 24.31% and 3.47% increase in soil bearing capacity for h1/B = 0.15 and h1/B = 2.0, respectively. So, the effect of cohesion is prevalent in the case of a thicker clayey soil layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suffix "washing" refers to the practice of portraying controversial actions in a positive light by leveraging progressive principles, often used by economic corporations, organizations, political parties, or governments. This paper introduces and develops the term "studentwashing" to define the deliberate effort to present Israeli territorial development as an attractive, youthful, and unique experience. This portrayal aims to engage larger segments of society in the national geopolitical project while normalizing its settler-colonial aspects as a means to ensure its continuation. While the constant development of new territorial settlements is dependent either on the right-wing religious sector or on the "quality-of-life" settlers, studentwashing is reserved for areas that are not ideological enough for the first nor sufficiently attractive to the latter. Analyzing "student villages" in the Negev, this paper depicts a new territorial strategy meant to enhance the state's spatial control over the predominantly Arab periphery inside official Israeli borders. Accordingly, this paper offers a new perspective on Israel's territorial strategies and enhances the general study of geopolitical and geo-economic spatial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excavation of large-scale lacustrine soft soil in natural state in the Chengmenshan Copper mine, Jiujiang, China, is a challenging work and is illustrated in this paper. A geometrical model of the lacustrine soft soil was built based on data from more than 150 boreholes. A series of tests were conducted on the natural soft soil including compaction, consolidation and common test, and also remolded samples containing water contents of 10%, 13%, 16%, 21%, 25%, 30% and 37% were tested. Results showed that the cohesion and friction angle decrease rapidly with the increase in water content, but the consolidation pressure played a positive role to the increase in shear strength. To properly manage the soil properties and optimize the surcharge program, settlement and uplift during the infill construction were numerically analyzed by means of SIGMA/W. Based on the test and numerical simulation results, a long term in situ improvement method was proposed and performed. Finally, drilling sampling tests, settlement monitoring and slope stability analysis were conducted to evaluate the overall effects of the surcharge. The properties of the soft soil were improved greatly under the infill surcharge, especially the cohesion and frictional increased by 279.3% and 152.8% and almost reached the value of remolded soil after consolidation under pressure 300 kPa. The settlement rate decreased with the surcharge duration. The safety factor of slope after improvement also met the design requirement. Furthermore, the method proposed in this paper which have given consideration to economic conservation and environmental protection is significant for the soft soil excavation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of structures on weak soft soils is always a great challenge to geotechnical engineers. Among various ground improvement techniques, stone columns are widely used in many soil types and foundation situations. They are inexpensive, easy to construct and environmentally satisfactory. This paper discusses the construction methods, the failure mechanism and the most important factors affecting the behavior of stone columns. It further summarizes recent published work that focus on the performance of single and grouped encased stone columns in different types of soils. A compilation of the key findings and a summary table that simplify the retrieval of data from previous experimental, numerical and field studies are also presented in this paper. The results of these studies show that encasing stone columns with geosynthetics material is a successful solution that can be used to improve the load-settlement conduct of stone column foundations. The literature review indicate a lack of studies that investigate the effect of floating encased stone columns in reducing the collapse settlement of collapsible soils. Therefore, there is a necessity to conduct a detailed study highlighting key aspects, which affect the overall performance of this technique in such soils. This might help in finding the optimum design of the floating encased stone columns and evaluate the reduction in collapse settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on how the Hospitallers cultivated the island of Rhodes between 1309 and 1522, drawing on both published and unpublished documents from the Hospitallers' archive on Malta. After their conquest of Rhodes, the Hospitallers not only inherited the available land, but attempted to expand and enhance its productivity and use. This article considers both agricultural and possible recreational spaces, in particular looking at the diverse types of gardens that developed. The paper argues that there were distinct stages to the cultivation of Rhodes, especially apparent in the first half-century of occupation of the island: that is, settlement of Latins and Greeks on the island, which equates to the social cultivation of Rhodes, then bringing uncultivated land into cultivation, the conveying of already cultivated land under Hospitaller control, and finally the maintenance and improvement of farmed lands. This last task was something shared by the many Hospitaller commanderies throughout Europe and continued until their lands were gradually confiscated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the still largely unattended activities from the La Tène period at the major polycultural site in Mikulovice, Pardubice distr., Czech Republic. The site is known mainly for rich finds of grave gifts from the Early Bronze Age and also for its extensive settlement activities in HA2 – LTA. Thanks to the rescue excavations prior to the construction of residential houses in recent decades, the situation and artefacts of the course of LTB – D1 have been captured. The main axis of the paper is the analysis and evaluation of the find of the solitary La Tène inhumation grave. On this basis, it addresses the issues of possible links and contacts between the eastern Bohemian region and the Moravian area. The topic of settlement activities in Mikulovice during the younger period of the Iron Age is further addressed by analysing the pottery and evaluating several captured residential situations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pravni Vjesnik is the property of Pravni fakultet Sveucilista J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An automatic process for estimating ground stability and settlement of circular tunnels is developed for practitioners in this paper using finite difference method FLAC code. The numerical model aims to simulate the movement and relaxation of the soil around the shield and lining annulus that occurs due to the overcutting and grouting of the tunnel void by a tunnel boring machine. To achieve this, the model uses a pressure relaxation technique that progressively reduces the tunnel support pressure from the initial at rest condition until a point of failure is detected. At this stage, the stability number is calculated, and settlement data are exported for analysis. This is conducted for a range of geometry and soil ratios which cover most practical cases for cohesive soils. These stability numbers are then compared to rigorous upper and lower bound solutions. Using the settlement data, a trough width parameter ix is also determined for each case using regression of the commonly used Gaussian equation. The results of this study are quite positive, with the stability results from this study remaining within 5% of the upper and lower bound solutions; settlement results also compare well with previous experimental and observational results. The proposed automatic process can be used effectively and efficiently in most practical design projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities in the marginal zone of the Changtang Plateau (CTP) uninhabited area are important research topics in China and globally. Based on the core-periphery theory of geography, this paper selected three counties in the marginal zone of the CTP uninhabited area with significant transitional physical geography features and socio-economic conditions as case areas. We used the data set of settlement patches identified by visual interpretation in Google Earth Pro, combining them with field survey data to study the evolution of human settlements on the CTP, the characteristics of settlement layout, and their socio-economic roots. The study found that: (1) Since the democratic reform in Tibet, the production mode of herders on the CTP has transitioned from four-season nomadic herding to cold-season sedentary grazing, warm-season rotational grazing, and then to a combination of sedentary grazing and forage supplementation. In structural changes of grassroots organizations, village boundaries were clarified, grazing ranges were fixed, and settlement systems were formed. (2) On a large scale, the settlement layout on the CTP showed a certain degree of agglomeration in local areas, but the settlements' spatial agglomeration decreased as the observation scale decreased. The settlement size structure matched the typical rank-size rule of rural settlements. (3) The settlement layout of the CTP showed significant traffic lines and dominant location orientation. These orientation characteristics revealed "core-periphery" regional differences. Changes in production conditions, such as artificial grass cultivation and part-time employment, affected the dependence on traditional grazing points. Settlements moved from resource dependence to dependence on multiple elements, such as resources and facilities. The religious, cultural heritage of the sacred mountains, lakes, and temples influenced the settlement layout, leading to clustering in local areas and to group format. This study expands our understanding of the settlement pattern in the marginal zone of uninhabited areas and provides valuable references for advancing the optimization of the CTP human settlement system in the new era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a numerical model was developed to assess the settlement and the damaging mechanism of an old masonry church Adormirea Maicii Domnului located in Perisoru village, Romania by using finite element software Plaxis 3D. The main aim of this research was to simulate the ground problems and the structural failures observed. The rectangular foundation is placed on yellowish silty clay-loess, which was modelled and analysed in the present paper. Mohr-Coulomb soil model was used for the soil and the linear elastic model was used for the foundation. After computing the settlements, it was resulted the need of improving the soil. The soil was improved with cement, but some nano materials were considered as well, as an alternative. The results showed that the value of the settlements reduced with an increase in the amount (0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%) of the Nano-MgO. The results have been compared with the soil treated with 2 % cement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach to examining the impact of soil settlement and its spatial distribution on infrastructure. The study focuses on a specific road section in the Friesland coastal plain in the north of the Netherlands, investigating how the Holocene coastal subsurface architecture influences settlement patterns. Our study underscores the importance of integrating multiple datasets, providing data at varying resolutions. The road segment traverses lithostratigraphical units, which include tidal channel and tidal flat deposits, overlaying an older tidal basin system and intercalated peat beds. Through data assimilation of a settlement model optimized with InSAR measurements, we have identified settlement heterogeneities that can be explained by combining high-resolution variations in lithology with gradual changes in lithostratigraphy. This was accomplished by utilizing a mediumresolution model (MRM) based on borehole descriptions and a high- resolution data (HRD) approach based on cone penetration tests along the road. The HRD method proved more effective in capturing abrupt changes in lithology between channel structures, while the MRM provided a continuous representation of the lithostratigraphic setting of the area. Our study demonstrates that subsurface heterogeneities have significant implications for subsidence along roads. Settlement rates increase from 2-4 mm/year towards 9 mm/year along the road section, resulting in a differential settlement of more than 5 mm/year over a distance of less than a kilometer. This is primarily attributed to variations in lithostratigraphy. Overall, this new innovative approach offers a practical and cost-effective solution for predicting subsidence due to settlement, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory tests. By integrating lithology and lithostratigraphy, more efficient road maintenance and management become possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deep excavations, pre-excavation dewatering (PED) usually causes notable diaphragm wall (D-wall) deformation and ground settlement. However, this problem has not attracted sufficient attention. In this paper, the mechanisms and control methods of settlement caused by PED in a deep excavation in Tianjin, China are analysed. A hydraulic connection between the soil inside and outside the excavation area due to aquifer leakage was observed during PED. Therefore, although the first level of struts had been installed before PED, the deformation of the D-wall and ground settlement reached 6·9 mm and 12·5 mm, approximately 29·0% and 73·5% of the maximum allowable values, respectively. The monitoring results demonstrated that leaky aquifers could reduce the deformation of the D-wall but increased the magnitude and extent of ground settlement. Based on the numerical simulations of D-wall deformation and groundwater change, in this case, the ground settlement within the area extending two times the depth of unloading (two times the depth of dewatering, 2Hd) from the excavation was found to be caused by both the deformation of the D-wall and the drawdown of the groundwater, whereas the noticeable settlement in the area beyond 2Hd was caused by only the drawdown of the groundwater. When hydraulic connections exist between the soil inside and outside the excavation area, artificial recharge should be used to control the noticeable settlement induced by groundwater drawdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts a supra-regional approach to the Middle-Danube Tumulus culture problem on the basis of the inhumation burial from Oberdumbach, which shows the variability of burial in the crouched position in the Middle-Danube Tumulus culture, the settlement in Veselé, where bronzes and casting moulds from the pits prove the continuity of the settlement by the Maďarovce culture and the Middle-Danube Tumulus culture, and the burial site in Dunaújváros, where the pottery proves the contacts of this culture with the Vatya culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Derecho Privado is the property of Fundacion Fernando Fueyo Laneri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soft-ground tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are the preferred solution for the construction of long tunnels and linear infrastructure assets, especially in urban areas. TBMs allow the control of tunnel-face stability, minimising the effects on surrounding ground. Unfortunately, existing methods for the assessment of ground surface movements due to TBM tunnelling either utilise complex and computationally expensive numerical analyses or rely on simplistic volume-loss theories, which do not consider the characteristics of the ground and TBM operation. This paper presents a simple formulation to estimate the immediate surface settlement due to the applied TBM support pressure, based on an analogy with the hyperbolic behaviour of stress–strain curves of soils. The variables chosen to describe the ground movement were the maximum surface settlement and volume loss, while the TBM face support pressure is used to describe the tunnel internal support pressure. Uncertainties due to the inherent variability of geotechnical parameters were also considered, resulting in the definition of lower and upper boundaries. Data from a series of centrifuge test results, with and without tunnel-face reinforcement by forepoles, and a real-scale TBM case study were used to validate the proposed model. The analyses show that the proposed model adequately represented the observed settlement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]