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In efforts to address the far-reaching effects of climate change and associated impacts in communities, research on environmental philanthropy suggests that more resources are being allocated to environmental societal challenges. However, understandings about which environmental nonprofits benefit from these funding flows is limited. This study integrates resource dependency theory with elitism and pluralism perspectives to analyze a network of environmental nonprofits and their funders in Texas. Resource dependency and a network-analytic approaches share underlying relationality principles, and we connect those dots by conceptualizing the funding dynamics in Texas as a network of funder-grantee relations. Drawing on statewide survey data (n = 114), we use a network analysis technique – exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) – to analyze funding allocations in Texas through the organizational attributes of environmental nonprofits, their funder-grantee relations, and their community context. We specifically observe elitism in funding allocations in Texas, which is evident in network effects (preferential attachment) and the focal areas of environmental work. However, we find limited evidence that age or resources of the nonprofit are predictive of funding and the most influential factor determining a funder-grantee relationship is the natural hazard risk of the community served by the nonprofit. Our findings suggest interconnected funding dynamics of pluralism and elitism in the Texas environmental philanthropy landscape, prompting further discussion about the potential synergies of these patterns and the implications for environmental funding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal cavity of the foundation of a steel–concrete composite wind turbine tower (WTT) is designed to facilitate prestressed construction. The load-bearing mechanisms of this type of foundation are different from those of ring-type and anchor-type foundations commonly used in steel WTTs. Based on a real project, an integrated model of a prestressed tower–foundation–ground was built using the finite-element software Abaqus. The internal force and damage in the foundation of a steel–concrete WTT under extreme load conditions were studied using the static loading method. Under extreme load conditions, prestressed reinforcements were found to have little impact on the local pressure at the anchor end of the foundation. Prestressing the reinforcement effectively prevented concrete cracking and tower deformation. For areas experiencing extreme loads on both sides, simplified calculations for stress and reinforcement can be performed using calculation formulae for the bracket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate bearing capacity of a strip footing placed horizontally over the edge of a sloping rock mass has been determined on the basis of the stress characteristics method (SCM) using the generalized Hoek–Brown yield criterion. The effect of footing–rock interface roughness on the results has also been analyzed. The problem has been solved, in addition, with the usage of the adaptive mesh–based finite-element limit analysis (FELA) method. The results are provided in the form of nondimensional bearing capacity factor (Nσ) as a function of different input material parameters for several slope inclinations. After analyzing all the results, an expression on the basis of the regression analysis has also been generated to compute the factor Nσ as a function of different input variables. The bearing capacity obtained from the SCM has been found to lie between the lower and upper bounds of the FELA, and the failure patterns from the two sets of analyses match quite closely with each other for both smooth and rough footings. The results are also found to be in good agreement with the existing solutions from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field observations and centrifuge tests indicate that progressive column bending failure accompanies most instabilities of rigid-column-supported and geosynthetic-reinforced (RCGR) embankments. However, recognized guidelines specifically for evaluating the overall stability of such systems featuring bending failure remain limited. A general methodology to calculate the factor of safety (FS) for RCGR embankments using the limit equilibrium method is presented in this article. The focus is on deep-seated slope failures, wherein rigid columns progressively fracture due to subsoil overstressing. The concentric arches model, along with tensioned geosynthetic analysis, informs the determination of vertical and horizontal loads on the column heads. The column's resisting moment stems from its flexural and compression resistance. A mobilization factor for the net thrust on each column is defined to capture the progressive failure. The methodology involves an iterative computational procedure to identify the critical slip surface and the FS using the Fellenius' method. The solution was validated using three case studies, including both centrifuge models and field tests, as well as finite-element analysis. The results indicate that the soil mass contributes the most to resisting sliding and overall stability, followed by columns and geosynthetics. In addition, axial force mainly provides the resisting moment of columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The shape and flexibility of embedded structures, such as tree roots, piles, and anchors, have important impacts on the pullout behavior. However, the rate and manner of mobilization of soil resistances along such structures has not been rigorously explored across a wide range of shapes and structural properties. A spring model for computing compatible displacements of the structure and soil for curved, flexible structures is defined, validated against commonly used methods for computing pile pullout behavior, and then parametrically explored to demonstrate how resistances are mobilized along the length of such structures. The present model allows description of combined axial and transverse loading of these nonlinear structures. The simulation results for the case of normally consolidated clay show that the curvature of a structure causes the distribution of bearing resistance to extend further along the structure than for linear cases. The requirement of equilibrium of the structure produces a coupling between the mobilized bearing and tensile resistance in terms of rate of development and magnitude. Thus, the choices of structure shape impact the magnitude and distribution of mobilized resistance of embedded flexible structures. Implications for anchorage of tree root structures and principles of bioinspired design of anchorage systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk posed by expansive soils can be lessened by placing foundations at a more deep level below the surface. Structures are able to withstand uplift forces because overburden pressure partially suppresses swelling pressure. In order to transfer the forces to a sufficiently deep depth, this study suggests introducing shafts of a low-expansion overburden material. Soil improved with cement is chosen for this purpose. This study suggests using sand with added excavated natural clay and cement. The expansive clay is added to sand in ratios of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60%. The clay–sand mixture is then enhanced by cement of 1, 2, 4 and 8% by the weight of the mixture under four curing periods of 1, 7, 28, and 90 days. This material is recommended for use under lean concrete to transfer the loads to lower levels below the foundation depth. The thickness of this material depends on the stresses exerted, the type and the properties of the subsurface soils. The cement-enhanced clay–sand shaft's properties are examined in this work with regard to the swelling potential, compressibility, and the unconfined compressive strength for different clay contents and curing conditions. Stiff shafts were formed and found to support stresses from 600 to 3500 kPa at cement additions in the range of 1% to 8%. Clay content above 30% is found to be not suitable for Al-Qatif clay due to the compressibility and low strength of the mixture. When two percent or more of cement is added, the swelling potential is significantly reduced. This is reliant on the pozzolanic interactions of soils and cement as well as the clay mineralogy. Determining how cement affects clay–sand combinations in regions with expansive soils would facilitate the introduction of a novel, inexpensive technology to support loads applied by the superstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes mathematical foundations for music theory and composition. While mathematical methods have proven effective in music theory, a deficiency in rigorous mathematical foundations often leads to ad-hoc constructions and a reliance on intuitive notions with inexplicit definitions. The proposal introduces a comprehensive environment for encoding musical phenomena, as well as a theory of musical parameter. Drawing from the methodologies of (Mazzola, Guerino. 2002. The Topos of Music: Geometric Logic of Concepts, Theory, and Performance. Basel: Birkhäuser Verlag), the proposed framework aims to extend his theory of forms to accommodate a wider class of musical structures. Additionally, I advocate for a framework characterized by “comprehensive comprehension” (accommodating a broad class of musical objects), “explicit encoding” (capturing essential features of objects), and “limited ontological commitments” (minimizing posited ontological primitives). These three aspects aim to ensure the framework's generality, explicit representation of structure, and economic efficiency in theoretical constructions. Minimizing ontological commitments also has the benefit of facilitating easier comparisons between entities. This approach is motivated by the desire for a highly versatile framework that enables systematic and standardized construction methods without constraining the intended domain of discourse. To achieve these goals, the paper introduces a mathematical theory of structure grounded in topos theory. By offering a unified and systematic approach, this work contributes to establishing a more rigorous and standardized basis for mathematical music theory. This, in turn, fosters a deeper understanding of musical phenomena and enables more robust theoretical constructions and compositional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the first ever reported case in Brazil where delayed ettringite formation (DEF) has been confirmed as the sole cause of deterioration in field concrete. Still under construction and less than 2 years old, numerous cracks were observed in the foundation structures of a building located in Recife, a city known for its history of alkali–aggregate reaction (AAR) cases. In addition to a field survey of cracks, microstructural analyses, tests for residual expansion and compressive strength, a review of the structural design, determination of sulfate content in the groundwater and simplified thermal analysis were carried out. The results confirmed that DEF was the sole cause of the damage present in cast-in-place concrete structures, with no evidence of AAR or any other deterioration process. This work corroborates previously published studies on the high risk of the occurrence of DEF in the region, demonstrating the urgent need for a preventive technical standard in the country, considering the chemical composition of cements and prior thermal analyses to adopt possible preventive measures to limit the maximum internal temperature of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Social Science Studies is the property of Journal of Academic Social Science 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.)

The performance of a machine tool is directly influenced by the characteristics of the floor, subsoil, and their interaction with the installed machine. Installing a machine tool in its operational environment poses a distinct challenge that bridges mechanical and civil engineering disciplines. This interdisciplinary issue is often overlooked within the individual separate disciplines. However, effectively addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of mechanical and civil engineering principles. To address this problem, the present study proposes a method for improved modeling of the dynamic properties of the machine tool by considering the foundation and the subsoil on which it is installed. The method is based on finite element modeling. Linear models of the system components and the connections between them were used. These, supplemented with damping expressed by complex stiffness, made it possible to determine the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and frequency response functions (based on which the transmissibilities were obtained). Based on the experimentally verified models of vertical and horizontal lathes, the sensitivity analysis aimed at estimating the impact of changes in system parameters on vibration transmissibility for a floor-type and a block-type foundation was conducted. Thus, it was possible to identify those machine tool-support-foundation-subsoil system parameters that had the most significant impacts on the vibration's transmissibility. After analyzing the cases discussed, it became evident that the transmissibility of vibrations is primarily influenced by two key factors. First and foremost, the properties of the structural loop of the machine tool played a significant role. Additionally, the characteristics of the subsoil on which the foundation was situated emerged as a crucial determinant in the observed vibration transmissibility. [Display omitted] • A method of modeling the dynamic properties of machine tool-support-foundation-subsoil system was presented. • The method was presented for two types of lathes: vertical and horizontal, and two types of foundation floor and block. • The modeling method was experimentally verified. • The sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate the impact of changes in system parameters on vibration transmissibility for a floor-type and a block-type foundation for vertical and horizontal lathes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a practical approach for data-efficient metamodeling and real-time modeling of laterally loaded monopiles using physics-informed multifidelity data fusion. The proposed approach fuses information from one-dimensional (1D) beam-column model analysis, three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis, and field measurements (in order of increasing fidelity) for enhanced accuracy. It uses an interpretable scale factor–based data fusion architecture within a deep learning framework and incorporates physics-based constraints for robust predictions with limited data. The proposed approach is demonstrated for modeling monopile lateral load–displacement behavior using data from a real-world case study. Results show that the approach provides significantly more accurate predictions compared to a single-fidelity metamodel and a widely used multifidelity data fusion model. The model's interpretability and data efficiency make it suitable for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paradigma is the property of Universidad Pedagogica Experimental Libertador 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.)

Held in Dublin, Ireland, IS2024 invites us to refresh understanding of contributions to systems engineering by Ireland's greatest mathematician–Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805 ‐ 1865), Professor of Astronomy at Trinity College Dublin and Royal Astronomer of Ireland. His profound contributions to STEM deserve greater systems community attention. Supporting theory and practice, they intersect Foundations and Applications streams of INCOSE's Future of Systems Engineering (FuSE) program. Strikingly, key aspects apply to systems of all types, including socio‐technical and information systems. Hamilton abstracted the energy‐like generator of dynamics for all systems, while also generalizing momentum. Applied to the INCOSE Innovation Ecosystem Pattern as dynamics of learning, development, and life cycle management, this suggests an architecture for integration of the digital thread and machine learning in innovation enterprises, along with foundations of systems engineering as a dynamical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Deutsche Schule is the property of Waxmann Verlag GmbH 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.)

The objective of this study was to explore the higher-order turbulence statistics of flow and turbulent length scales around a complex pier (CP) and compare the results with those for a simple pier (SP). The velocity data were recorded in a laboratory flume using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The PIV data were analysed to estimate the velocity fluctuations of third order, turbulence production and dissipation rates, turbulent length scales and the contributions of burst–sweep events to the total Reynolds shear stress around the piers mounted on a rigid flat surface. The skewness and advection coefficients indicated a more asymmetric distribution of velocity fluctuations for the SP than for the CP. Ejection and sweep events illustrated the dominance of similar strengths for an extended period, downstream of the piers. The upstream turbulent kinetic energy production was similar for both piers, while the upstream dissipation rate was higher for the CP. The length scales were greater at the upstream for the case of the SP while, downstream, they were greater for the CP. The findings of this work demonstrate the importance of a pile cap in restricting downward-moving flow by showing a lower magnitude of scour-inducing turbulence parameters for the CP as compared with the SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of compaction effort and soaking time on the shear strength properties of fine-grained gypsum-containing soils. The objective was to demonstrate that increasing compaction effort increases soil strength, specifically cohesion and the angle of shear strength, when subjected to soaking in freshwater. Unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests were carried out on CBR soil samples with different soaking times. The results showed a transition from brittle to ductile failure behaviour as the soaking time increased. Mohr–Coulomb failure envelopes showed reduced cohesion and angle of shear strength with increasing soak time. Regression models were developed to establish correlations between soaked and unsoaked strength parameters. Strong relationships were found between soil strength properties, compaction effort and soaking time. Empirical equations were proposed to estimate the cohesion and angle of shear strength from compaction effort and soaking time. This study highlighted the importance of considering gypsum-rich soils in civil engineering design. Gypsum dissolution during wetting significantly affected soil strength parameters. The regression models and empirical equations provide engineers with tools to assess the influence of compaction effort and soaking time on soil strength, thus aiding decision making when designing structures on gypsum-rich soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article was originally published in 2014 -- a time when equity was not as frequently evoked as it is now. Social justice and human rights are part of the mission of many philanthropies. Evaluation produced, sponsored, or consumed by these philanthropies that does not consider the imperatives of cultural competency may be inconsistent with their missions. The American Evaluation Association's Statement on Cultural Competence provides those who produce, sponsor, and use evaluation an opportunity to examine and align their practices and policies within a context of racial and cultural equity and inclusion. This article seeks to open a discussion of how philanthropy can use an equitable-evaluation approach to apply the principles of the AEA statement, present the concept of equitable evaluation alongside an approach for building equitable-evaluation capacity, and apply equitable-evaluation capacity building to philanthropy. In the 2024 prologue, Dean-Coffey describes how the research that led to this article stemmed from a foundation wanting to know how others were addressing equity -- racial equity in particular -- in their evaluation approach. A deeper curiosity led to the Equitable Evaluation Framework™ Framing Paper and "What's Race Got to Do With It? Equity and Philanthropic Practice." Both informed the purpose of the Equitable Evaluation Initiative, which is to seed a field of EEF practitioners who advance equity; expand notions of objectivity, rigor, and validity; and embrace complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors of this article, originally published in 2016, argue that a foundation's internal culture is critical to achieving large-scale social change, but that efforts to build a changemaking culture too often are left out of strategy conversations. While there is no one culture that suits every foundation, a particular set of characteristics must be present in those that seek large-scale social change: a focus on outcomes, transparency, authenticity, collaboration, racial equity and inclusion, continuous learning, and openness to risk. This article offers insights into why culture can be challenging for foundations to address and maintain, examines cases of successful culture change at foundations, and offers advice for foundations that aspire to it. In the 2024 prologue, the authors note that philanthropy has evolved in some important ways since the article was written. One significant change has been an increase in the number of foundations that are shifting priorities and practices to center racial equity -- this out of recognition that race is the biggest indicator of disparities on a range of social issues in the United States. For foundations working to build a culture centered on equity and inclusion, the authors offer three recommendations: be intentional with language, prioritize relationships and listening, and pay attention to power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of compaction effort and soaking time on the shear strength properties of fine-grained gypsum-containing soils. The objective was to demonstrate that increasing compaction effort increases soil strength, specifically cohesion and the angle of shear strength, when subjected to soaking in freshwater. Unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests were carried out on CBR soil samples with different soaking times. The results showed a transition from brittle to ductile failure behaviour as the soaking time increased. Mohr–Coulomb failure envelopes showed reduced cohesion and angle of shear strength with increasing soak time. Regression models were developed to establish correlations between soaked and unsoaked strength parameters. Strong relationships were found between soil strength properties, compaction effort and soaking time. Empirical equations were proposed to estimate the cohesion and angle of shear strength from compaction effort and soaking time. This study highlighted the importance of considering gypsum-rich soils in civil engineering design. Gypsum dissolution during wetting significantly affected soil strength parameters. The regression models and empirical equations provide engineers with tools to assess the influence of compaction effort and soaking time on soil strength, thus aiding decision making when designing structures on gypsum-rich soils.

Expansive soils are generally characterised by their volume change when subjected to variation in water content. This may result in significant damage to supported and nearby structures. In this study, the swelling properties of bentonite material as an expansive soil are first determined. The expansive soil is then improved using two different approaches, namely, micro-metakaolin (Mm) and ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution. The optimum percentages for both additives are determined using laboratory experiments, which are 25 and 1% for the Mm and the ferric chloride solution, respectively. The free swell index of the bentonite after being treated with Mm and ferric chloride solution at the optimum percentages is found to decrease by about 54 and 62%, respectively. Meanwhile, the swelling pressure for the expansive soil decreased by 33 and 43% when mixed with the same optimum values of Mm and ferric chloride solution, respectively. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, the addition of ferric chloride solution achieved better results compared with Mm. This improvement technique may be used to enhance the properties of expansive soils that support different construction engineering projects. [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]

Both the behavior of societies and post-modern geopolitics are subject to an engineering of chaos. The current chaos is also mainly due to the closure of the planet upon itself and the hyperbolicity which results from the associated feedback within inside relationships. This chaos is enhanced by the demography in poor countries and the exponential evolution of the social networks. The mastering of this chaos requires having the tools of thought allowing us to face ambient nihilism by rediscovering a rationality adapted to its internal complexity. We show here how mathematics, which is essentially confronted with the same class of problems as anthropology, can approach this question [GOF37,45], [CHG10] [LOG11], [GRG68], [SEM13] We will back the arguing on the notions of convention, of monotony of hierarchy and fix point in social environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal is the property of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal 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.)

Copyright of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal is the property of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal 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 response to Ahmad and von Schnurbein's article argues that strategies for strengthening grant‐making foundations can be expanded through an examination of the relationship between foundations and non‐profits, in particular the power balance between them. It offers a preliminary discussion of the consequences of an imbalance of power for both foundation and non‐profit and the related role of communication both between them and within the organisations. It subsequently focusses on the need for more support for balanced relationships between foundations and non‐profits from the leadership of foundations and the wider sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPost-piled offshore jacket foundations usually temporarily rest on mudmats, which may have shear keys or skirts for increased sliding capacity. Scour protection may also be required. Therefore, the skirts or plates should fully penetrate into the scour protection. While current standards offer analytical solutions for penetration resistance in sandy or clayey soils, they may underestimate resistance when soil grain size is comparable to plate thickness. Here, small-scale laboratory tests examine this grain size effect during skirt penetration into granular soils, varying skirt thicknesses and using a sand and a gravel, with plate thickness to grain size ratios ranging from 0.4 to 63. A total of 30 penetration tests were conducted, along with triaxial and direct shear tests. Results show increased penetration load with thicker skirts and higher soil friction angles. Furthermore, the penetration load increased with the grain size to skirt thickness ratio. An alternative equivalent thickness using d99 to account for the soil grain size is proposed and validated against the conducted experimental tests. The new equivalent thickness enhances the theoretical interpretation because it reduces the range of back-fitted values for the soil friction angle to 4° in the studied cases, instead of 8° with the actual plate thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stronger granular layers are often placed as working platforms over weaker sand subgrade. The design of a working platform involves the calculation of a two-layer bearing capacity under rectangular loading. Existing design methods are either overly simplified, based on infinitely long strip loads and validated by a small number of small-scale 1g model tests, or rely on numerous or empirically derived charts that are difficult to use or implement into design software. In this paper a new and highly practical design method is proposed in which the bearing capacity is determined simply from the shear strengths and unit weights of the two soil layers. The method was derived from extensive finite-element analysis and finite-element limit analysis (FELA) parametric studies in both plane strain and axisymmetric geometries. It was validated against published physical model tests, other FELA analyses and existing design methods. It can be applied to all rectangular shape ratios with dry and saturated layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Business Law Journal / Administração de Empresas em Revista is the property of Administracao de Empresas em Revista 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.)

Analysis of the main problems of the emergency state of the monuments shows that the main problem of disrupting the equilibrium of the statics of the "footing-foundation-structure" system is the uneven subsidence of the foundations, weak foundation soils, moistening of the foundation soils due to the violation or absence of waterproofing. The subsidence of footings and foundations, changes in hydrogeological conditions, the absence of blind areas and disorganized drainage from the basement, ageing of masonry solutions, a decrease in the strength and bearing properties of stone, brick and plinthiform brick lead to an emergency state of stone walls, their deformation, moistening, destruction of masonry, the appearance of cracks. Unique monuments of the Kyivan Rus period have been preserved in Ukraine. Unfortunately, as a result of the Mongol-Tatar invasion and destruction of the period of atheism in the 1930s, only foundations or separate parts of many temples remained, and some temples were rebuilt during the Baroque period. From many unique monuments, only the foundations remained, in some, in addition to the foundations, walls and individual fragments remained. In this case, the main restoration task was the maximum preservation of artefacts -- foundations, walls, side-chapels. [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]

In this paper, I longitudinally analyze grantmaking for Community Revitalization and Economic Development (CED) by large place-oriented foundations, offering insights into the longitudinal trajectories of CED grantmaking by these foundations and factors affecting foundation decision-making with regard to CED. By integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis, I answer the following questions: (1) To what extent have large place-oriented foundations pursued and intensified CED grantmaking? (2) What explains variation in CED grantmaking among the foundations? Through a more nuanced analysis of motivations of and constraints on foundation grantmaking for CED, this study demonstrates that multiple factors, including institutional mission, funding structure, leadership preferences, and local contexts, shape CED grantmaking decisions. Additionally, this study finds that local private foundations are more likely to devote large resources to CED than other types of foundations. Within many place-oriented foundations, the broad discretion wielded by foundation leaders, coupled with a relatively expansive interpretation of CED and community well-being, carries implications for enhancing foundation involvement in CED, promoting effective partnerships between foundations and grant-seeking organizations, and ensuring accountability and transparency in foundation-led CED. In-depth case studies will further enhance our understanding of why and how place-oriented foundations advance particular CED grantmaking strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exaggerators (Ghulāt) were the first group of interpretive currents in Shiite history to introduce heresy into Islamic teachings by incorporating their exaggerated ideas into Shi'i interpretive and hadith texts. They were divided into two groups of atheists and nonatheists, each of whom entered Quranic interpretation with their own presuppositions and interpreted the verses of the Quran according to their own methods. Therefore, it is very important to know their bases and methods of interpretation in order to recognize them better. In this article, an attempt is made to extract the exaggerations in Shi'a Quranic commentaries. Using the descriptive-analytical-critical method, their foundations and methods are examined and criticized and validated with the help of hadith criticism tools. Based on the hadiths of the great exaggerators, it is found that most of their hadiths in the Shi'ah commentaries have fundamental problems in terms of sanad and hadith text. In addition, the contents of many of these narratives are in conflict with the principles and branches of Shari'a [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the complex soil–pile–raft interaction and their mobilization with the level of settlement is an important aspect for the performance-based design of the combined pile–raft foundation (CPRF). This paper investigates the influence of various interactions governing the load-bearing mechanism of a vertically loaded CPRF using a three-dimensional finite element-based computer program. The soil was modeled using the conventional Mohr–Coulomb elastic-perfectly plastic constitutive relationship and the drained condition was adopted in the analysis. Piles and raft were modeled using embedded beam elements and plate elements respectively. After successful validation of the developed numerical model, extensive numerical simulations were carried out considering a CPRF of different geometries and configurations where the foundation was subjected to incremental settlement boundary conditions. The variation of pile–pile, pile–raft and raft–pile interactions with settlement and their influence in dictating the loads induced within the foundation components were obtained. The analysis results indicated that the settlement levels played an important role in the mobilization of loads and dictating the efficiency of CPRF. Piles within a CPRF were able to mobilize their full capacity at the settlement of 1.5–2% of the raft width. The level of settlement and the spacing between the piles dictated the transition from negative interaction to positive interaction indicating a higher capacity of a CPRF compared to the combined capacities of piles and raft at higher settlement levels. Results suggested the operating settlement of CPRF which may be useful for geotechnical practitioners in making this foundation a cost-effective foundation choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 30, 2020 14:51 (UTC), a moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.0 (USGS, EMSC) earthquake occurred in the Aegean Sea north of the island of Samos, Greece. Turkish and Hellenic geotechnical reconnaissance teams were deployed immediately after the event and their findings are documented herein. The predominantly observed failure mechanism was that of earthquake-induced liquefaction and its associated impacts. Such failures are presented and discussed together with a preliminary assessment of the performance of building foundations, slopes and deep excavations, retaining structures and quay walls. On the Anatolian side (Turkey), and with the exception of the Izmir-Bayrakli region where significant site effects were observed, no major geotechnical effects were observed in the form of foundation failures, surface manifestation of liquefaction and lateral soil spreading, rock falls/landslides, failures of deep excavations, retaining structures, quay walls, and subway tunnels. In Samos (Greece), evidence of liquefaction, lateral spreading and damage to quay walls in ports were observed on the northern side of the island. Despite the proximity to the fault (about 10 km), the amplitude and the duration of shaking, the associated liquefaction phenomena were not pervasive. It is further unclear whether the damage to quay walls was due to liquefaction of the underlying soil, or merely due to the inertia of those structures, in conjunction with the presence of soft (yet not necessarily liquefied) foundation soil. A number of rockfalls/landslides were observed but the relevant phenomena were not particularly severe. Similar to the Anatolian side, no failures of engineered retaining structures and major infrastructure such as dams, bridges, viaducts, tunnels were observed in the island of Samos which can be mostly attributed to the lack of such infrastructure.

Construction professionals are at the forefront in reinforcing the soil with the use and application of methods and materials that help increase its bearing capacity, since one of the main causes of building collapse and settlement is soft soil. For this study, a five-story reinforced concrete building was designed using structural software and a soil-structure interaction analysis was performed. Immediate and differential settlements were calculated with the application of loads from the structure. Four reinforcement analysis models were considered: 1) without improvement; 2) with soil replacement; 3) with geogrids; and 4) with geogrids and footing width reduction. The bearing capacity was estimated using data from soil studies and material parameters from quarries near the study area in Portoviejo, Ecuador. An adaptation to the formulas of Meyerhof & Hanna (1978) was applied for the soil substitution alternative, while the formulas of Huang & Meng (1997) were used and applied for the geogrids. The aim of this analysis is to obtain a high bearing capacity value of the soil that leads to savings in foundation material and at the same time to achieve low numbers of settlements that are deduced to the safety of the structure. The results of the reinforcement in relation to the natural soil revealed a considerable increase for the geogrid alternatives compared to soil substitution, and a reduction in settlements. The percentages obtained after analysis and calculations demonstrate the benefits of using geogrids under this type of structure.

This study proposes a framework to evaluate the performance of borehole arrangements for the design of rectangular shallow foundation systems under spatially variable soil conditions. Performance measures are introduced to quantify, for a fixed foundation layout and given soil sounding locations, the variability level of the foundation system bearing capacities in terms of their mean values and standard deviations. To estimate these measures, the recently proposed random failure mechanism method (RFMM) has been adopted and extended to consider any arrangement of rectangular foundations and boreholes. Hence, three-dimensional bearing capacity estimation under spatially variable soil can be efficiently performed. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed framework, including diverse foundation arrangements and different soil correlation structures. Overall, the proposed framework represents a potentially useful tool to support the design of geotechnical site investigation programs, especially in situations where very limited prior knowledge about the soil properties is available.