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The Roman provinces did not exist as entities but as a part of a complex system involving their urban and rural landscape, communications and networks. This paper explores evidence for ceramic production within the territory of the Augustan colony of Patras, highlighting the city’s significance as a major production center due to its strategic position in regional and long-distance trading networks. Regarding the archaeological evidence, 60 sites with evidence for ceramic production were studied, providing new data on their architectural structures, workshops and kilns as well as spatial organization within Patras and its territory. The prime focus of the work, focused on the definition of local Roman wares. Hence, 150 samples were selected from the kilns and their surrounding area for typological and fabric analysis. This paper offers the first systematic archaeometric analysis of Roman ceramics from the city of Patras and serves as a major guide-line for defining what was actually produced locally (e.g. grey and red sigillatas, plain ware vessels, ceramic building materials and amphorae). Petrographic analysis enabled us to determine the local compositional patterns establishing that there are five fabrics encountered among the various workshops with few compositional differences, indicating that they derive possibly from the same locally available clay deposits. Imported (Italian) terra sigillatas could also be successfully distinguished. Mineralogical analysis through X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) allowed the study of the nature of the raw materials used and enabled the estimation of kiln firing temperatures, which ranged from 700 to 1100 °C, thereby offering vital insights into ceramic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the petrographic and geomechanical properties of the Inzari Formation rocks in Tar Khel Village, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on their suitability as building materials for structures such as bridges, buildings, and roads. Five fresh samples from various areas of this formation were analyzed and identified as siliciclastic mudstone through petrographic analysis. The results of physical properties (water absorption, specific gravity, and porosity) and mechanical properties (unconfined compression strength, unconfined tensile strength, Schmidt hammer test, and shear strength) indicate the Inzari Formation rocks have unconfined compressive strengths ranging from 23 to 94 MPa, specific gravity values ≥2.78, and low porosity and water absorption values (<1%), suggesting their excellent potential as building materials. Comparatively, the unconfined compressive strength values of the Inzari Formation rocks are similar to those of the NikanaiGhar limestone, which averaged 93.348 MPa, further confirming their suitability for construction. Additionally, the low porosity values of the Inzari Formation rocks align with the porosity range of 0.31% to 0.41% reported in the NikanaiGhar limestone study. Based on these findings, the Inzari Formation rocks are appropriate for use as fine aggregate in concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the lithologies used in the stone products of Neviodunum (modern Drnovo in Slovenia), a Roman municipium in south‐western Pannonia. For this purpose, 95 stone monuments were assessed. Petrographic and biostratigraphic analyses were carried out on 56 archaeological and 57 geological samples. Our research shows that, besides some rare exceptions, most stone products refer to three lithostratigraphic units: the Middle Miocene ‘Lithothamnium’ Limestone Member of the Laško Formation, the Upper Cretaceous Krško Formation and the Early Jurassic Krka Limestone Member of the Podbukovje Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration of historical buildings especially the Fort Ikoma in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania requires knowing the material properties used in their construction by characterizing the composition and properties of the mortar to inform the sustainable restoration strategies. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analysis of the mud mortar from the Fort Ikoma historical building in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania using appropriate standard methods. The results indicated predominant compositions by weight of mud mortar through chemical analysis were silica (59.82%), alumina (20.42%), and Iron (III) oxide (11.07%), which contributed to the higher pozzolanic activity (91.31%) and cementitious properties (Cementitious Index of 46.76) of the historical mud mortar. Mineralogical analysis revealed that a high amount of quartz (38%), nacrite (17%), and other materials such as albite, chlorite, and nepheline put up the ability of mud mortar to resist environmental pressures. The findings contribute to awareness of historical building materials and provide the technical basis for restoring the Fort Ikoma historical building in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, and similar historical buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, Rajasthan, the northwestern part of India, possesses geological diversity comparable to its cultural richness. This paper focuses on evaluating a promising geological heritage site in Rajasthan, the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Stromatolite Park at Bhojunda (District Chittorgarh). The Bhagwanpura Limestone Formation of the Lower Vindhyan Group hosts well-preserved stromatolites at this geosite. The paper assesses, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the potential of this stromatolite-bearing site and based on the available data and analysis considers it to be a strong candidate for a potential geoheritage site. SWOT analysis also suggests that the site has immense potential but at the same time, is in urgent need of geoconservation. Stromatolites provide valuable insights into the early life on Earth; the Stromatolite Park at Bhojunda holds a significant potential as a Geoheritage site due to its extensive geological exposure. Stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures formed mainly by photosynthetic microorganisms that include cyanobacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and Pseudomonadota. They produce cementing materials that bind sediments (sand and other rocky materials) to form “microbial mats”. In the present study, species from seven genera, namely Conophyton cylindricus, Baicalia baicalica, Collenia columnaris, and Kussiella kussiensis, Tungussia sp., Stratifera rara, and Weedia walcott are recorded suggesting a lower‒middle Riphean age. Petrographically, the Bhagwanpura Limestone is composed of fine grains of calcite and dolomite with dispersed grains of cryptocrystalline silica, iron oxide, chert fragments, and veinlets of quartz and calcite. Present analysis suggests that the Bhojunda Stromatolite Park meets all standards to become a Global Geopark. It is crucial to take the necessary actions to apply for UNESCO confirmation, advocating not just community-driven conservation of the region’s geological heritage but also fostering sustainable development by improving the native tribes’ standard of living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the results of petrographic analysis of stone materials from the Mesolithic sites of Kosa 1–3 in the northern Kama River area (Perm Region) are discussed. The sites of Kosa 1 and 2 are located on the second terraces of the Lolog and Kosa Rivers, and Kosa 3 — on the first terrace of the Kosa River. Kosa 1 and 2 are considered chronologically similar and belong to the Late Mesolithic period. The site of Kosa 3 is younger, and it marks the transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic. For the analysis, aimed at determining the ancient raw material strategies, selected were five stone artifacts from Kosa 1, five stone artifacts from Kosa 2, and eight samples from Kosa 3. Polarised microscopy was used for the petrographic study of stones in thin sections. This method allows the precise diagnosis of minerals and rocks based on their optical characteristics. The results indicate that flint and jasper were applied as main raw materials at all analysed sites. The choice of material for the stone industry at the sites was limited. Sandstone and siltstone were used for production of stone macro tools. The difference in raw source materials was determined for the Kosa 1 and Kosa 2 sites on one hand, and Kosa 3 on another — the main raw sources at the Mesolithic sites were flint and jasper, while at the Kosa 3 transitional site coloured pebbly flint was used. The comparison of the results with petrographic data from other Mesolithic sites of this region demonstrates similarity in the main principles of the strategy of raw source choices such as using flint and jasper. Furthermore, a larger variety of source raw materials has been determined for the sites of the Middle Kama River basin. The comparison with the results from the Late Stone Age sites also revealed a greater variety in the materials used in comparison with the Kosinsk sites (platy flints, cherts, tuffs, gabbro, and others). All raw materials were of local origin such as alluvial deposits of the Lolog and Kosa Rivers. The results of the petrographic analysis suggest the situational choice of materials for the manufacture of tools by the local population, with the main factor being their easy accessibility.

This study presents the development and validation of a robust semi-supervised learning framework specifically designed for the automated segmentation and classification of sandstone thin section images from the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. Traditional geological image analysis methods encounter significant challenges due to the labor-intensive and error-prone nature of manual labeling, compounded by the diversity and complexity of rock thin sections. Our approach addresses these challenges by integrating the GL-SLIC algorithm, which combines Gabor filters and Local Binary Patterns for effective superpixel segmentation, laying the groundwork for advanced component identification. The primary innovation of this research is the semi-supervised learning model that utilizes a limited set of manually labeled samples to generate high-confidence pseudo labels, thereby significantly expanding the training dataset. This methodology effectively tackles the critical challenge of insufficient labeled data in geological image analysis, enhancing the model's generalization capability from minimal initial input. Our framework improves segmentation accuracy by closely aligning superpixels with the intricate boundaries of mineral grains and pores. Additionally, it achieves substantial improvements in classification accuracy across various rock types, reaching up to 96.3% in testing scenarios. This semi-supervised approach represents a significant advancement in computational geology, providing a scalable and efficient solution for detailed petrographic analysis. It not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of geological interpretations but also supports broader hydrocarbon exploration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of ceramics from Northwest China from the Neolithic and Bronze Age (c. 3300–600 BCE), providing insights into variations in human–ceramic interactions over time and space. Based on macroscopic and petrographic analysis of ceramics from 10 sites, this paper shows that there is much more complexity in ceramic technology than previously thought. It identifies a development from a bi‐modal distinction between painted fine ware and rusticated coarse wares shared among communities across Northwest China to strongly localised ceramic traditions with new fabrics, vessel shapes, and decorations, some of them potentially of outside origin, reflecting considerable societal change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Materiały Budowlane is the property of Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT 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 production and distribution of ceramic building materials (CBM) in the Roman period have long attracted the attention of archaeologists, as they provide clues to aspects of trade, identity, and technological and architectural traditions. However, there has been a notable scarcity of studies focusing on plain CBM in the southern Levant, particularly in the Mediterranean coastal region. This study concentrates on CBM (bricks, tubuli, drainage pipes, and roof tiles) from a Roman-period wealthy farmstead (Khirbat Khaur el-Bak) near the city of Ashqelon/Ascalon, apparently owned by a serving member of the military or a veteran. The petrographic analyses indicate that apart from the locally produced drainage pipes, the CBM were imported from overseas, namely Cilicia and Beirut. The results shed light on CBM trade in the Eastern Mediterranean, and on the complex nature of the population and material life in and around Roman Ashqelon, which included local and foreign elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the application of machine learning techniques to automate and enhance petrographic workflows, focusing on grain segmentation and feature extraction. We present two novel software tools: GrainSight, which utilizes a supervised deep learning model (FastSAM) for automated grain detection and morphological characterization; and PetroSeg, which employs an unsupervised segmentation approach to explore rock properties and calculate porosity. GrainSight application significantly improves efficiency and accuracy compared to manual methods. The FastSam model enables rapid and accurate grain detection and extraction of morphological features, which can provide insights into depositional environments, sediment routing systems, and reservoir quality. PetroSeg, on the other hand, offers an exploratory approach for porosity quantification, identification of mineral associations, and characterization of textural domains. Both methods offer unique advantages and demonstrate the potential of machine learning in petrographic analysis. Utilizing these tools has the potential to greatly enhance efficiency, objectivity, and data processing, thereby enabling new opportunities for teaching, research, and applications across multiple geological fields. The code of the two applications, GrainSight and PetroSeg, is open-source, available on GitHub and data.gouv.fr.

The fine-grained Pennsylvanian Cane Creek Shale of the Paradox Formation, Paradox Basin, Utah exhibits relatively thin cyclic interbeds of contrasting lithologies including fine sandstone to siltstone, organic-rich carbonate and dolomitic mudstone, and evaporites. As such, it provides a unique opportunity to evaluate micro-facies and the fluid storage capacity potential of mixed fine-grained systems. Micro-facies descriptions were performed using core and petrographic analyses, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The study leverages core-based porosity and permeability data, as well as previous core description. These data are used together to explore mineralogical depositional and diagenetic controls on porosity and permeability. Twelve micro-facies were described based on sedimentological textures, grain size, lithology, and mineralogy categorized into three groups: 1) sandstone to siltstone, 2) mudstone, and 3) evaporitic micro-facies. Sandstone to siltstone micro-facies exhibit variable porosity and permeability. Porosity connectivity is dependent on the degree of authigenic cementation and compaction that negatively impacts porosity. Mudstone micro-facies show less variability in porosity and permeability; and are characterized by carbonate content, organic-matter, and clay nanopores. The development of early carbonate grains maintains porosity in mudstone and dolomitic siltstone micro-facies. Evaporitic micro-facies represented by evaporitic sabkha-like conditions are characterized by pore-reducing anhydrite and halite cement. A diagenetic paragenetic sequence was developed to assess the timing and impact of mineralogy on reservoir quality. Early (eogenetic), Middle (mesogenetic), and Late (telogenetic) stages correspond with diagenetic stages and known tectonic basin events. Syndepositional dolomite and diagenetic illite/smectite authigenic cements are the main controls on reservoir quality and have opposing effects related to porosity and permeability by preserving early pore space or reducing porosity and permeability.

The restoration of historical buildings especially the Fort Ikoma in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania requires knowing the material properties used in their construction by characterizing the composition and properties of the mortar to inform the sustainable restoration strategies. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analysis of the mud mortar from the Fort Ikoma historical building in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania using appropriate standard methods. The results indicated predominant compositions by weight of mud mortar through chemical analysis were silica (59.82%), alumina (20.42%), and Iron (III) oxide (11.07%), which contributed to the higher pozzolanic activity (91.31%) and cementitious properties (Cementitious Index of 46.76) of the historical mud mortar. Mineralogical analysis revealed that a high amount of quartz (38%), nacrite (17%), and other materials such as albite, chlorite, and nepheline put up the ability of mud mortar to resist environmental pressures. The findings contribute to awareness of historical building materials and provide the technical basis for restoring the Fort Ikoma historical building in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, and similar historical buildings.

Abstract This research combines petrography and seismic analysis to assess the Upper Cretaceous Abu Roash (AR)/D’s carbonate member composition in the Southwest Abu-Sennan oil field in the Southern Abu Gharadig Basin within the Northern Western Desert of Egypt. Various datasets were used, including petrographic thin sections, and electrical well logs for four stratigraphic wells (01, -02, -03, and, -04), along with a time domain seismic dataset covering the study area. Petrographic analysis across multiple depths and intervals has provided valuable insights. Well-01 demonstrates mud-wackstone with diverse mineral components at 1671–74 m MD, indicating favorable reservoir quality. Well-02 exhibits diverse compositions at intervals 1740–43 m MD and 1746–49 m MD, also showcasing good reservoir quality. Well-03 reveals a packstone rock type at 1662–65 m MD with favorable reservoir characteristics. Well-04 displays peloids Wack-Packstone and Oolitic Packstone at intervals 1764–67 m MD and 1770–73 m MD, respectively, both indicating good reservoir quality. Integrating the petrography and seismic attributes results concerning the structural level of AR/D concerning the used wells, it's evident that Well-03 stands out due to its relatively high structural level, drilled near a major fault, revealing distinct fracture sets that contribute to a notably high reservoir quality as depicted in the RMS amplitude and Ant track attributes maps. AR/D reservoir levels in wells 02, and, 04, are relatively positioned at structurally lower levels, and face challenges with overburden pressure and mechanical compaction, resulting in diminished facies quality for the reservoir. Seismic attributes like the Ant track and RMS amplitude indicated that the presence of fractures within the AR/D Member's carbonate is linked to the prevalence of interpreted normal faults. The implemented procedure in this research can be applied to enhance comprehension of AR/D carbonate reservoirs in adjacent regions, thereby increasing the hydrocarbon exploration possibilities.

This research combines petrography and seismic analysis to assess the Upper Cretaceous Abu Roash (AR)/D's carbonate member composition in the Southwest Abu-Sennan oil field in the Southern Abu Gharadig Basin within the Northern Western Desert of Egypt. Various datasets were used, including petrographic thin sections, and electrical well logs for four stratigraphic wells (01, -02, -03, and, -04), along with a time domain seismic dataset covering the study area. Petrographic analysis across multiple depths and intervals has provided valuable insights. Well-01 demonstrates mud-wackstone with diverse mineral components at 1671–74 m MD, indicating favorable reservoir quality. Well-02 exhibits diverse compositions at intervals 1740–43 m MD and 1746–49 m MD, also showcasing good reservoir quality. Well-03 reveals a packstone rock type at 1662–65 m MD with favorable reservoir characteristics. Well-04 displays peloids Wack-Packstone and Oolitic Packstone at intervals 1764–67 m MD and 1770–73 m MD, respectively, both indicating good reservoir quality. Integrating the petrography and seismic attributes results concerning the structural level of AR/D concerning the used wells, it's evident that Well-03 stands out due to its relatively high structural level, drilled near a major fault, revealing distinct fracture sets that contribute to a notably high reservoir quality as depicted in the RMS amplitude and Ant track attributes maps. AR/D reservoir levels in wells 02, and, 04, are relatively positioned at structurally lower levels, and face challenges with overburden pressure and mechanical compaction, resulting in diminished facies quality for the reservoir. Seismic attributes like the Ant track and RMS amplitude indicated that the presence of fractures within the AR/D Member's carbonate is linked to the prevalence of interpreted normal faults. The implemented procedure in this research can be applied to enhance comprehension of AR/D carbonate reservoirs in adjacent regions, thereby increasing the hydrocarbon exploration possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The founding of Qart-Hadasht, or ‘New Carthage’, in 228/227 BC reaffirmed the Carthaginian presence on the Iberian Peninsula. The city would serve as its main political base and military port in the Western Mediterranean before being lost to Rome in the Second Punic War. Although the conquest was led on the ground by the Barcid family, the town’s flourishing also led to an increase in the metropolis’s economic and commercial activities. In this study, a total of 37 amphorae of Central Mediterranean typology and located in different Punic contexts of the town were analysed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thin-section petrography (OM). The analyses reveal that a significant number of them originated in North Africa, mainly in the area of Tunisia, though some originated from other production centres on the island of Sicily and probably Algeria. The results also confirm the existence of shared amphora types produced in different Punic production areas and workshops. Thus, the central argument here is that the arrival of containers from such diverse provenances allows us to identify the economic opportunity that this foundation represented for the metropolis as a whole and to explore how this new trade relationship was structured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of an interim analytical approach to the Late Roman shipwreck of Ses Fontanelles recently found in the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The excellent state of preservation of the hull and the cargo, including amphorae with painted inscriptions (tituli picti), and its location in shallow waters offshore of one of the main touristic beaches of the island makes this a unique finding in the Mediterranean. A first season of excavations and study of the cargo triggered an analytical approach to solve some of the problems pose by archaeological research, mainly related to the possible origin of the vessel. The analytical strategy combines petrographic analysis for the study of the provenance of the amphorae, archaeozoology and residue analysis to identify their content, and analysis of the wood and plant remains to understand the use of vegetal resources in shipbuilding and in the stow of the cargo. The results of the combination of the petrographic analysis, the study of the ichthyofauna and the organic residue analysis suggest that the boat probably departed from the area of Cartagena in the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, carrying a cargo of fish sauce (liquaminis flos), oil, and wine (probably also some olives preserved in grape derivatives), transported in three main types of amphorae. The analysis of the wood shows, as known in Roman shipbuilding, a clear selection of forest resources. The shipbuilders used pine for longitudinal parts of the hull, while for the small pieces related to the assemblage system (pegged, mortise and tenons) and subjected to a great stress they selected harder woods mainly Cupressaceae, Olea europaea, and Laurus nobilis. In addition, the study reveals that mainly branches of Vitis vinifera, but also other herbaceous plants were used as dunnage protecting the cargo during the journey. The results help to shed some light into different aspects of this unique vessel sunk in Mallorcan waters and contributes to show the benefit of applying archaeological sciences in maritime archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northwest China is known for its Majiayao‐style Neolithic painted pottery which has received much praise for its high level of craftsmanship, yet its chain of production, in particular the step of raw material selection, is still poorly understood. To fill this lacuna, the present study explores the raw materials used in producing these wares from a geological and technological perspective. At its core stands the first geoarchaeological survey conducted around the eponymous site of Majiayao which collected 47 samples of raw materials suitable for ceramic production including clay, loess and rocks, which were all analysed macroscopically. A selection was analysed using thin‐section petrography, and a subset of the clay and loess samples were subjected to firing experiments. Additionally, three clay samples were analysed by scanning electron microscope with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer to understand their composition and behaviour in ceramic production. These were then compared to archaeological ceramics, thus providing insights into raw‐material availability and selection that will be of importance not only for research on Majiayao‐style pottery but also for later‐period ceramics produced in the area. This research shows how an archaeologically informed geological survey can contribute insights into human–environment interaction in early pottery production, especially the interplay between raw‐material availability, technological know‐how and potters' choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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 study focuses on the analysis of pottery firing techniques during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages in the Karst region of Slovenia. Given the absence of archaeological structures, we adopted an alternative research approach, employing FTIR and ceramic thin-section analysis. The archaeological material underwent study using a model derived from archaeological experiments, which encompassed firing techniques in both pits and pottery kilns. Our research successfully identified that various firing structures were utilized during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

This study focuses on the petrographic and geomechanical properties of the Inzari Formation rocks in Tar Khel Village, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on their suitability as building materials for structures such as bridges, buildings, and roads. Five fresh samples from various areas of this formation were analyzed and identified as siliciclastic mudstone through petrographic analysis. The results of physical properties (water absorption, specific gravity, and porosity) and mechanical properties (unconfined compression strength, unconfined tensile strength, Schmidt hammer test, and shear strength) indicate the Inzari Formation rocks have unconfined compressive strengths ranging from 23 to 94 MPa, specific gravity values ≥2.78, and low porosity and water absorption values (

Many anthropologists have now adopted a relational view of the culture concept. Much research has shown that, far from being bounded or self-replicating, cultures emerge through interactions between social Others. These findings are particularly important to research on borderlands and peripheries, where communities routinely encounter wide-ranging social and political diversity. We present ceramic frequencies alongside petrographic analysis from the Late Woodland component at Esseneca (38OC20) to illustrate two main points: (1) pottery types previously understood as culture historical isolates co-occur in parts of Upstate South Carolina, and (2) potters collected clays from two main geologic formations near the site. This research shows that communities in the region traveled freely, crossing cultural boundaries while acquiring potting clays. We suggest that this level of interaction between disparate social groups laid the foundation for some aspects of Mississippianization in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Documenta Praehistorica is the property of Documenta Praehistorica 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 article summarizes information on the ceramic production of the Trypillya-Cucuteni culture. It covers all phases of Trypillya ceramic production, including clay preparation, modeling methods, structural component connection, and decoration. Special attention is given to the examination of engobe and pigment composition in the painted vessel areas. The composition of the clay body and petrographic studies are also addressed. At the Bodaki site, samples of painted pottery, traditional kitchenware, and ceramics classified as "western imports" were examined. Vessels were modeled from clay strips or slabs, with the strips often being diagonally connected to increase the bonding surface. There were various methods for creating vessel rims, and during the middle Trypillya culture, there was a tendency towards standardization of forms. The article describes various techniques and methods used in the ceramic production of the middle to late Trypillya culture. It also discusses the use of wooden sticks to connect parts of a vessel. Furthermore, various methods for treating vessel surfaces are described, such as scraping off excess clay and applying engobe. The study shows that surface treatment and handle production techniques were applied differently in various settlements of the Trypillia culture. The article describes the painting process, pigments, and binders used in the production of Trypillya ceramics. Painting covered about two-thirds of the surface of a vessel, with the lower part usually remaining undecorated. In the middle period, trichromatic painting with red, black, and white colors was common. Later, mainly monochrome painting was used. The colors consisted of a mixture of pyrolusite, ochre, and burnt bone. Organic binders were found in the paint layers, indicating that the ceramics were painted after firing. The surfaces of the painted ceramics were polished to make them more compact and water-resistant. [Extracted from the article]

Determining the level of solid pollution in beach sands located near artificial inland water bodies in order to maintain high safety standards is a difficult and expensive task. The tests aimed at determining beach pollution caused by solid wastes through analysis of toxic and chemical concentrations, are time-consuming and usually require several days before the results are available. In addition, the maintenance of the beach area involving beach raking or grooming, and the seasonal replenishment of sand makes it difficult to realistically determine the chemical or bacterial contamination of the tested material. Solid pollutants, such as glass, caps, cans, thick foil, metal, and plastic fragments, pose a greater health risk to beachgoers. The above-mentioned pollutants, especially small ones, are hardly visible on the surface or they are buried at shallow depths. Beach garbage poses a serious threat that can lead to infections from cuts and scratches. These injuries can become infected, further jeopardizing the health and lives of beachgoers due to risks like tetanus, staphylococcus, etc. The authors presented a new petrographic method aimed at assessing the quality of sand by examining the content of solid pollutants. The obtained results allowed us to conclude that the mentioned procedure can be used for a quick quantitative estimation of the content of potentially dangerous and undesirable pollutants in beach sands. Consequently, the method implemented to determent the amount of solid pollutants in beach sands has proven to be a valuable tool for recreational facility administrators, helping them in taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of beach users. Petrographic analysis of beach sands revealed the presence of pollutants of plant origin (0.4–1.8%), plastic (0.1–0.4%), paper (0.1–0.6%), charcoal (0.1–0.5%), glass (0.1–0.4%), metals (0.1–0.4%), rust (0.1–0.3%), ash and slag (0.1–0.3%), and fossil coals (0.1–0.2%).

The sand intervals of the Early Cretaceous Lower Goru Formation are a conventional reservoir, generally distributed in the Middle and Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan. Lithostratigraphically formation is classified into two parts; the upper parts are predominantly composed of shale, siltstone, and thin layers of alternate shale and sandstone, while the lower parts are composed of sandstone with interlayering of shale and limestone. The sandstone of the Lower Goru Formation has been further divided into A, B, C, and D sand intervals based on reservoir quality. Detailed depositional facies and reservoir characteristics are essential for the evaluation of hydrocarbon exploration and development. This paper aims to evaluate the depositional environment and reservoir characterization of the siliciclastic reservoir of the Early Cretaceous Lower Goru Formation by integrating the gamma-ray log patterns and petrographic analysis and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Petrographic characterization of the sand intervals and Gamma-ray log signatures were used for the interpretation of the depositional environment of the reservoir intervals. Petrographic analysis reveals that the sandstone of the Lower Goru Formation is fine-to medium-grained, well-sorted, arkose or feldspathic arenite. Primary intergranular macroporosity, secondary intragranular macropores, and Intercrystalline micropores were identified within the sandstone by the SEM analysis. The diagenetic analysis suggests that the sandstone possesses high porosity, low permeability, and has undergone significant alterations such as compaction, quartz cementation, feldspar dissolution, and clay minerals alteration. Five electrofacies are interpreted based on gamma-ray log patterns including (1) funnel shape (FA); (2) bell shape (FB); (3) cylindrical shape (FC); (4) bow shape (FD); and (5) serrated shape (FE) patterns. The interpreted facies results reveal shoreface environment for A-sand, Tidal flat for B-sand, mixed tidal flat for C sand, Tide dominated mixed for D-sand, and transgressive shelf for E−sand. The present study will be helpful for the assessment of the reservoir quality of the Early Cretaceous Lower Goru Formation for further exploration and development in the Indus Basin of Pakistan.

This study presents the development and validation of a robust semi-supervised learning framework specifically designed for the automated segmentation and classification of sandstone thin section images from the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. Traditional geological image analysis methods encounter significant challenges due to the labor-intensive and error-prone nature of manual labeling, compounded by the diversity and complexity of rock thin sections. Our approach addresses these challenges by integrating the GL-SLIC algorithm, which combines Gabor filters and Local Binary Patterns for effective superpixel segmentation, laying the groundwork for advanced component identification. The primary innovation of this research is the semi-supervised learning model that utilizes a limited set of manually labeled samples to generate high-confidence pseudo labels, thereby significantly expanding the training dataset. This methodology effectively tackles the critical challenge of insufficient labeled data in geological image analysis, enhancing the model’s generalization capability from minimal initial input. Our framework improves segmentation accuracy by closely aligning superpixels with the intricate boundaries of mineral grains and pores. Additionally, it achieves substantial improvements in classification accuracy across various rock types, reaching up to 96.3% in testing scenarios. This semi-supervised approach represents a significant advancement in computational geology, providing a scalable and efficient solution for detailed petrographic analysis. It not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of geological interpretations but also supports broader hydrocarbon exploration efforts.

Thermogravimetric analysis is used for preliminary assessment of how ozonation affects the yield of coal tar factions in distillation. Since the distillation temperature of light fractions matches the main peak of gas liberation in coal tar pyrolysis, the yield of tar fractions may be indirectly assessed by means of the intervals corresponding to the boiling points of standard tar fractions: <170°C, light; 170–210°C, phenol; 210–230°C, naphthalene; 230–300°C, absorbing fraction; 300–360°C, anthracene; and 360–1000°C, pitch. Treating tar with ozone in the absence of solvents does not significantly change the yield of the fractions. By contrast, ozonation of coal tar in the presence of benzene and chloroform lowers the yield of fractions boiling below 300°C and significantly increases the mass loss in the temperature ranges corresponding to the anthracene fraction and pitch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present the results of application of petrographic and neutron activation analyses to a group of pottery fragments dating to the 12th century BCE deriving from ancient Eleon (Boeotia, Greece) as a means of investigating regional and interregional networks in which the site participated. Production centres in Boeotia and central Euboea provided, as could be expected, the majority of sampled pottery across various shapes. A number of more distant areas, however, such as eastern Attica, the Cyclades, Macedonia, and western Crete, are also documented in the present study, suggesting their products were available to local consumers at ancient Eleon. These results are discussed with reference to consumer preferences and exchange networks operating at that time. Finally, some of the identified petrographic and chemical groups can be securely identified at the macroscopic level, allowing us to arrive at conclusions pertinent to a substantial part of the entire pottery assemblage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstrak. Berdasarkan kondiri geologi, Kecamatan Nisam berada pada Formasi Julu Rayeu dan Batuan Pusat Gunungapi Geureundong. Litologi yang terdapat pada Formasi Julu Rayeu terdiri atas endapan sungai, batupasir tufaan, lempung berlignit, sedangkan litologi pada Batuan Pusat Gunungapi Geureundong yaitu Breksi Andesit. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini meliputi metode pemetaan geologi dan analisis petrografi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi geologi dan komposisi mineral penyusun batuan pada daerah penelitian. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan diperoleh kondisi geologi yaitu litologi terdiri dari 4 satuan batuan meliputi batupasir, batupasir tufaan, batulempung, dan endapan kolovium. Hasil analisis petrografi pada batuan beku menurut klasifikasi IUGS (1973) terdiri dari 4 sampel yaitu AU12, AU41, AU72 dan AU73 disebut Andesit, sedangkan batupasir berdasarkan klasifikasi Pettijohn (1975) terdiri dari dua sampel yaitu AU32 dan AU62 disebut Lithic Greywacke. Abstract. Based on geological conditions, Nisam District is located in the Julu Rayeu Formation and the center of the Geureundong Volcanic. The lithology found in the Julu Rayeu Formation consists of river deposits, tuffaceous sandstones, and lignite clays, while the lithology of the central rocks of the Geureundong volcano is andesite breccia. The methods used in this study include geological mapping methods and petrographic analysis. This study aims to determine the geological conditions and constituent mineral composition of the rock in the study area. Based on the results of the research that has been carried out, the geological conditions are obtained, namely lithology consisting of 3 rock units including sandstone, tuffaceous sandstone, claystone, and colluvium deposits. The results of petrographic analysis on igneous rocks according to the IUGS classification (1973) consist of 4 samples namely AU12, AU41, AU72, and AU73 called Andesite, while sandstones based on Pettijohn’s classification (1975) consist of two samples namely AU32 and AU62 called Lithic Greywacke.

A thorough petrographic evaluation of aggregates from igneous rocks in terms of their alkali–silica reaction (ASR) potential is crucial in ensuring the durability and long-term performance of concrete structures, especially those where access to additional alkalis is possible, such as from de-icing agents. The aim of the research was to assess the potential reactivity of aggregates from igneous rocks, as only such aggregates are used for concrete airport pavements in Poland. Petrographic analysis was conducted to identify the reactive minerals in the aggregate, and it was extended by quantitative image analysis. The strained, microcrystalline and cryptocrystalline quartz were found to be reactive components but significantly differed in content. It was found that aggregates from igneous rocks were characterized by different susceptibility to ASR and that methods to mitigate the occurrence of ASR should be considered to be used in airfield concrete. A relationship between the content of analyzed reactive minerals and the expansion of mortar bars in AMBT, as well as of the concrete prism in the CPT method, was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the level of solid pollution in beach sands located near artificial inland water bodies in order to maintain high safety standards is a difficult and expensive task. The tests aimed at determining beach pollution caused by solid wastes through analysis of toxic and chemical concentrations, are time-consuming and usually require several days before the results are available. In addition, the maintenance of the beach area involving beach raking or grooming, and the seasonal replenishment of sand makes it difficult to realistically determine the chemical or bacterial contamination of the tested material. Solid pollutants, such as glass, caps, cans, thick foil, metal, and plastic fragments, pose a greater health risk to beachgoers. The above-mentioned pollutants, especially small ones, are hardly visible on the surface or they are buried at shallow depths. Beach garbage poses a serious threat that can lead to infections from cuts and scratches. These injuries can become infected, further jeopardizing the health and lives of beachgoers due to risks like tetanus, staphylococcus, etc. The authors presented a new petrographic method aimed at assessing the quality of sand by examining the content of solid pollutants. The obtained results allowed us to conclude that the mentioned procedure can be used for a quick quantitative estimation of the content of potentially dangerous and undesirable pollutants in beach sands. Consequently, the method implemented to determent the amount of solid pollutants in beach sands has proven to be a valuable tool for recreational facility administrators, helping them in taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of beach users. Petrographic analysis of beach sands revealed the presence of pollutants of plant origin (0.4-1.8%), plastic (0.1-0.4%), paper (0.1-0.6%), charcoal (0.1-0.5%), glass (0.1-0.4%), metals (0.1-0.4%), rust (0.1-0.3%), ash and slag (0.1-0.3%), and fossil coals (0.1-0.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Amber is fossilized tree resin produced by the metabolism of vascular plants that has experienced various geological processes, including burial, compression, and heating. Therefore, most of the previously reported amber pieces were unearthed from sedimentary rocks. The record of amber in tectonic active regions, e.g., Taiwan, is extremely poor and has not been scientifically certified, leading to a poor understanding of the history of prehistoric flora in this region. This study reports a 1-cm yellow-brown amorphous resin interspersed in sandstone blocks in the Lichi Mélange at the southernmost tip of the Coastal Range in eastern Taiwan, representing the first official record of amber from the mélange unit and as well as in Taiwan. The results, in addition to the affirmation of the amber, show that the amber is composed of sesquiterpenes and triterpenoids, indicating a possible origin of dipterocarp trees that are absent in the paleobotanic record and modern flora in Taiwan. Furthermore, infrared spectra analysis shows its compositional similarity to the amber from Sumatra, Indonesia, which boasts modern dipterocarp forests. Petrographic analysis of the surrounding sandstone suggests that the amber was deposited into the continental margin and allocated to Taiwan through the arc-continental collision in ∼6–7 Ma. In summary, this study represents the first report of amber unearthed in the mélange unit and Taiwan. It shows that amber is a durable and reliable information carrier in accordance with biogeographic and tectonic evidence.

The Pantelleria Vecchia Bank is a submerged calcareous-arenitic shoal in the NW sector of the Sicilian Channel. Together with other morphological heights, some of which are volcanic in origin, this shoal punctuates the shallow Adventure Plateau, which was above sea level from the Last Glacial Maximum until at least 9000 years ago. The rise in sea level caused by the melting of the ice caps gradually flooded the plateau, isolating the heights and creating a broad archipelago until the area was finally submerged. High-resolution Multibeam bathymetric mapping shows that the Pantelleria Vecchia Bank has an 820 m long rectilinear ridge connecting the two main shoals of the bank, and an 82 m long ridge perpendicular to the 820 m ridge 100 m from its southern end. The top of the 820 m ridge lies in a water depth of 35 m, its base in about 42 m, and the seaward side has a fairly uniform slope of 16°–22°. The 82 m ridge has an average width of ∼7 m and rises ∼1 m above the surrounding seafloor. Underwater photographs document that the entire seaward side of the 820 m ridge consists of juxtaposed blocks, the largest measuring about 3 × 4 m, some of which are rectangular in shape, while the upper part consists of horizontally arranged blocks and the lower part of sub-vertical blocks embedded in the sediments. Petrographic analyses show that the blocks forming the seaward side of the 820 m ridge can be classified as late Pleistocene calcirudites, while the 82 m ridge consists of bioclastic calcarenites of Tortonian age. A series of high-resolution seismic profiles crossing both ridges and composite mosaics of the seafloor obtained from underwater videos provide a comprehensive panorama of these two peculiar and in many ways enigmatic structures. The structures described and the palaeogeographical context in which they are embedded do not exclude the possibility that they are artefacts indicating an ancient temporary or permanent human presence in the Pantelleria Vecchia Bank.

This paper will present and discuss a multifaceted research project dealing with the production of cooking pots during the Iron Age II (ca. 1,000–586 BCE) Judah (modern Israel). In particular the new compositional analysis of 541 cooking vessels from 11 sites in Iron Age Judah will be presented. The study employs petrographic and chemical (NAA) analysis. The results of this ongoing research have already produced interesting information about production centers and movements of cooking pots in Iron Age II Judah. Apparently, the vast majority of the cooking pots sampled were made of a similar type of clay, related to terra rossa soil. This is true also for sites in the northern Negev and Judean Desert, where the type of soil was not available in the region of the sites. Furthermore, many of the cooking pots distributed around Judah were made in Jerusalem according to a well‐located chemical profile (JleB). Other groups may represent Judean Shephelah production centers as the Lachish area as well as production centers in southern Israel or ancient Edom. The implications of the importation patterns of cooking pots by peripheral Judean sites will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix acidizing has been developed in the petroleum industry for improving petroleum well productivity and minimizing near-wellbore damage. Mud acid (HF: HCl) has gained attractiveness in improving the porosity and permeability of reservoir formation. However, there are several challenges facing the use of mud acid, comprising its corrosive nature, high pH value, formation of precipitates, high reaction rate and quick consumption. Therefore, different acids have been developed to solve these problems, including organic-HF or HCl acids. Some of these acid combinations proved their effectiveness in being alternatives to mud acid in reservoir rock acidizing. The current research deals with a new acid combination based on Hydrochloric–Oxalic acids for acidizing carbonate core samples recovered from Qamchuqa Formation in Kirkuk oilfield, northern Iraq. A new in-situ micro-model adopted laboratory technique is utilized to study the microscale alteration and evolution of pore spaces, dissolved grains and identification of matrix acidizing characteristics. The in-situ micro-model is based on the injection of an identical dose of different concentrations of the new acid combination into thin section samples under an optical light microscope. The adopted procedure aims to provide unique and rapid information regarding the potential for texture and porosity modification that can be caused by the acidizing stimulation procedure. In connection, solubility tests for the untreated and treated reservoir core samples and the density of the combined acids after treatment are conducted based on designed experiments using response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of acid concentration [12% HCl: Oxalic acid (3.8–8.8%)] and acidizing temperature (from ambient to 78.8 °C) on the solubility percentage of the samples and percentage increase in the combined acid density after acidizing were optimized and modeled. The obtained results confirm that the optimum dissolution of the core samples took place using 12% HCl:3.2% Oxalic acid with an optimum solubility (%) of the carbonate core rock of 53.78% at 21.7 °C, while the optimum increase in density (%) of the combined acids was 1.54% at 78.3 °C. The promising results could be employed for matrix acidizing of carbonate reservoir rocks for other oilfields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare the microstructural and mechanical properties of lightweight polymer concrete (LPC) and lightweight ordinary cement concrete (OCC) before and after exposure to a corrosive acidic environment. In this regard, LPC mixes were prepared with five different unsaturated polyester resin contents (15%–27%) and combinations of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) and natural river sand. Thereafter, specimens were exposed to sulfuric acid solution for up to 90 days. In addition to visual inspections, physical and mechanical properties [mass and volume changes, compression strength, and modulus of elasticity (MOE)], petrographic inspections, and scanning electron microscope investigations were carried out. Mechanical results showed that LPCs had by far better mechanical features compared with OCC, where at the optimum mix comprised of 24% polymer, reduction of 6% for compression, and 7% for MOE was observed, whereas these values were respectively 70% and 55% for OCC at the same conditions. Outcomes of microscopic observations indicated that increasing the polymer content resulted in strengthening the bond between binder and aggregates where pores were filled by resin. In addition, the impact of the acidic solution on the LPC mixes was less pronounced than for OCC mixes, and lamination of the matrix and affected polymer areas were reduced in LPC mixes with a resin content of 24% and 27%. After 90 days, a slight reduction in properties of LPC specimens and degradation was observed due to the reaction of the acid with the surface of LPC specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Mosaic Research is the property of Uludag University, Mosaic Research Center 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.)

[Display omitted] • The first industrial practice of biomass injection in blast furnace in China was carried out. • Biomass injection improves utilization factor of pulverized coal in blast furnace. • The biomass particles have higher dispersion in the raceway of blast furnace. • Biomass injection reduces the theoretical flame temperature in the blast furnace raceway. The study at Capital Steel Co.'s 2650 m3 blast furnace (BF) explores the impact of biomass injection technology on the utilization factor (UF) of pulverized coal and the state of the BF raceway. It was divided into three phases: base, trial, and comparison, with a thorough assessment of the effects of biomass injection through various analyses. During the trial stage, the UF of pulverized coal rose significantly to 97.57 %, exceeding that of the base and comparison phases. Petrographic analysis revealed a change in the morphology ratio between unconsumed pulverized coal and coke post-biomass injection. Tuyere imaging captured the enhanced dispersion of fuel particles and a reduction in flame intensity due to biomass, providing visual proof of its impact on combustion. Although the theoretical flame temperature (TFT) experienced a slight decrease, it still had a positive thermal effect, mainly due to the increased BF gas volume resulting from the high hydrogen content in biomass. These results support the integration of biomass in the steel industry, advancing sustainable ironmaking methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The petrographic UBC index was proposed to predict UBC through petrographic analysis. • An optimal ANN model for NOx prediction was proposed using ANN modeling. • The proposed index and model can predict the UBC and NOx emissions accurately. • Application of these methods in power plants enables efficient operation. • The findings of the research could be further advanced to prepare for ammonia co-firing. Unburned carbon (UBC) and NOx emissions from coal are important factors in determining combustion conditions. Because the combustion characteristics change when the type of coal is changed or when coal-ammonia co-firing is performed to reduce CO 2 emissions, the boiler must be operated by changing the operating conditions, and the prediction of UBC and NOx emissions is essential. The purpose of our study is to propose a petrographic UBC index for UBC prediction and an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting NOx emissions from coal used in domestic power plants in Korea. For combustibility analysis, the experimental values of UBC and NOx emissions were measured using a Drop Tube Furnace (DTF). Maceral and char classification and vitrinite reflectance analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between mineralogical factors and UBC. Based on the petrographic analysis, the UBC index was proposed using the inertinite fraction and vitrinite reflectance related to UBC; this index showed a high coefficient of determination. Furthermore, the mathematical prediction of NOx emissions is difficult; therefore, an ANN model for predicting NOx emissions was evaluated using MATLAB's nntool. An optimal activation function and the number of neurons in the hidden layer for NOx emissions prediction were determined, and an optimal ANN model was proposed. The proposed petrographic UBC index and NOx emissions prediction ANN model can predict the UBC and NOx emissions more accurately and quickly using data that are easy to obtain without combustion experiments. Furthermore, the results of this study will enable Korean thermal power plants to easily predict UBC and NOx emissions and operate efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nineteen ditch samples and rock–eval pyrolysis data taken from Wakar-1 well of Wakar Field and PFM-SE-1 well of Port-Fouad-Marine Field selected for petrographic, elemental, total organic carbon (TOC), and geochemical analyses of the Oligocene-Pliocene mud rich formations (Fms). They differentiate in studied wells from base to top into Tineh Fm (Oligocene), Qantara Fm (Lower Miocene), Sidi Salem Fm (Middle Miocene), Wakar Fm (Upper Miocene), Rosetta Fm (Upper Miocene), and Kafr El-Sheikh Fm (Pliocene). Petrographic analysis of Kafr El-Sheik samples shows that vitrinite is very common (52.03%), inertinite is common (42.74%), and liptinite is rare (5.32%). The same samples reveal a depositional setting within the shelf of proximal and distal depositional settings of suboxic-anoxic and dyoxic-oxic conditions. TOC, S1, S2, and production index (PI) of the studied formations show a poor to a fair quantity of OM. All the formations are dominated by terrestrial type III kerogen of mainly poor gas-prone potential. The maximum threshold of the relative hydrocarbon potential (RHP) curve is recorded at depths of 2600 m and 4650 m in Wakar well and shallowing to be at 1500 m and 3300 m in PEM-SE-1 well of either biogenic and thermogenic hydrocarbon (HC) generated peaks. The heat flow calculated in the present wells shows a gradual increase from 74.34mW/m2 (Wakar-1) to 80.93mW/m2 (PFM-SE-1) from the NW to SE direction. A sedimentary/subsidence (SED/SUB) ratio of value < 1 contemporary to the deposition of Tineh, Sidi Salem, and Kafr El-Sheikh Formations considers being due to either shallowing of the depositional basin and/or considerable tectonic activity in contrast to the rest of formations of SED/SUB ratio > 1. The burial history diagram of the Wakar-1 well reveals that the Oligocene to Upper Miocene Formations of Tineh, Qantara, Sidi Salem, and Wakar are entering the early oil generation stage since 3.4 Ma and have not proceeded to the peak stage of oil generation yet with a slight increase in maturity toward the SE direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 15 years of exploitation, numerous instances of damage to the concrete pavement motorway located in northern Germany were observed. Detailed macro and microscopic analysis and determination of mechanical properties were performed on the collected cores. It was found that cracks in the coarse and fine aggregate resulted from advanced alkali-silica reaction. No impact of de-icing agents on the destruction of the concrete pavement was found, while attention was paid to the potential intensification of concrete degradation resulting from the increase in traffic on motorways. The results obtained are a detailed supplement to the German research, as this region (Rostock) has not been analysed before.

A thorough petrographic evaluation of aggregates from igneous rocks in terms of their alkali–silica reaction (ASR) potential is crucial in ensuring the durability and long-term performance of concrete structures, especially those where access to additional alkalis is possible, such as from de-icing agents. The aim of the research was to assess the potential reactivity of aggregates from igneous rocks, as only such aggregates are used for concrete airport pavements in Poland. Petrographic analysis was conducted to identify the reactive minerals in the aggregate, and it was extended by quantitative image analysis. The strained, microcrystalline and cryptocrystalline quartz were found to be reactive components but significantly differed in content. It was found that aggregates from igneous rocks were characterized by different susceptibility to ASR and that methods to mitigate the occurrence of ASR should be considered to be used in airfield concrete. A relationship between the content of analyzed reactive minerals and the expansion of mortar bars in AMBT, as well as of the concrete prism in the CPT method, was revealed.