Investigation of mechanical behavior of slag-stabilized rammed earth reinforced by carpet polyacrylic yarn waste.

This investigation addresses the reinforcement of rammed earth (RE) structures by integrating carpet polyacrylic yarn waste (CPYW) generated from the carpet production process and employing Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS) as a stabilizer, in conjunction with alkali activators potassium hydroxide (KOH), to enhance their mechanical properties. The study included conducting Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests and Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS) tests on plain samples, GGBS-stabilized (SS) samples, CPYW-reinforced (CFS) samples, and samples reinforced with a combination of GGBS and CPYW (SCFS). The results showed that the mechanical and resistance properties of the CFS and SCFS samples were improved; these findings were confirmed by the presence of more cohesive GGBS gel and fibers as seen in FE-SEM and microscopic images.

Investigating the Effects of Cement and Polymer Grouting on the Shear Behavior of Rock Joints.

This study carried out a comparison between cement grouting and chemical grouting, using epoxy and polyurethane, with respect to their effects on the shear behavior of joints. Joint replicas, with three different grades of surface roughness, were molded and grouted by means of cement and epoxy grouts of various mixtures. To investigate their shear behavior, samples were subjected to direct shear tests under constant normal load (CNL) condition.

Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions using micro zero-valent iron supported by bentonite layer.

Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is of particular environmental concern due to its toxicity, mobility, and challenging removal from industrial wastewater. It is a strong oxidizing agent that is carcinogenic and mutagenic and diffuses quickly through soil and aquatic environments. Moreover, it does not form insoluble compounds in aqueous solutions; therefore, separation by precipitation is not feasible.