Probabilistic calculation for the bed under an individual foundation in accordance with the second group of limiting states

Conclusions 1. The method proposed for the probabilistic design of beds makes it possible to obtain a well-founded design solution corresponding to a given reliability level, which, in many cases, is more economic than the solution recommended in the Construction Rules and Regulations. 2. The design solution adopted as a result of the calculation set forth in the Construction Rules and Regulations possesses a reliability level, which, for some unknown reason, is on the high side. Translated from Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 2, pp. 18–20, March–April 1991.     

Elastoplastic finite-element analysis of the bearing capacity of beds of reconstructed entities

A method is presented for determination of the coefficients that take into account the increase in angle of internal friction and specific cohesion of silty-clayey soils in predicting variation in the bearing capacity of beds after the long-term effect of the consolidating service-induced loads. __________ Translated From Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 2, Pp. 18–21, March–April, 2007.     

A base for building codes and construction methods in karst-prone regions

The history of the development of methodical and regulatory documents relative to construction in karst-prone areas is cited. The basic content of existing regulatory documents is presented, and attention is focused on some of their deficiencies. Specific approaches to the development of a standard for construction in karst-prone areas are proposed. __________ Translated from Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 6, pp. 21–24, November–December, 2006.     

Microbial activity and distribution during enhanced contaminant dissolution from a NAPL source zone

Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess microbial reductive dechlorination in one-dimensional sand columns containing a 10 cm long source zone of uniformly distributed residual tetrachloroethene (PCE) nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL), a 10 cm long transition zone directly down-gradient of the source zone containing some nonuniformly distributed NAPL ganglia, and a 40 cm long plume region down-gradient of the transition zone. The activity and distribution of Sulfurospirillum multivorans, a PCE-to-1,2-cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) dechlorinating bacterium, was evaluated in columns containing either a mixed-NAPL (0.25 mol/mol PCE in hexadecane) or pure PCE-NAPL. Significant dechlorination of PCE to cis-DCE was observed in the mixed-NAPL column, resulting in 53% PCE-NAPL mass recovery in the effluent with PCE-NAPL dissolution enhanced by up to 13.6-fold (maximum) and 4.6-fold (cumulative) relative to abiotic dissolution. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting pceA, the PCE reductive dehalogenase gene of S. multivorans, revealed that S. multivorans cells were present in the NAPL source zone, and increased in numbers (i.e., grew) throughout the source and transition zones. In contrast, minimal reductive dechlorination and microbial growth were observed in the column containing pure PCE-NAPL, where aqueous-phase PCE concentrations reached saturation. These results demonstrate that microbial growth within NAPL source zones is possible, provided that contaminant concentrations remain below levels toxic to the dechlorinating organisms, and that microbial growth can result in significant bioenhanced NAPL dissolution.     

Radionuclide contamination of foods imported into Iraq following the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident

Since early 1986, a monitoring program for radionuclides in imported foods has been carried out by the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission. After the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in the Soviet Union, the program was expanded; our laboratory was officially designated by the Iraqi Government to measure radionuclide activity concentrations in foodstuff imported from countries known to be severely contaminated by Chernobyl radioactive fallout. Gamma-spectrometric analysis was used. Food items such as powdered milk, lamb meat, poultry, cereals and grains imported into Iraq before the Chernobyl accident did not contain any detectable fission products. However, all lamb meat, 81% of the lentil, 44% of the powdered milk and chick-pea, and 17% of the roast beef samples were contaminated with 137Cs or 134Cs and 137Cs. The highest 137Cs contamination levels found were 82, 147, 420, 6 and 4 Bq kg-1, respectively. Contamination by 134Cs was approximately 50% of the values given above.     

Organochlorine insecticides and PCB'S in sediments of Lake St. Claire (1970 and 1974) and Lake Erie (1971).

Sediments were collected on a grid from Lake St. Clair in 1970 and 1974 and from Lake Erie in 1971 and analysed for organochlorine insecticides and PCBs. Suspended solids were centrifuged from pumped water in the Detroit River in 1974. Residues of DDE, TDE and DDT were highest in sediment from the Western Basin (70.3 ppb) Lake Erie and lowest in sediment from Lake St. Clair (6.6 ppb in 1970 and 2.6 ppb in 1974). The Central and Eastern Basins of Lake Erie contained residues that fell about mid-way between these means. TDE was the predominant component of ΣDDT and was followed by DDE at approximately half this residue. While DDT represented the lowest component in lake sediments, it was the highest component in suspended solids from the Detroit River.HEOD was present in the entire lake system but at only a fraction of the level of ΣDDT. The mean residue in Lake St. Clair was only 0.1 ppb while Lake Erie sediments contained 1–2 ppb. The highest mean residue (3.6 ppb) was in suspended solids in the Detroit River. Other organochlorine insecticides were only occasionally identified.PCB residues in sediment were approximately 3 times higher than the total organochlorine insecticide residue, being highest in the Western Basin (252 ppb) and lowest in Lake St. Clair (19 ppb in 1970 and 10 ppb in 1974). The Detroit River and Central and Eastern Basins of Lake Erie had intermediate residues.Residues in Lake St. Clair indicated a decline in ΣDDT, HEOD, and PCB residues between 1970 and 1974, and this coincided with the restrictions on the materials. A core sample from the Western Basin of Lake Erie indicated that ΣDDT, HEOD and PCB began to accumulate in sediments in 1958, 1953, and 1956, respectively. This appeared to indicate a lag period of 2–5 years after wide-spread use occurred.     

Biodegradation of urea in river waters under controlled laboratory conditions

The biodegradation of urea in river waters has been evaluated under laboratory conditions. Urea will degrade to ammonia at a rate depending on the bacterial state of the river water and on the water temperature. Under normal conditions no breakdown may be expected to occur at temperatures below 8°C for 14 days contact. In river waters with a high suspended solids content, simulating extreme winter river conditions, a maximum breakdown of 3–6 per cent daily of the original urea levels was found for temperatures not exceeding 8°C during the first 7 days contact.     

Congratulations to Valerii Viktorovich Mikheev

Anniversaries and Memorable Dates

Congratulations to Valerii Viktorovich Mikheev Candidate of Technical Sciences, honorable builder of the Russian Federation, and recipient of the prize awarded by the Council of Ministers of the USSR     

Comparative study of dark patinas on granitic outcrops and buildings

Formation of dark patinas on rocky surfaces is mainly related to the deposition of gases and particles and to sulphation mechanisms. In the present study, samples of dark patinas taken from granitic outcrops and from granitic buildings were examined in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of their formation. The outcrops are located in non-polluted areas and are characterized by the absence of any extraneous material that provides calcium, such as e.g. mortar. The buildings are located in areas with low levels of pollution. The climate in the study area favours proliferation of microorganisms. Important differences between the patinas sampled from outcrops and from buildings were observed, as the former are of biological origin and the latter of anthropogenic origin. Although the levels of pollution are low in the sampling area, sulphur was present in all of the samples from urban buildings. Sulphur was not present in patinas from outcrops or in patinas from monuments that are assumed to behave as outcrops (dolmens), although the latter are also of anthropogenic origin. Finally, the patinas were found to be formed by elements accumulated on the surface and not from elements contained within the rock itself.     

A computer technique for predicting smoke movement in tall buildings

An approach to the analysis of stack effect has been developed which allows the prediction of internal air flow quantities and associated pressure differentials for specific buildings prior to construction. An example of the application of this analysis is presented for a hypothetical 75-story office building. Note: The authors presented this paper at a symposium on “The Control of Smoke Movement on Escape Routes in Buildings,” sponsored by the Joint Fire Research Organization and held on April 9 and 10, 1969 in Hertfordshire, England.