The aim of this work is to use Data Mining tools to develop models for the prediction of hard rock tunnel boring machine (TBM) penetration rate (ROP). A database published by Yagiz (2008) was used to develop these models. The parameters of the database were the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), an index used to quantify the brittleness and toughness and denominated peak slope index (PSI), th...

During tunnel construction, the ground properties, initially evaluated, are continuously assessed and verified through back analysis. This procedure generally requires many numerical analyses, so a metamodel based on artificial neural networks has been used to reduce number of analyses. More datasets can be create more reliable metamodels. However, there no established rules regarding optimum f...

Bedrock unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is a key parameter in designing thegeosciences and building related projects comprising both the underground and surface rock structures. Determination of rock UCS using standard laboratory tests is a complicated, expensive, and time-consuming process, which requires fresh core specimens. However, preparing fresh cores is not always possible, especi...

Results from an experimental investigation on the compression behavior of balsa wood are presented. Specimens with varying densities, ranging from 55 to 380 kg/m, are loaded in the grain (fiber, cell) direction using a screw-driven material testing system at a strain rate of 10 s. The results indicate that compressive strength of balsa wood increases with increasing density. Post-test scanning ...

The aim of this paper is to study the effect organic matter (OM) content on effectiveness soil stabilization process using biopolymer xanthan gum. Five different artificial soils with an in range 1.5 7.7% are subjected unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and oedometer tests evaluate their strength, stiffness compressibility, respectively. These results complemented by analysis SEM images. fro...

A new experimental technique for imposing lateral confinement on specimens subjected to high-strain-rate uniaxial compression is being developed. A brief description of the experimental technique, as well as some preliminary experimental results of the technique are presented in this paper. The results show that under lateral confinement, the impact strength of a brittle glass ceramic increases...

Y. Hu*, N.K. Kar andS.R. Nutt Gill Composites Center, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California Abstract: The mechanical response of unidirectional composites subject to uniaxial transverse compressive loads was measured and analyzed by finite element simulation. Consistency in failure plane orientation was observed when...

The longevity of grouting has a significant effect on the safe and sustainable operation of many engineering projects. A 500-day experiment was carried out to study the long-term mechanical behavior of nano silica sol grouting. The nano silica sol was activated with different proportions of a NaCl catalyst and cured under fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions. The mechanical parameter...

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is widely used in vertebral body augmentation procedures such as vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty. Filling high modulus PMMA increases the modulus of filled verterbra, increasing the risk of fracture in the adjacent vertebra. On the other hand, in porous PMMA bone cements, wear particle generation and deterioration of mechanical performance ar...