On s'intéresse dans le présent travail au comportement au gel des sols fins limono-argileux traités à la chaux seule, sols valorisables qui sont couramment rencontrés sur les chantiers de terrassement. Trois sols appartenant aux classifications A1, A2, A3 selon la norme NF P 11300, ont été choisis pour cette étude. Ces sols sont traités à 3 dosages en chaux correspondant à 3 objectifs : 1) amélioration (dosage en chaux minimal), 2) stabilisation et insensibilité à l'eau (dosage en chaux intermédiaire), 3) stabilisation et résistance au gel (dosage en chaux le plus élevé). Les sols traités sont ensuite conservés pendant quatre périodes de cure : 7 jours, 28 jours, 90 jours et 365 jours. Les deux processus de gel - le géligonflement et la gélifraction sont étudiés, parallèlement à l'évaluation des performances mécaniques, hydrauliques et microstructurales. Les résultats expérimentaux ont montré que les propriétés hydrauliques (la succion au front de gel, sp et la conductivité hydraulique à l'état non-saturé, kunsat) sont les paramètres qui gouvernent le phénomène de géligonflement des sols, traités ou non. Les résultats ont également mis en évidence le lien direct existant entre la microstructure (la distribution porale) et les propriétés hydrauliques du sol, principalement en termes de capacité de rétention d'eau et conductivité hydraulique. Le traitement augmente les performances mécaniques des sols d'une part, et amène d'autre part à des modifications de leur microstructure ; ceci induit des changements vis-à-vis de leur sensibilité au gel. Les sols sont plus gélifs directement après le traitement, cette sensibilité au gel diminuant avec le temps de cure. Une modélisation simple permettant d'estimer le gonflement au gel à partir de la succion au front de gel et de la valeur de conductivité hydraulique à l'état non-saturé a été proposée et validée. Vu que la détermination de la conductivité hydraulique à l'état non-saturé n'est pas un essai couramment pratiqué au sein de la plupart des laboratoires, un critère basé sur la succion au front de gel, sp, et la conductivité hydraulique à l'état saturé, ksat a été proposé pour évaluer la sensibilité des sols au gel. L'essai de gélifraction consiste à évaluer un coefficient de résistance de l'éprouvette de sol après 10 cycles de gel/dégel, RFT (%) - « retained strength factor after freeze-thaw testing ». Les résultats expérimentaux montrent que la valeur RFT des sols traités varie de 0% (lorsque les éprouvettes de sol perdent totalement leur résistance à la compression simple et sont détruites après 10 cycles de gel/dégel) à 90%. Quand RFT ≥ 60%, aucune dégradation visuelle de la surface des éprouvettes des sols traités n'est constatée. Ainsi, cette valeur est proposée comme critère d'acceptation des matériaux constitutifs d'une couche de forme subissant le gel avant son recouvrement. L'étude de l'effet du nombre des cycles de gel/dégel montre une diminution importante de la performance mécanique (RFT) durant trois premiers cycles de gel/dégel, et ce paramètre se stabilisant après 10 cycles. A l'aide de la technique de µ Tomographie X, l'endommagement interne des éprouvettes de sol ayant subi des cycles de gel/dégel a été quantifié. Une corrélation directe entre la diminution de performance mécanique et l'augmentation de l'indice de l'endommagement de l'éprouvette a été mise en évidence. Enfin, un modèle d'endommagement permettant d'évaluer la dégradation de la performance mécanique avec l'augmentation de l'indice d'endommagement a été établi / The present work deals with the behaviour of fine-grained silty and clayey soils treated with lime under frost. Those soils are frequently encountered in earthworks. Three soils corresponding to A1, A2, A3 classes according French NF P 11-300 standard were chosen for this study. These soils were treated with 3 lime dosages corresponding to three objectives: 1) improvement (minimum dosage), 2) stabilization and insensitivity to water (intermediate dosage), 3) stabilization and frost resistance (highest dosage). Lime-treated soils were subsequently cured for different times: 7, 28, 90, 365 days. Two frost processes, frost heave and freeze-thaw cycles, were applied in parallel with the assessment of mechanical, hydraulic and microstructural properties. Experimental results evidenced that it is the hydraulic properties (suction at frost front, sp and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, kunsat) that govern the frost heave phenomenon of soils, treated or not. In addition, this study demonstrates the direct link between the microstructure (the pore size distribution) and the hydraulic properties (water retention curve and hydraulic conductivity). The treatment on one hand improves the mechanical performances of soils, and on the other hand modify their microstructure, and thus changes their frost sensitivity. The frost susceptibility increases directly after treatment, and then decreases with curing time. Based on the suction at frost front and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, a simple model was proposed and validated allowing to estimate the frost heave. Considering that the determination of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is not a test commonly performed by most laboratories, a criterion based on the suction at frost front and the saturated hydraulic conductivity was proposed to estimate the frost sensibility of soils. The second frost resistance test consists of measuring the retained strength factor after 10 freeze-thaw cycles, RFT (%). The results obtained show that RFT of lime treated soil varies from 0% (when soil specimen completely loses its resistance and collapses after 10 freezethaw cycles) to 90%. When RFT is higher than 60%, no visual damage was observed on the specimen surface; consequently, this value is proposed as a criterion for acceptance of lime treated soil in capping layer before covering. In addition, the study of effect of freeze-thaw cycles showed a significant decrease of mechanical performance (RFT) during the first three cycles, and a stabilization after 10 cycles. Using X-ray Tomography, the intern damage of specimens due to freeze-thaw cycles was quantified. A correlation between the decrease of mechanical performance and the increase of damage index was evidenced. A model was then developed to evaluate the degradation of mechanical performance with the increase of damage index

Theoretical studies of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation and stability of protein complexes have gained importance due to their practical applications in the understanding of the molecular basis of several diseases, in protein engineering and biotechnology. The objective of this project is to critically analyze and refine a coarse-grained force field for protein-protein interactions based on experimental thermodynamic properties and to apply it to cancer-related S100A4 protein system. Our ultimate goal is to generate knowledge for a better understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible for the association of particular proteins in different environments. We studied the role of short and long-range interactions on the complexation of homo-associations. Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of the pH and its correlation with the charge regulation mechanism. We analyzed and refined the adjustable Lennard-Jones parameter for a mesoscopic model based on experimental second virial data for lysozyme, chymotrypsinogen, and ribonuclease A via Monte Carlo simulations. From of that, the S100A3 protein was used to test the new calibrated parameters. Finally, we evaluated the dimerization process of S100A4 proteins, observing the role of physical-chemistry variables involved in the thermodynamical stability of different oligomers. / Estudos teóricos dos mecanismos moleculares responsáveis pela formação e estabilidade dos complexos de proteínas vêm ganhando importância devido às suas aplicações práticas no entendimento da base molecular de várias doenças, em engenharia de proteínas e biotecnologia. O objetivo deste projeto é analisar criticamente e aperfeiçoar um campo de força de granulidade grossa para interação proteína-proteína com base em propriedades termodinâmicas experimentais e aplicá-lo ao sistema proteico S100A4 relacionado com o câncer. Nosso objetivo final é gerar conhecimento para uma melhor compreensão dos mecanismos físicos responsáveis pelas associações de proteínas particulares em diferentes ambientes. Estudamos o papel das interações de curto e longo alcance na complexação de homo-associações. Além disso, analisamos a influência do pH e sua correlação com o mecanismo de regulação de cargas. Por meio de simulações Monte Carlo, analisamos e refinamos o parametro ajustável de Lennard-Jones para um modelo mesoscópico, usando dados experimentais do segundo virial para a lisozima, o quimotripsinogênio e a ribonuclease A. A partir disso, a proteína S100A3 foi usada para testar os novos parâmetros calibrados. Finalmente, foi avaliado o processo de dimerização das proteínas S100A4, observando o papel de algumas variáveis físico-químicas envolvidas na estabilidade termondinâmica de diferentes oligómeros.

The objective of dissertation is to find the approaches for processing the data extracted from the reports that document the performing of acceptance tests of ground anchors. The purpose of this activity is to allow further utilization of this data for designing practice. 795 test records were collected. It is essential for the correctness of analysis, that the whole anchor bond must be placed in homogeneous material. The records for anchors that don’t fulfilled this condition were removed. The set of 379 records of anchors installed in six different soil types during construction work in Czech Republic remained. All those anchors were tested according the demands of european standard ČSN EN 1537:2001, valid until 2013. The methodics based on the mathematical statistics, regression analysis and probability methods were compiled during solving the task defined above. The major result of data processing that was performed via methodics based on combination of mathematical statistics and probability simulation methods is the set of bond shear stress parameter values elaborated for variety of soil types. The regression model for determination of the force-displacement curve and the model predicting the creep behavior of loaded ground anchor were constructed, where the creep value is dependent on the tendon bond length, tendon free length and on the level of prestressing force. The description of full-scale experiment, whose results were used for verification of assumptions incorporated in relevant methodics, is included. The example of determining the probability of failure of anchored structure using the stochastic simulation technique is mentioned also, where the previously obtained results are used as input values for this calculation. Moreover, the software application serving for automatization of processes associated to conducting of the tests of ground anchors and to creating the test report is introduced.

This diploma thesis deals with the experimental and numerical analysis of volume changes of fine-grained concrete. Experiments were carried out, measuring both the length changes as well as the mass losses and the internal temperature of the test specimens made from fine-grained concrete. The measurements were divided into two parts (phases). The first phase took approx. 72 hours. The second phase was focused on the long-term measurements and will be completed after stabilization of the mass losses and length changes. In the diploma thesis, the first phase of measurement was elaborated in detail, both in terms of experimental and numerical analysis. In addition, a C # .NET program was created to facilitate the processing of raw measurement data from the data logger. Finally, a comparative calculation was performed according to the model B4, where the result of the calculation was compared with the results of the experiment.

The diploma thesis deals with selected fracture tests and evaluation of fracture parameters of cement-based composite. One part of the thesis deals with cement-based composite with glass spherical aggregate of a single fraction of 2 mm. After production, the beams with dimensions of 20×40×200mm exposed to temperatures in the range from 100 to 1000 °C for one hour. Using the non-destructive ultrasonic pulse method, the degree of damage caused by termal load was determined. Selected specimen with central edge notch were then tested in three-point bending and fragments after these tests were tested in compression. In the second part, attention was paid to the evaluation of fracture tests conducted on specimen from drill-cores taken from selected objects located at the former Transgas Gas Control Center in Prague. The specimen were provided with a chevron notch before being tested in three-point bending. The measured data was modified by the GTDiPS program and in the case of the glass composite the StiCrack program was used to evaluate fracture parameters.

The theoretical part describes the properties of fine-grained admixtures and the ways how these admixtures modify concrete properties. There are also described ways to assemble grain curves in the range 0-1000 m. The practical part describes the properties of all the concrete components used for the tests. From the admixtures and cement, the individual grain curves were compiled. Curves were assembled in the first stage manually by using MS Excel. Subsequently, a simple program was developed based on the knowledge of composing grain curves, which automatically compiles the grain curve according to the given limits. The maximum cement replacement was set at 25% by weight. The physical and mechanical properties of the graded curves thus established were first verified on mortar mixtures where the workability, bulk density and strength were verified at the age 7, 28 and 90 days. In addition, the porosity of cement cement with mercury porosimetry has been verified for selected recipes. The acquired knowledge was subsequently applied to the concrete in the laboratory. Here the maximum cement compensation was set at 30%. In particular, concrete consistency over time, air content in the concrete and compresive strength of concrete at the age 3, 7, 28 and 90 days were verified. Verification was also carried out in practice on the optimization of self-compacting concrete. Mechanical properties have been retained for optimized recipe but there were financial savings and CO2 emissions reductions compare with the original recipe.

The thesis is focused on high-alloy austenitic and austenitic-ferritic (duplex) steel. The theoretical part includes research about high-alloy steels and basic introduction to this issue. In the practical part of the test there were casted refractory austenitic steel 30CH3N17G2L, duplex stainless steel 1.4462, low carbon steel and high carbon steel. On the castings of austenitic steel were made mechanical and technological tests. There were evaluated the effects of different casting temperature and casting wall thickness to the microstructures and macrostructures of steel, tensile strength and charpy impact tests. The technological tests compared technological properties of these steels.

Problémy jako je jemnozrnná kategorizace či výpočty s využitím lidských zdrojů se v posledních letech v komunitě stávají stále populárnějšími, což dosvědčuje i značné množství publikací na tato témata. Zatímco většina těchto prací využívá "klasických'' obrazových příznaků extrahovaných počítačem, tato se zaměřuje především na percepční vlastnosti, které nemohou být snadno zachyceny počítači a vyžadují zapojení lidí do procesu sběru dat. Práce zkoumá možnosti levného a efektivního získávání percepčních podobností od uživatelů rovněž ve vztahu ke škálovatelnosti. Dále vyhodnocuje několik relevantních experimentů a představuje metody zlepšující efektivitu sběru dat. Jsou zde také shrnuty a porovnány metody učení multidimenzionálního indexování a prohledávání tohoto prostoru. Získané výsledky jsou následně užity v komplexním experimentu vyhodnoceném na datasetu obrázků jídel. Procedura začíná získáváním podobností od uživatelů, pokračuje vytvořením multidimenzionálního prostoru jídel a končí prohledáváním tohoto prostoru.

This thesis deals with complex analysis of fine-grained magnesium alloy AZ91 prepared by ECAP process. Mechanical properties of investigated alloy in different states at various external conditions are compared. The structure of this material is inherently unstable therefore changes on microstructural and sub-microstructural level occur during thermal exposure and/or mechanical loading. These changes are analysed and quantified for investigated alloy in selected states in this thesis.

Les alliages de cuivre sont utilisés dans de nombreuses applications électriques car ils offrent un bon compromis de résistance mécanique, de résistance à la corrosion et de conductivité électrique. Cependant pour certaines applications comme les contacteurs électriques, des matériaux plus performants sont recherchés. L’affinement de la taille de grains et l’implantation ionique sont deux voies que nous avons explorées dans ce but. Afin d’obtenir un bon compromis entre la dureté, la résistance à la corrosion et la conductivité électrique du cuivre pur (99,90%) et un bronze commercial monophasé contenant 8 % massique d’étain ont été nanostructurés par déformation plastique intense, et ensuite implantés à l’azote. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié l’évolution de la dureté des matériaux que nous avons corrélée aux changements microstructuraux induits par déformation plastique intense. Grâce à la microscopie électronique en transmission (MET) et la diffraction des rayons X (DRX), nous avons pu mettre en évidence la formation de grains ultrafins. Et nous avons prouvé que la solution solide CuSn métastable n’était pas décomposée au cours de la déformation. Par ailleurs, il a été montré que l’étain en solution solide favorise l’affinement des grains et que la déformation du CuSn8 à des vitesses plus rapides limite la restauration dynamique des défauts en engendrant une plus grande dureté. Un modèle qualitatif prenant en compte la production et l’annihilation de dislocations a été développé permettant de prédire l’influence des paramètres procès sur l’évolution de la microstructure et de la dureté. La stabilité thermique des nanostructures formées par déformation intense a également été étudiée, notamment par calorimétrie différentielle à balayage. Il a été montré que l’ajout d’étain en solution solide retarde la recristallisation alors que la densité de défauts et donc la force motrice est plus importante. Le Cu et le CuSn8 recristallisés et à grains ultrafins ont été implantés à l’azote. Il a été montré par nanoindentation que les duretés superficielles du Cu recristallisé et du Cu nanostructuré augmentent significativement après implantation. Nous avons mis en évidence par MET (SAED, STEM HAADF et EELS) la formation de nitrures de cuivre qui sont à l’origine du durcissement superficiel. Des nitrures de cuivre ont été également été formés dans le CuSn8 alors qu’aucun nitrure d’étain n’a été détecté. Par ailleurs, il est intéressant de noter que les défauts et notamment les mâcles formées après déformation intense semblent favoriser la diffusion de l’azote et être des sites de germination préférentielle des nitrures de cuivre. / Copper is the most used material in electrical field applications. For electrical contacts, its oxidation behavior, thermal stability and hardness is essential. In this work, we attempted to find the key to make strong, but also conductive metal with a high corrosion resistance by finding an appropriate copper microstructure and surface treatment. It is well known that material properties are determined by their microstructure. Also, it was seen that nitride films enhance the oxidation resistance and the surface hardness. Therefore, to achieve our goal, pure copper and a bronze alloy Cu-8wt. %Sn have been subjected to high pressure torsion to make ultra-fine-grains and the surface was then implanted with nitrogen ions. We have investigated the effect of deformation on the hardness and the thermal stability by Vickers microhardness and DSC measurements. It is shown that tin in solid solution delay the recrystallization of the UFG produced by HPT. Tin also promotes the grain refinement and limit the dynamic annihilation during HPT deformation. Furthermore, a correlation between the properties and the microstructure was done by SEM and TEM analyses. A qualitative model taking into account the production and annihilation of dislocations has been developed to predict the influence of process parameters on the evolution of microstructure and hardness. Recrystallized and UFG Cu and CuSn8 were implanted with nitrogen. It has been shown by nanoindentation that their surface hardness increase significantly after implantation. TEM analyses (SAED, STEM HAADF and EELS) demonstrated the formation of copper nitrides which cause superficial hardening. Copper nitrides were also formed in CuSn8 whereas no tin nitride was detected. Moreover, it is interesting to note that the defects (in particular deformation twins) seem to be preferential nucleation sites for copper nitrides.