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With advances in modern technology, satellite-based data is rapidly becoming a viable option for geotechnical site characterization. Commercial satellite data offers high resolution (~25-200 cm), increased spatial coverage on the order of kilometers, short revisit times leading to high temporal coverage, and allows for data to be analyzed rapidly and remotely without the need for physical site access. These advantages are particularly attractive for characterizing coastal sites, where both the strength properties and moisture content can change rapidly in response to tidal stages, wave runup, and storm events. To date, there have been limited investigations into the use of satellite-based data for characterizing geotechnical properties of sandy beach sediments. Furthermore, the use of these moisture contents to estimate the soil strength of beaches has been limited. The goal of this research was to develop pathways to estimate the moisture content of sandy beach sites utilizing satellite-based data. For this study, both optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images were collected at two sites: the Atlantic beach near the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina and three distinct sites located near Yakutat, Alaska (Cannon Beach, Ocean Cape, and Point Carrew). During satellite overflight, ground measurements of moisture content, grain size, unit weight, porosity, and bearing capacity were collected. Using the field measurements, this research (1) developed a framework to estimate the moisture content of sandy beach sediments from satellite-based optical images; (2) investigated the necessary collection parameters to estimate the moisture content from SAR images; and (3) developed a framework to estimate the bearing capacity of sandy beaches using moisture contents derived from satellite-based images. The results of this study demonstrated that optical images can produce reasonable estimates of the moisture content when compared to field measurements and are strongly influenced by local morphology. Additionally, SAR images with incidence angles of 30°-50° produced the best results when compared to field measurements. Finally, using the spatial estimates moisture content produced from satellite data and standard sediment, maps of bearing capacity can be developed to predict beach trafficability. / Doctor of Philosophy / The strength of sandy beaches is impacted by the density, particle size and shape, distribution of grain sizes, mineralogy, and moisture content. For coastal sites, which typically have a dominant mineralogy and a limited range of grain sizes, a main factor changing is the moisture content. This varying moisture content can result in the increase or decrease in soil strength, and impacts modelling for coastal challenges such as erosion or beach trafficability (i.e., the ability to drive on the beach) on large scales. It is common to measure moisture content through sampling or moisture probes, but these represent point measurements and may not accurately capture the spatial and temporal moisture contents at a beach. Recently, satellite-based images have become popular for assessing processes and environmental changes over large areas. However, their use for mapping moisture content at sandy beaches has been limited, and the proper models are unknown. As such, the goal of this research is to investigate the use of satellite images to map moisture content over large areas. For this study, measurements were conducted at two sites: an Atlantic beach located near the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina and three distinct sites located near Yakutat, Alaska (Cannon Beach, Ocean Cape, and Point Carrew). Simultaneously with ground measurements, two different types of images were collected. The first, optical data, collects data over the visible (400-700 nm) and near infrared (700-1300 nm) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. These satellites use the sun to light the scene and the amount of energy reflected back to the satellite is used to estimate the moisture content. The second, X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data (wavelengths of 3.1 cm), sends its own energy source to the ground and uses the returned energy to estimate the moisture content. Both optical and SAR are able to produce reasonable estimates of moisture content when compared to field measurements. These estimated values of moisture content are then tested in a model to estimate the sand strength, with those estimated values also following the expected trends. Ultimately, this work can be used to contribute to understanding how moisture content varies at sandy beaches and improve trafficability predictions in sandy beach environments.

Roll-along electrical resistivity surveying was used with seismic refraction, magnetometer and gravity surveying in geophysical characterization of sites with a specific environmental or engineering problem. Three examples are presented where resistivity surveying provided vital constraints on acquisition and interpretation of other data in chaotic terrane. A commercially resistivity meter was used with prototype equipment designed, assembled, and tested at Virginia Tech. The equipment included a multiconductor cable consisting of interchangeable segments and a circuit allowing selection of numerous electrode configurations. The Sinking Creek Landfill, a 10-acre site, was used for disposal of municipal waste in the early 1970’s. Roll-along resistivity proved to be the most useful geophysical tool in ascertain its internal structure. Wenner configuration resistivity data, sensitive to both conductive leachate and ferrous metals, showed trenches within the landfill displayed in profile. Magnetic field measurements revealed anomalies over some trenches suggesting a method for discriminating between ferrous metal and leachate. Results of a resistivity survey can help planners of a refraction survey avoid low velocity “blind” layers. The Mid County Landfill borrow area is a 26 acre site situated within the Max Meadows Breccia and used for cover material for an adjacent landfill, The engineering problems were to measure the volume of rippable material, but travel time data were somewhat ambiguous. The refraction data interpreted using a) conventional 3-layer analysis b) horizontal 3-layer analysis of single shots, and c)continuous velocity gradient analysis of single end shots were compared with auger refusal depth. The single end horizontal analysis matched auger refusal depths most closely. Roll-along resistivity pseudo-sections made along the refraction lines proved to be effective for qualitatively imaging pinnacles and megaclasts. Excavation of fill material from a 75 acre river terrace in Pembroke exposed an antiform cut by high angle, near surface faults. Geophysical characterization was undertaken to determine the thickness of the alluvial deposit, and the relationship of the faults with structures in the underlying bedrock. Seismic refraction showed the terrace was as much as 134 feet thick. Resistivity pseudosections revealed a resistivity anomaly associated with the graben could be detected for a horizontal distance of several hundred feet. A gravity gradient paralleling the resistivity anomaly extends the feature more than 1000 ft from the exposed structure. Tenuous evidence of a bedrock escarpment beneath the near surface structure is found in a combination of seismic refraction, gravity, and electrical resistivity data. Roll-along resistivity has proved to be key to geophysical interpretation of these three areas. Images displayed on pseudosections reveal lateral inhomogeneity more clearly than could be discerned from seismic, gravity and magnetic data. Roll-along resistivity data can provide information for efficient siting of additional geophysical studies. / Ph. D.

In-situ geotechnical testing of surficial sediment layers in areas of active sediment dynamics can provide essential information about physical and geotechnical variations of sediment properties with regards to active sediment remobilization processes. For example, portable free fall penetrometers (PFFPs) can assist with the detection of mobile sediment layers. They are easy to deploy, and can provide a large spatial coverage in a time- and cost-effective manner. However, they often struggle to provide more detailed information about the properties of mobile sediment layers due to a lack of calibration and validation in existing data sets. Currently, existing sediment samplers often disturb, or ignore the uppermost sediment layers. Simultaneous sediment sampling and geotechnical profiling is needed to fill this gap, and to drive data interpretation forward. A field investigation of surficial sediments was conducted in the wetland waterways of coastal Louisiana in 2014. In-situ tests were conducted using PFFP, and disturbed sediment samples were collected in selected locations. The results allowed us to map changes in sediment strength and stratification, and correlate the geotechnical results to local site characteristics. However, the need for high quality sediment samples for calibration and validation was emphasized by the results. Three different sediment sampler add-on units targeting mobile layers were designed and manufactured based on lessons-learned from the literature. The designs were tested in the laboratory and in the field (Yakutat, Alaska and York River, Virginia) in 2017. The samples were analyzed to understand the influence of different sampler characteristics on collected sample quality, and, to define mobile layer sampler characteristics that enable simultaneous geotechnical testing and the collection of high quality samples. Following field survey campaigns in the York River, Virginia in 2016 allowed to assess surficial sediment layer characteristics and behavior based on a coupled analysis of geotechnical data from in-situ PFFP tests and the sedimentological data collected using box cores and the novel sediment sampler. In summary, novel strategies and instrumentation to carry out simultaneous sediment sampling and geotechnical profiling of seabed surface layers were tested, and new pathways for geotechnical data analysis for the investigation of mobile seabed layers were presented. / PHD

Master of Science / Department of Geology / Abdelmoneam Raef / Geotechnical site characteristics are a function of the subsurface elastic moduli and the geologic structures. This study integrates borehole, surface and laboratory measurements for a geotechnical investigation that is focused on investigating shear-wave velocity (Vs) variation and its implication to geotechnical aspects of the Ogden test site in eastern Kansas. The area has a potential of seismicity due to the seismic zone associated with the Nemaha formation where earthquakes pose a moderate hazard. This study is in response to recent design standards for bridge structures require integrating comprehensive geotechnical site characterization. Furthermore, evaluation of dynamic soil properties is important for proper seismic response analysis and soil modeling programs. In this study, near surface geophysical site characterization in the form of 2D shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure that is compared with laboratory measurements of elastic moduli and earth properties at simulated in situ overburden pressure conditions and synergy with downhole Acoustic Televiewer time and amplitude logs, proved very robust “validated” workflow in site characterization for geotechnical purposes. An important component of a geotechnical site characterization is the evaluation of in-situ shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio and reliable and accurate elastic modulus ([lambda]) and shear modulus ([mu]) estimates are important in a good geotechnical site characterization. The geophysical site characterization, undertaken in this study, will complement and help in extrapolating drilling and core-based properties deduced by the geotechnical engineers interested at the test site.

The purpose of this study is to assess the engineering geological and geotechnical characteristics and to perform seismic hazard studies of the Upper Pliocene and Quaternary deposits located towards the west of Ankara. Based on a general engineering geological and seismic characterization of the site, site classification systems are assigned for seismic hazard assessment studies. The objective of the research is to determine the regional and local seismic soil conditions, predominant periods and ground amplifications, and to idealize the soil profile of the sites by the aid of surface geophysical methods. These studies are combined and integrated with the geotechnical database from a variety of in-situ and laboratory studies that are compiled from present and previous studies regarding the project area and then transferred to an analytical environment for creating relevant information for our site. Then, engineering geological and geotechnical seismic characterization along with seismic zoning map preperation is accomplished. Finally, based on a general engineering geological and geotechnical site characterization, site classification systems are assigned to account for site effects in seismic hazard assessments along with the assessment of mitigation and remediation of seismic hazards.

Submitted by Marco Antonio Oliveira da Silva (maosilva@ipen.br) on 2016-12-21T18:09:44Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-21T18:09:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / A Austrália é um país cuja fauna é um repositório de potenciais novos biofármacos, pois se encontram no continente os animais mais mortais do planeta, dentre eles, as serpentes. A serpente Pseudechis australis (Mulga snake) é a maior serpente venenosa da Austrália e tem ampla distribuição geográfica. Os venenos de serpentes são complexas misturas com proteínas e peptídeos que apresentam uma variedade de atividades biológicas. Devido à riqueza de seus componentes, várias moléculas encontradas no veneno vêm sendo utilizadas com fins terapêuticos, como agentes anticoagulantes ou analgésicos. Apesar dessas informações, existem poucos dados disponíveis sobre os componentes específicos deste veneno. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo isolar e caracterizar as proteases desse veneno, ainda não descritas, um primeiro passo para compreender o papel destas enzimas no processo de envenenamento, assim como seus inibidores endógenos. Estes desempenham uma função protetora da glândula de veneno, inibindo a ação das enzimas in loco, prevenindo assim a degradação do tecido glandular por estas toxinas. O interesse nestes inibidores está relacionado ao seu potencial uso na terapia de diversas doenças como distúrbios da coagulação, hipertensão e câncer. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Submitted by Marco Antonio Oliveira da Silva (maosilva@ipen.br) on 2017-10-27T12:15:25Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-27T12:15:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / A síntese de zeólitas a partir de cinzas leves e pesadas de carvão mineral foi realizada por tratamento hidrotérmico alcalino, as quais foram nomeadas ZCL e ZCP, respectivamente. As zeólitas organomodificadas ZML e ZMP foram obtidas a partir da modificação superficial de ZCL e ZCP, respectivamente, utilizando o surfactante catiônico brometo de hexadeciltrimetilamônio. A partir das soluções remanescentes geradas na síntese de ZCL e ZCP foi possível sintetizar duas novas zeólitas. As características físicoquímicas dos nanomateriais zeolíticos sintetizados, bem como de suas respectivas matérias primas, tais como: capacidade de troca catiônica, massa específica, área específica, composição química, mineralógica e morfológica, entre outras, foram determinadas. Os adsorventes ZML e ZMP foram utilizados na remoção dos corantes Azul Direto 71 (DB71) e Rodamina B (RB) de soluções aquosas em sistema de batelada. Desta forma, quatro sistemas DB71/ZML, RB/ZML, DB71/ZMP e RB/ZMP foram investigados. Os modelos de pseudoprimeira ordem e pseudo-segunda ordem foram aplicados aos dados experimentais para o estudo da cinética de adsorção. O modelo de pseudosegunda ordem foi o que melhor descreveu o processo de adsorção de todos os sistemas corante/zeólita organomodificada. O equilíbrio da adsorção foi analisado a partir de quatro modelos de isoterma, sendo eles: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin e Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R). Os resultados mostram que os modelos de Freundlich e Langmuir melhor descreveram os dados experimentais dos sistemas DB71/ZML e DB71/ZMP, respectivamente. Para os sistemas com RB, o modelo de D-R foi o que melhor se ajustou para ambos adsorventes ZML e ZMP. O planejamento fatorial 24 foi aplicado para a análise dos seguintes fatores que influenciam o processo de adsorção: concentração inicial do corante (Co), pH, dose de adsorvente (M) e temperatura (T). De acordo com as condições estudadas concluiu-se, com o intervalo de confiança igual a 95%, que para o sistema DB71/ZML, os fatores e suas interações que mais influenciam foram C0, M, pH, pH*M, pH*C0, M*C0, pH*M*C0, nessa ordem. No sistema DB71/ZMP, a ordem de influência foi: M, C0, pH, pH*M, pH*C0, M*C0, pH*M*C0. Para os sistemas RB/ZML e RB/ZMP, os resultados foram: M, C0, M*C0, pH, pH*M e M, C0, M*C0, respectivamente. O equilíbrio de adsorção foi atingido em cerca de 40 min para todas as amostras. As porcentagens de remoção do DB71 estavam na faixa de 50 80% e 20 50% para ZML e ZMP, respectivamente. A faixa de porcentagens de remoção do RB variou entre 60 80% e 30 50% para ZML e ZMP, respectivamente. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

[pt] Esta dissertação apresenta os resultados de duas técnicas de investigação em alta resolução: investigação passiva de vapores do solo e investigação com o uso de Membrane Interface Probe (MIP), em uma área de interesse com contaminação por hidrocarbonetos, localizada no município de Duque de Caxias/RJ. O processo de gerenciamento ambiental iniciou-se em 2012 na área e contemplou as etapas do gerenciamento de áreas contaminadas preconizadas nas legislações vigentes. Os resultados obtidos a partir das investigações tradicionais foram insuficientes para a obtenção da compreensão dos aspectos físicos e geoquímicos necessária para o sucesso das fases de diagnóstico e, consequentemente, da remediação. Portanto, duas investigações em alta resolução foram conduzidas com o objetivo de refinar o modelo conceitual de forma a atender adequadamente a Resolução CONAMA número 420/09 e Resolução CONEMA número 44/12, permitindo ações futuras mais eficientes. A investigação passiva de vapores do solo utilizou amostradores compostos por materiais adsorventes granulares, encapsulados em uma membrana microporosa hidrofóbica e quimicamente inerte que permite a difusão dos vapores presentes no meio. Os resultados, fornecidos em massa, representam qualitativamente a presença de contaminação no subsolo. O MIP é uma ferramenta de direct push com medição em tempo real, que mapeia a presença da contaminação tanto em meios insaturados quanto saturados inconsolidados. A partir dos resultados integrados, foi possível constatar que a distribuição de VOCs em água subterrânea ocorre de forma descontínua ao longo da área, sendo possível identificar cinco hot-spots distintos e suas diferentes áreas fonte, incluindo uma região com presença de LNAPL. / [en] The sources of contaminated sites are related to several factors such as the lack of knowledge of safe procedures for handling hazardous and / or toxic substances, disrespect to these safe procedures and the occurrence of accidents or leaks during industrial processes, transportation or storage of unprocessed materials and products. In addition, contamination is usually associated with the exploration of natural resources and with the expansion of the industry and/or agrarian activities, which have happened, and are still happening, at the cost of high environmental and social risks. A contaminated site is considered a risk, since its existence can generate several problems such as damages to health, impairment of the quality of water resources, restrictions on land use and damage to public and private property, and damage to the environment. These situations, in general, involve complex risks with regard to the effects of exposure to contaminants on human health (CETESB, 2013), and may have short -, medium - or long-term effects.

Submitted by Claudinei Pracidelli (cpracide@ipen.br) on 2016-11-11T09:20:05Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-11T09:20:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / O amido é um polissacarídeo produzido pelos vegetais para reserva de energia e está disponível em abundância na natureza. Os amidos são preparados a partir de diferentes matérias primas, tais como trigo, cevada, milho, arroz, batata, batata doce ou mandioca. Na dieta humana o amido é utilizado como fonte de energia biológica. Na indústria de alimentos, o amido é utilizado para alterar ou controlar diversas características, como textura, aparência, umidade, consistência e estabilidade. Entretanto, há uma contínua procura por novas tecnologias para o desenvolvimento de novas propriedades funcionais para melhor adequação às necessidades do mercado. A radiação ionizante pode ser aplicada na modificação de macromoléculas como a do amido. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar as características de amidos de batata, milho e mandioca (polvilho azedo) tratados com radiação ionizante e os correspondentes filmes comestíveis preparados com eles. Os amidos em pó foram submetidos à radiação em fonte de 60Co Gammacell 220 com doses de 0, 1, 5, 10 e 15 kGy, taxa de dose em torno de 1 kGy h-1. Para o estudo dos amidos foram empregadas técnicas de microscopia, análises térmicas, espectroscopia no infravermelho, difração de raios-X e viscosimetria. Para os filmes foram avaliadas propriedades mecânicas, análise instrumental da cor, capacidade de absorção e índice de solubilidade. Constatou-se que a radiação não influenciou a morfologia dos grânulos, a termogravimetria e o padrão de difração de raios-X. A viscosidade dos hidrogéis dos amidos diminuiu com o aumento da dose de radiação e estes apresentaram características de fluidos não-Newtonianos e pseudoplásticos. Na avaliação instrumental da cor dos filmes houve um ligeiro aumento no parâmetro b*(cor amarela). A força de ruptura dos filmes decresceu conforme aumento da dose de radiação aplicada dependendo do tipo de amido empregado na sua fabricação. A capacidade de absorção em água diminuiu e a solubilidade aumentou com a radiação. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP