Raman scattering study of the high-temperature vibrational properties and stability of CaGeO3 perovskite

The vibrational properties of metastable Ca-GeO₃ perovskite are investigated as a function of temperature using Raman scattering. Mode-assignments are derived from polarized spectra of optically oriented single crystals. Neither symmetry-breaking structural transformations nor soft-mode behavior is revealed in the Raman spectra between room temperature and 650° C. Only a small decrease in the local static octahedral tilt angles can be inferred from the Raman data over this temperature range. A Landau extrapolation of the lowest frequency A_g modes suggests that these modes become critical near 2000° C, a temperature that is above the extrapolated zero pressure melting point.     

Non-linear soil-structure-interaction analysis using dynamic stiffness or flexibility of soil in the time domain

The basic equation of motion to analyse the interaction of a non-linear structure and an irregular soil with the linear unbounded soil is formulated in the time domain. The contribution of the unbounded soil involves convolution integrals of the dynamic-stiffness coefficients in the time domain and the corresponding motions. Alternatively, a flexibility formulation for the contribution of the unbounded soil using the dynamic-flexibility coefficients in the time domain, together with the direct-stiffness method for the structure and the irregular soil can be applied. The dynamic-stiffness or flexibility coefficient in the time domain is calculated as the inverse Fourier transform of the corresponding value in the frequency domain. The dynamic-stiffness coefficient's asymptotic behaviour for high frequencies determines the singular part whose transformation exists only in the sense of a distribution. As the dynamic-flexibility coefficient converges to zero for the frequency approaching infinity, the corresponding coefficient in the time domain is simpler to calculate, as no singular part exists. The salient features of the dynamic-stiffness and flexibility coefficients in the time domain are illustrated using a semi-infinite rod with exponentially increasing area. The dynamic-flexibility coefficients in the time domain are calculated for a rigid circular disc resting on the surface of an elastic halfspace and of a layer built-in at its base. Material damping is also introduced using the three-parameter Kelvin and the Voigt models.     

Non-linear soil-structure-interaction analysis using green's function of soil in the time domain

The contribution of the (linear) unbounded soil to the basic equation of motion of a non-linear analysis of soil-structure interaction consists of convolution integrals of the displacement-force relationship in the time domain and the history of the interaction forces. The former is calculated using the indirect boundary-element method, which is based on a weighted-residual technique and involves Green's functions. As an example of a non-linear soil-structure-interaction analysis, the partial uplift of the basemat of a structure is examined. As the convolution integrals have to be recalculated for each time step, the computational effort in this rigorous procedure is substantial. A reduction can be achieved by simplifying the Green's function by ‘concentrating’ the region of influence. Alternatively, assuming a specified wave pattern, a coupled system of springs and dashpots with frequency-independent coefficients can be used as an approximation.     

The effect of urbanization in an arid region: Formation of a perched water table that causes environmental damages

Construction in a new neighborhood in the israeli town of Dimona, situated in an arid region in the south of the country (150 mm average annual rainfall), resulted in a rise in groundwater levels during the subsequent rainy seasons This caused flooding of shelter basements, soil sliding, and sagging which permanently damaged walls and buildings The neighborhood had been built on continental sands and marls blanketed by loess, on a valley slope near a rocky anticlinal dip-slope Subsurface studies, using piezometer holes and groundwater analyses, revealed the presence of sand lenses alternating with plastic marls, which act as seasonal aquifers with perched water tables Groundwaters obtain high SO ₄ ⁻² and Cl⁻ corrosivity through contact with these nonflushed marls of the Neogene valley fill (Hazeva Formation) The reasons for the rising of groundwater were found to be (a) artificial interference with the natural (pre-construction) drainage system—interception of the hillside runoff by building plots, roads, etc, (b) partial denudation of the loess blanket, increasing the local infiltration and the build-up of local, perched water tables, and (c) corrosion of concrete and steel pipelines, as well as foundations, by prolonged contact with corrosive groundwater, resulting in haphazard but massive leakage Guidelines are proposed for an environmental improvement plan, which would include terracing and planting of the watershed above town to increase evapotranspiration, lowering of the water table by pumping, and diverting the water to suburban parks (groves of saltresistant trees), and replacement of steel and cement pipes by a non-corrodable plastic pipe system