Deriving preference order of post-mining land-uses through MLSA framework: application of an outranking technique

This study intends to take advantage of a previously developed framework for mined land suitability analysis (MLSA) consisted of economical, social, technical and mine site factors to achieve a partial and also a complete pre-order of feasible post-mining land-uses. Analysis by an outranking multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) technique, called PROMETHEE (preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation), was taken into consideration because of its clear advantages on the field of MLSA as compared with MADM ranking techniques. Application of the proposed approach on a mined land can be completed through some successive steps. First, performance of the MLSA attributes is scored locally by each individual decision maker (DM). Then the assigned performance scores are normalized and the deviation amplitudes of non-dominated alternatives are calculated. Weights of the attributes are calculated by another MADM technique namely, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in a separate procedure. Using the Gaussian preference function beside the weights, the preference indexes of the land-use alternatives are obtained. Calculation of the outgoing and entering flows of the alternatives and one by one comparison of these values will lead to partial pre-order of them and calculation of the net flows, will lead to a ranked preference for each land-use. At the final step, utilizing the PROMETHEE group decision support system which incorporates judgments of all the DMs, a consensual ranking can be derived. In this paper, preference order of post-mining land-uses for a hypothetical mined land has been derived according to judgments of one DM to reveal applicability of the proposed approach.     

Numerical analysis of nonlinear soil–pile group interaction under lateral loads

A nonlinear p–y element was provided which can simply model the behavior of a pile group foundation subjected to lateral loading. Its elasto-plastic side soil is expressed as a Winkler-type distributed model. Despite the simplification involved in modeling such a complex phenomenon the proposed nonlinear soil model can reproduce the system behavior as computed by more rigorous 3D finite element methods. The numerical results are also compared with those from available physical model data to confirm that our simulations can predict the behavior of pile groups with good accuracy.     

Malaysian Experiences of Peat Stabilization,State of the Art

Peat has been considered as an organics remnant that suffers decomposition process throughout times under overburden pressure. Composition of peats normally consists of organics materials which sometimes exceed 75% specifically from woods that grows in marshes and places in conditions where deficiencies of oxygen exist. Usually peat area related with swampy and normally a low shear strength region. High compressibility is significant and often related to problematic soil for construction purposes. In this article, extensive number of studies are reviewed to understand the behavior of the peat after being stabilized. New findings indicated that the peat contents differs from one location to another, thus inevitably gives different behavior. Many improvisation methods have been put forward such as chemical stabilization, cement stabilization, deep mixing and fiber reinforcement to name a few to enhance the strength properties of the peat. This is mainly for construction reliability purposes. However, the suitability of the ground improvement for peat thus depend on its fundamental properties and cost involve for any dedicated ground construction work. This paper review the properties of peat in Malaysia and reviewed recent development in the peaty soil stabilization in Malaysia. It is also compared the materials used for the peat stabilization and the expansive clay soils as the main two problematic soils.     

Application of Water Quality Index and Water Quality Model QUAL2K for Evaluation of Pollutants in Dez River,Iran

Water Resources - Dez River in Iran is a long river and has generally good-quality water. Unfortunately, in this river water quality has decreased over recent years due to drought, industrial and...     

GIS-Based Groundwater Potential Mapping in Khorramabad in Lorestan,Iran, using Frequency Ratio (FR) and Weights of Evidence (WoE) Models

Water Resources - In this study groundwater potential map of Khorramabad in Lorestan Province, Iran was produced using two different methods; Frequency Ratio (FR) and Weights of Evidence (WoE)...     

Critical Zone Assessments of an Alluvial Aquifer System Using the Multi-influencing Factor (MIF) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Models in Western Iran

Natural Resources Research - Many arid regions in the world suffer from over-exploitation of local groundwater resources leading to the degradation of freshwater aquifer systems, drying of spring...