A combined neural network/gradient‐based approach for the identification of constitutive model parameters using self‐boring pressuremeter tests

This paper presents a numerical procedure of material parameter identification for the coupled hydro‐mechanical boundary value problem (BVP) of the self‐boring pressuremeter test (SBPT) in clay. First, the neural network (NN) technique is applied to obtain an initial estimate of model parameters, taking into account the possible drainage conditions during the expansion test. This technique is used to avoid potential pitfalls related to the conventional gradient‐based optimization techniques, considered here as a corrector that improves predicted parameters. Parameter identification based on measurements obtained through the pressuremeter expansion test and two types of holding tests is illustrated on the Modified Cam clay model. NNs are trained using a set of test samples, which are generated by means of finite element simulations of SBPT. The measurements obtained through expansion and consolidation tests are normalized so that NN predictors operate independently of the testing depth. Examples of parameter determination are demonstrated on both numerical and field data. The efficiency of the combined parameter identification in terms of accuracy, effectiveness and computational effort is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Point Bonitation Method for Evaluating Geodiversity: A Guide with Examples (Polish Lowland)

This paper presents the evaluation of geodiversity by the point bonitation method. Geodiversity is understood here in the broadest sense, i.e. as a variability of all abiotic components: geology, geomorphology, soils, waters and climate. The point bonitation method is described in the form of a coherent instruction along with a discussion of the included examples. Factors that may influence the obtained results are indicated. The geodiversity evaluation method is illustrated in the three test fields situated in the Polish Lowland. The work was performed on detailed scales of 1:25 000 and 1:10 000. This guide should serve as a tool ready to use in environmental management, landscape planning and nature conservation.     

Land use and land cover changes in small Carpathian catchments between the mid-19<Superscript>th</Superscript> and early 21<Superscript>st</Superscript> centuries and their record on the land surface

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes and their impact on the mountain environment were studied in six catchments (~10 km² each) in the Polish Western Carpathians from the mid-19^th century to the early 21^st century. The analysis of cadastral and orthophoto maps indicates that during the investigated period, the forest area increased, quantified by an annual change index (Annch), between +0.12% to +0.27%, with a decrease of arable land index to–0.45% and–2.28% in the analysed catchments. LULC changes were accompanied by a continuous increase in settlement developments (residential and farming houses) by 50%-140% as well as significant changes related to their spatial distribution. Abandonment of arable land and forest succession have resulted in the geomorphological transformation of hillslopes, which predominantly includes a decrease in used road density, their transformation to road cuts and gorges. Overpopulation and the domination agriculture in the past caused the expansion of unpaved roads density and then the fragmentation of hillslopes, as well as the development of agricultural terraces.     

Optimization framework for calibration of constitutive models enhanced by neural networks

A two‐level procedure designed for the estimation of constitutive model parameters is presented in this paper. The neural network (NN) approach at the first level is applied to achieve the first approximation of parameters. This technique is used to avoid potential pitfalls related to the conventional gradient‐based optimization techniques, considered here as a corrector that improves predicted parameters. The feed‐forward NN (FFNN) and the modified Gauss–Newton algorithms are briefly presented. The proposed framework is verified for the elasto‐plastic modified Cam Clay model that can be calibrated based on standard triaxial laboratory tests, i.e. the isotropic consolidation test and the drained compression test. Two different formulations of the input data to the NN, enhanced by a dimensional reduction of experimental data using principal component analysis, are presented. The determination of model characteristics is demonstrated, first on numerical pseudo‐experiments and then on the experimental data. The efficiency of the proposed approach by means of accuracy and computational effort is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mycobiota of the disused ore mine of Marcinków in?nie?nik Masiff(western Poland)

Marcinków(Lower Silesia, ?nie?nik Masiff,south-western Poland) has been a well-known mining centre since the mid-15 th century. Mineral extraction ended in 1949 with the ores of Pb, Ag, Cu and occasionally Au, U or graphite mined there. The mine is surrounded by metamorphic graphite and mica schist. It is not open to the public and no bats have been recorded living in. The aim of this study was the mycological analysis of the air, the rock surface and the water of the disused ore mine of Marcinków.Additionally, the chemical composition of rocks and water, and microclimate conditions of the adit were determined. Fungi were identified using a combination of phenotypic and molecular methods.Six taxa of fungi were cultured from the indoor air samples of the adit, whereas the outdoor air samples contained only five taxa. On the other hand, nine taxa were isolated from both the rocky walls and the water.The Aspergillus group was present only on the rocks and in the water, whereas Cladosporium herbarum,Dumontinia tuberosa, Epicoccum nigrum, Hirsutella sp., were found exclusively in the air. The mycobiota found in the ore mine were mostly similar to those recorded in other mines and natural caves. However,it should be noted that the internal microclimate and chemical compounds of the rocks.     

Physical and chemical characteristics of after-reclamation dust from used sand moulds

The paper presents the results of investigations of physical and chemical properties of after reclamation dust that is generated in the foundry industry. Universally applied mechanical reclamation processes of spent moulding sands generate large amounts of after-reclamation dusts containing mainly rubbed spent binding agents and quartz dusts. An amount of after-reclamation dusts—in dependence of the reclamation system efficiency and the reclaim dedusting system—can reach 5–10 % in relation to the total reclaimed spent moulding sand. After-reclamation dusts originated from spent moulding sands with different kinds of resins mostly belong to dangerous wastes, since they contain chemo-setting binders with dangerous substances removed in the reclamation process. None of the companies producing mechanical reclamation systems offers presently the complex technology and equipment for utilisation of after reclamation dusts, which would meet technical and economic expectations of foundry plants. The paper presents the results of research carried out at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering AGH UST in Cracow which aims on the determination of possibilities of using the post-reclamation dust generated during mechanical reclamation of used moulding sands with organic resins as a source of energy. Different dusts generated in the mechanical reclamation process of used organic sands, delivered from foundries, were tested to determine their chemical composition, granular characterisation and physicochemical properties. As a result of the investigations, possible ways to utilise the dusts are presented.