Internal Stability Analysis of Reinforced Earth Retaining Walls

The stabilization of slopes by the technique of reinforced earth (Terre Armée) is a very economical and reliable technique. We propose in this paper to check the overall internal stability of the reinforced earth retaining walls by three mechanical models, using the analytical method of the limit equilibrium (failure). The main objective of this paper is to compare these failure mechanical models with the failure models obtained by numerical analysis (code FLAC 2D), in order to validate the most realistic and more unfavourable failure models. Parametric and comparative studies carried out have allowed us to bring a very useful knowledge concerning the study of the internal stability of the reinforced earth retaining walls. It also proposed a theoretical mechanical model of calculation proved by numerical simulation.     

Factors contributing to heavy metal accumulation in sediments and in the intertidal mussel Perna perna in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria)

This paper presents the results of a seasonal survey of heavy metals accumulated in sediments and in the soft parts of the body of the mussel Perna perna at four stations in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria). Pooled soft tissues from 10 mussels representing the entire range of sizes were digested in nitric acid. Statistical analysis reveals a significant seasonal effect on all the measured metals, the highest values being recorded in winter. With the exception of Cr, the levels for all metals were significantly higher in the east, at the outlet of the Seybouse River, than at all other monitoring stations. The study also shows that north-western waters are subject to a significantly lower degree of heavy metal pollution than elsewhere in the gulf. Levels were nevertheless within the limits of public health standards.