Daily Archives: October 14, 2026

Authors: Ahmed M. Sakr, Ibrahim Abd Ellatif, Ahmed S. Hashad, Mohamed A. Khalaf, Ismail Amer

Abstract: This study experimentally investigates the cyclic dynamic performance of Basalt Textile Reinforced Mortar (BTRM)-strengthened and unstrengthened masonry hydraulic piers under dry and wet conditions. Six specimens, comprising three control and three BTRM-strengthened piers, were tested using a shaking-table setup under progressively increasing harmonic excitation. The primary objective was to compare the number of loading cycles sustained until failure and examine the associated failure mechanisms. The results demonstrated that BTRM strengthening substantially increased the cyclic endurance of the masonry piers compared with the unstrengthened controls. The control specimens experienced severe damage after relatively few loading cycles, whereas the strengthened specimens sustained considerably more cycles before failure. The observed failure of the strengthened specimens involved basalt textile rupture and internal separation of masonry units. The dry and wet specimens were also compared to examine the influence of water exposure on cyclic performance. The findings demonstrate the potential of BTRM strengthening to improve the resistance of masonry hydraulic piers to repeated dynamic loading

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23364924

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Ms. Shashiprabha V, Assistant Professor Mr. Joel Joseph

Abstract: The present study focuses on the forensic evaluation of ink removal using vinegar and ethanol on contract bond paper under varying temperature conditions. The study aims to investigate the effects of these chemical agents on ink visibility, paper characteristics, and the detectability of potential alterations in written documents. Vinegar, containing acetic acid, and ethanol are examined as treatment agents to determine their effects on ink markings and the physical integrity of contract bond paper at different temperatures. The evaluation considers observable changes such as ink fading, residual ink traces, paper discolouration, surface texture, and fibre damage. Untreated paper samples serve as controls for comparison. Forensic examination methods, including visual inspection and microscopic analysis, may be used to identify characteristics associated with chemical treatment. The study also considers temperature as a factor that may influence the interaction between the treatment agents, ink, and paper substrate. The findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of document alteration and the limitations of detecting chemically treated ink entries in questioned documents. This research may provide useful insights for forensic document examiners in assessing the authenticity and integrity of contract documents. The conclusions will be based on the experimental results obtained.

DOI:

Published by: vikaspatanker