• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.105-115
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• 2009

The Jeju sand was sampled from the beach in Jeju Island and its basic properties were analyzed. The cementation effect of Jeju coastal sediments was evaluated from in-situ tests such as SPT, CPT, and the Suspension-PS test. It was shown from test results that the Jeju sand has high extreme void ratios due to the angularity of grains and the intra-particle voids of hollow particles, similar to typical calcareous sands. From cone penetration test in the calibration chamber, it was found that the cone resistance($q_c$)-relative density($D_R$)-vertical effective stress(${\sigma}_v'$) relation of Jeju sand almost matches that of high compressible quartz sand. However, the $q_C-D_R-{\sigma}_v'$ correlation suggested for uncemented Jeju sand overestimates the relative density of coastal sediments of Jeju Island due to the cementation effect. From the analysis of the relation of cone resistance, N value, and small strain shear modulus measured in-situ, it seems reasonable to assume that the coastal sediment of Jeju Island is a naturally cemented one.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.213-220
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• 2023

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), which are composed of a polymer matrix filled with high-performance fillers as a dispersed phase, have been intensively studied for gas separations for the past 30 years. It has been demonstrated that MMMs exhibit superior gas separation performance compared to polymer membranes and are more scalable than polycrystalline membranes. Despite their potential, the commercialization of MMMs has yet to be reported due to several challenging issues. One of the major challenges of MMMs is the non-ideal interface between the continuous polymer phase and dispersed phase, which can result in defect formation (i.e., interfacial voids, etc.). With respect, many MMM studies have focused on addressing the issues through scientific approaches. The engineering approaches for facile and effective large-scale fabrication of MMMs, however, have been relatively underestimated. In this review paper, a novel strategy for fabricating MMMs in a facile and scalable manner using in situ metal-organic framework (MOF) formation is introduced. This new MMM fabrication methodology can effectively address the issues facing current MMMs, likely facilitating the commercialization of MMMs.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.75-85
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• 2010

The focus of this study is to evaluate the field applicability of the newly developed inorganic thixotropic-grout in various ways. In order to do this, the volume stability and the permeability of the inorganic thixotropic-grout have been measured and compared to the existing silica type grouts. In addition, the filling capability of the grout into the tail void has been evaluated through both an experiment with a miniature tail-void filling equipment and a test filling at the shield TBM construction site. The volume loss of the inorganic thixotropic-grout after a 14 day-curing under the atmosphere condition was appeared to be minimal. The excellent waterproofing ability of the inorganic thixotropic-grout was confirmed through a permeability test. The toxicity of the inorganic thixotropic-grout has been evaluated through a toxicity test of aquatic fishes (KS M 0111) and the pH value of the liquid eluviated from inorganic thixotropic-grout was measured as an average of 8.0 and a fatality rate of goldfish after 96 hours was 10% or so. The existence of harmful heavy metals in the liquid eluviated from the inorganic thixotropic-grout has been also examined through an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) test. Any of harmful heavy metals were not detected and the detected level of $Cr^{6+}$ and Cd was far below the standard. Based on both an experiment with a miniature tail-void filling equipment and a test filling at the shield TBM construction site, the filling ability of inorganic thixotropic-grout into the tail void was proved to be excellent.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.71-83
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• 2009

Shotcrete is an important primary support for tunnelling in rock. The quality control of shotcrete is a core issue in the safe construction and maintenance of tunnels. Although shotcrete may be applied well initially onto excavated rock surfaces, it is affected by blasting, rock deformation and shrinkage and can debond from the excavated surface, causing problems such as corrosion, buckling, fracturing and the creation of internal voids. This study suggests an effective non-destructive evaluation method of the tunnel shotcrete bonding state applied onto hard rocks using the impact-echo (IE) method and ground penetration radar (GPR). To verify previous numerical simulation results, experimental study carried out. Generally, the bonding state of shotcrete can be classified into void, debonded, and fully bonded. In the laboratory, three different bonding conditions were modeled. The signals obtained from the experimental IE tests were analyzed at the time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain (i.e., the Short- Time Fourier transform). For all cases in the analyses, the experimental test results were in good agreement with the previous numerical simulation results, verifying this approach. Both the numerical and experimental results suggest that the bonding state of shotcrete can be evaluated through changes in the resonance frequency and geometric damping ratio in a frequency domain analysis, and through changes in the contour shape and correlation coefficient in a time-frequency analysis: as the bonding state worsens in hard rock condition, the autospectral density increases, the geometric damping ratio decreases, and the contour shape in the time-frequency domain has a long tail parallel to the time axis. The correlation coefficient can be effectively applied for a quantitative evaluation of bonding state of tunnel shotcrete. Finally, the bonding state of shotcrete can be successfully evaluated based on the process suggested in this study.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.58.1-59
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• 2021

Exploration of asteroids' internal structure is essential for understanding their evolutional history. It also provides a fundamental information about the history of coalescence and collision of the solar system. Among several models of the internal structures, the rubble-pile model, confirmed by the near-Earth asteroid (25143) Itokawa by Hayabusa mission [1], is now widely regarded as the most common to asteroids with size ranging from 200 m to 10 km [2]. On the contrary, monolithic and core-mantle structures are also possible for small asteroids [3]. It is, however, still challenging to look through the interior of a target object using remote-sensing devices. In this presentation, we introduce our ongoing research conducted at Seoul National and propose an idea to infer the internal structure of Apophis using available instruments. Itokawa's research provides an important benchmark for Apophis exploration because both asteroids have similar size and composition [4][5]. We have conducted research on Itokawa's evolution in terms of collision and space weathering. Space weathering is the surface alteration process caused by solar wind implantation and micrometeorite bombardment [6]. Meanwhile, resurfacing via a collision acts as a counter-process of space weathering by exposing fresh materials under the matured layer and lower the overall degree of space weathering. Therefore, the balance of these two processes determine the space weathering degrees of the asteroid. We focus on the impact evidence on the boulder surface and found that space weathering progresses in only 100-10,000 years and modifies the surface optical properties (Jin & Ishiguro, KAS 2020 Fall Meeting). It is important to note that the timescale is significantly shorter than the Itokawa's age, suggesting that the asteroid can be totally processed by space weathering. Accordingly, our result triggers a further discussion about why Itokawa indicates a moderately fresh spectrum (Sq-type denotes less matured than S-type). For example, Itokawa's smooth terrains show a weaker degree of space weathering than other S-type asteroids [7]. We conjecture that the global seismic shaking caused by collisions with >1 mm-sized interplanetary dust particles induces granular convection, which hinders the progression of space weathering [8]. Note that the efficiency of seismic wave propagation is strongly dependent on the internal structure of the asteroid. Finally, we consider possible approaches to investigate Apophis's internal structure. The first idea is studying the space weathering age, as conducted for Itokawa. If Apophis indicates a younger age, the internal structure would have more voids [9]. In addition, the 2029 close encounter with Earth provides a rare natural opportunity to witness the contrast between before and after the event. If the asteroid exhibits a slight change in shape and space weathering degree, one can determine the physical structure of the internal materials (e.g., rubble-pile monolithic, thick or thin regolith layer, the cohesion of the materials). We will also consider a possible science using a seismometer.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.260-266
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• 2023

In recent years, excessive emissions of carbon dioxide(CO₂) have become the cause of global climate change. Consequently, there has been significant research activity aimed at both removing and utilizing CO₂. This study assesses the potential utilization of railway tie concrete waste, generated from railway infrastructure, as a CO₂ absorption material and investigates the physicochemical properties before and after CO₂ absorption to understand the CO₂ removal mechanisms. Railway tie concrete waste primarily consists of Si(26.60 %) and contains 9.82 % of Ca. Compared to samples of Cement and Normal concrete waste, it demonstrated superior potential for use as a CO₂ absorption material, with approximately 98 % of the Ca content participating in CO₂ absorption reactions. Through Thermogravimetric Analysis(TGA) and X-ray Diffraction(XRD) analysis, it was confirmed that the carbonate reaction, where the Ca in railway tie concrete waste converts into CaCO₃ through reaction with CO₂ gas, is the primary mechanism for CO₂ removal. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) analysis revealed the formation of numerous CaCO₃ particles with sizes less than 0.1 ㎛ after the CO₂ absorption reaction. This transformation of large internal voids in the CO₂ absorption material into mesopores resulted in an increase in the specific surface area of the material.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.1091-1097
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• 2023

Bolus is used in radiation therapy to prescribe an even dose to the tumor when the skin surface is inclined or has irregularities. At this time, the dose to the skin surface increases. Due to the patient's unique body structure and irregular skin, voids may occur between the bolus and the skin, which may reduce the accuracy of treatment. Therefore, in this study, the existing bolus and the self-produced bolus through 3D printing were applied to the nasal area, and the difference between the surface dose after treatment plan and the dose directly measured with an Optically Stimulated luminescence(OSL) dosimeter was compared to the existing bolus. The bolus rate was 97%, PLA 100.33%, ePETELA 75A 100.53%, and ePETELA 85A 100.36%. It was confirmed that there was little error in the measurement values and treatment plan values for each material. In addition, compared to when applying a conventional bolus, a difference of -3% to +0.5% for a 3D printed bolus can be confirmed, so a customized bolus produced through 3D printing can complement the shortcomings of the existing bolus. It is believed that there will be.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.693-702
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• 2023

This research explores the potential application of Liquid Red Mud(LRM), a byproduct of industrial processes, in the construction sector. We neutralized LRM(pH 10-12) using nitric acid, aiming to understand its viability in construction applications. The study involved substituting LRM(pH 7-8) in mortar formulations, varying by cement type. We assessed the properties of these mixtures by measuring flow, setting time, and compressive strength. Additionally, X-ray Diffraction(XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) analyses were conducted to examine the chemical properties. Results indicated a reduction in flow value for LRM and LN(neutralized LRM) compared to the control (Plain ) across different cement types. The setting times(initial and final) for LRM and LN were notably shorter than Plain. In compressive strength tests, LRM replaced with slag cement showed enhanced initial strength, though long-term strength gains were marginal across different cement types. SEM analysis revealed distinct voids in Plain and LN, with LRM exhibiting a fibrous microstructure. XRD patterns in SN(slag neutralized) resembled those in OR(original red mud) and ON(original neutralized), with a notable peak at a 2θ value of 22°. The study concludes that unneutralized LRM, when substituted for slag cement in mortar, yields superior initial strength compared to its neutralized counterpart.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.154-162
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• 2024

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are essential components in water electrolysis systems, serving to physically separate the generated hydrogen and oxygen gases while enabling the selective transport of hydroxide ions between electrodes. Key characteristics sought in AEMs include high ion conductivity and robust chemical and mechanical stability in alkaline. In this study, quaternized Poly(terphenyl piperidinium)/cellulose nanocrystals (qPTP/CNC) mixed matrix membrane was fabricated. The polymer matrix, PTP, was synthesized via super-acid polymerization, known for its excellent ion conductivity and alkaline durability. The qPTP/CNC membrane showed a dense and uniform morphology without significant voids or large aggregates at the polymer-nanoparticle interface. The qPTP/CNC membrane containing 2 wt% CNC demonstrated a high ion exchange capacity of 1.90 mmol/g, coupled with low water uptake (9.09%) and swelling ratio (5.56%). Additionally, the qPTP/CNC membrane showed significantly lower resistance and superior alkaline stability (384 hours at 50℃ in 1 M KOH) compared to the commercial FAA-3-50 membrane. These results highlight the potential of hydrophilic additive CNC in enhancing ion conductivity and alkaline durability of ion exchange membranes.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.90 no.6
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• pp.611-633
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• 2024

This study intends to investigate the response of multi-cell (MC) beams to flexural loads in which the primary reinforcement is composed of both metallic and non-metallic materials. "Multi-cell" describes beam sections with multiple longitudinal voids separated by thin webs. Seven reinforced concrete MC beams measuring 300×200×1800 mm were tested under flexural loadings until failure. Two series of beams are formed, depending on the type of main reinforcement that is being used. A control RC beam with no openings and six MC beams are found in these two series. Series one and two are reinforced with metallic and non-metallic main reinforcement, respectively, in order to maintain a constant reinforcement ratio. The first crack, ultimate load, deflection, ductility index, energy absorption, strain characteristics, crack pattern, and failure mode were among the structural parameters of the beams under investigation that were documented. The primary variables that vary are the kind of reinforcing materials that are utilized, as well as the kind and quantity of mesh layers. The outcomes of this study that looked at the experimental and numerical performance of ferrocement reinforced concrete MC beams are presented in this article. Nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was performed with ANSYS-16.0 software to demonstrate the behavior of composite MC beams with holes. A parametric study is also carried out to investigate the factors, such as opening size, that can most strongly affect the mechanical behavior of the suggested model. The experimental and numerical results obtained demonstrate that the FE simulations generated an acceptable degree of experimental value estimation. It's also important to demonstrate that, when compared to the control beam, the MC beam reinforced with geogrid mesh (MCGB) decreases its strength capacity by a maximum of 73.33%. In contrast, the minimum strength reduction value of 16.71% is observed in the MC beams reinforced with carbon reinforcing bars (MCCR). The findings of the experiments on MC beams with openings demonstrate that the presence of openings has a significant impact on the behavior of the beams, as there is a decrease in both the ultimate load and maximum deflection.