• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2024

The Voids in the Mineral Aggregate (VMA) within asphalt mixtures play a crucial role in defining the mixture's structural integrity, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Accurate prediction and optimization of VMA are essential for enhancing the performance and longevity of asphalt pavements, particularly in varying climatic and environmental conditions. This study introduces a novel machine learning framework leveraging ensemble machine learning model for predicting VMA in asphalt mixtures. By analyzing a comprehensive set of variables, including aggregate size distribution, binder content, and compaction levels, our framework offers a more precise prediction of VMA than traditional single-model approaches. The use of advanced machine learning techniques not only surpasses the accuracy of conventional empirical methods but also significantly reduces the reliance on extensive laboratory testing. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of a data-driven approach in the field of asphalt mixture design, showcasing a path toward more efficient and sustainable pavement engineering practices. This research contributes to the advancement of predictive modeling in construction materials, offering valuable insights for the design and optimization of asphalt mixtures with optimal void characteristics.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.95-109
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• 2002

A significant question is what role does newly-formed expansive mineral growth play in the premature deterioration of concrete. These minerals formed in cement paste as a result of chemical reactions involving cement paste and coarse/fine aggregate. Petrographic observations and SEM/EDAX analysis were conducted in order to determine chemical and mineralogical changes in the aggregate and cement paste of samples taken from lowa concrete highways that showed premature deterioration. Formation and expansive mechanisms involved in deterioration were Investigated. Brucite, Mg(OH)$_2$, is potentially expansive mineral that farms in cement paste of concretes containing reactive dolomite aggregate as a result of partial dedolomitization of the aggregate. No cracking was observed to be spatially associated with brucite, but most brucite was microscopic in size and widely disseminated in the cement paste of less durable concretes. Expansion stresses associated with its growth at innumerable microlocations may be retrieved by cracking at weaker locations in the concrete. Ettringite, 3CaO.Al$_2$O$_3$.3CaSO$_4$.32$H_2O$, completely fills many small voids and occurs as rims lining the margin of larger voids. Microscopic ettringite is common disseminated throughout the paste in many samples. Severe cracking of cement paste causing premature deterioration is often closely associated with ettringite locations, and strongly suggests that ettringite contributed to deterioration. Pyrite, FeS2, is commonly present in coarse/fine aggregates, and its oxidation products is observed in many concrete samples. Pyrite oxidation provides sulfate ions for ettringite formation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.165-175
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• 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blood contamination on the Vickers hardness and the surface morphology of premixed MTA and compare them with the effects on conventional MTA. The Vickers microhardness of Endocem MTA Premixed Regular (EP) and ProRoot MTA (PM) was assessed after immersion in fetal bovine serum (FBS) and saline. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) were seeded on MTA after immersion in FBS, saline, and deionized water (DW). Cell adhesion patterns and surface morphology were visualized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface microhardness of EP and PM in FBS was lower than in saline. However, short-term exposure of PM to FBS did not reduce the microhardness compared to saline. Angular crystals formed in water, while rounded crystals with more air voids appeared in FBS. Favorable SHED attachment occurred in all groups. Overall, the surface hardness of EP and PM decreased after FBS exposure, although PM was less influenced. We suggest minimizing the amount of bleeding when using MTA clinically; nevertheless, PM remains an option with more expected blood contamination than EP. In summary, exposure to FBS decreased mechanical performance but allowed cell adhesion for both MTAs, with PM being more resistant to these changes.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.11
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• 2022

Objectives: This study investigated the impact of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)-based voxel size on the analysis of material/dentin interface voids and thickness of different endodontic cements. Materials and Methods: Following root-end resection and apical preparation, maxillary premolars were filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and intermediate restorative material (IRM) (n = 24). The samples were scanned using micro-CT (SkyScan 1272; Bruker) and the cement/dentin interface and thickness of materials were evaluated at voxel sizes of 5, 10, and 20 ㎛. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were conducted, and the degree of agreement between different voxel sizes was evaluated using the Bland and Altman method (p < 0.05). Results: All materials showed an increase in thickness from 5 to 10 and 20 ㎛ (p < 0.05). When evaluating the interface voids, materials were similar at 5 ㎛ (p > 0.05), while at 10 and 20 ㎛ Biodentine showed the lowest percentage of voids (p < 0.05). A decrease in the interface voids was observed for MTA and IRM at 20 ㎛, while Biodentine showed differences among all voxel sizes (p < 0.05). The Bland-Altman plots for comparisons among voxel sizes showed the largest deviations when comparing images between 5 and 20 ㎛. Conclusions: Voxel size had an impact on the micro-CT evaluation of thickness and interface voids of endodontic materials. All cements exhibited an increase in thickness and a decrease in the void percentage as the voxel size increased, especially when evaluating images at 20 ㎛.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.9 no.1 s.31
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• pp.57-67
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• 2007

Many researches have recently discussed about the film thickness as a good substitute or supplement for VMA or other volumetric criteria in the design procedure. Some researchers have not only proposed the specific number for the recommended film thickness, but also introduced the new calculation procedures or concepts. Each model (index model and the virtual model) has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of the ability to account for the volumetric properties of the mixture. In this paper, the modified virtual model was proposed to combine advantages from both models. However, it cannot be disregarded the way to determine the appropriate particle shape factors for different sources and sizes of aggregates. In order to evaluate the different calculation methods, mixtures with two aggregate sources and eight gradations were designed based on the dominant aggregate size range (DASR) porosity concept. Superpave indirect tensile test (IDT) and asphalt pavement analyzer (AEA) test were used to describe the performance of mixtures. Test results indicated that the virtual model, which is the same to the modified virtual model for sphere 1:1 case, is better than the conventional standard model to define the range of the film thickness to have better performance of asphalt mixtures.