Search Results (139)

The environmental performance of natural aggregates for concrete and road construction, extracted from a dolomite quarry, was investigated. Environmental hotspots were identified, and potential optimization measures to further reduce the environmental footprint were proposed. The natural aggregates extracted from the dolomite quarry have relatively low GWP and a low environmental footprint in general. The GWP of 1 tonne of natural aggregates used in concrete production is 1.13 kg CO₂ equiv., while for 1 tonne of aggregates used in road construction, it is 0.97 kg CO₂ equiv. The dolomite rock in the quarry in question is tectonically fractured, such that very intensive extraction is not required, taking into account the blasting of the rock and further processing. The use of non-road mobile machinery is already optimized. Additional reductions in environmental impact could be achieved by powering the screening process exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, such as a photovoltaic system. In this context, integrating on-site battery storage systems might present a promising solution for addressing the seasonal mismatch between solar energy generation and processing demands. Full article

Road construction has historically played a pivotal role in infrastructure development, addressing society’s growing mobility needs. Selecting sub-base and base layer aggregates requires materials that are mechanically durable, compliant with engineering standards, cost-effective, and sustainable. Locally sourcing aggregates enhances economic efficiency while reducing the environmental impact. In Southeastern Anatolia, particularly in Diyarbakır, extensive investments in roads, highways, and high-speed rail have increased the demand for high-quality aggregates. Karacadağ basalt, a locally abundant volcanic rock, offers a promising alternative. Its use not only reduces raw material costs but also aids in rehabilitating surface agricultural lands, supporting sustainable urban development and resource conservation. This study assesses the suitability of Karacadağ basalt as a sub-base and base material for highway construction. Two mixtures, namely PMT (Primary Mixture Type) and PMAT (Primary Mixture Alternative Type), were prepared and tested by the Ninth Regional Directorate of Highways using standardized methods including sieve analysis, methylene blue index, Los Angeles abrasion, Weather Resistance, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. Results indicate that Karacadağ basalt meets all relevant Turkish Highways Technical Specifications. These findings highlight the material’s potential as a sustainable, locally sourced aggregate for infrastructure applications, while suggesting that further testing across diverse quarry sites could enhance reliability and promote wider adoption. Full article

This article presents the results of a rockfall analysis conducted for the limestone walls of a former quarry that is now used as an urban park. The performed simulations (2D statistical analysis using Rigid Body Impact Mechanics—RBIM and Discrete Element Modelling—DEM) enabled the determination of the maximum displacement range during the ballistic phase and the maximum rebound height at the slope base, which facilitated the delineation of a safe land-use zone. A hazard zone was also identified, within which public access must be strictly prohibited due to the risk posed by flying debris. Based on slope stability assessments (safety factor values and rockfall trajectories), recommendations were formulated for slope reinforcement measures and appropriate management actions for designated sections to ensure safe operation of the site. Three mitigation strategies were proposed: (1) no protective measures, (2) no structural reinforcements but with installation of a rockfall barrier, and (3) full-scale stabilisation to allow unrestricted access to the quarry walls. The first option—leaving slopes unsecured with only designated safety buffers—is not recommended. Full article

Rock’s response time to blasting (T_min) refers to the critical time elapsed between the detonation of the explosive to the fragmentation and displacement of the rock, and it is a fundamental parameter that directly impacts blast-induced fragmentation. Although existing studies acknowledge the importance of this parameter, there are uncertainties regarding the factors determining T_min. Furthermore, existing models use complex parameters, fail to demonstrate sufficient performance in different engineering scenarios, or are not suitable for use as a practical engineering tool. To address these uncertainties and to reveal the relationship between T_min and fragmentation performance with an integrated model, a comprehensive dataset was obtained from 27 blasts conducted in 12 different quarries in Türkiye. The study followed a systematic methodology including geomechanical characterization, T_min measurement via high-speed videography, and pre- and post-blast photogrammetric fragment size analysis. The findings enabled the development of a model that predicts T_min with high accuracy (R² = 0.789, MAPE: %16.56) using parameters easily measurable in practice. More importantly, this estimation of T_min was used in an integrated model where the mean fragment size (P₅₀) could be predicted directly and successfully (R² = 0.837, MAPE: %8.37), providing a significant contribution to the literature. In light of these results, the primary engineering contribution of the study is that it has developed a practical and reliable tool applicable in the field, which treats T_min as an optimizable design variable and provides a seamless prediction framework from blasting design to the rock fragmentation. Full article

In marine engineering applications, substituting conventional crushed stone coarse aggregates with coral aggregates offers dual advantages: reduced terrestrial quarrying operations and minimized construction material transportation costs. However, the inherent characteristics of coral aggregates—low bulk density, high porosity, and elevated water absorption capacity—adversely influence concrete workability and mechanical performance. To address these limitations, this investigation employed microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for aggregate modification. The experimental design systematically evaluated the impacts of substrate concentration (1 mol/L) and mineralization period (14 days) on three critical parameters, mass gain percentage, water absorption reduction, and apparent density enhancement, across distinct particle size fractions (4.75–9.5 mm, 9.5–20 mm) and density classifications. Subsequent application trials assessed the performance of MICP-treated aggregates in marine concrete formulations. Results indicated that under a substrate concentration of 1 mol/L and mineralization period of 14 days, lightweight coral aggregates and coral aggregates within the 4.75–9.5 mm size fraction exhibited favorable modification effects. Specifically, their mass gain rates reached 11.75% and 11.22%, respectively, while their water absorption rates decreased by 32.22% and 34.75%, respectively. Apparent density increased from initial values of 1764 kg/m³ and 1930 kg/m³ to 2050 kg/m³ and 2207 kg/m³. Concrete mixtures incorporating modified aggregates exhibited enhanced workability and strength improvement at all curing ages. The 28-day compressive strengths reached 62.1 MPa (11.69% increment), 46.2 MPa (6.94% increment), and 60.1 MPa (14.91% increment) for the 4.75–9.5 mm, 9.5–20 mm, and continuous grading groups, respectively, compared to untreated counterparts. Full article

The anthropogenic drivers of biodiversity loss are causing a global decline in biodiversity, yet some species remain overlooked in conservation efforts. In this study, we address the gaps between the current discussions and pressing issues on these species’ conservation. We focused on West Africa and used desiccation-tolerant vascular plants to conduct a systematic review of conservation discussions and a study case to assess their protection and exposure to quarrying and climate change. Our systematic review revealed, for the first time, that these plants are largely neglected in conservation discussions. Most species lack formal evaluations, and only four studies mentioned conservation, although without providing enough evidence to justify it. In our case study, we found biased protection among the species, with varying effectiveness of the protection areas against different anthropogenic threats. The two most exposed species were not present in protected areas, which were more effective at mitigating quarrying impacts than climate change. We highlight the need for conservation-explicit assessments and a mechanistic understanding of species’ conservation needs, such as quantitatively evaluating species vulnerability to threats, to support efficient conservation strategies. We call for conservation initiatives with specific objectives to include overlooked species in protected areas and adjust the conservation objectives to address specific threats. Full article

Quarrying is a key driver in economic growth but also poses significant environmental impacts, particularly on groundwater resources. With approximately 4000 active quarries and diverse hydrological and hydrogeological conditions across Italy, the need for effective regulations that ensure both sustainable extraction and groundwater protection is paramount. This study analyzed the European directives, national legislation, and regional quarrying plans governing extractive activities, with a particular focus on groundwater protection. By analyzing the Italian quarries and their main hydrogeological characteristics, the most prevalent hydrogeological scenarios associated with quarrying activities across the country have been identified. The findings reveal significant gaps in the current regulatory framework, characterized by fragmentation and inconsistency across regions. Critical concerns across the quarry lifecycle (planning, excavation, and reclamation) are not comprehensively addressed, and mandatory monitoring and safeguard requirements are lacking. A more structured regulatory approach could incorporate key parameters identified in this study, particularly quarry size and groundwater level depth relative to the excavation plan. Additionally, hydrogeological vulnerability must be considered to guide risk assessment, particularly for alluvial and limestone hydrogeological complexes, which host a substantial number of Italian quarries and require stricter safeguards due to their high susceptibility to contamination and hydrodynamic alterations. Full article

Italy supplies about one-seventh of the European Union’s total glass production, and the sector’s sizeable resource demands make it a linchpin of national industrial strategy. With growing environmental regulations and the push for resource efficiency, Material Flow Accounting has become essential for companies to stay compliant and advance sustainability. The investigation concentrates on Italy’s glass industry to clarify its material requirements, ecological footprint, and overall sustainability performance. STAN software v2, combined with an Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounting (EW-MFA) framework, models the national economy as a single integrated input–output system. By tracking each material stream from initial extraction to end-of-life, the analysis delivers a cradle-to-grave picture of the sector’s environmental impacts. During the 2021 production year, Italy’s glass makers drew on a total of 10.5 million tonnes (Mt) of material inputs, supplied 76% (7.9 Mt) from domestic quarries, and 24% (2.6 Mt) via imports. Outbound trade in finished glass removed 1.0 Mt, leaving 9.5 Mt recorded as Domestic Material Consumption (DMC). Within that balance, 6.6 Mt (63%) was locked into long-lived stock, whereas 2.9 Mt (28%) left the system as waste streams and airborne releases, including roughly 2.1 Mt of CO₂. At present, the post-consumer cult substitutes only one-third of the furnace batch, signalling considerable scope for improved circularity. When benchmarked against EU-27 aggregates for 2021, Italy registers a NAS/DMI ratio of 0.63 (EU median 0.55) and a DPO/DMI ratio of 0.28 (EU 0.31), indicating a higher share of material retained in stock and slightly lower waste generated per ton of input. A detailed analysis of glass production identifies critical stages, environmental challenges, and areas for improvement. Quantitative data on material use, waste generation, and recycling rates reveal the industry’s environmental footprint. The findings emphasise Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounting’s value in evaluating and improving sustainability efforts, offering insights for policymakers and industry leaders to drive resource efficiency and sustainable resource management. Results help scholars and policymakers in the analysis of the Italian glass industry context, supporting in the data gathering, while also in the use of this methodology for other sectors. Full article

The aim of the conducted research was to assess the impact of gypsum deposit development on changes in the radiation levels of the abiotic components of the environment. For this purpose, a study of the radioactivity of water, bottom sediment, soil, gypsum and loam samples was performed. Ground-based studies of the distribution of the values of the ambient dose equivalent rate of gamma radiation and radon flux density were also carried out. It was shown that due to the high solubility of gypsum, the degree of karstification of the territory increases under the influence of meteoric waters, and as a result of the intensification of anthropogenic impact, the degree of chemical weathering of rocks increases. This leads to a coordinated change in not only the chemical but also the radiation conditions. In particular, radioactive contamination of quarry waters and areas of increased radon flux density in soil air were established. In bottom sediments, the significant correlations of ¹³⁷Cs, ²³⁸U and ²³⁴U activity concentrations with carbonates, organic matter and soluble salts contents, as well as Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mo, Cd, Co, Ti and V, indicate a significant role of the anthropogenic factor in the accumulation in bottom sediments. This factor is associated with both regional atmospheric transport (¹³⁷Cs) and the activity of the mining enterprise in the study area (²³⁸U and ²³⁴U). Full article

This study investigates the factors influencing the energy consumption and reliability of haul trucks in open-pit mines and quarries, where fuel costs and the environmental impact are significant. Traditional analysis of haulage systems often overlooks crucial aspects such as energy efficiency in the specific mining environment and the effect of road configurations on truck performance. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, reducing fuel consumption not only reduces costs but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. A key focus of the study is the link between haul truck reliability and overall efficiency. Frequent breakdowns increase maintenance costs, lead to unplanned downtime, and increase fuel consumption, all of which have an impact on the environment. Reliable transport systems, on the other hand, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals. The authors analyze the energy consumption of trucks in relation to vehicle performance parameters and transport route characteristics. Discrete modeling of the transport system showed the impact of the operating environment on the variability of energy consumption and vehicle reliability. The study highlights the importance of understanding specific energy consumption in order to optimize the choice of transport system, as transport costs are a major cost of resource extraction. By analyzing the effect of road quality on vehicle performance, the authors suggest that improvements to the road surface can more easily improve vehicle reliability and energy intensity than changes to other road design elements. The study presents a quantitative analysis of the impact of haul road conditions on the operational efficiency of haul trucks in mining environments. Through discrete simulation models, two scenarios were analyzed. Total operational time decreased by 11.2% when road quality improved, demonstrating the critical role of surface maintenance. Additionally, breakdown times were reduced by 44%, maintenance by 15%, and empty travel by 9% in the optimized scenario. These findings underscore the necessity of maintaining optimal road conditions to prevent substantial efficiency losses and increased maintenance costs. Full article

In order to alleviate the risk of landslides on high and steep slopes during excavation, slope protection coal pillars are commonly increased at the site to maintain slope stability, which causes a considerable waste of coal. In roof cutting for pressure relief at quarries, the movement of the overburden structure is artificially regulated by blasting. However, there is a lack of theoretical research on the impact on the slope movement. In order to explore how blasting roof cutting affects the deformation and fracture of slopes, a case study of the 10101 working face of Xinyuan Coal Mine was carried out. The particle flow code numerical simulation of the mining with different heights of roof cutting was performed to analyze the impact of the height of roof cutting on the movement of overlaying rock formation, the development of slope fractures, stress distribution, collapse angle, slope deformation and fracture, etc. The research results are as follows: the overlaying rock formation can be divided into the stable zone, the rotary zone and the subsidence area by displacement; a reasonable roof-cutting height allows the cutting and crushing of the overlaying rock formation, as a result of which the movement boundary is offset to cutting line and the slope is within the stable area; at the same time, the horizontal displacement of the rock formation in the rotary zone, the collapse angle and the stress at slope bottom are reduced, which controls the deformation and failure of slope by inhibiting the development of cracks at slope bottom and reducing the rotation of the rotary zone to the goaf zone. The research results provide certain references for controlling ground sedimentation and slopes in blasting roof cutting. Full article

This paper examines land management technologies to enhance environmental monitoring more efficiently. The study highlights the interactions between human activities and environmental systems with a data-driven environmental monitoring approach. There are many human pressures, such as pollution, land degradation, and habitat loss, negatively impacting soil health. The methodology proposed improves soil status assessments in response to evolving environmental pressures by utilizing satellite imagery and predictive modeling. The integration of Sentinel-2 imagery, the calculation of various spectral indices (NDVI, NBR, NDMI, EVI, SAVI) at different time intervals, and the application of the Isolation Forest algorithm are employed in this study to determine the specific area that is affected by the environmental issue. The chosen algorithm was favored due to its superior performance in handling high-dimensionality data, enhanced computational efficiency, provision of interpretable results, and insensitivity to disparities in class distribution. This study analyzes two separate study cases at different scales. The first involves wildfire identification achieving an overall accuracy of 98%. The second focuses on the expansion areas to pre-existing quarries with an overall accuracy of 95%. The NBR proved most effective in delineating burned areas, whereas the EVI generated the most remarkable results in the quarry case study. This approach provides an effective and scalable tool for environmental monitoring, supporting sustainable management policies, and strengthening ecosystem resilience. Full article

The global production of waste glass and the challenges associated with its reuse and disposal highlight the urgent need for effective alternatives to prevent the accumulation of landfill. Researchers have already explored the potential of replacing naturally quarried aggregates with waste glass to minimize its accumulation in landfills and the depletion of natural resources. Previous studies have reported that recycled crushed glass (RCG) has a high silica content, angularity, shear strength, and durability, properties which make it a promising material for construction applications. However, there are limited assessments in the existing literature of the performance of RCG as a construction material for transportation infrastructure. This paper reviews the physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of RCG reported in the literature and compares their findings; it also discusses the existing studies related to its suitability for field applications. This paper also highlights the environmental impact and health concerns of replacing natural aggregates with waste glass by emphasizing its role in sustainable development and the circular economy in the construction of transportation infrastructure. Full article

A two-year study (June 2022–May 2024) on the reliability and maintainability of technological equipment at the Pătârș basalt quarry identified critical wear issues in metal components impacting operational continuity. The analysis focused on identifying causes of operational interruptions and evaluating solutions to improve equipment performance. Results showed that speed and load significantly impact wear rate and material selection significantly influences abrasion resistance. Laboratory tribological tests provided valuable data on the influence of basalt properties on wear, complementing field data. The study highlighted the low reliability of critical components, such as the sorting station trough, front loader bucket knife, and excavator bucket tooth, necessitating frequent replacements. For example, the trough has only a 40% probability of operating without defects after 182 days, with average roughness reaching 1.2 μm and wear profile height up to 22.5 μm. Similarly, the bucket knife and tooth require replacement at significantly reduced intervals compared to their nominal operating life to achieve 80% reliability. To address these findings, the study proposes two solutions: (1) manufacturing experimental prototypes with alternative materials for the trough to improve wear resistance and reliability; and (2) on-site welding reconditioning of metal components to reduce costs and downtime. Full article

Globalization has profoundly impacted architecture by promoting urban homogenization, where global styles and materials overshadow local character. This shift prioritizes standardized functionality and energy efficiency over cultural identity, erasing regional architectural distinctiveness. In historical urban centers, globalization-driven interventions—such as ventilated facades or external thermal insulation systems (ETISs)—often simplify original compositions and alter building materiality, texture, and color. The Ensanche of San Sebastián serves as a case study highlighting this issue. Despite its architectural richness, which includes neoclassical and modernist buildings primarily constructed with sandstone from the Igeldo quarry, unprotected buildings are at risk of unsympathetic renovations. Such changes can distort the identity of what is considered “everyday heritage”, encompassing the residential buildings and public spaces that shape the collective memory of cities. This study presents a replicable methodology for assessing the vulnerability of buildings to facade interventions. By utilizing tools like digital twins, point cloud modeling, and typological analysis, the research establishes criteria for interventions aimed at preserving architectural values. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts with urban planning authorities and public awareness campaigns to safeguard heritage. Ultimately, protecting architectural identity requires balancing the goals of energy efficiency with cultural preservation. This approach ensures that urban landscapes maintain their historical and social significance amidst globalization pressures. Full article