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Volume 3, Issue 2, 2025

Abstract

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The environmental impacts of rock blasting at the Babawa main quarry site in Gezawa, Kano State, Nigeria, were systematically assessed. Electrical resistivity tomography, spontaneous potential, and induced polarization methods were employed using a Wenner array configuration with electrode spacings of 5 m and 10 m. Data processing and inversion were conducted using RES2DINV, while spatial visualization was performed with Surfer v12. Subsurface characterization revealed three layers: a highly weathered basement (comprising clay and gravel materials), a partially weathered and fractured basement, and a fresh granitic basement. Low resistivity values ranging from 16 $\Omega \cdot \mathrm{m}$ to 200 $\Omega \cdot \mathrm{m}$ were observed from near-surface depths to approximately 25 m, indicating zones of intense weathering. In contrast, resistivity values exceeding 1000 $\Omega \cdot \mathrm{m}$ were interpreted as relatively intact granitic formations minimally affected by blasting activities. In terms of chargeability responses, low values corresponded to weak, fractured zones and higher values indicated more competent lithologies. Zones of elevated spontaneous potential anomalies were associated with potential fluid migration pathways, while low spontaneous potential values corresponded to relatively intact and impermeable regions. A consistent spatial correlation among electrical resistivity tomography, induced polarization, and spontaneous potential datasets was identified, confirming the presence of fractured zones radiating outward from the quarry site. Although these fractures were not found to extend to significant depths, repeated blasting activities appear to have exacerbated pre-existing structural discontinuities. Such conditions may pose risks to nearby infrastructure and groundwater systems if left unmonitored. It is therefore recommended that continuous geophysical monitoring and stricter regulation of blasting operations be implemented to mitigate long-term environmental and geotechnical hazards.

Open Access
Research article
Study of the Strength and Chloride Corrosion Resistance of Solid Waste-Based Marine Concrete under Combined Conditions
Chao Ren ,
Hui Zhang ,
Yanhui Xi ,
Lianyang Sun ,
zhuo song ,
hongmin ma
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Available online: 04-29-2025

Abstract

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Marine concrete is subject to long-term degradation from coupled actions such as chloride ingress, wet-dry cycling, and salt spray. Traditional Portland cement concrete faces challenges including insufficient durability, high carbon emissions, and low utilization of solid wastes. This study develops marine concrete using an all-solid-waste binder system and systematically investigates its mechanical performance evolution under various combined environmental conditions. By employing the rapid chloride migration test, long-term immersion method, and apparent chloride concentration analysis, we elucidate the chloride corrosion resistance and chloride transport kinetics of the material. The results demonstrate that the developed concrete achieves 100% solid waste incorporation, with a compressive strength of 71.9 MPa, flexural strength of 7.1 MPa, chloride diffusion coefficient of 0.08 × 10$^{-12}$ m$^2$/s, and charge passed of 51 C. Under coupled conditions involving artificial seawater with wet-dry cycling, high-low temperature cycling, and carbonation cycling, the concrete exhibits satisfactory mechanical performance and chloride resistance that meets the requirements for marine engineering environments. These findings provide experimental evidence and theoretical support for large-scale application of all-solid-waste concrete in marine engineering, simultaneously addressing solid waste valorization, low-carbon construction materials, and long-term durability of marine structures.

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