This paper aims to investigate the wave-induced evolution of small-strain stiffness and its effects on seismic wave propagation. To this end, an advanced numerical framework based on the dynamic porous media theory was developed, in which the Iwan multi-surface constitutive model was adopted to model the soil behavior during cyclic loading. Moreover, the numerical framework integrates key parameters such as ocean wave characteristics and depth-dependence seabed conditions to model the intricate interactions between waves and the seabed. Following model verification via analytical solutions and previous experimental data, comprehensive parameter studies are conducted, from which the effects of different wave conditions and seabed properties on the dynamic response of the seabed were obtained, revealing the wave-induced small- strain stiffness spatial and temporal variation. Subsequently, simulations of geophysical monitoring instants are conducted, assessing the impact of evolving small-strain stiffness on seismic wave propagation. The findings highlight the implications of stiffness changes on seismic wave propagation characteristics. The study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with interpreting geophysical data in dynamic submarine environments, offering implications for subsurface characterization and monitoring applications.
Crude oil leakage occurs frequently during exploration, storage, transportation, production, and consumption. The spilling of crude oil has the potential to contaminate the ocean, soil, and groundwater. Oil spills during oil extraction and transportation, such as from drilling wells, rigs, transport tanks, and pipelines, are an important cause of extensive environmental damage because they significantly decrease the diversity of aquatic life and disrupt the biological equilibrium of the ocean. It also damages the world's energy economy. Cleaning crude oil spills from marine or ocean environments is a highly challenging task because of the spilt oil's properties and limited mobility to the accidental site. This article focuses primarily on the various technologies used in the cleanup of oil spillage in marine or ocean environments, as well as their recent trends and challenges. This research work begins with a discussion of the historical events and the primary roots of oil spills, the composition of the spilt oil, the effects they have on the surrounding environment, the governmental rules for oil spills, and methods for cleaning up marine oil spills such as physical, thermal, biological, and chemical are briefly covered along with their benefits and drawbacks. This work discusses the software and artificial intelligence-related technologies prevailing for oil spill modelling and their current limitations.
The mechanical behavior of monopile support systems for offshore wind turbines under current-induced loads was investigated through numerical simulations. Using the Large Eddy turbulence model, the fluid-structure coupling was analyzed in both unidirectional and bidirectional directions. In the unidirectional coupling, the pressure and velocity profiles of the fluid around the pile were determined. While in the bidirectional coupling, the force distribution, pile displacement, and moment distribution were obtained, along with the current-induced load transmitted from the pile to the soil. The coupling analysis revealed that the fluid flow around the pile exhibited cyclic loading behavior due to the interaction between the fluid and the pile, effectively resulting in an oscillating pile within a steady flow. Additionally, the pile's stress distribution remained within the tensile yield limit of the steel, indicating a stable state in the fluid-pile model within the given flow conditions. Furthermore, the soil reaction forces obtained from the fluid-pile-soil coupling model validated the accuracy of the current-induced load calculations. This study introduces a novel approach that considers the fluid-pile-soil coupling, offering valuable insights for pile foundation design. The findings of this research have significant engineering implications and practical value, providing a robust foundation for future offshore wind turbine installations.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), as widely applied biodegradable polymers, the degradation behavior of their blends in marine environments has not been proven. This study investigated the changes of macroscopic and microscopic morphology, thermal properties, crystalline and chemical structure, degradation rate of PGA/PBAT blends with different ratios in the simulation marine environment containing sediments and marine organisms. The results showed that degradation primarily occurred due to ester bond breakage, and PGA exhibited a faster degradation rate than PBAT films. The amorphous region degraded more rapidly than the crystalline region, and the thermal stability of the materials decreased. The degradation of PGA and PBAT blends followed their respective single degradation laws and the compatibility of blend samples decreased after degradation. The degradation rate of the samples was obtained by measuring the biochemical oxygen demand, which indicated that a higher PGA content could result in a faster degradation rate for PGA/PBAT films. This study provides an efficient method for constructing materials with controlled biodegradability.
In coastal areas, built structures encounter hostile conditions and forces that can cause them to deteriorate over time owing to saltwater exposure, tidal forces, reinforcement corrosion, and freeze-thaw cycles. Early age cracks in such structures accelerate the rate of deterioration, and the current research focuses on alleviating such threats. This paper evaluates the performance of a self-healing mortar made by encapsulating expanded perlite with the bacterium Halobacillus Halophilus MCC2188. Mortar cube specimens of size 70.6 mm x 70.6 mmx 70.6 mm were prepared with cement: fine aggregate in 1:3 ratios. A 10% volume of the fine aggregate fraction was substituted with the expanded perlite immobilised with bacterial spores and nutrients. The expanded perlite aggregates were coated with sodium silicate and cement solution to protect the spores from the nonconducive environment. The specimens were subjected to fully and partially submerged marine water curing. The mechanical properties and self-healing potential were evaluated, and the precipitated polymorphs in completely healed cracks were identified and examined by characterisation techniques such as XRD, FEGSEM, FTIR, and TGA-DTG. The marine bacterium under investigation can tolerate the high salt concentrations commonly found in seawater and saline marshy soil and produce calcite through the metabolism of organic compounds, making it a suitable microorganism for self-healing applications. Crack widths of up to 0.84 mm and 92.79% average strength recovery were achieved in 56 days post-cracking, and the pace of healing was quicker in partially submerged curing conditions. The results showed improved self-healing, strength regain and mechanical strength and proved to be an efficient tool for enhancing the endurance of biomortar in severe marine exposure conditions.
In bio-calcification, microbes precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3), forming versatile solid substances that promotes eco-friendly materials and reduce carbon emissions. Marine bacteria can generate bio-cements to strengthen dikes and combat coastal erosion. However, the role of marine bacteria in generating bio-cements for enhancing coastal structures and combating erosion is not fully understood. This study investigates the potential of CaCO3 precipitating bacteria isolated from methane hydrate-bearing marine sediments. Five calcifying marine bacteria were isolated using Christensen's urea agar from marine sediments collected from Gawadar coastal, Pakistan. Bacterial strains induced CaCO3 precipitation producing urease enzymes. Strains were identified as Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus altitudinis, Vibrio sp., Bacillus sp., and Vibrio plantisponsor. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were applied for the identification and differentiation of calcite and vaterite precipitates. The growth of isolates and precipitation potential were observed optimum at 5% NaCl and pH 9.5-11. Bacillus altitudinis (ST4SD3) and Bacillus sp. (ST4SD1) produced more soluble Ca2+ (8532.53 mg/l and 7581.98 mg/l) as compare to other isolates at higher pH 10 and pH 11, favorable for CaCO3 precipitation. It is concluded that marine ureolytic bacteria possess significant potential for bio-cementation, which can stabilize methane hydrate-bearing sediments, improve soil properties, protect coastal regions from erosion, and crucial in the methane cycle, a greenhouse gas. We recommend further exploration of such bacteria's applications in marine construction and sediment stabilization to enhance the robustness and longevity of coastal infrastructures. Furthermore, such bacteria could also be beneficial in extracting gas from unconsolidated methane hydrates containing sediments.