The compaction success of vibratory roller compaction can be assessed by systems for continuous compaction control (CCC) or intelligent compaction (IC) which calculate soil stiffness-proportional quantities based on measurements of the motion behavior of the vibrating drum. However, state-of-the-art intelligent compaction meter values (ICMV) do not only depend on the stiffness of the soil but are also strongly influenced by machine and process parameters. In this paper, the methodology for determining an advanced ICMV is presented, in which the mechanical properties of the soil, the process parameters and geometric relationships in the contact area between the drum and the soil are directly included in the calculation. The methodology is explained on the example of measurement data from a compaction test conducted on sandy gravel with a heavy single-drum roller. The results of the novel ICMV are compared with those of the most widely used IC systems.

Internal wood damage poses a significant threat to tree health, impacting wood quality, mechanical stability, and wind resistance, therby challenging forest resource conservation and sustainable management efforts. The health of Populus euphratica, a keystone species, is crucial for the stability and sustainability of desert riparian forest ecosystems. Consequently, quantitatively diagnosing internal wood damage in living trees is essential for the conservation of existing forests. In this study, the degree of internal wood damage in the trunks of sample Populus euphratica trees of varying ages from the midstream of the Tarim River was quantified using Arbotom stress wave testing technology. The relationships among growth characteristics, soil physicochemical factors, and standing wood decay were analyzed. The results indicated that Arbotom stress wave testing technology achieved an accuracy of up to 92% in diagnosing internal wood damage in living P. euphratica trees. Healthy trees were more prevalent among middle-aged trees (65%), followed by mature (50%), near-mature (42%), and over-mature (30%) trees. The area of internal decay in over-mature and mature forests accounted for a significant proportion of decay, ranging from light to heavy decay levels. At the stand scale, increased in the level of trunk decay caused by increasing tree age. At the individual scale, light, moderate, and heavy decay were significantly positively correlated with diameter at breast height, tree height, and crown diameter, respectively (p < 0.01). Light decay was significantly negatively correlated with soil pH (p < 0.05). Moderate decay was significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05) with available-P and soil electrical conductivity and negatively correlated with Avail-K (p < 0.05). Heavy decay was significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with available-K in both the 40-60 cm and 60-100 cm depth soil layers. The findings elucidate the causes and factors driving P. euphratica trunk decay in the Tarim River Basin, offering insights to aid in preventing and controlling standing tree decay and the sustainable management of natural desert riparian forest resources in arid areas.