An investigation is made into the structure and dc electrical properties of evaporated CdTe thin film sandwich structures with thickness d of up to 1 μm. X‐ray diffraction studies show that the films are microcrystalline with typical grain size 74 nm and with a preferred orientation in the [111] direction. Capacitance measurements indicate that the films have a relative permittivity of approximately 9.6. Room temperature current density‐voltage (J–U) characteristics show ohmic conduction below a threshold voltage Ut and a power‐law dependence with exponent 5.7 to 6.1 at higher voltages. This behaviour is interpreted in terms of space‐charge limited conductivity controlled by an exponential distribution of traps below the conduction band edge. Further evidence for this conduction process is provided by a linear dependence of Ut on d2 and of log J on log d with approximate slope − 15. Analysis of the results yields a room temperature electron concentration n0 ≈ (1.2 to 4.8) × 1011 m−3 and an exponential trap distribution of concentration N(E) = N0 exp (− E/kTt) at an energy E below the conduction band edge, where N0 ≈ (1.63 to 2.08) × 1043 J−1 m−3 and Tt ≈ 1402 to 1493 K.

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Most of Arab countries areas are occupied with deserts that is covered with sandy soil. Thus, it is necessary to make use of this huge volume of sand to be as construction materials. It is proven that, sand is initially uneven and unstable. It requires pre-modifications of its primer properties in order to be used as construction materials. One of the common techniques is injecting the sand with binders. Many grouting techniques has been implanted to modify or rehabilitate the structure of soil but for sandy soil the methods has not yet been introduced Therefore, this study aimed at developing simulation and instrumental setup to be used for cement grouting. The simulation has been custom made and utilized to form grouted samples for further investigation. The method of injecting sand is by applying pressure to produce force flow in order to be injected into the sand. After the formation of injected sand samples, an experimental investigation was carried out to determine the basic properties. Shear strength of the sand was recorded before and after grouting. It was found that, the shear strength has increased after injecting the sand with cement and the setup has produced accurate grouted samples with even distribution of the cement mix. The results of the various investigations conclusively proved that grouting can be used as an effective way to improve the strength characteristics significantly and can also contribute to the stabilization of sand.

An active sequence of earthquakes (foreshock, main-shock, and aftershocks) hit the Kumamoto area (Japan) in April 2016, resulting in 69 deaths and considerable economic loss. The earthquakes induced numerous ground failures and cascading geo-hazards, causing major damage to important infrastructures. The main damage patterns include: (a) surface rupture with widespread subsidence of the surface ground, resulting in damage and disruption to transport infrastructure; (b) landslide and slope failure of mountains causing severe damage, collapse and near-collapse of bridges; and (c) liquefaction in some areas of Kumamoto City. Following the earthquakes, field surveys were conducted to study the damages and to understand the main cause of the observed failures. This technical note provides a summary of the geotechnical and infrastructural damage in Kumamoto and the lessons learnt and future research needs are also highlighted.

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Abstract. Building construction on soft soils including on peat has many challenges and difficulties. The failed and deteriorated buildings have a big impact on the community. The IConCEES International Workshop 2015 which was conducted on October 2015 convened as a joint venture between Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and the University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS). The aim was to invite regional experts from academia and the industry to formally present and discuss the various construction problems encountered when working with peat. The discussions were divided into two divisions; infrastructure and building construction. This paper discusses the outcomes of the workshop and focuses on the factors and relevant challenges when constructing buildings on peat. The experts have discussed regulatory and construction issues including: drainage issues, site investigation practices, monitoring and construction guidelines. A few suggestions were outlined as a remedy to these problems and to better assist the peat practitioner at work.