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This paper focuses on the geotechnical characterization of a clayey soil and its mixture with polypropylene fiber. The laboratory testing program was directed to: (i) analysis of the influence of fiber content and fiber length on the unconfined compression strength of a clayey soil in order to determine optimum parameters to be used in repeated-loading triaxial tests, and (ii) analysis of the influence of fiber on the resilient modulus of the clayey soil, according to the Brazilian Standard DNER-ME 131/94. The laboratory testing data support that: (i) the mechanical response of the composite is fiber content and fiber length dependent; (ii) addition of fiber to the soil improves substantially its unconfined compression strength; and (iii) addition of fiber to the soil is also responsible for substantial decrease in its MR values, and produces a composite that can be useful in road engineering practice.

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BackgroundRecently, different arboviruses became endemic in Brazil mostly causing acute febrile illnesses, however, neurological manifestations have also been reported. This study aimed to investigate which viruses were involved in the meningitis etiology and the contribution of the circulating arboviruses in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.MethodsFrom June 2014 to February 2016, 170 patients with suspected viral meningitis were identified in Couto Maia Hospital, Salvador-BA, Brazil. Their CSF samples were investigated for possible viral etiology by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for different arboviruses: DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV; and for the EV; and by PCR for the HHV1-5 complex (HSV1-2, VZV, EBV and CMV). Also, ELISA was carried out in a subgroup of remaining samples for detection of DENV IgM and NS1 antigen, CHIKV IgM and ZIKV IgM.ResultsThirty-seven patients were PCR or ELISA positive for at least one of the studied viruses (overall positivity 21.8%). EV was the agent most frequently detected (10 cases; 27.0%), along with all four DENV serotypes (10 cases; 27.0%); followed by CHIKV (6 cases; 16.2%), ZIKV (6 cases; 16.2%), and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) (1 case; 2.7%). Four cases (10.8%) presented viral co-infection detected: DENV1 + CHIKV, DENV1 + EV, DENV4 + ZIKV, and CHIKV + ZIKV. Arboviruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) accounted for the great majority of cases (26 cases; 70.3%) of all single and co-infections: DENV has been the most frequently detected arbovirus (13 cases; 35.1%). Among non-arboviral meningitis, the most common etiology was the EV (11 cases; 29.7%).ConclusionsArboviruses accounted for the majority of identified viruses among patients with suspected viral meningitis. In areas where they are endemic it is crucial to increase viral surveillance and consider them in the differential diagnosis of meningitis.