Latest news with #AmericanSocietyforTestingandMaterials
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Man 'too heavy to ride waterslides' sues Disney over 'catastrophic injuries'
Eugene Strickland, who weighs 24 stone, is seeking more than £36k in damages against Disney World after he "became momentarily airborne" on the Downhill Dipper waterslide on July 21, 2021, according to his lawyers A man is suing Disney World after allegedly suffering "catastrophic injuries" while riding down a waterslide at "exhilarating speeds" despite exceeding the weight limit. Eugene Strickland launched a lawsuit against Disney on Thursday in Florida and is demanding more than £36,000 after accusing the theme park of negligence. Mr Strickland, who weighed 24 stone, chose to ride the slide despite the American Society for Testing and Materials recommending no one over 21 stone should use single-rider waterslides. In the lawsuit, Mr Strickland claims he was visiting the Blizzard Beach water park on July 31, 2021, when he decided to get on the Downhill Dipper waterslide, which is described as a "high-speed" thrill ride that allows guests to race side-by-side, according to Disney's website. During the ride, guests "disappear into a black hole and plummet 50 feet downhill at exhilarating speeds." Mr Strickland's lawyers said he "became momentarily airborne as a result of the ride's 'exhilarating speeds' and design, resulting on Disney's inner tube becoming forcibly, suddenly, and unexpectedly dislodged from underneath Plaintiff s body, causing the Plaintiff to land with force onto the hard plastic surface of the slide, sustaining permanent catastrophic injuries as a result.' The lawsuit also claims the inner tube Mr Strickland used was defective and the theme park had allegedly used "deficient/inadequate/ ineffective underinflated inner tubes to be utilised on the premises knowing that they could forcefully dislodged from under the patrons relying on them." 'These injuries are permanent and continuing within a degree of medical probability, and Plaintiff will suffer these losses in the future,' Mr Strickland's lawyers wrote in the lawsuit. The defendant claims Disney knew of the 'dangerous condition' of the ride which was a 'safety hazard.' It led to him suffering 'scarring [and] disfigurement,' according to the lawsuit. In a statement on behalf of Mr Strickland, his lawyers said: 'Our client was severely injured on a ride at Disney's Blizzard Beach. He has filed a lawsuit alleging that it was the defendant's lax safety measures and oversight that contributed to those injuries. We are pursuing justice for him and working to hold Disney accountable for their alleged negligence.' The case is scheduled for a jury trial beginning in May 2027, according to court documents. It comes after a mum is suing Disney for nearly £2million, after she claims she was permanently scarred by a "mammoth" wave at the resort's Typhoon Lagoon. The lawsuit claims she was "pummeled" by the wave as she grabbed her daughter from a water slide in the children's area of Magic Kingdom. Kimberly Panetta, 45, alleges she was 'violently struck by a sudden and forceful wave,' according to her Brooklyn Federal Court lawsuit. 'It was so powerful it was actually dragging us under the water for several feet,' Panetta told The Post of the April 2022 incident. 'I just thank God I had the sense to push her above as I was getting dragged. I knew if she was the one getting dragged she would have been cut all over.'
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Asphalt Testing Equipment Supplies for Reliable Road Quality
Asphalt testing equipment supplies are a must for anyone working in road construction, lab testing, or pavement research. These tools help verify if asphalt mixtures meet required specifications before they're laid on roads and highways. When accuracy and repeatability matter, using the right equipment means fewer project delays and more consistent results. For professionals focused on performance and compliance, high-quality asphalt testing gear is the foundation of success. That's where Qualitest stands out, offering one of the most complete ranges of asphalt testing equipment available. Modern roads must withstand heavy loads, temperature swings, and long-term usage without early failure. To keep up with such demands, asphalt testing needs to deliver precise results that reflect real-world performance. From binder behavior to compaction and deformation resistance, every factor matters. Qualitest equipment is designed to cover all these testing needs. The company provides solutions like Marshall Stability Testers, Gyratory Compactors, Asphalt Ignition Ovens, and Dynamic Shear Rheometers. These tools support both field and laboratory testing, making them suitable for contractors and researchers alike. To remain competitive and compliant, asphalt testing must align with globally recognized standards. Each piece of Qualitest equipment is manufactured to meet or exceed specifications from: ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) EN (European Norms) ISO (International Organization for Standardization) These standards guide critical tests such as: ASTM D6927 – Marshall Stability and Flow – Marshall Stability and Flow AASHTO T283 – Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures – Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures EN 12697-22 – Wheel Tracking – Wheel Tracking ISO 13473-1 – Texture Depth Measurement Using compliant equipment ensures that asphalt quality is documented and verifiable—no matter where the project is located. A Solution for Every Asphalt Testing Challenge Different projects demand different types of asphalt testing equipment. While a research lab might prioritize binder analysis and long-term aging, a construction site often focuses on compaction, density, and friction testing. Qualitest covers the full range of testing categories with specialized instruments. Their lineup includes everything from automatic penetrometers and asphalt mixers to advanced rheometers and skid resistance testers. Whether it's extracting bitumen, simulating pavement wear, or measuring viscosity, these tools deliver dependable performance across various applications. Each piece of equipment is user-friendly, durable, and designed for long-term use—even under intensive workloads. Asphalt testing tools are used across a range of industries. Each relies on precise data to make material and design decisions. Qualitest's equipment is trusted by: Road construction companies aiming to meet contract specs and avoid repairs Testing laboratories needing consistent, repeatable data Government agencies responsible for infrastructure safety Universities and research centers developing next-generation asphalt technologies Whatever the setting, reliable test results lead to better decisions and longer-lasting pavement. Comprehensive Range of Asphalt Testing Equipment Qualitest offers a wide portfolio of asphalt testing equipment, allowing users to measure key performance attributes such as strength, elasticity, binder content, friction, and mix consistency. This range helps users manage testing across all stages of the asphalt lifecycle. Marshall Stability Testers Evaluate asphalt's load-bearing capacity and structural stability. Gyratory Compactors Simulate the real-world compaction effects of vehicular traffic. Bitumen Penetration & Softening Point Testers Analyze binder hardness and response to temperature changes. Asphalt Content Testers Determine the exact amount of binder within asphalt mixtures. Automatic Ductility Testers Assess the stretchability and cohesion of asphalt binders. Dynamic Shear Rheometers (DSR) Characterize viscoelastic properties under stress and temperature variations. Wheel Tracking Testers Measure rutting resistance under simulated loading conditions. Core Drilling Machines Extract in-situ samples for density, strength, and binder analysis. Skid Resistance Testers Evaluate surface friction for improved road safety. Automatic Asphalt Mixers Prepare uniform samples that improve the accuracy of all tests. This full suite supports both basic quality control and advanced pavement research—making it easier to keep your project on track. Qualitest has earned its reputation through dependable products, expert service, and a wide selection of testing solutions. Whether you're building highways or studying sustainable materials, the equipment delivers clear, accurate, and repeatable data. What sets Qualitest apart is: Global compliance across their entire product range Strong technical support for setup, training, and troubleshooting Durable construction built for long-term performance Ease of use that helps teams get results quickly From start to finish, Qualitest equipment helps streamline the asphalt testing process so teams can work with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Fuelling the aviation industry
The aviation industry, a cornerstone of globalisation and modern transportation, relies heavily on one vital resource: aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Primarily derived from crude oil, ATF is a specialised kerosene refined to meet stringent quality and safety standards. With more than 100,000 flights taking off and landing around the world each day, understanding what fuels this immense operation—and where that fuel comes from—is critical. What is Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)? Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), widely recognised as jet fuel, is an essential high-performance fuel for aircraft gas-turbine engines. The two primary types are Jet A and Jet A-1, with Jet A-1 being the global standard due to its exceptional cold-weather performance. These fuels, which range in colour from clear to straw-coloured, are rigorously tested to meet international standards set by leading organisations such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and DEF STAN (the UK Ministry of Defence Standard). Formulated with advanced additives, jet fuel effectively prevents static discharge, corrosion, and microbial growth, ensuring safety and reliability even in the most demanding conditions at 35,000 feet. How is ATF produced? ATF is formed during the refining of crude oil. The process starts in petroleum refineries, where crude oil is distilled into various fractions. One of these fractions is kerosene, which is then hydrotreated to remove impurities like sulphur. The resulting jet fuel is blended to meet performance requirements. Refineries all over the world customise their output to include ATF, particularly those located near major airports or transportation hubs. Transportation from refinery to wingtip involves pipelines, ships, railcars and fuel trucks. Major fuel hubs near airports contain large tank farms that store and distribute ATF via hydrant systems on the tarmac. Global sources of ATF The demand for ATF is concentrated in countries with large aviation sectors, and these nations often maintain robust refining capacities to ensure fuel availability. However, not all aviation hubs produce their jet fuel; many rely on imports. Some of the key players in global ATF production and distribution are: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The Future of Jet Fuel? As the world shifts toward sustainability, the aviation industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Enter Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a bio-based alternative to traditional jet fuel. Made from feedstocks like used cooking oil, plant waste, and even captured CO₂, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. Airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, and Delta have already begun incorporating SAF into their fuel mix. However, challenges such as high production costs, limited feedstock availability, and infrastructure compatibility hinder widespread adoption. Still, governments and industry players are investing heavily in SAF development, with ambitious targets set for 2030 and beyond. The aviation industry's reliance on aviation turbine fuel makes it one of the most energy-intensive sectors in the world. From the deserts of the Middle East to the refineries of the U.S. and the biofuel labs of Europe, the journey of ATF is complex and global. While traditional ATF continues to power the majority of aircraft, the rise of sustainable aviation fuels points to a cleaner, greener future. Ultimately, what fuels aviation is more than just kerosene — it's a vast web of global supply chains, innovation, and a shared commitment to keeping the world connected through flight.
