Engineering Commons^™

Moving From Feasible Solutions To Sustainable Systems In The Built Environment, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Mustika Sari, Perdana Miraj

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The built environment plays a crucial role in global sustainability efforts. Buildings, infrastructure, and cities consume large amounts of energy and materials that shape social behavior, and lock in environmental impacts. Over the past two decades, research has produced a wide range of technical solutions to reduce these impacts. Renewable energy systems, energy-efficient buildings, alternative construction materials, and new construction methods are no longer experimental concepts. Many have proven technical and economic potential. Yet, real-world transformation remains slow and uneven. This gap suggests that sustainability challenges in the built environment are no longer driven by a lack of technology. Instead, …

Barriers To The Adoption Of Modular Construction Technology In South Africa, Mokete Matoba, Christopher Amoah

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Construction, mining, and manufacturing are the most significant contributors to South Africa's GDP. While manufacturing and other industries utilise advanced technologies to enhance productivity, he construction industry continues to lag behind in technological adoption. This study examines the barriers that hinder the South African construction industry from leveraging the benefits of modular construction technologies (MCT). The study employed a quantitative research method, using closed-ended questions to collect data. The questionnaires were emailed to South African construction industry professionals selected through a combination of purposive and convenience sampling. A total of 98 questionnaires were distributed, of which 46 were returned. However, …

Effects Of Calcination Conditions Of Locust Bean Pod On The Mechanical Properties Of Locust Bean Pod Ash High-Strength Concrete, Iorwuese Anum, Umar Abdullahi, Megat Azmi Megat Johari, Felix Nkapheeyan Isa

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Locust Bean Pod Ash (LBPA) is produced from the calcination of Locust Bean Pod (LBP), an agricultural waste of the African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa). This study evaluated the use of LBPA obtained through controlled calcination and open burning as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in high-strength concrete (HSC). Cement was replaced by LBPA at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight using both ashes—LC for ash produced through calcination at 600 °C, and LO for ash obtained through open burning. Slump and strength were assessed, including compressive strength (100 × 100 × 100 mm cubes) and splitting tensile …

Green Connectivity In Metropolitan Jabodetabek: Climate Change And The Challenge Of Urban Forest, Safira Maharani Putri, Hendricus Andy Simarmata

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Urban areas in Indonesia, particularly the Greater Jakarta metropolitan region (Jabodetabek), are increasingly experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, such as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. Rapid urbanization has contributed significantly to rising greenhouse gas emissions and deteriorating environmental quality. Urban forests are one of the key solutions to mitigate these impacts; however, their spatial distribution in Jabodetabek remains suboptimal and poorly connected. This study uses NDVI as a proxy for urban forest density, where “urban forest” refers to vegetated areas within cities as defined by Presidential Regulation No. 60/2020. The research addresses the following question: How has …

Enhancing Health And Safety Practices In Construction Site In Developing Nations Through Technology Advancement In South Western Nigeria, Mubaraq Lawal, Abba Mahmud, Ismail Gbolahan Dere, Thankgod Agbo Owoicho

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction sector plays a critical role in urban development and economic growth, yet it continues to face major challenges that threaten worker health and safety. Traditional safety measures are not always sufficient for the complex conditions found on construction sites, which creates a need for technology‑based solutions. This study investigates the relationship between technology adoption and health and safety practices in the construction industry in Lagos, Nigeria. The study identifies the major causes of site accidents, examines the level of technology use on construction sites, and reviews existing literature through both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected …

Exploring The Horizontal Static And Dynamic Shading Devices To Minimize Cooling Load In Tropical Buildings, Hilmi Fitriatulamal, Ova Candra Dewi, Miktha Farid Alkadri, Kartika Rahmasari

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Shading devices are essential for reducing solar radiation and cooling loads in buildings located in tropical climates. In the Jakarta region, the highest solar factor is observed on west- and east-facing facades, followed by north- and south-facing orientations. National building policy in Indonesia encourages facades to face north–south to reduce solar heat gain. This study explores horizontal static and dynamic shading devices on north-facing facades and evaluates their impact on cooling load reduction and daylight performance. The methodology includes calculating and simulating energy use intensity (EUI) using EnergyPlus and conducting illuminance analysis using Radiance and Grasshopper. Key parameters considered in …

Effect Of Local Steel Slag Incorporation On The Mechanical Properties Of Concrete, Ahmed Safaa Tariq Karmah, Wissam Khadum Alsaraj, Luma A. Zghair

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The increasing interest in the production of concrete through the utilization of inexpensive materials has caused a rise in the number of studies concerning the use of materials with cementitious properties, such as Silica Fume, Slag, Fly Ash and other pozzolanic materials. Moreover, the increasing amounts of Steel Slag being produced from local factories that are being deposited without an available method of disposal provides an opportunity to harness the Slag in the production of an inexpensive, and possibly better concrete. Slag has been used as both an addition and substitution of the cement and fine aggregate. The mixtures included …

Decoding Climate Change: A Comprehensive Statistical Insight Into Temperature Anomalies In Iraq And Its Neighboring Countries, Jameel T. Al-Naffakha, Mohammed R. Al-Qassabanda, Israa Jafar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study applies advanced statistical techniques, including the Mann-Kendall Trend Test and ARIMA forecasting, to validate and predict temperature anomalies across Iraq and its neighboring countries (2014–2024). Findings confirm a statistically significant warming trend (p < 0.00000005) across all nations, with Syria (1.02°C) and Turkey (0.97°C) experiencing the highest anomalies. GIS-based spatial analysis highlights regional disparities, identifying climate-vulnerable zones. The persistent rise in temperature anomalies correlates with worsening water scarcity, desertification, and extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts and heatwaves. Iraq’s peak anomaly (1.48°C) has exacerbated heat stress, agricultural decline, and reduced river inflows, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia struggle to maintain critical infrastructure under record-breaking temperatures exceeding 50°C. These climate shifts pose severe risks to water availability, food security, and energy demand, necessitating urgent policy interventions. Key recommendations include enhanced water resource management, climate-adaptive agriculture, and renewable energy expansion. If left unaddressed, rising temperatures could destabilize the region, increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities and escalating resource conflicts. This study underscores the need for cross-border collaboration and sustainable adaptation policies to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change in the Middle East.

Optimal Power Flow Control In The Iraqi Power Grid Using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms For Carbon Emission Reduction, Mohammed Shakir Juber

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Iraq’s power sector remains in a protracted and severe crisis characterized by a significant mismatch between supply and demand, high levels of losses during transmission and distribution, as well as an increasing challenge to the resources base being largely unfavourably. These inefficiencies impose heavy costs on the national economy in excess of 40 billion annually and they also reinforce greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbate environmental issues. To deal with these problems, we proposed in this paper that a new hybrid AI tool should be developed for the solution of multi-objective optimization problem based on purpose Genetic Algorithm (GA) merger with …

Applying Machine Learning Techniques For Early Detection Of Cyber Attacks On Iot Devices, Noor Adnan Allamy

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research designs, implements, and evaluates a machine learning-based framework for the early detection of cyber attacks targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with a specific focus on the context and challenges present in Iraq. The study conducts a comparative analysis of three supervised learning algorithms—Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Deep Neural Networks (DNN)—using a combination of benchmark datasets (NSL-KDD, CIC-IDS-2017, Bot-IoT) and a synthesized dataset adapted to simulate the Iraqi threat landscape. Key performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, were used for evaluation. The proposed Random Forest model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy …

Ai-Enhanced Heat Transfer Optimization In Magnetic Bio-Nanofluids, Hasan Attyah Shaboot

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study presents a hybrid Artificial Intelligence–Computational Fluid Dynamics (AI-CFD) framework for optimizing heat transfer in magnetic bio-nanofluids subjected to external magnetic fields. Magnetic bio-nanofluids, composed of biocompatible base fluids containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles, exhibit tunable thermal and flow behavior, making them promising for biomedical and micro-cooling applications. Conventional optimization methods based on experiments or brute-force CFD are computationally expensive and limited in exploring the full design space. To overcome these challenges, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) surrogate model was developed to predict two key performance indicators, the Nusselt number and the friction factor, with high accuracy (R² > 0.997). The surrogate …

Hybrid Experimental–Computational Study On The Energy Absorption Of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Sandwich Structures, Hamdan Yousif Hamdan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Background: Sandwich composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and marine applications because of their lightweight, stiffness, and strength, but they remain prone to out-of-plane impacts and barely visible impact damage (BVID). Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) have shown strong potential to improve fracture toughness and impact resistance. However, hybrid experimental–computational studies applying such reinforcement are still lacking in developing contexts like Iraq, where practical and accessible solutions are essential. Aims: The study investigates the effect of GNP reinforcement on the low-velocity impact behavior and energy absorption of glass fiber/epoxy sandwich panels with PVC foam and balsa wood cores. Objectives include fabricating …

Effect Of Thick Closed Walls Of West And South Elevations Of Iraqi Middle And South Territory Housing Building On Reducing Energy Use, Abeer Qasim Jbur, Shaimaa M. Hamza, Mayyadah Lutfi Abdulwahhab

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Thermal insulation is one of the most important factors in achieving sustainability, increasing efficiency, and reducing energy consumption, but modern insulation materials are expensive, in addition to their availability. Therefore, through our research, we resorted to investigating the issue of reducing thermal load in buildings through the use of thick-walled facades in the southern and western facades, where we studied a building with two windows with windows on the southern and western facades and another without these windows and with thick walls, for two locations, the first in central Iraq, which is the city of Baghdad, and the second in …

The Impact Of Ethyl Levulinate Additive On Diesel Engine Performance And Emissions: An Experimental Study, Maha Ali Ghadbaan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study explores the environmental and operational impact of adding Ethyl Levulinate—a biodegradable ester derived from biomass—to diesel fuel. A fuel blend known as B5El6 (comprising 5% biodiesel and 6% Ethyl Levulinate) was prepared and tested experimentally using a single-cylinder diesel engine operating at a constant speed of 1500 rpm under full load conditions. Performance metrics and emission data were recorded, and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using the IMPACT2002+ methodology.

The results revealed that B5El6 significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions (100 kg CO2 eq) and improved ecosystem quality. However, it presented challenges in terms of human health …

The Role Of The Scenario In Formulating The Contemporary Architectural Text, Rounaq Arif Mohsin, Abbas Ali Hamza, Bashar Shamil Alkhafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

In order to create an integrated architectural text, which is a complicated art that blends beauty and practical elements, a rigorous design procedure is necessary. In this situation, the scenario’s role becomes crucial in developing the current architectural text and directing architectural approaches. In order to better understand how the scenario influences the design process and the interactions between various architectural aspects, this project intends to explore and analyze the impact of the scenario in developing and refining architectural text formulation approaches.

The study looks at the idea of a scenario and how it has been used in architecture, as …

Investigation Of Some Physical Properties Of Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (Sifcon) Under Different Curing Times, Rand Kh. Mahmoud, Mohmmed Juad Khadhim, Fayq Hasan Jabbar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research studied the effects of different types fibers (Basalt, Carbon and Basalt-Carbon hybrid mix) and curing ages (7, 14, 28 and 56 days) on some physical properties of - Slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete (SIFCON). Density, ultrasonic pulse velocity UPV, Poisson’s ratio and water absorption were measured for the experimental study with 30% cement replacement by Class F fly ash to increase sustainability. It was found that properties were significantly affected by the type and dosage of fiber admixture. The UPV was enhanced by basalt fibers and the absorption reduced up to an optimal range of 3–5% after which agglomeration …

Smart Building Rating System: A Comparative Analysis Of National And International Rating Systems, Amanah Hamidah, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Mustika Sari, Gunawan Saroji

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Smart buildings have become a key part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by the need for efficient, sustainable, and adaptive built environments. Their importance is growing alongside Indonesia’s effort to develop smart cities. This study compares Indonesia’s national smart building certification system, established under Ministerial Regulation No. 10 of 2023, with two international systems: the European Union’s Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) and the SmartScore certification. The analysis uses a literature review and comparative method to examine each system’s assessment criteria, scoring method, and certification tier. The findings show that Indonesia’s regulation includes six parameters, such as cybersecurity and operational …

Mechanical And Durability Properties Of Cement Panels Reinforced With Hybrid And Pva Fibers, Shukran H. Faraj, Mohammed J. Kadhim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study examines the synergistic effects of hybrid fibers (HF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers on the structural and thermal properties of silica-fume cement panels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine mortar mixtures with varying fiber content to assess their enhancement of microstructure. We conducted several experiments on compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength, in addition to water absorption and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that 1% HF exhibits superior mechanical qualities, with a compressive strength of 46.89 MPa, a flexural strength of 8.56 MPa, and a reduced thermal conductivity of 0.83 W/m•K. PVA fibers at 2% enhance …

Simulation-Based Assessment Of Operational Strategies For Visibility-Responsive Variable Speed Limits, Jiyeon Ban

Theses

Managing speed limits in adverse weather is crucial for highway safety. Variable Speed Limit systems aim to adjust speed limits according to weather conditions, yet many traffic management centers depend on manual operator judgment. Rapid visibility fluctuations, along with operators handling multiple responsibilities, can cause delays in responding to deteriorating conditions, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. A VSL control strategy is developed using real-time Road Weather Information System data to enable more proactive and effective adjustments. Microsimulation analysis indicates that visibility-responsive VSL operations can reduce conflicts by 59% in fog. Applying VSL only to fog-affected sections yields clear safety …

Experimental Analysis Of Droplet Deformation Dynamics In Combined Dc Electric And Shear Flow Fields Using Dpiv, Ayad Ibrahim Khlewee

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This paper presented a systematic study of such droplet deformation at the intersection of uniform DC electric field and hydrodynamic shear flow, in which we focused on conductivity ratio (R) and permittivity ratio (S), describing their influence. The results demonstrate that droplet dynamics is extremely sensitive to the regime: under DC only, either elongation or compression depending on whether R > S or R S, similarly to classical EHD predictions. Under shear-only conditions, deformation was dictated by the balance of elongational stresses (EC) and rotational stresses (RC), with increasing capillary number (Ca) leading to progressive elongation and oscillatory orientation dynamics. When …

The Imaginary In Architecture: The Conceptual Structure Of The Imaginary And Its Manifestations In Architectural Text, Noora Ghadir Hlail, Abbas Ali Hamza Al Greiza

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study explores the concept of the imaginary as a collective cognitive and cultural structure that shapes symbolic reality through images, myths, and deeply rooted symbols in collective memory. The research applies this concept within the field of architecture, aiming to understand how the imaginary is embodied in architectural texts as symbolic carriers of identity and cultural meaning. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study develops a theoretical framework comprising key components—preconditions, mechanisms, and traits of the imaginary—and applies it to two selected case studies: the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Ministers and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. The …

Generative Ai For Method Development In Analytical Chemistry: A New Paradigm In Experimental Design And Optimization, Yasir Fathi Mahmood

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The fast development of artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI models, is changing the environment of analytical chemistry. As classical method generation in analytical methods relies on manual trial-and-error methodology as well as statistical methods, generative AI is a new paradigm with automated generation of experimental methodology and optimization. In this paper, the authors discuss the use of generative AI-based technologies, including large language models (LLMs) and neural network-based generators, to create new, efficient, and customized methods of analysis. The paper examines existing applications, technology frameworks, and issues and offers a roadmap with regards to the future incorporation of generative …

Numerical Modeling And Experimental Validation Of A High-Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage System Using Metallic Phase Change Materials For Concentrated Solar Power Applications, Fouad Hashim Sharhan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

To ensure reliable performance for the power-block of CSP plants, high power density and near-isothermal discharge must be achieved. A robust means of achieving this is through thermal energy storage (TES). High temperature latent heat storage (LHS) with phase change materials (PCMs) can serve these purposes, however the conventional salts used in PCMs typically suffer from low thermal conductivity that limits power density and increases energy storage charging/discharging times. This manuscript investigates ways to address these limitations using high temperature metallic phase change materials (MPCMs) while also developing a validated numerical framework to aid in their design. To this end, …

Thermal Performance Evaluation Of Solar Cooling Systems For Educational Facilities In Baghdad, Yasser Alawi Mohammed Attia Al-Jubouri

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Schools in Baghdad also suffer from poor thermal comfort, which is a common problem in high-temperature and low-humidity arid climates such as that of the city, where using cooling devices leads to a large energy demand and overloads on the national power grid. Such study offers a thorough assessment of the thermal performance of solar-based cooling systems in an efficient manner to be suitable for educational buildings in Baghdad. The analysis is centred on a solar thermal cooling system with absorption as the heat interaction medium, and an experimental characterisation and mathematical simulation itself are performed. A pilot installation, consisting …

Prediction Of Maximum Local Scour Depth Due To Horizontal Jets Of Flushing Gate Using Artificial Neural Network, Adhy Kurniawan, Muhammad Sulaiman, Agus Maryono, Bambang Agus Kironoto, Amalia Ula Hazhiyah

Makara Journal of Technology

Local scour is a serious concern for hydraulic engineers. To maintain the reservoir capacity, flushing accumulated sediment is necessary, resulting in a turbulent and scouring jet from the flushing gate. Predicting the maximum scour depth from these water jets is crucial for civil engineers. Despite many proposed equations, one have shown consistent applicability due to the complex nature of the process. Ensuring accurate prediction between hydraulic parameters and the geometry of the scour hole in prototype experiments remains a key issue. To address this issue, this paper examines the use of artificial neural network (ANN) analysis as a computing device …

Evaluating Stormwater & Carbon Benefits Of Urban Street Trees, Anthony J. Rodriguez Diaz

Theses

Urban areas experience a multitude of environmental challenges, including flooding and air pollution. In response to these pressures, urban forests have emerged as an essential nature-based strategy to enhance resilience and reduce climate-related risks. The implementation and expansion of urban street trees further contribute to this effort by mitigating stormwater runoff and reducing atmospheric carbon emissions.

Fortunately, advances in environmental modeling have made it increasingly possible to quantify these ecosystem services using specialized software. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's i-Tree suite exemplifies this progress. The software provides a comprehensive set of tools designed to quantify environmental …

Curing Duration Optimization To Reduce Shrinkage Cracking In One-Part Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete, A. Sadrmomtazi, H. Zanganeh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The consequences of inadequate curing on one-part alkali-activated slag concrete (O-AAS) performance relative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) have been investigated in this research. Prior to exposure to unsaturated conditions, samples underwent initial moist curing for durations ranging from 24 hours to one year. The testing program included compressive strength evaluation, chloride ion transport analysis, and measurement of free and restrained shrinkage. In addition, cylindrical cores were extracted from concrete columns to assess internal strength and chloride penetration resistance. Under unsaturated exposure, O-AAS exhibited a strength-aging phenomenon, with up to a 37% decrease in compressive strength over 360 days, …

Laboratory Investigation And Numerical Modelling Effect Of Carbon Nanotubes On Hot Mix Asphalt Permanent Displacement, Sepehr Saedi, Auwal Usman Nadada

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

One of the primary causes of asphalt pavement deterioration is rutting; in contrast, one of the most effective methods to address this type of damage is the use of additives and quality evaluation during the design stages. In this research, laboratory testing and modeling using Abaqus software were employed to validate the laboratory results and predict and assess the potential for rutting. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were selected as an additive due to their exceptional mechanical properties and molecular interactions with bitumen. These nanotubes were used to modify the bitumen for the preparation of laboratory samples. The laboratory results from the …

Influence Of Early Microwave Curing On Performance Of Slag-Based Geopolymer Mortars, Ahmet Taşdemı̇R, Abdulkadir Çevı̇K

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

In this article, an experimental study was conducted to examine the effect of curing time and microwave power on the compressive strength of early microwave-cured slag based geopolymers. Geopolymers have the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly substitute for cement-based building materials, and the use of microwave curing to geopolymers holds the promise of substantial strength improvement. Different microwave curing energies (300 - 800 Watts) were utilized at varying durations (10 - 60 minutes) on demoulded mortar specimens after one day. After that, compressive strength tests were conducted on both the cured and uncured specimens at three different ages: …

Treatment Of Textile Industry Wastewater By The Adsorption–Coagulation Method, Adkhamjon Rustamovich Makhkamov, Elmurod Abdukodirovich Egamberdiev, Muhammadzohid Abidjanovich Safaev

Technical science and innovation

This scientific article provides a systematic analysis of the composition of colored wastewater generated in cotton, wool, and silk textile enterprises, the sources of pollution, and modern physicochemical treatment methods. Wastewater formed during bleaching, dyeing, and wet processing is characterized by high concentrations of dyes, surfactants, organic and inorganic compounds, as well as colloidal particles. The main objective of the study is to determine the possibilities for effective treatment of colored wastewater using adsorbents obtained from local industrial wastes and to develop optimal technological regimes. In the course of the research, highly dispersed fly ash obtained from the Angren Thermal …