Engineering Commons^™

Comparison Between Concrete Column Retrofitting And Steel Jacketing, Blendi Ethemi, Asrim Rapuca

UBT International Conference

The project focuses on the strengthening of structural elements, specifically a column in a building being transformed from its current P+1 structure, used for residential purposes, into a new P+2 structure intended to serve as a bookstore and storage space. The analysis begins with the assessment of the current structure in two key aspects: the capacity of the existing column dimensions to accommodate new loads (ductility factor) and the verification of the concrete class through non-destructive testing. After completing the inspection of the current structure, two options are proposed for the central column of the building: concrete retrofitting by increasing …

Voltage Stability Analyses In Kosovo Power System, Kadri Kadriu, Armend Ymeri, Nexhmi Krasniqi

UBT International Conference

In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency of blackouts in the system. On 21 June 2024 at 12:24 CET, due to a major incident in the Continental Europe power system region, a large part of the transmission systems of Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Croatia suffered a voltage collapse followed by a total blackout. Research into preventing blackouts in power systems is crucial. Voltage stability analysis using the modal method is the focus of this paper, which is applied to the case study of the Kosovo power system. The voltage stability margin in …

Performance Analysis Of A 1 Mw Pv System Connected To The Distribution Grid, Armend Ymeri, Nexhmi Krasniqi, Kadri Kadriu, Alban Shala

UBT International Conference

This paper provides a thorough performance analysis of a 1 MW photovoltaic (PV) system integrated with the distribution network. The study evaluates the system's efficiency by examining the performance of both the PV modules and inverters. It presents detailed visualizations of the system, including peak power, the number of panels and inverters, panel orientation, tilt angles, and the spatial layout of the system in its deployment environment. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing how the system will perform in its specific setting and for implementing necessary adjustments to enhance efficiency and electricity production. The paper highlights the impact of …

Water Quality Standards Assessment, Using Epanet Modeling– Prishtina Case – Oxidation-Reduction Of Manganese On Dw Network, Sokol Xhafa

UBT International Conference

Thermal stratification and water movement in reservoirs are key natural processes. While most effects of this movement are beneficial, such as increased oxygen levels, the presence of manganese (Mn) poses a challenge. During autumn, water circulation causes manganese to shift from its solid Mn(4+) form to the dissolved Mn(2+) form, preventing sedimentation and leading to issues in water treatment and distribution networks. This report focuses on these challenges at the Badovc Reservoir, near Prishtina, Kosovo. Built in 1965, Badovc is one of the oldest reservoirs in the country. Manganese, while usually an aesthetic issue that can cause "black water," can …

Building Efficient Energy And Pollution Control, Afrim Syla

UBT International Conference

The purpose of the Research paper is through the development of new integrated low energy building solutions entirely based on extensive energy savings and renewable energy supply to meet the society’s demands of 2030 and beyond for zero energy buildings. This is an attempt to develop a working definition for Zero Energy Building, which can be used by the participants in the research paper to focus their research and their development of new technologies. Secondly, the working definition might also be used as basis for a discussion of ”Near Zero Energy Building” definition for future energy regulations in Kosovo that …

Sensitivity Of Asphalt Pavements To Extreme Weather Conditions, Bekim Selimi, Beni Kizolli

UBT International Conference

Asphalt pavements constructed in warmer climates are more prone to rutting, whereas pavements in colder climates are more susceptible to cracking. Pavement mixtures should be designed not only to handle the high stresses exerted by wheel loads but also to withstand thermal stresses caused by extreme weather conditions. For heavy-duty pavements, it is crucial that both coarse and fine aggregate particles meet quality characteristics related to shape, texture, durability, and absorption. The selection of the asphalt binder for mixture design is equally important. The choice of high and low performance grades of asphalt binder primarily depends on the project’s location. …

Exploring Interpretable Machine Learning For Modeling Nonlinear Dynamic Systems, Liron Morina, Rina Peja, Getoar Vranovci

UBT International Conference

This paper provides an analysis of the interpretable machine learning (IML) approach applied to various nonlinear dynamic systems. The study focuses on modeling the restoring force by neural networks with two input values: displacement and velocity. A parallel neural network with the proposed architecture, initialized randomly, mirrors the designed model. Both models undergo multiple training and testing cycles on identical datasets to ensure robust statistical validation. The findings demonstrate that interpretable artificial neural networks (ANNs) outperform randomly initialized models in terms of accuracy and result consistency. This research provides valuable insights into the application of IML techniques for advancing the …

The Importance Of Gypsum In The Process Of Hydration Of Cement, Ibush Luzha, Bujar Aliu, Teodor Zguro

UBT International Conference

Gypsum plays an essential role in the cement bonding process of hydration of cement, acting as a setting time regulator. In the construction industry, Portland cement, which is the most commonly used, tends to strengthen very quickly after mixing with water, making it difficult to manipulate and shape. By adding small amounts of gypsum to the mix, the setting time is extended, allowing to work with the material for a longer period of time. This also regulates the exothermic reaction, avoiding possible cracks and damages in the built structures. In addition, gypsum contributes to improving the overall quality of the …

Analysis Of Bicycle Network Infrastructure - Example Of Gjakova Municipality, Beni Kizolli, Florin Halili

UBT International Conference

Asphalt During the war (1998-1997), the municipality of Gjakova suffered great destruction, especially in terms of construction and infrastructure. Since that time, the demand for new constructions and reconstructions of old residential houses as well as road infrastructure was increasing. The development of the construction and infrastructure sector has also influenced the increase in the number of employees in this sector. Due to the lack of experience in this field, many professional and complex problems have been encountered both in the field of infrastructure and in the field of traffic regulation. The formation of the state of Kosovo (1999-2007), initially …

Climate Change Impacts On Water Resources, Andrin Kerpaci, Ilir Abdullahu

UBT International Conference

Climate change threatens source water quality through increased pollutant and sediment runoff, reduced water availability from drought, and negative impact on overall efforts to maintain water quality. Heavy rainfall is predicted to increase due to climate change. Heavy rainfall can increase pollutant runoff and sedimentation in source waters such as rivers, lakes and streams. Such runoff and sedimentation can complicate treatment in drinking water utilities and result in increased costs. Increased erosion and sedimentation can reduce water quality, clog stormwater management systems, and reduce storage capacity. The paper presents the great importance of climate changes in the water resources used …

A Particle-Based Simulation Of A Dam Break Interacting With An Obstacle, Tapan Jucivil, Amit Shaw, L S. Ramachandra

UBT International Conference

Knowledge of dam break events is crucial to assess the potential hazards of sudden water releases and develop better disaster management plans. This work develops a computational model based on a messfree method, called the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), to simulate situations when a dam breaks and there is an obstruction in the route of the flowing water. The model accurately simulates the complex interactions between fluid and structure by including a weakly compressible fluid and using a cubic kernel function to govern particle interactions. To maintain realistic simulation results, a repulsive boundary condition is used to prevent particles from …

Self-Healing Concrete (Shc): A Systematic Literature Review Of Environmental Benefits And Applications (2019-2023), Visar Hoxha, Hyrmete Baca Gashi, Veli Lecaj, Fuat Pallaska, Hazer Dana, Jehona Hoxha

UBT International Conference

This research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of self-healing concrete (SHC) through a systematic literature review. Adopting the methodological framework proposed by Tranfield et al. (2003), the study consolidated fragmented knowledge across the domain. Data collection was executed using Google Scholar, targeting articles from 2019 to 2023, resulting in an initial pool of 60 potential articles. Rigorous screening narrowed this to 17 articles that were critically analyzed for patterns, consistencies, and discrepancies, inspired by Yin's (1994) approach. The synthesis stage generated new insights, framing them into a coherent narrative on SHC's environmental impact. Notably, while …

Study On The Use Of Mechanized-Fired Clay Bricks As A Supplementary Cementitious Material, Esra Elsheikh, Mohamed Eljack, Taghried Abdelmagid

UBT International Conference

The current global tendency in the construction industry is to replace a portion of the cement in the concrete mix with materials of cementitious properties to mitigate the cement industry’s negative environmental impact. This study explores using finely milled Mechanized-Fired Clay Brick debris to partially replace Portland cement in the production of mortars. The principal aim is to create a more costeffective mortar for non-structural uses while also tackling the problem of disposing of waste bricks. Two samples of Mechanized-Fired Clay Brick were collected from two different factories, pulverized into a fine powder, and added to the cement mortar mixtures …

Soil Stabilization And Ground Improvement Method Using Stone Crushed Piles, Erdal Emre Çeçen, Xhoana Nogu

UBT International Conference

The treatment and reinforcement of soils with the replacement and vibration method (vibro replacement) is one of the compaction techniques, through which friable or weak soils are improved with the aim of being used as a supporting base for foundations. With replacement and vibration improvement the benefits and results that can be achieved guarantee the required behavior of the foundation base. This paper presents the works made for the construction of gravel piles in the plot located in the port of Durrës, Albania. The reinforcement with ballast piles is carried out to reduce consolidation subsidence and to avoid liquefaction that …

Competencies Of Municipalities In The Water Sector, Republic Of Kosovo, Hazir Çadraku

UBT International Conference

This paper deals, based on the current legal framework of the Republic of Kosovo, with the powers, responsibilities, obligations, etc., that Municipalities have for the good administration, management, etc., of water resources within their territory. The territory of the Republic of Kosovo has an area of 10905.25 km2 . It is divided into seven regions and there are currently 38 administrative units called Municipalities. Until 1999 there were 22 municipalities, after 1999 until 2010 there were 30 administrative units-municipalities and from 2008, the Republic of Kosovo has 38 municipalities. The water resources in the territories of the communes are: the …

Initial Tests Of The Limestone That Will Be Used For The Production Of Lime At The New Kosova Lime Factory, Ragip Behrami, Naim Hajdini, Hysen Ahmeti, Avdi Citaku, Ermal Osaj

UBT International Conference

In the phase of the idea of compiling the investment plan of the factory for the production of lime, various tests were carried out in order to determine the properties of the raw limestone, from these results the adequate type of technology for the industrial production of lime will be determined, with the main aim that the production of quicklime and hydrated lime is in accordance with the EN 459 standard and also the adequate type of technology for the industrial production of lime will be determined, and these aspects have been ascertained by the tests carried out. From the …

Strategic Energy Planning And Coal's Role In Kosovo's Future, Agron Bislimi, Ardiana Spahiu

UBT International Conference

Kosovo's energy system is predominantly reliant on lignite coal, generating 90% of its electricity from this source. In response to global decarbonization trends, the country aims to transition to renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This paper examines Kosovo's strategic energy planning, initially focusing on decarbonizing the coal sector through cleaner coal technologies and carbon capture, followed by the integration of renewable sources such as wind and solar. Key challenges addressed include modernizing coal plants, enhancing grid stability, and meeting energy demand, which ranges from 1 GW to 1.4 GW. The study evaluates the economic and environmental impacts …

Increasing The Reliability And Safety Of The Power System In The Integration Of Wind Turbines And Solar Panels By Exploiting The Selectivity And Accuracy Of Relay Protection, Rexhep Shaqiri

UBT International Conference

Renewable energy sources play an important role in supplying consumers with clean energy, one of these sources that are included in energy diversity is also wind turbines and solar panels. However, their integration is a multidimensional challenge, considering their fluctuations in production that depend on climatic conditions, as well as the situations created in different work regimes. One of the conditions for their reliable operation remains stability and safety during operation. One of the factors for the stability and continuous and safer operation of wind turbines remains the coordination and selectivity of the action of the relay protections, through which, …

Cyber Smart Grid System For Efficient Energy Systems., Fuat Pallaska, Agon Kokaj

UBT International Conference

Smart Systems are used in many applied systems. They are so useful and vulner- able because they do shape the way we work and how we contain our engineering results. Renewable systems require different applied ICT programming algo- rithms along with different smart grid microcontrollers to be able to control sys- tems and attain proper outcomes from what is to be expected. This is where mal- ware does come into account. It has happened several times, that different grid systems were hacked and this disrupted the power systems. The use of intercon- necting cyber smart grid systems with an independent …

Analysis Of Exergy Balance And Improvement Of Exergy Efficiency Of Coal Fired Steam Generator, Marigona Krasniqi

UBT International Conference

This paper presents a detailed exergy balance of the steam generator considered as a surface heat exchanger into which the fuel and air necessary for combustion are introduced. Combustion takes place and so chemical energy associated with the fuel is converted into thermal energy of the combustion gases. These gases, after exchanging heat with the feeding water, at a certain temperature, are released into the atmosphere. This part of the balance is considered as control surface 1. On the other side of the exchanger, is introduced the feeding water which is heated, evaporated and superheated to the relevant parameters required …

Energy And Environmental Awareness In Kosovo, Nexhmi Krasniqi, Armend Ymeri, Kadri Kadriu

UBT International Conference

The scope of providing a public good often relies on social awareness and public support for it. This applies, in particular, to the global reduction of greenhouse gases and its importance for climate change mitigation. During the last 100 years, the use of coal has been focused to produce energy and since 1962 to produce electricity. In the coming years, energy development in Kosovo will be influenced by the standards and rules of the European energy community market. People are aware of today's environmental issues and current irresponsible behavior. Today, very little is said about ecological awareness. Energy and sustainable …

Research On The Impact Of Saharan Dust In The Rural Areas Of Brezovica And The Concentration Of Pm10, Pm2.5, No2, O3, So2, Co., Shkumbin Shala, Dejan Mirakovski, Afrodita Zendelska, Mentor Shala, Shpresa Thaqi, Astrit Shala

UBT International Conference

Brezovica, a well-known winter tourist destination in Kosovo, is the subject of this study. The skiing area is located in the slopes of the Sharri National Park, encompassing a territory of 39,000 hectares with alpine mountainous terrain and forests with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Although known for its clean air, in some cases, warm African air masses bring Saharan dust, particularly during the spring and summer seasons. The analyses were conducted based on standard monitoring data to assess the level of pollution in an area where there are no anthropogenic factors that could contribute to air quality …

Energy Performance Contracting And Esco - Strategic Vector For Large Scale Energy Renovation – Belgium Case, Ibrahim Hajdari

UBT International Conference

The Belgian Energy Performance Contracting is the perfect example helping Belgium as a Member State of EU to achieve its energy efficiency targets. It can inspire the authorities in Kosovo, whose ultimate goal is to join the EU, to prepare the legislation that would incorporate the entire EPC in the procedures for new construction or renovation of buildings. This would be one much appreciated way to prepare at best to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy performance of the residential, tertiary and public buildings in Kosovo.

13th International Conference On Business, Technology And Innovation 2024, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

Welcome to IC – UBT 2024

UBT Annual International Conference is the 13th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make …

Comparison Of Technical Losses Between Different Voltage Line, Qendresa Syla

UBT International Conference

In the century in which we are living, every sphere of life is moving towards automation and digitization, which made electricity even more necessary in our daily lives, at work, in business, in production, etc. Like any other physical-technical process, that of the transmission and distribution of electrical energy in the system is accompanied by a corresponding loss of power and energy. The value of these losses in electric power systems is significant and is usually found somewhere in the range of 8-14% of the gross amount of electricity produced, the greater part of which is caused in the distribution …

Decarbonizing Through Solar And Wind Energy Integration: Optimizing Performance And Stability, Agron Bislimi, Shkodran Spahiu

UBT International Conference

The transition to cleaner energy sources is essential for decarbonizing smart grids, with solar and wind energy playing pivotal roles in this process. This study investigates the integration of solar and wind energy into smart grids, focusing on optimizing performance and stability. Key aspects explored include the management of fluctuating renewable supply in relation to energy demand, peak load management, and base load requirements. The research examines advanced energy management strategies designed to address challenges such as intermittency and supply-demand variability. By analyzing recent technological advancements in solar and wind energy and their interactions with smart grid infrastructure, this study …

Comparison Of Synthetic And Real Earthquake Time Histories Recorded At Seismic Station Gjilan From The Peja Earthquake (Ml=5.1), Shemsi Mustafa, Visar Krelani, Besian Sinani

UBT International Conference

Based on the historical catalog of earthquakes and the seismic hazard map for a recurring period of 95, 475, 975 years, Kosovo has a high potential for seismic hazards, necessitating the integration of data from disciplines such as seismogeotecnic to assess these risks effectively. High-frequency seismic ground motions are critical for engineers conducting non-linear dynamic structural analysis, especially in performance-based seismic design. By simulating earthquake ground motions using models that accurately reflect variations in intensity and frequency over time, we can improve predictions of structural performance. The purpose of the development of artificial time-histories is to provide the designer with …

Integration Of Drone Technology And Gis For Spatial Data Generation And Analysis Of The Municipal Waste Dump Of Pristina, Xhesika Hasa, Hazir Çadraku

UBT International Conference

The integration of drone technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in civil engineering has significantly revolutionized the way data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted in various engineering projects. Drones offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for capturing high-resolution aerial imagery and generating detailed topographic maps. GIS provides a powerful platform for managing, analyzing, and visualizing the vast amount of spatial data collected by drones. This combination allows engineers to accurately measure distances, monitor construction progress, assess site conditions, and identify potential hazards. As such, this research aims to explore the practical a pli-cation, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of using …

The Role Of Cement Type And Origin In Achieving Concrete Class, Blendi Ethemi

UBT International Conference

This study investigates the influence of the type and origin of cement on the final strength and quality of concrete. Cement is a crucial component in concrete production, directly affecting its durability and environmental resistance. The primary challenge in the industry is the failure to achieve the required concrete class within 28 days, often attributed to the cement's origin and composition. Through laboratory testing, this research compares the performance of various cement types from different origins to assess their impact on the compressive strength of concrete. The results aim to provide a clearer understanding of the types of cement used …

International Conference On Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 13th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …