Engineering Commons^™

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 …

International Conference On Computer Science, 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 …

International Conference On Energy Efficiency Engineering, 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 …

Prototyping Interactive Tactile Digital Logic Simulations: A Hybrid Approach, Logan Bateman

MS in Computer Science Project Reports

Tactile exhibits are common in museums and on the walls of university halls. However, few (if any) tools exist for creating tactile exhibits for teaching digital logic or computing concepts. This project implemented a framework for creating tactile digital logic simulation exhibits, with a focus on rapid prototyping and distributed architecture. Prototyping allows for fast iteration, with the ability to simulate unlimited hardware components such as buttons, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and other input or output devices. Through the abstraction of implementations and a distributed communication protocol, switching to real hardware is seamless and works in tandem with simulated hardware. …

Rock Burst Hazard Evaluation Of Coal Mining Face Based On A Gaussian Mixture Model, Cui Feng, Li Yifei, Jia Chong, Lu Changliang, He Shifeng, Zhang Suilin, Tian Mengqi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep insights into the probabilistic information contained in the energy distribution of acoustic emission (AE) or microseismic events are significant for the rock burst hazard evaluation of coal mining face. Methods This study investigated No.40111 mining face of the No.4 coal seam at the Dafosi Coal Mine in Shaanxi Province. Using physical simulation experiments with similar materials, theoretical analysis, and on-site monitoring, this study investigated the evolutionary patterns of AE monitoring data during coal mining and illustrated the physical meaning of fluctuations in the probability distribution of AE energy. Accordingly, this study proposed an index model for the rock …

Advances In Research On The Evolution Of Trans-Scale Discontinuous Structures During The Creeps Of Strongly Disturbed Coals, Zhang Liang, Wang Laigui, Ren Ting, Li Xiangchun, Gao Ke, Li Haitao, Zhao Shankun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Disasters associated with surrounding rocks in roadways, such as time-dependent deformation failure and creep-induced rock bursts, severely threaten deep mines in China. These disasters, coupled with the impacts of deep mining and structural changes, render it urgent to explore the evolutionary patterns of trans-scale discontinuous structures during the creeps of strongly disturbed coals. This study systematically reviews the scale effects of coals' mechanical properties, the discontinuous structures and multi-physics field effects of coals, and the long-term stability, creep evolutionary patterns, and mechanical models of coals. It highlights the close correlation between discontinuous structures (including their fractures and …

Sedimentary Environments, Mechanical Properties, And Rock Burst Risk Identification Of Overburden In Deep Mines, Qiao Wei, Cheng Xianggang, Dou Linming, He Hu, Meng Xiangsheng, Ren Yangyang, Xiao Chong, Cai Jin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Disaster risk identification and prediction serve as a prerequisite for disaster control. An engineering geological environment is identified as the fundamental condition inducing dynamic disasters like rock bursts in mines. Exploring the sedimentary genetic mechanisms of engineering geological environments holds great significance for predicting rock burst risks. Methods With the Gaojiapu Coal Mine in the Binchang mining area, Shaanxi Province, as a case study, this study analyzed the engineering geological characteristics of rock masses under different sedimentary microfacies. Furthermore, it explored the deformation and failure characteristics of rocks in different sedimentary environments, along with the energy release patterns of …

An Experimental Study Of The Evolutionary Patterns Of Mechanical Properties Of Coals Under Multiple Mining Disturbances, Ouyang Zhenhua, Liu Yang, Li Chunlei, Shi Qingwen, Li Wenshuai, Yi Haiyang, Qin Hongyan, Zhang Ningbo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the mining process of coal mines, the cyclic loading and unloading effects caused by multiple mining disturbances can alter the mechanical properties of coals, serving as a significant cause of rock bursts. Revealing the response characteristics of crucial mechanical parameters and the damage mechanisms of coals can provide a basis for discriminating the impact-induced instability state, holding great significance for enhancing disaster prediction capabilities. Methods Quasi-static uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading experiments and the dynamic impact loading experiments on large-size coal-like specimens were combined to accurately capture the stress, strain, and acoustic emission responses during the experiments, thoroughly …

Exploring The Evolutionary Patterns Of Stress Field In Coal Seams During Water Drainage In Overburden Confined Aquifers Based On Charge Monitoring, Wang Gang, Yu Xiaojie, Wang Aiwen, Xiao Xiaochun, Wang Yong, Ding Xin, Wang Weibin, Xu Zengjun, Du Lulu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coal mining areas in regions such as Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Shandong, and Gansu in China feature intricate hydrogeological conditions, which lead to substantial water drainage from roofs and increasingly prominent rock bursts induced by water drainage in overburden confined aquifers. This study investigated the evolutionary patterns of the stress field in coal seams during the water drainage of overburden confined aquifers. Methods By combining the laboratory charge induction experiments of coals under graded loading with charge monitoring pre- and post-water drainage from a roof in a coal mine, this study systematically examined the variations of induced charge in …

Evolutionary Characteristics Of Microcracks In Rocks Under Weak Dynamic Disturbance And Disaster Prevention And Control, Jiang Mingwei, Liang Yuntao, Feng Wenbin, Li Haitao, Zhou Rui, Guo Baolong, Liu Yang, Ma Ju

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective High stress with superimposed weak dynamic disturbance serves as a critical factor including rock bursts. However, the microcrack propagation characteristics and energy dissipation pattern of rocks under different disturbance amplitude, frequencies, and unloading ranges remain unclear, leading to a lack of technical support for rock burst prevention and control.Methods Based on the true triaxial unloading dynamic disturbance tests, this study analyzed the instability failure patterns of deep surrounding rocks under different disturbance amplitude (5, 10 MPa), frequencies (4, 10 Hz), and triaxial stress unloading (0, 12 MPa). Moreover, this study examined the characteristics of microcracks in rocks using …