Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

The Utilization Of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag As Fine Aggregates In Concrete: Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties, Hakan Ozkan

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study examines the feasibility of using basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) as an alternative to fine crushed limestone aggregate in concrete. BOFS is sourced from two steel production facilities in Türkiye, designated as I-BOFS and E-BOFS. The experimental results showed that as the E-BOFS aggregate replacement ratio increased, the water-to-cement (w/c) ratio increased to maintain the target workability. The concrete mixtures incorporating E-BOFS exhibited consistent reductions in the compressive strength with an increase in the BOFS ratio. At the same time, I-BOFS maintained higher compressive strength, with only minor losses up to 80% of the substitution ratio. Flexural strength …

Development Of A Self-Cured Alkali-Activated Mortar, Kübra Ekiz Barış

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Alkali-activated mortars (AAM) can be produced with self-curing (SC), which supplies internal moisture to accelerate alkaline-activation reactions. The aim of using SC is to make AAMs with an early-age strength without any additional curing energy consumption and higher CO2 emissions, and to obtain in-situ practical advantages that enable the large-scale application of AAMs. The previous study produced natural pozzolan-based AAMs by applying energy-intensive heat (HC), microwave (MWC), and hybrid (HC+MWC) curing. This study investigates alternative curing regimes that reduce production energy without compromising material properties. The impacts of air curing (AC), water curing (WC), and SC on the properties were …

Naoh Molarity Effect On Mechanical And Hydrochloric Acid Resistance Of Geopolymer Mortar Based On Slag, Mahmoud Ziada, Zahraa Mohammed Kamil Al-Mayali

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The present research investigates the influence of different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) molarities on the mechanical characteristics and hydrochloric acid (HCl) resistance of geopolymer grouts manufactured from ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Geopolymer mortars have attracted interest as sustainable substitutes for traditional cementitious materials due to their advantageous environmental effects and enhanced durability features. This study involved the fabrication of geopolymer mortar specimens by altering the NaOH molarity (M) from 6 M to 14 M. The mechanical and physical qualities were assessed using compressive strength, capillary water absorption, flexural strength, slump flow, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests. Subsequently, the geopolymer …

Effect Of Expanded Perlite And Exfoliated Vermiculite Aggregate Additives On Water Vapor Permeability Performance Of Cement-Based Lightweight Mortars, Lütfullah Gündüz, Şevket Onur Kalkan

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Vapor diffusion is the movement of water vapor molecules through porous materials such as wood, insulation products, and lightweight wall elements due to differences in vapor pressure. Vapor retarders are used to control vapor diffusion through wall sections and surfaces. All building materials provide some resistance to vapor diffusion, and the amount of resistance varies depending on the material's properties. These properties can vary with relative humidity and moisture content, age, temperature, and other factors. Vapor resistance is usually expressed using the inverse term of ``vapor permeability,'' which is the relative ease of vapor diffusion through a material. Water vapor …

Rubber-Modified Self-Compacting Mortar: Evaluating Setting Time And Strength Development, Navvar Makansi, Süleyman Ipek, Erhan Güneyisi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The influence of using crumb rubber (CR) obtained from the second scraping of used tires as fine aggregate in manufacturing self-compacting mortar (SCM) was investigated experimentally in this study. To explore this, natural fine aggregate in SCM mixes was partially replaced with CR at levels ranging from 5% to 25% by total fine aggregate volume. Two mix series, one with a total binder of 500 kg/m3 and the other with a 540 kg/m3 binder, were designed at water-to-binder ratios of 0.40 and 0.33. Ordinary Portland cement (80% by weight) and fly ash (20% by weight) were used to manufacture mortars. …

Smart Traffic Management At Intersections, Gezim Hoxha, Piotr Gorzelanczyk, Rame Likaj, Shaban Thaqi, Flori Cikaqi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Effective traffic control methods, whether at intersections or other nodes within the road network, play a critical role in ensuring traffic quality and safety. An inappropriate choice of traffic control techniques or poorly optimized light signal programming at intersections often leads to unsatisfactory service levels. This study specifically addresses the issues related to intersections controlled by traffic lights. It aims to identify the key factors influencing the regulation and programming of traffic lights, with a focus on using different microcontrollers, particularly the Raspberry Pi. The primary objective of this research is to develop a methodology and an adapted programming approach …

Identification Of Barriers And Drivers In The Adoption Of Sustainable Construction Practices In The Turkish Construction Industry: Exploratory Factor Analysis, Tülay Çivici, Mustafa Serhan Ünlütürk

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Although the importance of sustainability in the construction industry has been emphasised by many researchers and endorsed by many authorities, it is clear that the practices in the industry still need to be improved. The primary issue for adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry is identifying the barriers and drivers. For this reason, the study analysed the literature to identify the critical barriers and incentives for adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry. In light of the information from the literature, the necessary barriers and motivators in adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry were determined, and a questionnaire …

Synergistic Effect Of Alccofine As Partial Replacement Of Cement And M-Sand As Sand Substitution In Concrete For The Assessment Of Mechanical And Microstructural Properties, Yellinedi Madhavi, R.S. Ravichandran, J. Saravanan, N. Venkatasairam Kumar

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and traditional binder mass has revolutionized concrete production technology in the building industry. This study examines how Alcofine-1203 affects the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of concrete. The mechanical qualities of the mixtures were evaluated using six different mixes prepared for each M25 and M40 Grade. In the proposed mixes, cement is substituted with alccofine at 0 to 25% and M-Sand as fine aggregate. The Compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity were assessed after 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days of curing, and split tensile strength and flexure strength were evaluated after 28 and …

Sustainable Modification Of Stone Column Technique With Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Plastic For Strengthening The Expansive Clay, Ng Jun Shen, Muzamir Hasan

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This research investigated the modification of stone column application by the association of PET plastic as a coarse aggregate material for sustainable material replacement. Clay soil improvement with a granular material fabricated column substantially affected its soil-bearing capacity. Subsequently, it avoided severe problems such as soil settlement and structural instability. Previous studies have mentioned the function and alteration of stone columns using materials like bottom ash and fly ash. Still, no attention has been paid to the utilization of PET plastic for this area. This study examined the feasibility and reliability of materials, PET plastic, and kaolin clay S300 before …

Effect Of Reinforcement Thickness And Content On The Properties Of Compressed Earth Blocks, Salah Eddine Mokeddem, Abdelmadjid Hamouine, Rabia Abdeldjebar, Atef Hamaidi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study explores the mechanical, hygroscopic, and thermal behavior of stabilized and unstabilized compressed earth blocks (CEB) by incorporating date palm wood chips (DPWC) as a natural fiber additive. The investigation covers a range of DPWC thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm) and content variations (0% to 1% by weight), focusing on the interaction between the bio-based reinforcement and the stabilized soil matrix, which is stabilized with 10% white Portland cement. The mixtures were compressed at a pressure of 5 MPa using a hydraulic press, providing a detailed examination of how these parameters impact the structural integrity and functional …

A Review On The Use Of Salt And Sugar As Natural Admixtures In Concrete, Noura A. Yassine, Lelian W. Elkhatib, Adel Elkordi, Mohammed Sonebi, Jamal Khatib

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Due to the large increase in construction nowadays, the focus on the reduction of waste in the environment and saving cost becomes crucial. This issue, if solved, will conserve natural materials and make an eco-friendly environment. According to this, the use of natural materials, specifically in concrete/mortar, will shape a green and sustainable environment. One of the most used materials in construction is concrete where some additives like accelerators and retarders are added in order to enhance and modify some properties of concrete. These additives are beneficial and important to be used specifically in case of different weather conditions. Weather …

Development Of A Risk Management System For Public Works Projects In Developing Countries: A Case Study Of Lebanon, Olivia Kalakesh, Walid Shatila, Ali Hatoum

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The complexity of construction projects and their dependence on a wide range of factors make the integration of risk management into project management essential for achieving successful project outcomes. This research aims to develop a risk management system for public works projects, primarily in Lebanon. To achieve this, the main risks affecting the Lebanese construction industry were investigated, and their impact on the “golden triangle” of time, cost, and quality was analyzed. A questionnaire survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 55 engineers working in the Lebanese construction market. The questionnaire included 52 risk factors categorized into seven …

Nature-Based Solutions For Urban Stormwater Management, Nima Zafarmomen, Vidya Samadi, Susan Lunt

Forestry and Natural Resources

This paper explores Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for urban stormwater management, emphasizing their role in mitigating runoff, reducing flood risks, and improving water quality. Bioretention systems (BRS), green roofs, permeable pavements, and vegetated swales utilize natural processes such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, and filtration to manage stormwater while promoting urban resilience and supporting biodiversity effectively. The performance of these solutions depends on vegetation, soil, and climatic parameters, highlighting the need for context-specific design and implementation. While NbS present sustainable alternatives to conventional infrastructure, technical, economic, social, and institutional challenges require interdisciplinary collaboration and supportive policies to unlock their full potential.

Comparative Analysis Of The Efficiency Of Reverse Osmosis And Hydroxyapatite For Fluoride Removal In Water: A Case Of Auwsa, Innocent J. Macha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Water treatment technology selection depends on contaminant type and budget. Fluoride removal from water is particularly challenging, requiring non-conventional treatment technologies (Radwan, 2023). Several regions in Tanzania, including Arusha City, are affected by fluoride contamination. With a population of 617,631 (Census, 2022), only 117,763 people currently have access to clean water supplied by AUWSA. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Hydroxyapatite (HAP) in fluoride removal as a strategy to address water quality and supply challenges. Experiments were conducted using 6 m³ of raw water with fluoride concentrations ranging from 5.1 mg/L to 6.83 mg/L, …

A Smart System For Detecting Anatomic And Histological Symptoms Of Diseased Agricultural Plants, Rustam Baratov, Himola Sunnatillayeva, Alimardon Mamatovich Mustafoqulov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This study describes a novel agricultural plant disease detecting smart system, capable of handling measured plant body parameters and images received by high resolution camera at the same time. The proposed plant disease detection method is based on evaluation of the signals received by measured and controlled plant body physical parameters like resistance, temperature and capacitance of the plant stem and image processing. An analogue plant model based on an electrical circuit with distributed parameters was developed. In addition, in the article the block diagram of the smart system for the early detection of plant diseases, the circuit diagram, its …

Monitoring And Mitigation Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Urban Stormwater Runoff, Mustafizur Rahaman

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants known for their persistence with widespread environmental and health concerns. Urban stormwater runoff could be a non-point pollution source that transports PFAS to receiving water bodies. This study analyzed types and concentrations of PFAS in stormwater runoff from Trenton and Glassboro, New Jersey, with samples collected from high- and low-traffic areas during precipitation events in February, June, July, and August 2024. Significantly higher concentrations of PFAS were identified in high-traffic areas than low-traffic areas (p< 0.05) in both cities for most sampling events, confirming the role of traffic in PFAS dispersal. To address PFAS contamination in stormwater runoff, this study evaluated the removal of six U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)-regulated PFAS compounds from synthetic stormwater runoff using aluminum-based water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs, by-products of the drinking water treatment process). The findings demonstrated that Al-WTRs exhibited high sorption capacities and low desorption rates for PFAS, particularly for long-chain PFAS compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), supporting their potential as an economical and effective sorbent for stormwater PFAS management. Furthermore, the durability and sustained performance of Al-WTRs indicated their feasibility for future field-scale applications.

The Role Of Internal Factors On Vehicular Mobility, Aziz Mdimi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Vehicle mobility internal factors are influenced by the performance state of the road surface quality, governor, engine, gear train, differential unit and mobility unit. Studies on vehicular mobility models exist for off-road external factors but absent on on-road internal factors. The on-road internal factors model describes the vehicular mobility performance as a function of internal factors. In the current undertaking, results are generated by the determination of mobility performance characteristics with the application of 2nd Order Ordinary Differential Equations and using Laplace operator with MATLAB Software simulation. The effect of road surface against the time taken varies accordingly. At a …

Gradually Varied Flow In Horizontal Circular Open Channels, Sanaa M. Hashim, I.M.H. Rashwan, Hewida Omara

Journal of Engineering Research

In investigations of gradually varied flow, open channels are categorized according to bed slope as horizontal, mild, critical, steep, and adverse. A canal is referred to as horizontal if its bed slope is zero. In open-channel hydraulics, calculating the water surface profile in an open channel is regarded as a crucial part of channel design. The objective of this present study is to solve the gradually varied flow in open circular channel with horizontal slope by using two mathematical methods called; direct integration method and Runge-Kutta method. The presented study used the experimental works to offer an explicit closed-form semi-analytical …

Flow Characteristics In Open Channel Confluences: Comparison Of Different Turbulence Models, Abdelrahman Mostafa Elazab None, Ibrahim Mohamed Rashwan, H. Omara

Journal of Engineering Research

This study uses numerical simulations in ANSYS Fluent to analyze the flow characteristics of open channel confluences. The primary objective is to assess the accuracy and predictive performance of three widely used turbulence models: the standard k–ε, the realizable k–ε, and the k–ω SST models. Simulations were performed under steady-state conditions. The results were validated against experimental data. Comparative analysis based on roots mean square error (RMSE) and flow behavior evaluation shows that all models can capture the main flow structures. However, the k–ω SST model demonstrated superior agreement with the experimental results, exhibiting the lowest RMSE and providing the …

A Critical Review Of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction: Mechanisms, Effectiveness, And Impact On Concrete Properties, Mariam Ghazy, Metwally Abd Elaty, Lara A. Farouk

Journal of Engineering Research

Chloride-induced corrosion poses a significant threat to the durability and service life of reinforced concrete structures, necessitating effective rehabilitation strategies. This research provides a comprehensive review of electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) for reinforced concrete structures. It explores the mechanisms behind ECE and highlights the factors that influence the treatment's efficiency. Key elements discussed include ECE setup parameters (current density, treatment duration, anode/electrolyte type, temperature) and concrete mix properties (binder type, water-to-binder ratio, cover thickness, reinforcement details). The review also explores ECE's effects on concrete microstructure, including hydration products, porosity, alkali-aggregate reaction, and potential for hydrogen embrittlement, as well as its …

Flexural Behavior Of Optimized Crumb Rubber Multilayer Concrete Slab, Rokia Mohamed Shehatta Msc. Student, Dr. Ibrahim El-Azab Lecturer, Civil Engineering Department Faculty Of Engineering,, Mohamed H. Makhlouf Professor Of Rc Structures, Civil Department, Benha Faculty Of Engineering,, Prof. Sameh Yehia Professor Of Reinforced Concrete Structures Faculty Dean, Faculty Of Engineering,

Journal of Engineering Research

Waste tires are a significant environmental issue, and this study explores the use of crumb rubber concrete (CRC) as a sustainable alternative by incorporating waste rubber from discarded tires as a partial replacement for fine aggregate (sand) in concrete. Seven slab specimens were tested, including a control specimen and six rubberized concrete specimens with 25%, 50%, and 75% rubber content in one-layer and two-layer configurations. The results showed that increasing rubber content led to a decrease in compressive strength and ultimate load capacity, with reductions of up to 85.5% in one-layer slabs and 50% in two-layer slabs compared to the …

Machine Learning-Based Prediction Of Load Capacity In Corrugated Concrete-Filled Double Skin Tubes Under Axial Load, Aya Mohsen Handousa Mansoura University, Fikry Salem, Nabil Mahmoud Mahmoud, Mohamed Ghannam

Journal of Engineering Research

Concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns have become widely utilized in building construction and bridges, thanks to their exceptional structural capabilities. This study investigates the axial compression behavior of corrugated CFDST columns, analyzing the impact of flat or corrugated external/internal plates and varying internal steel tube widths. Furthermore, basic regression analysis fails to precisely forecast the complicated relation between the column properties and their compressive strength. To overcome these challenges, this study suggests two machine learning (ML) models, including the Gaussian process (GPR) and the extreme gradient boosting model (XGBoost). To estimate their strength, these models employ a range of …

Evaluating The Role Of Building Information Modeling (Bim) In Minimizing Delays And Reducing Costs In Construction Projects, Hussein Elsayed Mohamed Ismail, Mohammad Ahmad Mohammad Abdulhadi

Journal of Engineering Research

The implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a construction industry technology delivers extensive effects on project duration and financial management. This investigation examines BIM as a technology specifically designed to cut down construction project delays and decrease expenditures. The scholarly review of existing research material through a secondary approach allows this study to identify BIM's major value contributions.

The implementation of BIM technology enables project schedules to reach improved accuracy which results in a reduction of project delays by 15-25% because of its automation features and effective clash detection and real-time coordination benefits. The application of building information modeling …

A Comprehensive Review Of Carbonation In Supplementary Cementitious Concrete: Factors Affecting, Measurement Methods, And Challenges, Mariam Farouk Ghazy, Metwally Abd Allah Abd Elaty, Esraa Samir Abdeljalil

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract-After water, concrete is the most widely used material on the planet. Accelerated carbonation treatment is an effective approach of reducing carbon emission in the concrete industry. Such carbonation process converts gaseous CO2 into carbonated minerals. This review provided a special focus on internal and external variables affecting carbonation depth. Internal variables such as mixture components, External variables such as adding pozzolanic materials such as fly ash, and slag were examined systematically, temperature, pressure, and CO2 concentration. The effect of accelerated carbonation curing on the compressive strength of concrete at early ages, both positive and negative influences were identified. …

Shear Strength Enhancement Of Soft Clay Using Lime Columns: A Large-Scale Experimental Study, Mostafa Elsawwaf Prof, Waseim Azzam Prof, Ahmed Sami Fouad

Journal of Engineering Research

Soft clay soil is often classified as problematic due to its low shear strength and high compressibility, which can cause significant structural damage. To mitigate these issues, various soil stabilization techniques have been developed, including the use of lime columns, fly ash, and crushed bricks. In this study, a large-scale direct shear device was designed and constructed to evaluate the impact of lime column stabilization on the shear strength of soft clay. The shear box measured 20 cm in height, 30 cm in length, and 30 cm in width. A hydraulic piston applied shear force by moving the lower shear …

Evaluation Of Irrigation Improvement Projects In Old And New Lands, Noha Salah Ibrahim, Amir Mohamed Mobasher, Ibrahim Abd El Naby Gaafar, Mohamed Ahmed Reda

Journal of Engineering Research

Egypt suffers from severe water scarcity, and the Nile Delta region, where inefficient irrigation practices exacerbate water stress and faces significant challenges. This study employs a multi-phased approach to evaluate irrigation improvement projects and management strategies in two study areas represent old and new land .Key performance indicators including adequacy, efficiency, equity, dependability, and Water Use Index, were calculated based on extensive data collection, considering factors like soil properties, climate conditions, and crop water requirements. The Analytic Hierarchy Process employed in two phases: first, to prioritize the key performance indicators themselves, and second, to rank four different irrigation management strategies …

Investigation Of Activated Carbon From Rice Waste Using Superheated Steam, Wael Abdelmoez, Jehan Tolba, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Sherif Ahmed Kamal

Journal of Engineering Research

Activated carbon is essential in many industries and applications, especially in removing odor and color in sewage treatment plants. The most common activated carbon used is generated from coconut shells, which are difficult to obtain in many countries, especially in the Middle East, as coconut trees do not grow in the environment there; therefore, it was essential to find local alternatives from the national agricultural waste. This study presents the investigation of activated carbon from rice husks using superheated steam in a rotary kiln. The effect of thermal activation on the porosity of the activated rice husks at different temperatures …

An Eulerian-Pfem Approach To Model Transient Capillary Forces On Moving Contact Lines Of Spreading Liquid Drops: Applications In Hydraulic And Fluid Dynamics, Elaf N. Mahrous, Syed Yousufuddin, Muhammad Saleem Professor, Mohammed N. Iqbal, Muhammad T. Bin-Saleem

Journal of Engineering Research

This study addresses the complexities of simulating multiphase flows, particularly the dynamics of droplet behaviour on solid substrates, which are influenced by intricate capillary interactions. Despite advancements in fixed-grid and moving-grid methodologies, there remains a critical gap in accurately modelling transient phenomena and dissipative forces at the solid-liquid interface. We introduce a novel Eulerian-particle finite element method (PFEM) framework that captures the transient capillary forces associated with the movement of contact lines in liquid droplet spreading scenarios. Through a numerical assessment of three established dissipative force models—Jiang’s, Bracke’s, and Seeberg’s we identify Jiang's model as the most effective and stable …

Structural Performance Of Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Walls, Eyad Ayman Bakry, M. F. Hassanein, Ayman Seleemah

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Walls (CoSW) represent a groundbreaking advancement in structural engineering, providing exceptional seismic resilience, energy dissipation, and lateral stiffness compared to traditional flat steel plate shear walls. This paper offers a comprehensive review of CoSW performance under various conditions, including cyclic and seismic loads, with a focus on enhancing geometric configurations and reinforcement techniques. Key innovations such as enhanced corrugation angles, stiffener integration, and strategically designed openings are discussed. Recent progress in computational modeling and experimental validation has further refined design methodologies, ensuring their practical applicability. The review highlights that critical parameters such as corrugation depth, …

Numerical Investigation Of Thermal Effects On Concrete Bridges: Insights From Frame And Shell Modeling, Mohamed Ibrahim Metwally Dr., Mohamed A. El Zareef Prof.

Journal of Engineering Research

Bridges are essential structural components of transportation networks, and their performance is significantly influenced by temperature variations. Thermal expansion and contraction can induce stresses that affect structural stability, necessitating accurate modeling techniques for design and maintenance. This study investigates the thermal behavior of a three-span continuous box girder bridge using two different numerical modeling approaches: the Frame Element model and the Shell Element model. The research evaluates the effects of uniform temperature conditions (20°C) and a temperature gradient of ±5°C, focusing on bending moments, normal forces, and fiber stresses. Results indicate that the Shell Element model predicts bending moments and …