Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Performance Evaluation Of Sustainable Hot Mix Asphalt Using Construction Waste Materials, Mohamed A. Zaid, Ahmed E. Abu El-Maaty, Mohamed S. Ouf

HBRC Journal

This study aims to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impact, minimize rutting, and improve performance by evaluating the use of construction material wastes. Ceramic waste powder (CWP), brick waste powder (BWP), and glass waste powder (GWP) were used as alternative fillers to conventional dolomite powder (DP) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA). The research investigates the effectiveness of these waste materials in improving asphalt performance, with the filler percentage fully replaced by these alternatives. Marshall Stability (MS), Marshall Quotient (MQ), moisture susceptibility, indirect tensile strength (IDT), and wheel tracking tests (WTT) were conducted to evaluate the impact of these waste materials on asphalt …

Eco Friendly Synthesis Of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles From Orange Peel Extract And Its Antimicrobial Studies, Rehab G. Hassan, Marwa M. El-Tyieb, N.Y Mohamed

HBRC Journal

The synthesis and stabilization of CuONPs at room temperature by using an aqueous extract of orange peel are described. The reason for the appearance of UV-vis absorption spectra peak at (∼439 nm) may be given as the evidence for forming CuONPs. In general, the XRD spectrum of the CuONPs agrees with the previous studies for Cu metal. Transmission Electron Microscopy exhibits irregular crystalline particles. Thus, the average particle size is ∼17 nm. CuONPs have shown potent bactericidal activities. The prepared CuONPs were applied against four pathogenic bacterial strains and three fungal strains as an antimicrobial agent. The inhibition growth zone …

Curved Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (Msews) Behavior From Field Measurements And Numerical Analysis, Ahmed M. El-Hanafy, G. E Abdelrahman, Y. G Youssef, A. E Abdeltawab

HBRC Journal

Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEWs) are widely used for their ease of construction and cost-effectiveness. Current design equations primarily focus on two-dimensional approaches for straight sections, overlooking the unique challenges posed by curved sections. This study investigates the behaviour of convex curved sections in MSE walls under various factors. Field measurements were conducted on block-type MSE walls with a convex curved section to address gaps in design criteria. Measurements included lateral displacements and strain behaviour at different curve locations, with data collected from the curve start, centreline, and a straight section. The results revealed that horizontal displacements and strains were …

Performance Of Reinforced Soft Soil Using Geogrid-Encased Granular Piles Under An Embankment, Mohamed Elsawy

HBRC Journal

Geosynthetic encasements are used to promote the water outlet and reinforcement efficiency of stone piles in weak soil. The current study focuses on simulating an embankment with field measurements built on soft soil improved by conventional stone piles (CSPs). Both 3D and 2D plane strain models were employed to model various embankment components. The granular piles were improved with geosynthetic materials to evaluate the encasement leverage on the stone piles performance in soft soil. Consolidation process was conducted to examine the reinforced clay behavior at long-term conditions. The finite element analyses findings indicated good matching with field measurements for soft …

Cost Analysis For The Application Of Recycled Materials In Road Subgrade Layer: A Case Study In Egypt, Norhan Sayed Zayed, Anwar B. Badawy Abo-Sena, Tarek M. Attia, Alaa Ahmed

HBRC Journal

Egypt’s construction industry has lately experienced rapid growth, particularly for infrastructure and road projects. This expansion has exacerbated a pressing issue: the accumulation of Construction and Demolish Wastes (CDW). To tackle this challenge, there is a growing proposal to recycle CDW in construction projects. This research aims to assess the economic and environmental implications of integrating recycled materials into road subgrade layers, contrasting their benefits with those of natural materials. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of subgrade material characteristics based on Egyptian code requirements. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts …

Investigating Affordability Of Eco Housing With Ceb And Clustered Urban Form, Mohammad Fahmy, Ayman Ibrahim, Omar Galal

HBRC Journal

This study examines the affordability of eco-housing through the integration of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) and clustered urban form. It hypothesizes that the combined approach of sustainable building materials and climate-responsive neighbourhood planning enhances cost and energy efficiency while maintaining social housing accessibility. By assessing economic feasibility alongside environmental and urban design strategies, the research aims to provide insights into sustainable solutions towards future urban developments and a 5th generation for Egyptian cities. Computational simulations utilizing ENVI-met for urban microclimate assessment and Design Builder for indoor environment evaluation demonstrated improved results for outdoor and indoor environments. For outdoor assessment, design …

The Squeezed Middle: Housing Affordability Challenges, Nazli Dongez, Almula Koksal

HBRC Journal

Neoliberalism has deepened economic inequality, which is now spreading globally. Even though this economic inequality affects mostly lower-income households, international reports show that inequality has spread to the middle-income group. The decline in the purchasing power of the middle-income group has led to the issue of housing affordability, referred to as the squeezed middle-income group. Despite the global scope of this problem, only a limited number of academic studies have conducted a comprehensive assessment. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the problem of housing affordability for the middle-income group. The study employed the systematic literature review method. The Web of …

Correlations Between Geotechnical Parameters And Electrical Resistivity For Limestone At Beni Suef, Egypt, Gihan E. Abdelrahman, Elsayed A. Issawy, Walid I. Hammad, Ahmed A. Moheb

HBRC Journal

This study presents an integrated geotechnical–geophysical investigation of limestone formations in Ezbet Deir El-Hadid, Egypt. The research combines conventional geotechnical testing with two-dimensional (2D) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to develop a cost-effective subsurface characterization methodology. Forty-one boreholes (15–30 m depth) provided direct measurements of unconfined compressive strength (q_u) and rock quality designation (RQD), while twenty-five ERT profiles enabled spatial resistivity mapping. Three distinct geological conditions were identified: (1) intact limestone exhibiting resistivity of 21–602 Ω·m, (2) water-saturated zones with reduced resistivity (14–37 Ω·m), and (3) cavities showing higher resistivity (1,038–4,035 Ω·m). An optimized investigation protocol …

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Dynamic Architecture During The Execution Phase, Lamiaa Mohamed Said Elsherif, Eman N. Shaqour, Abdullah Badawy Mohammed, Sherif Mohamed Sabry El Attar

HBRC Journal

This study is part of a larger study on the factors affecting the cost of dynamic architecture during three phases (design, execution and operation), A research paper on the design phase has been published. and we will specialize in this research by studying the execution phase.

This research study is based on identifying the main factors affecting the cost of dynamic, buildings by conducting a questionnaire and analyzing it statistically by using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. To get to the definition of dynamic architecture and Types of movement directions in dynamic buildings.

By studying each of the principles of movement …

Assessment Of Urban Resiliance By Using (Ahp) In Relation With (Anp), Sara Mahmood Al-Jawari

HBRC Journal

Urban resilience is an important part of the sustainable urban development agenda, providing a proactive approach to the growing challenges within cities and making them more responsive and safer for the future. Therefore, the research problem was to ask: How can the integration of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Analytical Network Process (ANP) be used to determine which cities have the most resilient systems in the event of an emergency? It is assumed that the use of integration between the AHP and ANP will facilitate the initial assessment of the resilience of city systems and the development of policies …

Users’ Expectations Of The Water Element As A Recreational Feature On University Campuses, Zubaidah Nadhem Mahmood Alzubaidi, Gökçen Firdevs Yücel Caymaz

HBRC Journal

Water is an important element in campus landscaping. Hence the importance of the lake opposite the Department of Architecture at the University of Mosul. However, the lake and its surroundings are currently neglected and in need of development. But any development must consider the expectations of the users, as the lake is there for them. Therefore, the research aims to identify users’ expectations of the lake as a recreational element on the campus, which can be used in any development of the lake. To this end, the literature review identified several characteristics related to the lake, such as size, movement, …

The Criteria For Identifying The Memory Of The City In Valuable Parks: Happy Land Park In Mansoura City, Esraa Ahmed Mansour, Esraa Mohamed Elazab, Sherif Ahmed Sheta

HBRC Journal

Urban memory is a complex phenomenon that develops gradually within the urban environment. However, the rapid physical changes required by today’s fast-paced world often led to the destruction of recognizable urban elements. These changes also create unfamiliar settings and erode many intangible experiences, including both positive and negative memories. Research shows that parks are among the most influential urban spaces in shaping collective memory. Even Egyptian parks designated as heritage sites suffer greatly. This status has not always ensured the preservation of their unique character. This highlights the need to review and strengthen protective laws to better maintain these parks …

A Classification Framework For Egyptian Governorates According To Strategic Plan Implementation Requirements, Noor El Hoda Hamdy, Sammy Amin Ammer, Walid Nabil Bayomi

HBRC Journal

The implementation of strategic plans varies across regions based on their developmental typologies and the distribution of economic, natural, and human resources. This study explores differentiated approaches to strategic plan implementation by identifying typologies of development management, their mechanisms, and criteria for application. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks and global experiences, the research employs a comparative methodology to align the requirements of each development management model with the socio-economic and administrative characteristics of various Egyptian governorates. It further examines the prerequisites and success factors of each model, highlighting the suitability of each region. Key findings include the development of a novel …

Experimental Study On The Improvement Of Bearing Capacity Of Soft Clay By Using Reinforced Sand Cushion Resting On Encased Stone Columns, Gihan Elsayed Abdelrahman, Youssef Gomaa Youssef, Mahmoud Eid Abd

HBRC Journal

Soft clay deposits present challenges such as high settlement and low bearing capacity in construction projects. Various techniques, including stone columns and encased stone columns, have been developed to reduce settlement and enhance bearing capacity in soft clay soils having cohesion (Cu) less than 25 KPa. This research investigates the use of ordinary stone columns and encased stone columns through experimental modeling. Additionally, the study aims to enhance the bearing capacity of soft clay soil by using reinforced sand cushion resting on encased stone columns. A series of tests were conducted with various parameters such as geosynthetic materials, column diameter, …

Assessment Of The Relationship Between Performance Attributes And The Social Sustainability Framework Of Construction Projects, Van Luy Tong, Truong Van Luu

HBRC Journal

The study addresses the missing aspect of assessing social sustainability in construction project performance evaluation. While environmental and economic aspects have been widely considered, social sustainability remains largely unexplored. The study seeks to analyze whether 11 performance attributes (including 5 short-term project performance attributes and 6 long-term project performance attributes) in the construction project performance model being implemented in Vietnam reflect social sustainability in construction projects. The study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationship between these 11 performance attributes and the social sustainability criteria framework. A questionnaire was designed to collect data from stakeholders involved in construction …

Geophysical Characterization Of Soil Properties For Infrastructure Development: A Ves Study At The Awfi City Electrical Station, Babylon, Iraq, Amer Atyah Al-Khalidy, Qassim Abed Al-Tamimi, Hussein Kh. Chlaib, Amer J. Al-Khafaji

HBRC Journal

An electrical resistivity survey was conducted for the proposed Secondary Transformer Electrical Station project in Awfi City, Babylon Governorate, Iraq. Seven vertical electrical sounding (VES) profiles were acquired using the Schlumberger array with a spacing of 25 meters. The interpretation revealed 4 to 5 geoelectrical zones at each station, indicating significant variations in resistivity with depth. Low resistivity values (as low as 0.2 Ω.m at Station 4) correspond to clay-rich layers saturated with saline groundwater, typically increasing in concentration with depth. In contrast, high resistivity values (up to 36.3 Ω.m at Station 4) are associated with silt and …

High User Perception Of The Social Housing Of The State Intervenor In The South Suburban Zone, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Laura Del Carmen Moreno-Chimely, Yolanda Guadalupe Aranda-Jiménez, Carlos Alberto Fuentes-Pérez

HBRC Journal

Uninhabited social housing in the Southern Conurbation Zone of the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico (Tampico, Altamira) reflects 21.19%. Currently 11.32% is located in Altamira in subdivisions built by the private sector during the facilitator state. The social housing of the public sector of the intervenor state by governmental institutions such as INFONAVIT and FOVISSSTE, located in Tampico with more than 50 years old are almost entirely inhabited even with deteriorated constructive characteristics and economic depreciation. The objective of the research is to analyze the perception of the users of the housing state intervenor prior to 1992 and state facilitator 1993–2010 …

Development Of A Digestion Procedure Using Fe2+ Ions For Electrochemical Detection Of Mno2 Particles In Drinking Water, Kayla Elliott, Sarah Jane Payne, Zhe She

Journal of Electrochemistry

Developing methods for detection contaminants in drinking water is essential to ensuring that safe and acceptable quality drinking water is delivered to consumers. While manganese (Mn) was previously known only as a mere aesthetic issue, recent epidemiological data has shown to have negative neurological effects on humans, especially on children, prompting new health-based guidelines by Health Canada and the World Health Organization. In drinking water, Mn exists predominantly as Mn(II) and Mn(IV), and is regulated based on total Mn levels. Interestingly, measurement of Mn particulate using electroanalytical methods has not yet been reported in the literature. Herein, a digestion procedure …

Biocompatible And Antibacterial Pcl-Tio2@Ag/Γ-Cd Mof Nanocomposite Coating For Corrosion Resistance Of Magnesium Alloy In Simulated Body Fluid, Sara Dehghan-Chenar, Hamid R. Zare, Zahra Mohammadpour, Maryam Sadat Mirbagheri-Firoozabad

Journal of Electrochemistry

Magnesium alloys are promising candidates for bio-implant applications due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, their rapid corrosion remains a critical limitation. This study presents the development of a multifunctional nanocomposite coating designed to enhance the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of magnesium alloy implants. The coating comprised γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD MOFs) decorated with TiO₂@Ag core-shell nanoparticles, embedded in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. Immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed an initially higher corrosion rate for the PCL-TiO₂@Ag/γ-CD MOF coating compared to the coating without TiO₂@Ag nanoparticles; however, it demonstrated significant …

Regulating Lithium Metal Nucleation And Growth For Dendrite Suppression: From Liquid-Electrolyte To Solid-State Batteries, Ao Du, Juan Zhang, Pan Xu, Ya-Jie Li, Kang-Yu Yi, Zhen-Zhen Shen, Hui-Lin Ge, Guang-Wen Zhang, Chao-Hui Zhang, Yu-Hao Wang, Chen-Zi Zhao, Meng-Yang Xu, Yu-Lin Jie, Rui Wen, Shu-Hong Jiao, Si-Qi Shi, Qiang Zhang, Chun-Peng Yang, Yu-Guo Guo

Journal of Electrochemistry

Lithium metal anodes, with a theoretical capacity of up to 3860 mAh·g⁻¹, are regarded as the cornerstone for developing next-generation high-energy-density batteries. However, several key challenges hinder their practical applications, including dendrite formation, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), side reactions with electrolytes, and associated safety risks. This review systematically explores the mechanisms of lithium nucleation, growth, and stripping in both liquid and solid-state battery systems, analyzing critical theoretical concepts like heterogeneous nucleation thermodynamics, surface diffusion kinetics, space charge effects, and SEI-induced nucleation, which are crucial for understanding the genesis of dendrite growth. Additionally, the review discusses the electrochemical-mechanical …

Integrating Complete Bond Dissociation In Class Ii Force Fields, Joshua Kemppainen, Hendrik Heinz, Gregory M. Odegard

Michigan Tech Publications

Predicting the physical and mechanical properties of organic materials from purely chemical understandings remains a significant challenge due to the limitations of conventional force fields in molecular dynamics (MD). In this work, we present a novel reformulation of Class II force fields that integrates Morse bond potentials with newly derived cross-term interactions, explicitly capturing complete bond dissociation while maintaining computational efficiency. This reformulated functional form combines the stability of fixed-bond models with the reactive capabilities of bond-breaking force fields, achieving accurate and robust MD predictions across crystalline, semi-crystalline, and amorphous organic systems. Extensive benchmarking confirms its predictive accuracy and speed, …

Investigation Of Electrochemical Corrosion Fatigue Mitigation Strategies For Mild Carbon Steel, Joel Andrew Hudson

Doctoral Dissertations

Corrosion fatigue remains a critical durability challenge for steels used in boiler tubes and other safety-critical components, where the interaction of cyclic stresses and corrosive environments accelerates material degradation. This dissertation comprises three experimental studies aimed at advancing mitigation strategies and test methodologies: (1) enhancing corrosion resistance through electrodeposited Fe-Ni anodic coatings, (2) inducing synthetic crack closure to suppress fatigue crack growth, and (3) developing an accessible, low-cost, automated testing system to investigate environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) under controlled laboratory conditions. The first study examined the corrosion behavior of Fe and Fe-Ni electrodeposits synthesized from sulfate-based baths and applied to …

A Magnesium Alloy With High Corrosion Resistance, Hardness And Elastic Modulus Enabled By Elemental Synergy, Alexander Helmer, Manoj V. Mugale, Tushar Borkar, Rajeev K. Gupta

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

A magnesium alloy containing Ca, Ti, Zn, and In was synthesized via high-energy ball milling of elemental powders followed by spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous matrix with dispersed Mg-rich phases and intermetallics. Potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed low corrosion current density (9.6 f 2.1 mu A/cm2), a noble corrosion potential (-1197 f 4 mVSCE), and a clear passive region, indicating excellent corrosion resistance. Nanoindentation tests showed high hardness (2.61 f 0.21 GPa) and elastic modulus (55.35 f 5.47 GPa), exceeding those of commercial Mg alloys.

Test Data: Raised Or Recessed? Finding The Optimal Gate Architecture For Improving The Static Performance Of Graphene Transistors, Ivan Puchades, Tzu-Jung Huang, Andrew Spencer, Luke Ingraham, Anibal Pacheco

Data

As silicon CMOS technology approaches its scaling limits, graphene offers a compelling alternative as the active material channel in transistors due to its high carrier mobility and atomically thin profile, which provide strong electrostatic control and promise high-performance analog applications. However, roadblocks such as device-to-device variation, high contact resistance, poor dielectric interfaces, and non-uniform graphene quality have limited the adoption of graphene field effect transistors (GFETs). Hence, further investigations are required for mitigating these issues at a material, e.g., by improving graphene transfer, and device level, e.g., by finding an appropriate gate architecture. In this work, we directly compare two …

Effect Of Cryo-Milling On Pla/Cmc And Pla/ Caco3 Composites: A Comparison Study, Fatemeh Mahdiyeh-Boroujeni, Ron Kander

School of Design and Engineering Papers

This study examines a new approach for improving the dispersion of hydrophilic fillers into a hydrophobic polymer matrix, a long-standing challenge that often limits the thermal and mechanical performance of biocomposites. Two different fillers, natural cellulose microcrystals (CMC) and mineral calcium carbonate (CaCO3), were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) at five different weight fractions. Biocomposite films were prepared using physical mixing and cryo-milling, followed by hot pressing. Cryo-milling was explored as a strategy to enhance filler distribution within the matrix. Thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical performance were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing, …

Thermal Properties Of Novel Materials, Wilarachchige D.C. Bhagya Gunatilleke

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Thermal properties play an important role in various aspects of applications of technology startingfrom the materials property determinations to device performance improvements and their safety and stability. Measurements of the thermal properties of such materials of interest pose challenges due to the demands of these measurements for determination of intrinsic materials properties. The research included in this dissertation involved both synthesis of novel materials and their measurement of thermal properties. Solid-state materials synthesis involves various synthesis and processing techniques, while specific technological applications demand synthesis of defect-free single crystals. Such synthesis techniques were explored for the research included in this …

Elucidating The Effects Of Water Activity On The Hydration Kinetics And Thermodynamics Of Ye’Elimite–Calcium Sulfate Hydrate Systems, Godwin I. Ogbuehi, Rupack R. Halder, Aditya Kumar, Gaurav Sant, Monday U. Okoronkwo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Relative humidity and water activity (aH) reductions have been known to suppress the hydration of anhydrous cement clinker phases. However, the relationship between ye'elimite (C4A3$) hydration kinetics and water activity remain unclear. This study employs experimental and thermodynamic modeling approaches to investigate the influence of water activity on ye'elimite hydration in the "C4A3$ + water", and "C4A3$ + gypsum + water" systems. Experimental findings indicate that as water activity decreases, C4A3$ hydration diminishes until the reaction is brought to a halt at a threshold aH. The critical aHand corresponding solubility constant of C4A3$ (KC4A3S¯) estimated from thermodynamic analysis are 0.46 …

The Science And Economics Of 3d-Printed Filament Recycling, Michael Domingo, Dane Freund, John Mcswiggin, Adam Meadows

Sustainability Conference

In recent years, 3D printing has grown rapidly, both in homes and commercially. This has led to increased demand for plastic filaments, many of which contribute to plastic waste. This project explores the potential of recycling household plastics into 3D printing filament, promoting sustainability and creating a circular economy. Materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and polypropylene can be recycled or even composted. Existing research has shown that recycled filaments can maintain comparable tensile strength to their virgin counterparts, depending on the recycling process. Furthermore, implementing circular economy practices for plastics could save billions annually by mitigating pollution and reducing landfill …

Effects Of Yttrium And Barium Trace Impurities On The Dielectric Properties Of  Srtio3 (111) Single Crystals At Cryogenic Temperatures, Hung Trinh, Alan Devoe, Fatih Dogan

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Commercially available single crystals of (111) SrTiO₃ were found to contain impurities of varying amounts that strongly affected their dielectric performance at cryogenic temperatures. Three crystals with total impurities of 111, 126, and 625 ppm, primarily of barium and yttrium, were analyzed. Relative permittivity (εr) and loss tangent were investigated with high resolution as a function of temperature (4 K to 100 K), DC voltage (0 V/cm to 800 V/cm), and frequency (100 Hz to 1 MHz). An impurity level as low as ≈500 ppm barium resulted in an increase of the maximum permittivity (εm) to approximately 50,000 at …

Scientific Characterization Of Historic Mortars Dating From The 15th-Century Of A Historical Building In Algeria: A Case Study, M. E. Belgacem, N. Rabahi-Touloum, R. Neves, Y. Ouldkhaoua

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This research investigates the historic mortars (Aggregate/Binder (A/B) ratio) of a historical patrimony building, dating from the 15th century, in Algeria, for restoration purposes. It is well known that thorough characterization is essential for successful restoration. To this end, several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), optical microscope were used to characterize the historic mortars. A mechanical test was used to characterize the compressive strength of a historic mortar. For a comprehensive characterization, A/B ratios were estimated using both Digital Image Analyses (DIA) and chemical analyses. The results obtained provided clear information on …