Civil Engineering Journal
Not a member yet
2007 research outputs found
Sort by
Studying the Behavior of Expansive Soil Reinforced by Micropiles
No full textExpansive soil is a form of soil that can expand and contract, changing its volume. Montmorillonite, a mineral with the ability to dissolve in water, makes up the majority of these kinds of soils, and by increasing the volume of the soil, it causes the soil to heave. Expansive soils could be a substantial concern for engineered buildings due to their capacity to adjust to seasonal variations by contracting or expanding moisture content. Many researchers focused on soils that were swollen and looked at how they behaved as well as how they could be improved. In this study, the work depends on inserting micro-piles with different depths and configuration widths to investigate which depth and configuration can be obtained to improve the bearing capacity of foundations on expansive soil. The main purpose of this study is to reinforce the expansive soil with micro-piles with different depths (1B, 2B, and 3B) and different configuration widths (under footing only, 1B and 2B). It was concluded that the soil reinforced with micro-piles improved the load-bearing capacity of the expensive soil and decreased the swell pressure. The increasing depth of the micropiles 2B to 3B (B is the width/diameter of the foundation) can increase the bearing capacity by just 6%; therefore, increasing the depth beyond 2B is not beneficial. Also, the increase in width of the configuration of the micro piles from 1B to 2B increases the bearing capacity by just 4%; therefore, the increase in width greater than 1B is not valid. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-017 Full Text: PD
Lateral Displacement Behavior of IBS Precast Concrete Elements Reinforced with Dual System
No full textThroughout history, the construction industry has been a significant contributor to construction waste, presenting an ongoing challenge in efficiently managing this waste to mitigate environmental pollution. The Industrialized Building System (IBS) stands out as a construction approach that utilizes prefabricated components made from various waste materials, implemented with machinery and formwork, leading to minimal waste production. The potential failure of IBS blockwork columns under lateral loads is a significant concern, and the deformation of these columns is crucial in assessing overall structural performance against lateral forces. This study focuses on examining the deformation and flexibility of components in IBS blockwork columns when subjected to lateral loads. Using Finite Element Modeling (FEM), a 1:5 scale prototype model of the dual-reinforced system IBS Block Work Column is analyzed. The IBS Block Work Column, comprising four prefabricated components assembled in the form of a crucifix plan to enhance lateral stability, is subjected to FEM analysis and experimental investigations. The study aims to explore the impact of four different shapes of reinforcement on deformation resistance. The findings suggest that employing a dual-reinforced system in the IBS Block Work Column enhances its resistance to lateral loads compared to a column with conventional reinforcement. Moreover, the assembled IBS Block Work Column exhibits greater stiffness than a single prefabricated component when subjected to lateral loads. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-020 Full Text: PD
Prediction of the Dynamic Properties of Concrete Using Artificial Neural Networks
No full textThis study explores how dynamic characteristics of concrete, such as dynamic shear modulus, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and dynamic Poisson's ratio, affect stability and performance in civil engineering applications. Traditional testing procedures, which include the time-consuming and costly process of mixing and casting specimens, are both time-consuming and costly. The primary objective of this research is to improve efficiency by using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and regression analysis to predict the dynamic properties of concrete, providing a machine-learning-based alternative to traditional experimental methodologies. A set of 72 concrete specimens was methodically built and evaluated, with compressive strengths of 50 MPa, aspect ratios ranging from 1 to 2.5, and an average density of 2400 kg/m3. An input dataset and ANN targets were built using these samples. The ANN model, which used cutting-edge deep learning techniques, went through extensive training, validation, and testing, as well as statistical regression analysis. A comparison shows that the predicted dynamic modulus of elasticity and shear modulus using both ANN and regression approaches nearly match the experimental values, with a maximum error of 5%. Despite good forecasts for the dynamic Poisson's ratio, errors of up to 20% were detected on occasion, which were attributed to sample shape variations. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-016 Full Text: PD
Geopolymers: Enhancing Environmental Safety and Sustainability in Construction
No full textThis study underscores the significant environmental advantages of geopolymer, notably its capacity for substantial CO2emission reduction and sustainable waste management by repurposing industrial by-products, enhancing the environmental safety in oil and gas projects. Central to our investigation is the identification and strategic overcoming of critical obstacles to the broader application of geopolymer, aiming to bridge the gap between its recognized potential and practical implementation in construction practices. Through a comprehensive analysis involving pilot, main, and validation surveys among construction industry professionals, we employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to elucidate the relationships between various barriers and the success of geopolymer concrete applications. Our findings reveal that standards and knowledge significantly influence the adoption of geopolymer concrete, with an R² value of 0.873 indicating a high predictive utility of these constructs. The research underscores the critical need for enhanced support in research and development to improve geopolymer concrete's durability and performance over time. Significantly, this study contributes novel insights into overcoming the industry's hesitancy towards geopolymer concrete, highlighting its importance for sustainable construction practices and reducing the environmental footprint of building materials. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-10-015 Full Text: PD
Effect of Construction Manager's Political Skills on Relationship between Quality Management Practices and Inter-Organizational Project Success
No full textThis study aims to explore the impact of construction managers' political skills on the relationship between quality management practices and the success of inter-organizational construction projects in Pakistan. Objectively, it examines how project managers' political acumen influences the effectiveness of quality management strategies and, consequently, project success. Employing a survey-based methodology, the research encompasses a broad spectrum of professionals involved in various construction projects across Pakistan. Through this analysis, the study identifies key challenges to project success and assesses the correlation between managerial political skills and the effective implementation of quality management practices. The findings reveal a notable positive relationship between these elements, highlighting the critical role of skills such as communication, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution. Additionally, the research underscores the interconnected nature of managerial competencies and identifies key factors impacting project success through advanced statistical techniques like principal component analysis and median absolute deviation. Significantly, this research provides novel insights into the role of human factors in the Pakistani construction industry's project management, proposing actionable strategies for skill enhancement and offering a comprehensive overview of factors influencing project success. These findings not only show the current skills and practices landscape but also lay the groundwork for future research and strategy implementation to boost industry-wide success. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-019 Full Text: PD
Development of a Method for Increasing the Fire Resistance of Cast-iron Structures of Cultural Heritage Sites under Reconstruction
No full textWhen reconstructing cultural heritage sites, significant changes to the original design planning are not allowed. More rational methods are needed to increase the fire resistance of historical buildings, which will ensure their fire safety and preserve their architectural value. Nowadays, most heritage sites do not meet the safety requirements of modern buildings. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for increasing the fire resistance of cast iron structures. The key tasks are increasing the fire resistance of buildings during reconstruction and ensuring their fire safety during operation. The tasks have been achieved by developing a new methodology for increasing the fire resistance of cast iron. It includes an integrated approach to assessing the risk of a fire, a predictive model for the occurrence of fire danger, as well as various scenarios for the fire development caused by cast iron heating. The results' analysis has allowed us to determine the fire resistance limits of cast iron structures. The scientific novelty lies in the study of the fire resistance of cast iron structures using a three-dimensional mathematical model. The resulting values have been obtained via differential equations of the laws of mass conservation, momentum, gaseous energy, and the optical density of smoke. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-02-015 Full Text: PD
Local Scour around Different-Shaped Bridge Piers
No full textLocal scour around piers is the major cause of bridge failures, and its estimation is critical for safe design. The present study aims to identify a modified pier shape that can reduce local scour compared to a circular pier. In addition, M5 models are developed for maximum scour depth prediction and compared with the existing equations available in the literature. Thus, the effect of pier shape and alignment on local scour is experimentally investigated using three pier models with the same cross-sectional area placed in isolated and tandem arrangements under clear-water conditions. These are circular (M1) and two modified pier shapes (M2 and M3), where M2 is a combination of semi-circle and triangle oriented either way (M2a and M2b), and M3 is a further modification to M2a with a small protrusion on the semi-circular end. The results showed that the local scour depth for aligned (skew angle, α = 0°) M2a, M2b, and M3 piers is reduced by 23.5%, 50%, and 55%, respectively, compared to the M1 pier but not if α > 0°. In tandem arrangements, the least scour depths observed around M1 and M2a at X = 1.0D (X is clear-spacing between piers and D is pier diameter), and M3 and M1 at X = 1.75D placed as front and rear pier, respectively. It is observed that the developed M5 models are more accurate compared to the existing equations. Flow intensity (V/Vc) and αhave more influence on the scour depth prediction around tandem and isolated piers, respectively. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-06-019 Full Text: PD
Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Containing Fly Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash
No full textPortland cement plays a vital role in construction and building projects. However, its manufacturing process releases detrimental pollutants and contributes to climate change. The environmental concerns linked to the manufacturing of conventional Portland cement, such as its high energy demands, raw material consumption, and significant CO2 emissions, have prompted the need to look for alternatives such as geopolymer or green concrete. In addition, indiscriminate disposal of waste might have a detrimental effect on the environment. This paper investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of geopolymer concrete incorporating fly ash and sugarcane bagasse ash as primary constituents. Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) was employed as a partial substitute for Fly Ash (FA), with varying proportions ranging from 5% to 20% with increments of 5%. Alkaline activators utilized were NaOH (14M) and Na2SiO3, with a ratio of 1.5. Various tests, including the slump test, compressive strength test, splitting tensile strength test, and flexural strength test, were performed. The microstructural characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis (EDS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The results revealed that adding sugarcane bagasse ash influenced the workability of geopolymer concrete while enhancing its mechanical properties. The research findings have shown that the mixture comprising 5% SCBA has the greatest compressive strength of 64 MPa. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-04-018 Full Text: PD
Utilizing Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment
No full textIn this paper, a comprehensive flood hazard map for the vicinity of King Talal Dam in Jordan, utilizing advanced remote sensing (RS) and GIS methodologies, is developed. Key geographical and environmental factors, encompassing terrain slope, elevation, aspect, proximity to water streams, drainage density, and land use/land cover, are integrated to highlight areas with increased flood risk. This study, by employing a novel theoretical approach, harnesses the synergistic capabilities of RS and GIS to collect and analyze geospatial data. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to assign weights to various flood-conditioning factors, quantifying their relative importance in flood risk assessment. Through the weighted sum overlay technique, the aforementioned factors are integrated to categorize flood risk levels from very low to very high. This study successfully maps flood hazards, identifying areas near main water channels, ravines, and lower-elevation areas prone to flooding. This research provides a robust framework for flood risk assessment, contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of environmental management and disaster mitigation. It underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and updating of flood hazard maps to accommodate changing land use, climate, and hydrological conditions. The innovative application offers crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies in flood-prone areas and serving as a model for similar geographical regions. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-05-05 Full Text: PD
Unveiling the Impact of Psychological Factors on Consumer Purchase Intentions for Overall Sustainable Success in Green Residential Buildings: Using SEM-ANN Analysis
No full textThe research problem addressed in this study is the limited understanding of the intricate interactions among emotional, environmental, and psychological factors within organizations and their collective impact on overall sustainable success (OSS). A critical gap exists in the literature, as previous studies often analyze these factors in isolation, leaving an incomplete picture of their interdependence. To fill this gap, this study aims to comprehensively understand the interplay between Psychological Factors (PF) and OSS. The objectives are to identify relevant factors, collect data, and employ a rigorous methodology for analysis. The research methodology involves a three-phase approach: factor identification, data collection, and analysis. This study leverages a unique integration of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to deepen the analysis, revealing intricate relationships among identified factors. The study's findings highlight a robust positive association between PF and OSS, underscoring the significance of prioritizing employees' psychological well-being for enhanced workplace satisfaction and performance. These insights have practical implications for organizational leaders and managers, guiding them to cultivate positive emotional climates, instill environmentally conscious practices, and address negative emotional states within their teams. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-05-07 Full Text: PD