bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT FOR THE TECHNOLOGY EXTENT AND PROCESS EFFICIENCY IN BIM ENABLED CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Ozturk Gozde Basak
Published: February 2025

Technology use in all fields can play an important role as the booster in creating lean and efficient processes. Technology use may result in reduced duplications and delays in workflows while helping to speed up task realization. Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances knowledge share, use and reuse for better collaboration, communication, coordination, and monitoring as a knowledge base platform. BIM enhanced construction projects may positively affect the process efficiency. The aim of this paper is to define a measurement instrument of BIM usage as technology enhancer tool and of process efficiency of construction projects. Research leans on the prominent literature to concrete the measurement instrument. A survey is established to construction project professionals to understand the technology efficiency and process efficiency in BIM enabled construction projects. The research based on the related data collected from 92 professionals experienced both in traditional project delivery methods and BIM enabled construction projects. The respondents are the construction industry experts comprised of construction project managers, BIM managers, and BIM implementation experts (architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers etc.). Data is analyzed and tested with structural equation modeling software to verify the proposed measurement instrument. The technology efficiency and process efficiency factors for BIM enabled construction projects are tested and refined. Research findings present the measurement instrument for both technology and process efficiency in BIM enabled construction projects.
3D PRINTING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Ozturk Ibrahim Engin , Ozturk Gozde Basak
Published: February 2025

New technological developments determine the course of the construction industry. Three-dimensional (3D) printer technology has become one of the technologies that determine the production logic of the 21st century. The concept of Industry 4.0 gained importance in the construction industry with a 3D printer. In this study, a systematic literature review was performed. The publications related to the 3D printer have been examined within the scope of civil engineering implementations. The 3D printer researches associated with BIM, Industry 4.0, NASA, additive manufacturing, and point cloud technology subjects was reviewed through an intensive systematic literature review. As a result of the study, it has been understood that the studies in the field of civil engineering were insufficient compared to manufacturing industry. For this reason, the number of researches on 3D printer applications should increase in construction industry.
COMPARISON OF OWNER AND CONTRACTOR PERSPECTIVES IN ESTABLISHING COST CONTROL STRUCTURE
Authors: Komurlu Ruveyda , Er Akin
Published: February 2025

Cost control is a part of cost management which is carried out by the project owner and the contractor throughout a project. However, the structures of the control function developed by each party generally differ since the purpose of the function and the level of the structure are not exactly the same. Contractors have several advantages while building a cost control system such as more detailed information about the project, more background, more dedicated personnel, specifically developed software etc. Therefore, contractors have a broader vision on the issue. Owners need to utilize cost control systems not only for common reasons but also due to some specific necessities. Unlike contractors, owners have to capitalize projects just before they put their investments into operation. This paper intends to focus the necessities prioritized by the owners and contractors on the issue. A comparison will be made to distinguish the differences between the cost perspectives of project owners and contractors. An assessment will be done of the matters that owners pay attention while establishing a cost control structure in light of the experiences practiced in oil and gas projects. Thus, the important points which should be better to consider by the owners' project control teams will be advised.
INFLUENCE OF PROJECT PREPARATION QUALITY ON THE PROJECT OUTCOME: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Hofstadler Christian , Kummer Markus
Published: February 2025

To achieve the targets of all project key stakeholders, construction projects, in particular, require sufficiently long preparation and execution periods that go beyond ensuring project break-even. Assessing the break-even, or commercial viability, of a project directly depends on its complexity and underlying conditions. Time and funds are necessary to achieve a sufficiently high quality in construction project management, planning, and specification. At the project planning stage, the budget associated with specific use requirements should be calculated whilst also determining the quantities and quality standards achievable within a pre-defined budget. To successfully plan and execute construction projects, it is crucial to identify available resources in terms of funds and time in advance, thus making it possible, at a very early stage, to strike a realistic balance between the (financial) project targets and the available budget. If these targets exceed the budget, works are often specified incompletely, or specified quality standards are lowered with a view to arrive at lower costs in early project phases in order to ensure that the required permit is issued. This paper adopts a qualitative approach to highlight the influence of project preparation (i.e. project lead time and project preparation budget) on achieving the client's/owner's project targets.
ASSET CONDITION ASSESSMENT MODEL FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
Authors: Salem Dalia , Elwakil Emad
Published: February 2025

The poor healthcare facilities performance costs the USA tens billions of dollars each year. There are several factors affect the critical assets of healthcare facilities such as the physical condition of the facility, infection prevention, life safety, and hospital revenue loss. The objective of this research is to develop an asset condition assessment model for healthcare facilities. The model identifies several factors, especially the condition, capacity, and code compliance of a facility's infrastructure. The asset condition assessment model has been developed based on the mechanical, electrical and plumping systems and evaluates the asset condition based on its age, life expectancy, recent condition assessment and energy efficiency among other factors. The data was collected from different hospitals in Indiana. This model has been developed using the Regression analysis technique. The model has been validated through analytical and mathematical methods. Results showed average validity at 88.32%. The developed model will help the healthcare facilities managers to prioritize the budget allocation and to reduce the impact of consequences of asset failure, which will improve the healthcare infrastructure performance.
INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECT OF COUNTERMEASURES FOR SUBSIDENCE AT THE APPROACHING AREAS OF ABUTMENTS
Authors: Kajita Yukihide , Onoda Kazuki , Matsuda Taiji , Uno Kunihiko , Kitahara Takeshi
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of soil improvement methods on preventing ground subsidence at the back of abutments. Earthquake seismic analysis is performed for three models. One is a model with no ground improvement. Next is a model with deep mixing method. The third is the model with lightweight banking method. As a result, from the perspective of the passage possibility of the emergency vehicles, both the deep mixing method and lightweight banking method are effective in preventing ground subsidence at the approaching area of abutments. However, in the case of the deep mixing method, it is found that the maximum bending moment of the pile under the liquefaction layer increases because a lump of improved rigid soil that falls down toward the piles.
BURIED TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES: FUZZY-MARKOV COMPUTATION CASE STUDY
Authors: Gharehbaghi Koorosh , Farnes Ken
Published: February 2025

This paper will focus on how to improve buried structures' resilience and sustainability so that they hold up over time, withstand extreme weather events, and minimize the use of natural and financial resources. Generally, buried Transportation structures are those which have some portion of their elements and configuration dormant, such as culverts, bridges, and their foundation systems. These structures are a significant part of transportation networks and their related systems. These structures can be disrupted by extreme weather events such as seismic activities, extreme wind gusts, tornado, and tropical cyclones. Repairing the damage after such events can challenge resources and negatively impact the area's economy by disrupting traffic. Moreover, a common problem with buried structures is the lack of understanding about each individual structural element. Accordingly, as a part of this paper's focus, careful attention is given to such important structural integrity. Nevertheless, a number of Australian case studies were undertaken to further improve the buried structures' resilience and sustainability. To support this paper's aim a Fuzzy-Markov computation using a modified FuzzyStatProb for buried assets were also explored. The Fuzzy-Markov computation accurately identified the appropriate treatment regimes for selected bridges; which ultimately reduced the natural and financial resources usage.
INNOVATION OF USING WASTE MATERIALS AS A REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT IN PCC
Authors: Faried Ahmed S. , Abo-Hashema Mostafa A. , Roushdy Abdulrahman E. , Galal Sameh A.
Published: February 2025

Portland cement (PC) is used in the production of Portland cement concrete (PCC) to construct many infrastructure components such as rigid pavements. This research aims at studying the effect of using common waste materials in Egypt as a replacement of PC in the production of PCC. Using waste materials in concrete production could be an effective measure in maintaining the environment, improving the properties of PCC, and reducing cost of production. Nowadays, pavement technologist and researchers had put their interests on nanotechnology. This paper outlines the innovation of using Nanotechnology-based waste materials as a replacement of PC to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of PCC. The experimental work, using waste materials such as ceramic waste (CW) and ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), was conducted in five phases. In phase 1 and phase 2, different rations were used for CW and GGBFS by weight of cement, respectively. In phase 3, the best three ratios of CW were used with the best ratio of GGBFS. In phase 4, different ratios of CW and GGBFS were used with a standard ratio of Un-Hydrated lime (UHL). In phase-5, various mix of CW, GGBFS and UHL were suggested based on previous results. Modified PCC mixtures were produced, tested and compared to the conventional concrete mixture. Results showed that the cost of PCC production is reduced by 34% in average comparing to the control mix.
SOME PROPERTIES OF REACTIVE POWDER CONCRETE MADE WITH RECYCLED AGGREGATE
Authors: Hasan Shatha
Published: February 2025

An experimental study was carried out to investigate, the strength properties, of recycled aggregates for use in reactive powder concrete (RPC), to better understand the properties of reactive powder concrete with recycled aggregates used as a substitution material for normal sand in reactive powder concrete. The effects of variable parameters on these properties were carefully studied which are the percent of recycled fine aggregate (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%) as a partial replacement by weight of normal sand, recycled fine aggregate (50%) as a partial replacement by weight of glass sand, and two different curing (20, 90 °C). The inclusion of using reactive silica sand powder leads to a considerable increment in both compressive and tensile strength for recycled reactive powder concrete (RRPC) and the heat treatment improves the properties of the RPC and RRPC considerably. Finally, the results indicated that it is possible to produce reactive powder concrete from recycled aggregate depending on the strength, the results show to suggest only a gradual lowering in compressive and splitting tensile strength.
RHEOLOGY OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE USED FOR SUPERTALL BUILDINGS
Authors: Tran Mien , Cu Yen
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, self-compacting concrete (SCC) is widely being used for supertall building construction in Vietnam. With high workability, SCC allows us to speed up pumping, placing, and surface finishing, which results in a reduction in building cost. Popular methods such as slump flow, T500, and V funnel test are used to indirectly determine rheological properties of SCC. However, these methods do not present yield stress and plastic viscosity, which are the most parameters affecting the pumping property. In this paper, the SCC rheology is determined directly through yield stress and plastic viscosity with the flow curve test and stress growth test by using the rheometer equipment. Thereby, limitation of the yield stress and the plastic viscosity is recommended for vertically pumping to supertall building project without segregation and bleeding.
EFFECTS OF BAMBOO FIBERS AND LIMESTONE POWDER ON FRESH PROPERTIES OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE
Authors: Ede Anthony Nkem , Oshogbunu Obatarhie , Olofinnade Oluwarotimi Michael , Jolayemi Kayode Joshua , Oyebisi Solomon Olakunle , Mark Oluwaseun Grace , Awoyera Paul Oluwaseun
Published: February 2025

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) flows through densely steel reinforced elements and consolidates under self-weight without need for vibration or compaction. This helps in complex and densely reinforced structures. The integration of fibers and fillers in concrete improves its general properties. The addition of fibers in particular can regulate the flow and workability of the concrete; hence, the high workable nature of SCC can be an ideal mix for the incorporation of fibers. This research investigates the effect of bamboo fibers and limestone powder on the fresh properties of self-compacting concrete. Bamboo fibers of an aspect ratio of 50 and varied volumes of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% were adopted for this research. The workability of the mix was assessed by slump flow test and V-funnel test. For fiber volumes of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, it was observed that the coarse aggregate was evenly distributed across the spread, indicating good viscosity and stability of the mix. The presence of 10% percent limestone powder improved the workability of the concrete mix. This can be attributed to filler properties of limestone powder, which, affecting the cement particle system, changed the ordinary distance between them and modified the water quantity available for the hydration process. These results proved that the bamboo fiber and limestone powder can be sustainably adopted to regulate the flow-ability of SCC without compromising desired properties.
STRENGTH, SHRINKAGE, AND PERMEABILITY PERFORMANCE OF SEAWATER CONCRETE
Authors: Younis Adel , Ebead Usama , Suraneni Prannoy , Nanni Antonio
Published: February 2025

Given the increasing global concern of freshwater scarcity, the use of seawater in concrete mixtures appears to be a way forward towards achieving sustainable concrete, especially in the case of non-reinforced concrete applications or with the use of non-corrosive reinforcement. This paper reports on the results of an experimental study to compare the freshwater-and seawater-mixed concretes in terms of their strength, shrinkage and permeability performance. The experimental program included the following: (i) compressive strength test (at 3, 7, 28, and 56-day ages); (ii) concrete shrinkage test (at Days 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 following mixing); and (iii) permeability tests (rapid chloride permeability and water absorption at Days 28 and 56 following mixing). As for the study results, seawater concrete showed a slightly higher early-age (i.e., till Day 7) strength performance than that of freshwater-mixed counterpart, followed by a strength performance that is 7–10% inferior to the freshwater concrete after 28 days or later. Also, the shrinkage of seawater concrete was slightly higher than that of freshwater concrete, with a difference of 5% reported after 56 days following mixing. Finally, the permeability performance of hardened concrete in seawater and freshwater mixtures was similar.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT: EMPIRICAL STUDY OF COVENANT UNIVERSITY SPORTS COMPLEX
Authors: Oyebisi Solomon , Ede Anthony , Olutoge Festus , Ngene Ben , Ofuyatan Olatokunbo , Oluwafemi John
Published: February 2025

The acceptable level of quality in construction projects has long been a problem. Significant resources are wasted on construction projects because of inefficient or non-existent quality management procedures. Therefore, this study evaluates the quality management and the quality grading practices in the construction project with emphasis on the Covenant University Sports Complex. The quantitative research strategy and questionnaire survey were used as the main data collection instrument for soliciting information from the project participants in order to determine the best key for quality management practice. Moreover, an ultrasonic pulse velocity tester was engaged to assess and evaluate the conditions of concrete structural members. It was found out that management commitment to quality is the most key for effective quality management practices in the construction project. In addition, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test carried out on the randomly selected structural members varied in the range 4.2km/sec to 4.6km/sec. From this, it is inferred that the quality grading and homogeneity of concrete in the tested reinforced concrete columns, beams and slabs fall in the range of "good to excellent concrete". The findings would assist project participants in implementing an efficient quality grading and management while executing construction projects.
STUDY ON THE SEISMIC VULNERABILITY OF A VIADUCT SUBJECTED TO NEAR-FAULT GROUND MOTIONS
Authors: Li Yong , Xie Mengfei , Meng Lijun
Published: February 2025

Piers, abutments and bearings of viaducts may suffer severe damage during earthquakes, so it's not insufficient to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of a bridge system only by plastic hinge curvature, which is adopted in seismic design guidelines. In this paper, the seismic vulnerability evaluation of a viaduct is conducted by incremental dynamic analysis under 30 near-fault ground motions, which are selected from PEER database. Then several damage measures are recommended to make an overall estimation for the seismic vulnerability of the viaduct, including plastic hinge curvature, shear failure and sliding displacement failure of bearings and pounding force between abutments and the girder. The analysis results show that the transversal seismic excitations may lead to more severe damage than the longitudinal ground motions. No matter in which direction the ground motions are inputted, the bearings' seismic vulnerability resulted by shear force or sliding displacement is higher than the plastic hinge of piers, which indicates that the seismic vulnerability of the bridge system is determined by the bearings to an extent. As a result, bearings should be designed according to both static and seismic analyses to guarantee the safety during earthquakes.
MODELING CONTRACT PRACTICES RESULTING IN RISK MISALLOCATION
Authors: Tembo-Silungwe Chipozya
Published: February 2025

Risk misallocation has been a topic of discussion in the extent literature for some time now. The literature points out that risk management is the key to ensuring that optimal risk allocation is achieved. While the focus on risk allocation has been about the party best suited to carry a given risk, the issue of how misallocation occurs is rarely dealt with. This paper modeled how risk misallocation can result from contract practice. This was done through a literature review and 15 purposive heterogeneous semi-structured interviews conducted with clients, project managers, architects, engineers and quantity surveyors in the Zambian building sector. The derived model suggests that misallocation could result from inappropriate selection of risk mitigation mechanisms provided for in the contract, poor selection of contracts and use of inappropriate procurement routes. These findings advance knowledge that necessitates the allocation of risk appropriately as the areas of contract practice and risk management are rarely researched with regards to risk misallocation.
LOAD PATH REFORMULATION AROUND MULTIPLE RESTRICTIONS FOR AN INDUSTRIAL RETROFIT
Authors: Hogue Tim
Published: February 2025

Process, operational, and electrical restrictions inherent in the design of a regulatory compliance upgrade for an industrial plant, and overburdened existing structure, required an unusual structural retrofit. There were multiple restrictions on placement of structural members and multiple needs for additional strength in the existing members. To manage the constraints, the load path was reformulated to bypass problem areas and focus upgrade work on just a few locations. The key in selecting upgrade locations was determining where there was reserve capacity in the existing foundation. Two such locations were identified and super-bents were formed there using existing moment frames. Horizontal trusses were built to bridge between the super-bents. A super-bent included a new grade beam, with end bulbs surrounding existing column pedestals, column section augmentation, new heavy anchor bolts and new diagonals to convert two parallel beams into a deep truss. Embedded structural steel was utilized in the grade beam end bulbs to distribute anchorage forces and develop reliable load paths around obstructed columns. Unusual uses of structural steel, work in obscured areas, unconventional structural systems and construction schedule interruptions led to an increase in construction management and inspection scope and complexity. CM lessons learned from the project involved better interaction of disciplines during design and greater input from engineering just prior to and during construction.
SEMI-COMPOSITE STRUCTURES FOR SEWER RENOVATION
Authors: Nakano Masaaki , Shi Zihai , Nakamura Yukari , Iwasa Yukitoshi , Uji Kimitaka
Published: February 2025

In the composite pipe construction method defined in the Japan Sewage Works Association's Design and Construction Guidelines for Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation, a liner pipe is constructed inside an existing sewer and the annular space behind the liner is filled with cementitious grout under pressure to form a highly integrated structure. The Guidelines for sewer renovation in Japan define a composite pipe as a composite structure that requires complete integration between liner materials and an existing pipe. However, in general, owing to the refinement of the small and enclosed working space inside sewers and the significant extension of the pipe to be renovated, mechanical shear connectors are not used to rigidly connect a renovation layer with an existing pipe. To fully explore the advantages of the composite pipe method in sewer renovation while maintaining safe design, a semi-composite structure has been applied in the renovation design of aging sewers using nonlinear FEM analysis for more than 50 sewers (over a total length of 300 km), primarily in big cities in Japan. This paper focuses on the mechanics of the structure.
INFLUENCE OF CURVED WEB CLOSED STEEL SECTIONS IN BRIDGE DESIGN
Authors: Van Staen Gilles , De Backer Hans , Van Bogaert Philippe
Published: February 2025

A bridge is nowadays more than a structure that connects people over an obstacle. When a bridge has to be built in an urban area, either it has to be a landmark or it should blend away in the environment. The use of curved steel panels is one option to obtain these requirements. However, due to a lack of knowledge, engineers end up with a conservative design to implement these structural elements. For that reason, a Finite Element Model is made of a railway bridge, where the outer webs of the main girders have a varying web curvature. Six different models are made and compared. The most important parameters that are compared are the deformations and the stresses in the webs. The study finds that curved webs have an equal or even better behavior than flat webs, even with smaller web thickness. This makes that designers can use curved webs in their design, without needing extra steel to make their design safe.
EVALUATION OF THE DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS FOR SEISMIC DESIGN OF MULTI-STORY BUILDINGS
Authors: Aboelhamd Aya , Mwafy Aman , Gargoum Suliman
Published: February 2025

The fundamental period of vibration is a critical structural dynamic characteristic in seismic design. Several expressions for the calculation of the fundamental period have been recommended by different building codes and previous studies. However, further studies are still needed to evaluate the design expressions used for the calculation of the fundamental periods and assess the need for further refinement. In this study, comprehensive fundamental period data from two sources is collected and compared with different formulas from building codes and previous studies. The first data set is obtained from 147 instrumented buildings with various lateral force resisting systems (LFRSs). The second set of period data are collected from the dynamic response simulations of selected structures. Different LFRSs are considered, including steel moment resisting frames (SMRFs), reinforced concrete moment resisting frames (RCMRFs), reinforced concrete shear walls (RCSWs), concentrically braced frames (CBFs), eccentrically braced frames (EBFs), masonry structures and pre-cast structures. The correlations between the derived period expressions with those recommended by the design provisions show that the code approach is conservative enough for SMRFs, CBFs, masonry buildings and pre-cast structures. For RCMRFs, EBFs and RCSWs, the design code is slightly unconservative for low-rise buildings. The outcomes of the study help to arrive at more efficient and cost-effective seismic design of buildings with different characteristics.
VERIFICATION OF SIGNAL POLE SHAFT FOUNDATION LRFD DESIGN USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Hou Kuang-Yuan , Fu Chung C. , Ye Yunchao , Xu Chaoran
Published: February 2025

This study presents verification methods of current shaft foundation design under linear lateral and torsional loads. Shaft is used as a foundation to support mast arm signal pole structure and transfer loads from superstructures to ground. The capacity of current shaft foundation deployed in the State of Maryland is re-verified due to higher sub-structural strength requirement against super-structural fatigue proposed from the AASHTO LRFD Specification (2015). The shaft foundation verification includes embedment length and torsional capacity. For embedment length check, lateral reactions between soil and shaft are verified by comparing analytical method and finite element method. Wind-induced torque is a design concern for the shaft of a single pole cantilever structure. However, torsional capacity of the shaft foundation of signal pole structures is rarely mentioned in the current design specification. By verifying finite element models with analytical method, torsional effect is further simulated to finite element models to evaluate the adequacy of current shaft foundation design. Results show existing design of shaft foundation could meet requirements to resist lateral force under extreme conditions. For torsional effect, current torsional capacity is less than the torque induced by wind load in the worst soil conditions.
IMPACT OF INTRODUCING SEMI-RIGID MOMENT FRAMES ON SEISMIC RESPONSE OF BRACED FRAMES
Authors: Faytarouni Mahmoud , Seker Onur , Akbas Bulent , Shen Jay
Published: February 2025

Maximum seismic inelastic drift demand in a steel building with braced frames as primary seismic-force-resisting (SFR) system tends to concentrate in few stories without considering inherent participation of designed gravity-force-resisting (GFR) system in actual structural stiffness and strength. The influence of GFR system on stiffness and strength can be taken into account by considering the composite action in beam-to-column shear connections that exist in modern steel building construction to form actual semi-rigid moment-resisting frames. Therefore, modeling semi-rigid moment frames as an equivalent to the GFR system in braced frame buildings could be utilized as a representative to the strength provided by gravity frames. This paper presents a seismic evaluation of a six-story chevron braced frame, with and without semi-rigid moment frame. Four different cases are investigated under a set of ground motions and results are discussed in terms of story drift distribution along the height. The results pointed out that the current findings lay a foundation to conduct further investigation on the seismic performance of braced frames as designed SFR system together with GFR system.
RETROFITTING METHODS AGAINST FATIGUE CRACKING IN STEEL GIRDER WEB PENETRATION
Authors: Sakamoto Chihiro , Sakano Masahiro , Konishi Hideyuki , Fujii Takashi
Published: February 2025

Fatigue cracking in steel girder web penetration details is so dangerous that it can break steel girders. Since a number of highway bridges have such web penetration details in Japan, it is of urgent importance to grasp these fatigue strength properties and develop effective retrofitting methods. In a previous report, we investigated the stress distributions around web penetration details, and fatigue cracking behavior, using steel girder specimens with web penetration details. In this study, we investigate effects of retrofitting methods against fatigue cracking in web penetration details through fatigue tests using large girder specimens with web penetration details in which cross beam lower flanges are connected to lower surface of a slot by welding. Principal results obtained through this study are as follows: (1) Weld toe grinding can extend fatigue life more than 5 times, (2) Two-face attachment can extend fatigue life more than 10 times, and (3) Two-face attachment with weld toe grinding can extend fatigue life more than 25 times.
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL STUDIES OF STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF NOTCH DAMAGED STEEL BEAMS
Authors: Elkholy Said , El-Ariss Bilal
Published: February 2025

Performance of notch damaged unrepaired steel I-shaped beam specimens was examined experimentally and numerically simulated using finite element modeling. Nine U-shaped notch damaged specimens and one control beam specimen were considered. The nine unrepaired laterally unsupported I-shaped full-scale steel specimens were tested in two-point loadings and the parameters considered in the study were the size and location of the notch. The notch size was 30 mm, 40 mm, and 60 mm in depth with a constant opening width of 20 mm. The location of the notch was at one-quarter, one third, and middle of the specimen clear span. All pre-damaged specimens had notches on one side of the tension flange with respect to the beam web except for two specimens where two notches were cut at the middle of the specimen clear span on both sides of the tension flange. The test specimens were modeled analytically using three-dimensional models of the bare-steel I-shaped specimens for comparison of the analytical predictions with experimental results. The test results showed the strength of the notched beams was hardly affected by the notch size or location. However, the stiffness of the beams was slightly decreased as the notch got closer to the mid-span with increased ductility. The corresponding analytical results were in good agreement with the test data.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON SELF CURING RECYCLED AGGREGATE CONCRETE MEMBERS
Authors: Bhikshma V. , Kumar J. Ravi
Published: February 2025

Self-curing concrete is an important aspect in strength development, which is neglected due to various reasons such as shortage of water, inaccessibility of structures during curing. Self-curing agents play important role in heat of hydration and strength development. The present study involves the use of self-curing agent polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). In this investigation, M20 to M50 grade concrete has been considered to evaluate strength characteristics and flexural behavior using natural and recycled aggregate concrete. The various percentages of PEG 6000 have been used. The test result indicates self-curing concrete has indicated strength enhancement compared to conventional curing concrete. The strength for normal coarse aggregate concrete with a self-curing agent (PEG 6000) at 2% with 10% GGBS is decreased when compared with recycled coarse aggregate concrete with 1% (PEG 6000) with addition 10% GGBS. Mechanical properties are 7% to 20% higher for self-curing concrete when compared to natural concrete. Similarly, the flexural strength of normal coarse aggregate concrete was found to be varying from 4% to 16% more than with recycled coarse aggregate concrete at 28 days. Ultimate deflection of RC beams is 10% greater than the NC beams and ultimate moments of RC beams were 1% to 3% less than the corresponding NC beams. The moment-curvature relationship and load-deflection characteristics of the NC beams and RC beams show a similar trend.
CHALLENGES HINDERING THE ATTAINMENT OF SMART CITIES
Authors: Aghimien Douglas , Aigbavboa Clinton , Thwala Wellington , Ohiomah Ifije
Published: February 2025

The concept of smart cities has become a buzzword in most developing countries. Most professionals within developing countries are quick to adopt this idea in their every day discuss on developing the state of their nation, without actually considering what this concept means to the average individual on the streets. Even lesser consideration is given to the readiness of these developing nations in terms of adopting the concept of smart cities. It is based on this notion that this study, through the review of existing studies, assessed the readiness of cities in Nigeria in adopting the concepts needed for achieving smart cities. The study gives an insight on the challenges impeding the attainment of city smartness in the country. It was observed that solving the problems caused by rapid urbanization within cities is the first step towards making these cities "smart ready". Therefore, if cities in Nigeria are to attain city smartness, first looking inward and solving the endemic problems within these countries is necessary before adopting concepts of smart cities that have been mastered in developed countries. Although the submissions of this paper form part of a much larger ongoing study, it contributes to the body of knowledge as it brings to light the challenges that must be solved if cities in Nigeria are to ever become smart.
LA INTRODUCCIÓN DE LA «TÉCNICA» EN LA POLÍTICA: ALGUNAS REFLEXIONES SOBRE LA TECNOCRACIA Y LOS TECNÓCRATAS
Authors: Montes Noblejas Diego
Published: February 2025

Muchas voces defienden la tecnocracia como la solución ideal para los periodos de agitación política. Es en esos momentos cuando los ciudadanos demandan la pericia, la capacidad y la objetividad que, en principio, asiste a los tecnócratas. Aunque parece difícil rebatir las ventajas de un sistema tecnocrático, un análisis más profundo permite advertir que, elevada a su máxima expresión, la tecnocracia podría no solo deteriorar la calidad democrática de un país, sino incluso eliminar la democracia en sí misma.
ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
Authors:   M. K. Yangel Yuzhnoye State Design Office, KALYNYCHENKO D. S. , MANKO T. A. ,   Dnipro National University named after Oles Honchar
Published: February 2025

The paper discusses the solution to the crucial problem of analyzing the performance characteristics of an air-launched aerospace
system (ASS) made in Ukraine as compared with similar foreign ASS. A feasibility study of the parameters of the air-launched
aerospace system for the Ukrainian ASS, consisting of a reusable hypersonic unmanned aerial vehicle and an expendable launch
vehicle, has been carried out. At the same time, two different types of air engines are used as part of a hypersonic unmanned aerial
vehicle: a turbojet engine for takeoff from the runway and a ramjet engine for reaching the required height of hypersonic speed. The
integrated launch vehicle consists of three solid propellant stages connecting to the side. An integrated launch vehicle is placed under
the unmanned aerial vehicle and separates when it reaches a required height and speed. The technical and economic substantiation
of the parameters was carried out according to the criterion of minimizing the costs of the aerospace system, which combines the
costs of the development and operation of the aerospace system and shows the number of launches to achieve a reduction in the cost
of removing the payload to a given indicator. The results obtained made it possible to determine the performance characteristics
of the Ukrainian air-launched aerospace system. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the obtained characteristics. The
comparisons were made in terms of overall performance, aerodynamic performance, flight performance, and cost performance. The
comparison was made with the main analogs: the projects Spiral (USSR), Molot (Russia), GT RASCAL (United States), Sänger-2,
and ELAC (Germany). Based on the comparison of the obtained ASS with existing systems, a rationale was provided for the parameters
of the air-launched aerospace system.
INVESTIGATION OF NOVA PER 2020 (V1112 PER)
Authors:   Baku State University, Department of Astrophysics, ALISHEVA K. I. , MIKAILOV Kh. M. ,   Baku State University, Department of Astrophysics, RUSTAMOV B. N. ,   Baku State University, Department of Astrophysics, MUSTAFIN A. S. ,   Baku State University, Department of Astrophysics, ALILI A. H. ,   Baku State University, Department of Astrophysics
Published: February 2025

In the paper, the evolution of the spectra of the classic Nova Per 2020 (V1112 Per) is described based on the spectra from databases
ARAS (R = 9000—11000). The discussed spectra cover the period of the outburst. The comparative analysis results on the behavior
of the profiles of the selected lines (H , H, He I  587.6 nm, Na ID, and Fe II) with changes in the star’s brightness during the
outburst are presented. Using the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) at  578, 579.7, and 661.4 nm, visible in the high-resolution
spectra, their equivalent widths were measured (W = 0.0402 for the  578 nm lines, W = 0.0140 for  579.7 nm, and W = 0.021 for
the  661.4 nm), the interstellar extinction, the star magnitude MV = –8.03 m, and the distance d = 4.5 kps to Nova Per 2020 were
estimated. Based on the photometric data of the star, it was established that the light curve of the star belongs to the D class of light
curves. From the spectrum of the star, it was found that Nova Per 2020 belongs to the classical Fe II type Nova.
Az alapellátás szerepe a népegészségügyi méhnyakszűrésben
Authors: Fogarasi István András , Melczer Zsolt , Gyulai Anikó
Published: February 2025

Bevezetés: A humán papillomavírus kimutatásán alapuló
hatékonyabb méhnyakszűrés hazai bevezetésének tervezésekor a szakorvoshoz nem
vagy ritkán eljutó nők közvetlen megszólítása, elérése is fontos. A védőnők
képzése közel egy évtizede kiegészült a népegészségügyi célú méhnyakszűrés
kompetenciájával. Célkitűzés: Egy korábbi hazai reprezentatív
humán papillomavírus prevalencia felmérés adatai alapján elemeztük a védőnők
által elért populáció jellemzőit és az általuk levett minták (n = 905)
eredményeit, összehasonlítva a szakorvosok által szűrt populációval és
eredményekkel (n = 3826). Módszer: Anonim kérdőíves felmérést
és méhnyaki mintavételt végeztünk megyénként véletlenszerűen kiválasztott,
összesen 169 szülész-nőgyógyász szakorvos és 40 védőnő segítségével ThinPrep
edényzetbe Rovers Cervex-Brush Combi eszközzel. A laboratóriumi feldolgozás
Neumann Confidence és Roche Linear Array klinikailag validált genotipizáló
tesztekkel történt. Eredmények: A védőnői szűrésen részt vettek
körében a páciensek átlagéletkora, az érettségivel nem rendelkezők és azok
aránya, akiknél 3 évnél régebben vagy soha nem történt kenetcitológiai
méhnyakszűrés, szignifikánsan magasabb volt, mint a szakorvosi szűrésen részt
vevők körében. Az 55 év feletti korcsoportokban a védőnők mintája lényegesen
közelebb állt a célcsoport populációs részarányához, mint a szakorvosoknál
megjelenteké. Az eredménytelen minták aránya nem tért el szignifikánsan attól
függően, hogy védőnő vagy szakorvos vette a mintát. A szakorvosok pácienseinél a
pozitivitási arány szignifikánsan nagyobb volt, bár nagyobb arányban kaptak
korábban humán papillomavírus elleni védőoltást. Megbeszélés: A
községi mintákban az életkori hatás statisztikai kiküszöbölése után is látott
alacsonyabb vírusprevalenciának mediátora lehetett a mintavételt végző szakember
is, hiszen kóros előzményekkel rendelkező páciens nagyobb eséllyel fordulhat
szakorvoshoz, mintsem hogy megvárja a védőnői megkeresést.
Következtetés: Az iskolai oltási program elindulását,
valamint a méhnyakrák előfordulásának korosztályi eloszlását figyelembe véve a
szűrés szerepe sikeres oltási program mellett is legalább 20–30 évig jelentős
marad. Az 50 év feletti, községben élő, alacsonyabb iskolázottságú célcsoport
bevonása védőnőkön keresztül hatékonyabbnak bizonyult, mint szakorvosi
rendelésen. Az erre képzett védőnők bizonyítottan eredményes mintavétellel, a
nők egyéni felkeresésével, a szűréssel kapcsolatos kétségeik megválaszolásával
egyedülálló szerepet játszhatnak a prevenciós célok megvalósulásában. Orv Hetil.
2025; 166(7): 263–271.
Farm based outbreak study and Genetic characterization of O serotype Foot and mouth diseases virus isolated from clinical cases in dairy farms of Welmera district, Central Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors:   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Beksisa Urge , Fufa Dawo ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Daniel Gizaw ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Melaku Sombo ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Ayelech Muluneh ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Abdi Aliyi ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Bayata Senbeta ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Tsion Bilata ,   Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center
Published: February 2025

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a trans-boundary viral disease that causes huge economic losses. A field based outbreak study was conducted in September 2016/ 2017 to identify and genetically characterize O serotype from clinical and asymptomatic cases at Welmera district Menagesha kolobo kelebe of central Oromia. The investigation was purposively conducted in the respective farms where outbreak occurred. Accordingly, 50 dairy cattle were clinically examined and about 20 (40%) animals showed sign and clinical lesions of the disease. Accordingly, active epithelial tissues and probang samples were taken from acutely and severely infected animals for virus isolation, typing and genetic detection. These clinical samples were processed for antigen typing and O serotype was isolated from clinical and asymptomatic cases in the farm. The genetic material of this strain was tested by rRT- PCR and the viral genome was detected in the epithelial tissues and probang samples. In conclusion, the study showed that O serotype was circulating in the district. Therefore, foot and mouth disease control should be established based on the availability of potent and matched vaccines against the circulating field strains.
Nutritive value Evaluation of Buffel grass and Silver leaf Desmodium Grown in Pure Stands and in Mixture at Different Harvesting Times in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia.
Authors:   Department of Animal Sciences, Raya University, P. O. Box 92, Machew, Ethioipia, Menalu Demlew , Berhanu Alemu ,   Department of Animal Sciences, Debre Markos University, P. O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, Asnakew Awuk ,   Department of Animal Sciences, Debre Markos University, P. O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
Published: February 2025

The current study was conducted to evaluate biomass yield and quality of Buffel grass and Silver leaf desmodium grown in pure stand and in mixture at different harvesting times in Gozamen district. The study was conducted in a 3 x3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The factors were forage species (Buffel grass, Silver leaf desmodium and Buffel grass/Silver leaf desmodium mixture) and three times of harvesting (HT1, HT2, and HT3). Pure-stand legume and their mixture with grass had a higher crude protein contents compared to pure-stand grass, whereas, pure-stand grass had higher fiber fraction contents compared to pure-stand legume and their mixture with grass. Harvesting time and forage species had significant effect (P<0.05) on CP, NDF, ADF, ADL and ash. However, the interaction effect was significant on ADF and ADL. As harvesting time increase, NDF, ADF, and ADL increased, whereas, CP and ash decreased. The CP content of the grass, legume and their mixture were 15.79%, 17.49% and 20.46% respectively, which are above the minimum level 7% required for optimum rumen function and could also satisfy the minimum CP content of 15% required for lactation and growth. Generally pure legume and grass-legume mixture produced forage with higher CP and lower fiber concentrations compared to pure stand grass. Therefore, grass/legume mixture could play crucial role to alleviate feed shortage problems by increasing the quantity and quality of forage.
Forest Production, Restoration and Management under Climate Change
Authors:   Department of Forest Environmental Resources, Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52825, South Korea, Hyunshik Moon , Tamirat Solomon ,   Department of Forest Environmental Resources, Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52825, South Korea,   Department of Natural Resources Management, Wolaita Sodo University, College of Agriculture P.O.B 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
Published: February 2025

Many countries in the world are faced with two diverse but interwoven challenges in the 21st century; feeding a growing population and how to adapt to climate change. Changes in climate are recognized as one of the major factors accelerating the degradation of land. Thus, land degradation either caused by human being or natural factors is still a continuous process and the coverage of forests is dwindling. To halt the problem successful, restoration of forest ecosystems using native species as healthy living systems, capable of adaptation climate change requires attention. At the establishment phase, tree selection for rehabilitation however, remains one of the least understood and most often ignored components where rehabilitation has been done by using exotic tree species. Therefore, to achieve the successful rehabilitation of degraded lands, foresters and nursery managers need to reconsider the selection, production, and out planting of native trees in a dynamic context instead of the monoculture exotic plantation to create connectivity across landscapes and building in adaptability for changing climates.