bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prestressed bridge deck responses to blast loads
Authors: Hassan Jaafar F , Rahman Ammar A Abdul , Al-Tarafany Dhiaa M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bridges are critical to most transportation systems, especially in times of crisis; however, as highly visible and accessible structures, they are also potential targets for terrorist attacks. An understanding of the performance of bridges subjected to blast loads is of critical importance to prevent progressive collapse of such structures that could lead to a catastrophic loss of life. The current research focuses on investigating the behaviour of bridge decks under blast loads from various explosions. The bridge in this investigation is the Sheikh Saad Bridge in Wassit Province, Iraq, whose deck is made of simply supported spans with two types of prestressed concrete girders. Both spans were accurately modelled using the finite element software Abaqus/Explicit, and both concrete and steel mechanical material properties were modified to match the properties under high strain rate conditions of the blast analysis. The latest element deletion technique of the built-in Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model (available since Abaqus 2019) was used to provide a realistic simulation of concrete damage and spalling. The model was separately subjected to various explosive charges placed at different locations above or below the bridge deck in order to determine the influence of size and location of blast on the bridge superstructure, detailed results and the relevant conclusions are thus presented. Overall, the modelling managed to successfully simulate the blast load response and the cracking propagation within the damaged deck components.
Punching shear strength of flat slab strengthened with reinforced concrete column capital under bi-axial loading
Authors: Neamah Zainab A , Al-Ramahee Munaf A 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe punching shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) flat slab is the main concern in the structural behavior. This study presents a strengthening technique for improving punching shear resistance in RC two-way flat slabs using RC column capital. Two sizes of column capital were used (600 × 600 and 800 × 800 mm), and the influence of column capital on the behaviours of two-way solid slabs under concentric and biaxial loading thus investigated. Six specimens were tested, with two slabs as reference specimens with concentric and biaxial loading, and four slabs with added column capital. The dimensions of the slabs were 1,600 × 1,600 × 100 mm, while the column dimensions were 200 × 200 mm. The eccentricity of the biaxially loaded slab was set to 150 mm in both directions. The results showed a considerable increase in punching shear capacity for flat slabs using column capital; further, as the column capital increased, the punching strength of the slab also increased.
Ecological Applications of Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic in Producing Modified Subbase Soil
Authors: Jaber Noor H , Radhi Mushtaq Sadiq , Alsaad Aymen J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Plastic materials can now be intelligently and creatively utilised in civil engineering applications such as the creation of soil improvement materials to accomplish economic goals while diminishing the environmental impact of plastic waste. In this study, the influence of adding recycled polyethylene terephthalate granules (PET)) to the strength properties of subbase soil was investigated. The adopted fractions of waste plastic granules ranged between 2.5% and 12.5% by volume, and optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) were measured in modified subbase soil with these various waste plastic contents. The California bearing ratio test (CBR) was then implemented for each alternative. The outcomes illustrated that the modified subbase properties were significantly enhanced by the addition of waste plastic granules and that, for best results, the optimal percentage of recycled polyethylene terephthalate granules to be added was 10% by the volume of the subbase material. The increment in the California bearing ratio value for modified subbase as compared with the subbase without waste plastic reached as high as 36%, suggesting that this method can provide a potential practical use for waste plastic as well as achieving enhancement of subbase soil layers for flexible pavement.
Investigation of external sulphate attacks and moisture effects on roller-compacted concrete pavement mixes containing micro silica sand powder
Authors: Khan Zahraa Alaa M.A. Ali , Abbas Zena K. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
External sulphate attacks (ESA) and water movement tend to produce the most deleterious effects on concrete. This study therefore aimed to investigate the durability of a roller compacted concrete (RCC) mix created with better engineering properties to be suitable for road paving. This RCC concrete has a dry consistency and low cementitious materials (cms) content. Slabs were prepared in dimensions of 380 × 380 × 100 mm by taking sulphate resistant Portland cement and replacing various proportions with silica sand powder (SSP) (5%, 10%, and 20%) on a weight-to-weight basis. Additionally, crushed stone, M-sand, filler, and water were added in appropriate proportions. The slabs were subjected to normal curing for 28 days, then sawed into prisms of 380 × 100 × 100 mm and cubes of 100 × 100 × 100 mm. Cyclic wetting at 23 ± 2°C once in 5% MgSO4 solution and then in water, followed by drying at 60°C for 30 and 60 cycles was then used to investigate the durability of the RCC specimens. Mixes with 5% SSP achieved the best results with increases of 5.46% and 35.24% for compressive (f’c) and flexural (fr) strengths, respectively, while absorption and volume of voids was decreased by 57.3% & 52.29%, respectively, after 60 cycles of MgSO4 wetting and drying, as compared to the control mix.
The Use of Treated Waste Water for Irrigation Purposes in the Administrative District of Kerbala, Iraq
Authors: Dzhumagulova N T , Abdulameer L S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of reusing urban treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation in the administrative district of Kerbala in Iraq. Water scarcity in this region has a negative effect on agriculture, especially irrigated agriculture, and the resulting reduction of arable land in the region is predicted to lead to problems with food production. One of the few guaranteed alternative sources of water under the current conditions is treated municipal wastewater. The study thus made a quantitative and qualitative analysis of existing water sources for the city of Kerbala for the period 2014 to 2019, as well as examining water consumption by the population during that period. The period-wide water shortage for irrigation of agricultural land was also determined, and a comprehensive assessment of the possibility of using treated wastewater from the treatment facilities of the town of Kerbala for irrigation purposes was thus developed.
Smart Cementitious Composites for Road Traffic Monitoring and Weighing in Motion
Authors: Ghadhban Dhurgham A. , Joni Hasan H. , Al-Dahawi Ali M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The addition of electrically conductive materials at micro scale, such as carbon fibres (CF) or steel fibres (SF), to conventional cementitious materials makes piezo-resistive behaviours possible in terms of changes in electrical resistivity due to applied stresses. Smart cementitious composites (SCCs) may thus be able to detect traffic density and sense weight in motion thanks to such piezo-resistive property. Three types of cement-based sensors, with CF, SF, or a hybrid of CF and SF, were experimentally evaluated by applying quasi-static and dynamic load cycles after seven days of curing in different load directions reflecting the electrodes and different circuit type connections of the specimens. The performance of each type of sensor was assessed based on measuring the changes in electrical resistivity (ER) under compressive and flexure stresses, with test results revealing that the use of CF in these composites was the best choice because this generated more sensitivity to applied loads in terms of the change in ER compared with other types. These results were achieved when the applied load was parallel to the electrode direction. The findings also indicated arrangement of specimens as an electric series circuit type was the best setup configuration for traffic monitoring and weight in motion measurement.
The effects of using magnetized water in reactive powder concrete with different curing methods
Authors: Khreef Sabah M. , Abbas Zena K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe effects of using magnetized water in reactive powder concrete (RPC) under various curing procedures was investigated. The RPC samples were separated into four groups, cured with three different curing methods compared to normal curing (lab conditions) as a reference procedure, these methods were; autogenous curing, submersion in warm water (35 °C) and curing by applying high temperature (70 °C) cycles. A magnetic water device was used to produce magnetic water for use in the RPC mix. Where, the intended water was moving with flow rate equal to 0.1 m3/hr. passing through a magnetic field with an intensity of 0.9 Tesla. This circulation process was used for 60 minutes to produce the magnetized water utilised in this study. Test results showed some improvements in the compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strength for RPCs cured with different curing methods The percentage increases for compressive strength for RPC mixes containing magnetic water. Where, the enhancing percentage reached 7.66, 8.43, 8.86, and 9.15% for normal curing, autogenous curing, warm-water, and high temperature curing respectively at 28 days. The high temperature curing method showed the maximum improvement in compressive strength, with up to 34.4, 30.6, and 28.52% increases at 7, 28, and 90 days, respectively.
Irrigation canal assessment using geomatics techniques
Authors: Al-Hameedawi Amjed Naser Mohsin , Shihab Tay H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Water is one of the most important resources supporting life on Earth, yet this seemingly ubiquitous resource has become the source of multiple different emergencies rising significant concerns at international and national levels. This research examines the water crisis faced by Iraq as a consequence of a large portion of its water originating from outside of its boundaries, including sources in Iran, Turkey and Syria; more specifically, it studies the issue of the water shortage in the Wend River by evaluating the placement of the Blajo canal using a GIS based TOPSIS method. The approach taken evaluates existing canal dependency using TOPSIS as one of the MCDM techniques to consider the distance between every option from both the positive perfect point and from the negative perfect point. This was done to ensure that the best option had optimal distance from both the positive point and the from the negative point. The results showed that the best spatial location for the Blajo canal was in alternative a4, which was ranked 3 within the TOPSIS method. This rating reflects the site is near to arable areas and satisfies some criteria but is not the best location with respect to other factors.
Evaluation of the scheduling of an existing drip irrigation network: Fadak Farm, Karbala, Iraq
Authors: Abdulhadi Juhaina S , Alwan Husam H 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIraq has a subtropical semi-arid climate; it was previously considered to be rich in water, but for several reasons, including climate change and dam construction by neighbouring countries, a shortage of water resources has developed in recent years. Using the drip irrigation method is one of the most efficient ways to rationalise water consumption and avoid losses. This study was conducted in order to assess the scheduling of the drip irrigation system used on the Fadak farm in the holy city of Karbala in Iraq, in order to investigate irrigation scheduling there and to compare this with established irrigation scheduling parameters. This required the study of the physical properties of the soil and water consumption calculations for the palm trees being irrigated using the CROPWAT 8.0 simulation program. The results indicated that the volume of water actually supplied to each plot of around dunum( 2,500 m2) is 1,533.5 m3annually, while the volume of water that should be supplied to the farm is 1,388 m3, suggesting that there is wastage of 145.5 m3, or 10.7%, annually. The monthly losses show that the irrigation scheduling system currently used on the farm exposes the plants to excess irrigation over many months, resulting in a loss of water, while causing plants to be exposed to a decrease in irrigation water, which causes stress, in other months. Using surface irrigation, the volume of water needed per dunum is 12,617 m3, however, causing water waste to the volume 11,229 m3. This study thus confirms the general efficiency of the drip irrigation system, as well as highlighting that the CROPWAT 8.0 program is useful for calculating water consumption.
Improving the bearing resistance of subgrade sandy soil using hydrated lime
Authors: Fathi Ali Qasim , Shaban Alaa M , Al-Busaltan Shakir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Soil stabilisation refers to any process by which the strength, stiffness and bearing capacity of road foundations are improved by mechanical, chemical, electrical, or thermal means. The main aim of this research was to estimate the optimum lime content (OLC) required to stabilise a loose sandy soil, and to achieve this aim, experimental work was carried out to evaluate the characteristics of lime-treated sand based on determining maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), and soil bearing resistance (CBR) at 1, 3, and 7 days’ curing. The hydrated lime was used in proportions of 0, 4, 6, 8, and 10% by dry weight of the soil. The results indicated that the MDD increases as the lime proportion increased from 0 to 8%; however, a slight reduction in the soil density was observed at 10% lime inclusion. Additionally, the results revealed that the soil bearing resistance under both socked and unsocked conditions were improved significantly with increasing lime content. Overall, addition of 8% lime with 7 days’ curing duration, improved the stability and strength of subgrade sand soils. The findings of this work thus confirm the benefit of adding lime in field application stabilisation schemes for geotechnical and pavement engineers.
Improving the mechanical properties of lightweight foamed concrete using various types of fibres
Authors: Abed Suhad M , Hadi Rafal A , Khaliefa Hutheifa J 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLightweight foamed concrete has recently been adopted as a more sustainable construction material due to various features such as reduction in member size, better thermal insulation, and cost savings. This work examines an attempt to improve the brittle nature of foam concrete with the addition of different types of fibres. Five types of fibres were used: steel fibres (hooked-ends), micro steel fibres (straight ends), carbon, glass, and polypropylene fibres. The effect of fibre type on the fresh (density and flowability) and hardened (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and static modulus of elasticity) properties of lightweight foamed concrete were thus investigated. The results collected from the experimental work revealed that steel fibres significantly improve the performance of lightweight foamed concrete in terms most properties while other types of fibres (carbon, glass and polypropylene fibres) improved properties at different levels to the steel fibres. Using 0.45 hooked-ends steel fibres gave the most significant improvement in splitting, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and compressive strength at 162.5%, 83.78%, 72.41%, and 63.63%, respectively.
Integration of Intermodal Transport Stations as a Tool for Urban Renewal in the City of Baghdad
Authors: Hasan Alaa Naeem , Al-Khafaji Dr Saba J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The recent population growth, urban expansion, and high standard of living witnessed by most cities, including Baghdad, have made the provision of integrated urban transport systems a major challenge for those in the transport sector. To address the central issues related to urban renewal, growth and land use in cities, and the importance and impact of integrated intermodal transport systems on the design and urban renewal of cities, it is thus important to investigate the role of integrated stations in achieving the urban development and renewal of the city and to determine the most important comprehensive indicators in the field of integration of such systems in order to develop tools for urban renewal and growth.
This paper offers an analytical and evaluation method to assess the potential for redevelopment of major intermodal transport stations and the opportunities for space and urban renewal that might follow such redevelopment. The methodology was implemented in the redevelopment of Berlin Central Station and the comprehensive plan for road transport for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 2030, and may thus offer a basis for assessing and evaluating the city of Baghdad in terms of transport and developing future plans in this area. However, it required the development of correct scientific frameworks for the integration of multi-modal urban transport stations (systems) as development tools and attractions, and to have a positive impact for the city. This led to the research problem of investigating the “lack of sufficient perception of the impact of the complementarity of intermodal transport stations and their role as a tool in the urban renewal of the citybased on the assumption that integrated intermodal transport stations are large and multi-functional facilities, consisting of several integrated smaller systems, operating in a single overarching system such as a city at a scale that allows them to act as a tool in the process of urban renewal by promoting positive interaction with the surrounding environment.
Printed house as a model for future housing
Authors: Mahdi R M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The printed house is one of the latest and most important global attempts to solve the housing crisis, based on its speed of delivery and reasonable cost; new versions of such houses are also generally able to meet the requirements of individual families far better than previous standard models, allowing them to be adopted as a model for future housing. The research problem for the current work was thus the existence of a knowledge gap with regard to the applications of printed houses in terms of such adoption, and the research objective was to build a theoretical framework around current and potential applications of printed houses in such a way as to allow this to be adopted as a model for future housing. The hypothesis was the importance of printed house applications depends on the types of future houses supported by market forces. The study found that printed houses offer a solution for temporary housing needs due to their small footprints that correspond to the demographic nature of many modern families. Other positive features, such as affordability, flexibility, eco-friendliness, style, and support of healthy lifestyles mean that they also represent the future of housing by meeting the requirements of individual families more effectively, allowing better customisation and a move away from mass production.
The development of a generalised equation for the annual water savings through rainwater tanks under different climatic conditions for southwest Brisbane (Australia)
Authors: Khan M S , Imteaz M A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Optimisation of rainwater tank outcomes has been a challenge for the users, as the water savings and reliability depend on many factors such as rainfall amount, rainfall distribution, tank size, roof area and rainwater demand. Among the analysis methods, daily water balance modelling is the most reasonable and acceptable approach. However, general end-users can hardly interpret/grasp the outcomes of such analyses. To overcome this hurdle, this paper presents the development of a generalised equation for calculating expected water savings through rainwater tanks with major contributing factors like rainfall, rainwater demand, tank size and roof area for southwest Brisbane (Australia). Daily rainfall data was collected for the station, Oxley which is in southwest Brisbane from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website. The expected annual water savings for different combinations of rainfall, tank size, roof area and demand are presented in the form of charts that were converted to a generalized equation having independent variables of rainfall, tank size, roof area and demand. Results from the developed equation were seen matching with the model (eTank) simulated results. Such an equation can be easily incorporated into mobile apps or computer programs to help quick calculations for expected water savings.
An experimental and numerical model for performance evaluation of the new galley design filter bucket for storm networks
Authors: Nile B K , Hassan W H , Mohsen K A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Storm networks are a major item of civil infrastructure and a significant element of community life. One of the most significant problems facing storm networks is the blockage of pipes, frequently caused by sediments in the sewage system. This study was undertaken to offer a performance evaluation of a new design of gravel filter bucket for storm networks that offers the separation of sediments at different intensities of rainfall and street slopes based on the development of an experimental model. Stormwater with different sediment loads was simulated and samples of filtrate examined with regard to removal efficiency for these particles. A flow-3D numerical model was also developed to investigate the removal efficiency of the gravel filter. The predicted removal efficiency was then validated using experimental data. Assuming proper model validation, numerical models of this type can yield evaluation data with respect to filter removal efficiency for other dimensions and particle sizes of sediment. The results in this case indicated that the efficiency of the gravel filter increased with increases in slope, intensity, and duration. The gravel filter efficiency was 61% at a low intensity of rainfall and 90% at a high intensity of rainfall, while the results also showed 88% and 63% efficiency for the maximum and minimum diameter sediments, respectively. In terms of validation, the numerical model was compared with a statistical equation to calculate the filter efficiency (Ef
), with the use of an SPSS model to estimate the R2 value, which was 0.88.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of cross-section shape on damaged self-compacting concrete columns
Authors: Hemzah Sadjad A. , Alyhya Wajde S. , Hassan Basel A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper experimentally and numerically (using the finite element analysis) examines cross-section shape effects on damaged SCC short columns enhanced with CFRP sheet wrapping. The impact of various strengthening techniques on the structural behaviour of columns was investigated, with the convergence between the experimental and numerical results verified numerically in ABAQUS. The experimental strengthening process included partial or full wrapping in CFRP sheets, with specimens in the first group enhanced with three or five CFRP sheets of 100 mm width and those in the latter group enveloped in CFRP sheet to the full column height. The numerical results agreed well with the experimental results and demonstrated that the square cross-section SCC short column exhibited higher strength capacity than other shapes.