bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of GA-HP model for the optimal design of large sewer networks
Authors: Hassan Waqed H. , Jassem Musa H. , Mohammad Safaa S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research paper describes the application of a GA-HP model to the design of large gravity sewer networks. The main problem associated with the optimum design of sewer networks is achieving applicable designs that offer the lowest possible construction costs. The GA-HP model is a new technique that combines a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with Heuristic Programming (HP). One of the reasons for adopting this model is that determining the optimal design of sewer networks requires two stages: the GA can be used to obtain the optimal diameter, and then HP can be applied to obtain the optimal slope and other hydraulic characteristics. The GA was run using the tournament selection method with one-point crossover and a population size of 200. To ensure the efficiency of the GA-HP model for the design of large networks, the model was examined in two case studies, these being the medium and large networks located in the holy city of Karbala in Iraq, which contains 90 pipes and 91 manholes, and 354 pipes and 355 manholes, respectively. The cost for the applied manual designs was then compared with that for the designs obtained from this model for these networks, which indicated potential savings of 23.7% and 26.6% for the medium and large networks, respectively.
Using lower and upper baffle arrangements to enhance sedimentation tank performance
Authors: Al-Mafraji E A , Al-Mussawy H A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Traditional sedimentation tanks are massive structures that needs require extensive detention times to allow the separation of particles from suspension by gravity. Many researchers have proposed methods of enhancing sedimentation efficiency, including changing the geometry of tanks by installing barriers at the bottom of the basin, in order to reduce demand for chemical processes, which require trained operators to determine the appropriate doses of coagulants. The aim of the current research was make the flow route longer and to distribute suspension over various sedimentation tank compartments in order to increase residence time and thus enhance sedimentation, with effects judges based on calculating the turbidity, density, and viscosity, Froude number (Fr), Reynolds number (Re), settling velocity (vs), detention time (D.T.), height of sludge (hs), and sediment removal. The theoretical aspects were supported by the collection of practical results through laboratory testing that showed that the best Fr, Re, and hs occurred in zone 3, where the opening height of the central baffle created a short-circuit that scoured the deposited particle, while the best turbidity removal occurred with the smallest discharge. The evidence overall suggested that adding both lower and upper baffles improves the performance of sedimentation tanks because this arrangement achieves two essential goals: lengthening the track and damping or calming the flow within the settling zone; however, this only occurs if the vertical upper baffle is situated in a suitable location.
The influence of incorporating recycled brick on concrete properties
Authors: Abbas Zena K , Abbood Ahlam A 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne of the major problems in modern construction is the accumulation of construction and demolition waste; this study thus examines the consumption of waste brick in concrete based on the use of blended nano brick powder as replacement for cement and as a fine aggregate. Seven concrete mixes were developed according to ACI 211.1 using recycled waste brick. Nano powder brick at 0, 5, and 10% was used as a replacement by cement weight, with other mixes featuring 10, 20, and 30% partial replacement by volume of river sand with brick. The experimental results for replacement of cement with nano brick powder showed an enhancement in mechanical properties (compressive, flexural, and tensile strength) at 7, 28, 90, and 180 days for the 10% replacement level, while the mixes with 20% brick sand replacement also showed an improvement in mechanical properties.
The effect of cyclic loading on the nonlinear response of structural concrete members with arbitrary cross-sectional shapes
Authors: Alkhairo A , Oukaili N , Al-Mahaidi R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a numerical methodology for analysis of the behaviour of structural concrete sections subjected to cyclic loading. Classical beam theory was utilised to calculate sectional deformations (strain and curvature) under normal force and biaxial moment, while a nonlinear sectional analysis is performed via computer software written in Python by discretising the section of any shape, that is a combination of polygons and circles, into infinitesimal triangles or quadrilaterals. The stress-strain relationship of concrete and steel materials under monotonic loading was also implemented to evaluate the concrete’s secant modulus of elasticity at any strain level. A concrete cyclic model representing stress-strain relationships during unloading is thus proposed in which the secant modulus of elasticity of each mesh element is modified based on the stress level attained at the start of the unloading stage. Cyclic behaviour in tension and compression was investigated, including the transition from compression to tension and vice versa. The cyclic model was then implemented in sectional analysis to allow computation of the behaviour of the section at different loading stages. This study also proposes a new technique to calculate residual deformation during each analysis step and thus to plot the hysteresis behaviour of the section. Software was thus developed to estimate the failure load and produce a biaxial moment-curvature diagram, interaction diagram, and stress-strain diagram across the depth of the section for each load case.
The role of religious monuments in restructuring the movement systems in the Wadi Al-Salam cemetery
Authors: Al-Musawi Mahmood H , Al-Mumar Mohammad H , Nasar Zuhair A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The holy city of Najaf is a shrine for Muslims from all over the world due to the presence of the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUTh), and the Wadi Al-Salam, the Valley of Peace, cemetery, which includes shrines to many Prophets, righteous people, scholars and righteous martyrs. The Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (PBUH) is the most prominent monument, being the factor around which the urban fabric of the city was formed and established. The form of the cemetery has thus developed with the urban fabric of the city, and it includes many religious monuments that attract thousands of visitors and pilgrims from both within and outside of Iraq. Due to this cumulative growth of the cemetery and the irregularity of its axes of movement, the movement of visitors inside the cemetery has produced several design, planning, and security challenges as it has begun to affect the urban fabric of the city and the cemetery itself. Movement and visual interconnections between vital monuments of the religious figures have thus been restricted by the fabric of the Wadi al-Salam Cemetery at both micro and macro levels, generating the current research problem. Accordingly, this research aims to set to explore the possibility of restructuring the movement system of the Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery based on its monuments. The research assumes that the texture of the cemetery can resemble the fabric of the city in terms of adopting the presence of religious monuments to structure spaces. Consequently, the importance of monuments in terms of defining systems of pedestrian and vehicle movement within the fabric of the city was studied to determine the list of indicators classifying the possibilities provided by such monuments according to their historical and religious significance. With regard of the cemetery, several monuments of historical, religious, and contextual significance were then chosen as key points in the restructuring of the local movement systems. The overall research conclusion is that it is important to reconnect these monuments by developing an organic network of movement in order to preserve the graveyards and the historical fabric of the cemetery.
Sustainable textile architecture: history and prospects
Authors: Shareef R A , Al-Alwan H A S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Textiles are now used in various applications in different fields, including the building industry. “Textile Architecture” and “Fabric Structures” are gaining new prominence in the construction world because of their multiple unique characteristics, such as being lightweight, low cost, and durable, as well as offering low energy consumption, flexibility, and resilience. In particular, they are respected for their capability of enclosing large spans with minimal material use and construction time. These characteristics appear to offer the potential to develop a unique textile architecture that can also guarantee environmental sustainability.
Fabric structures have been used throughout history, beginning with the early tents built by humans to provide shelters against harsh weather conditions, where no natural shelters were available, and stretching to the the present time, with structures that have been elaborated to meet the needs of more complex applications in different forms, shapes and sizes.
The further development of high-quality materials has triggered a renaissance in textile architecture, yet the current lack of knowledge and limited research on the development of textile architecture and the potentials of such unique structures and techniques in terms of developing sustainable urban contexts, is an ongoing issue. Accordingly, the present paper aims to explore the historical development of textile architecture, and to shed light on the vast range of contemporary modern uses, and architectural applications, as well as discussing the future prospects of this unique sustainable architecture, which may influence the development of new ideas to create aesthetic and cultural contexts within the urban environment. The paper utilises a descriptive research methodology, by tracing the development of such structures to to clarify the recent worldwide progress in the field of architecture in terms of producing outstanding sustainable designs and technical solutions utilising textiles.
The repair of recycled crushed brick aggregate RC beams with shear deficiencies with CFRP
Authors: Hassan Shireen Hamed , Rasheed Laith Sh. , Salih Shakir Ahmed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Repairing reinforced concrete (RC) beams using externally bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate has become one of the main rehabilitation techniques utilised to promote sustainability in construction. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the repair of rectangular simply supported reinforced crushed brick aggregate concrete beams with shear deficiencies in their design. The experimental work consisted of testing twelve full-scale beams (1400 x 200 x 150 mm) under two points load. The specimens were made of normal, and lightweight course aggregate concrete, four beam specimens were used as references, being tested until failure in shear to obtain the ultimate load carrying capacity, while the other specimens were loaded up to 60%-89.4% of the total load at failure, then repaired by wrapping in a layer of CFRP strips in two orientations (90°) and (45°). The variables investigated in this study were therefore the concrete type (normal and lightweight), shear span-to-effective depth ratio (a/d) with two variables (a/d=2.5) and (a/d=3), and the orientation of the CFRP. The results showed that a significant contribution was made by externally bonded CFRP in terms of repairing the beams, which not only refreshes initial shear capacity but also increases the ultimate capacity. The beams showed maximum reliability when the CFRP was oriented at 90° at a ratio of 72%.
Flexural behavior of self-compacting damaged reinforced concrete box beams strengthening with CFRP
Authors: Younis Ahmed A. , Harba Ibrahim S.I. , Abdulridha Abdulkhalik J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials appear to offer an acceptable solution for the upgrading and repair of concrete structures based on the advantages associated with these compounds. This paper presents an experimental analysis of strengthening in damaged R.C. box beams based on gluing CFRP sheets to the members. The main objective was to study the flexural behaviours of damaged R.C. box beams strengthened with CFRP sheets, and ten simply supported box beam specimens were thus tested under a monotonic two-line load. Variables investigated included the configuration of CFRP sheets used and the damage ratios (45%, 60%, and 75%). The tested box beams were designed according to ACI 318M-14 to ensure flexural failure. The study showed that adding composite fibre sheets used as External Bonding (EB) technology can offer a convenient and effective strengthening method for damaged concrete structures. The results further showed that side strengthening (extending the sheet under the beam with both sides facing each other) provided an effective tool for increasing the ultimate load capacity by over 28% on average as compared to other methods, while increasing the deflection ratio by over 40%. The behaviour of each box beam was examined with respect to the first crack load, ultimate load, crack pattern, and load-deflection, and carbon fabrics were shown play a major role in the repair of box beams.
Performance of Semi-Rigid Steel Connections under Monotonic and Cyclic Loadings: A Review
Authors: Al-Fisalawi Rasha K. , Laith Khalid AL-Hadithy , Al-Kamal Mustafa Kamal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Since the turn of the century, numerous articles have been published with analysis of semi-rigid connections in steel structures. This paper offers a comprehensive survey of major recently published research work dealing with the behaviour of semi-rigid beam-column connections under various configurations of fasteners and welding lines under both monotonic and cyclic loads. The review has two main respects: the first is the moment versus curvature behaviours of semi-rigid steel connections, while the second involves finite element analysis of such connections under monotonic and cyclic loads. The main conclusions concerning the dynamic behaviours of semi-rigid steel connections emerge with regard to the vital influence of beam-column connections on the global seismic performance of steel frame structures. Developing semi-rigidity should thus be considered an effective way to achieve the required performance.
Transmission of Stresses in Pavement Layers Subjected to Earthquake Excitation
Authors: Hussein M M , Fattah M Y , Hilal M M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A reinforcement interlayer retards the development of cracks in the asphalt overlay by absorbing the stresses induced by both heavy traffic and underlying cracking in the old pavement. The experimental work in this study used laboratory model tests to developed an understanding of the behaviours of sand used as a subgrade under earthquake condition and the its effects of this on flexible pavement and base course layer. The sand subgrade layer has a thickness of 600 mm and the base course was set to 200 mm; the asphalt layer was prepared as a panel with dimensions of 300 x 300 x 50 mm, representing the surface layer. These layers were then tested under the influence of earthquake loading with different frequencies 0.5, 1 and 1.5 Hz. The tests were performed in two parts without adding a geogrid, and with geogrids in the centre of the base layer and between the base and sand layer. Stresses in all three layers are measured using stress sensors, and the displacements of the asphalt layer were measured using two laser displacement sensors. The results for the tests on pavement layers showed that, the stress recorded in models reinforced with geogrids was higher than that seen in unreinforced models, while the displacement was decreased by adding the geogrid in the layers at all three frequencies. When the geogrid is laid between the base and sand layer, the stress in the subgrade layer also lower than that in the base and asphalt layers.
Evaluating noise and pollution indices for the Al-Kufa road network
Authors: Al-Duhaidahawi Zainab S , Almuhanna Raid R A , Al-Jameel Hamid A , Al-Jumaili Mohammed A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Determining effective countermeasures and solutions to environmental problems caused by traffic congestion, is a vital task especially in urban areas. This study’s primary purpose was thus to evaluate the road network in Al-Kufa city using several indices, such as noise and pollution. Limited previous studies have discussed the assessment of Al-Kufa road network, creating a need to determine the best means of evaluating noise and pollution levels among the standard options. Noise and pollution were thus investigated for different roads in the city based on field data at peak periods of traffic flow. The results were used to assess the levels of noise and pollution on the tested roads in the network, with the analysis indicating that both noise and pollution levels are generally higher than standard values. Some short- and long-term suggestions to develop more suitable sustainable operational characteristics were thus offered.
Real-Time Traffic Flow Controls at Signalised Intersections: A Case Study of the Said-Jawda intersection in Karbala
Authors: Almuhanna Raid R.A. , Salman Shahed A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As the problem of urban traffic congestion increases, the need for advanced technology and equipment to be introduced for the improvement of traffic control also increases. Traffic problems have worsened last years due to significant increases in the number of vehicles on the roads and the limited availability of resources in the current infrastructure. The easiest way to control traffic lights is to use timer for each phase; however, another way is to use electronic sensors to detect vehicles to supply the required traffic signals for a given cycle. To enable effective traffic flow through a signalised intersection, this study proposes a system for controlling traffic lights that detects vehicles using videos and imaging techniques instead of electronic sensors embedded in the pavement. Four cameras were installed at a height of three metres on the four approaches to a set of traffic lights. The captured images were then analysed using digital image processing based on Python to facilitate vehicle detection and traffic condition analysis. The work is thus divided into two segments: data collection and traffic control solution generation. The results indicated that using the proposed automated system could produce more effective traffic control as compared to SIDRA fixed-time controls, with delay reduced within the range 40 to 90% and cycle length reduced by 30 to 65%.
Assessment of Geo-Mechanical Characteristics of Carbonate Rocks Using Non-destructive Pulse Velocity Measurements
Authors: Shaban Alaa M. , Hayder Mohammed R. , Al-Hashimi Zahraa H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Determining the geomechanical characteristics of the rock formations is critical to the design and analysis of various underground geotechnical structures. This research applied an experimental approach to determining the properties of rock cores based on ultrasonic wave velocities. Three types of carbonate rocks sampled from three different regions were thus experimentally tested and evaluated, with the regions from which the rock samples were collected being located in south-eastern, south-western, and north-eastern areas of Iraq. The geomechanical characteristics of the carbonate rocks were compiled based on ultrasonic pulse velocity tests and uniaxial compressive strength tests implemented under two sets of laboratory testing conditions: dry and saturated. The data are thus reported and discussed for both dry and saturated rock specimens. In general, the results showed a reduction in rock engineering properties with increasing moisture content. The measurements of compressional and shear wave velocities were analysed and correlated with various mechanical properties including: strength, elastic moduli, bulk density, Poisson’s ratio and Lame’s constant; the results of this process revealed that there is a strong correlation between velocity measurements and rock engineering properties. Several statistical relationships with high degrees of regression coefficient are thus proposed to efficiently the evaluate geomechanical properties of carbonate rocks based on compressional and shear wave measurements.
The Impact of Cultural Context on Innovative Iraqi Architecture: Houses Façades as a Case Study
Authors: Husain Hisham A , Al-Slik Ghada 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research aimed to discuss the notions of innovation and cultural context, common terms in architecture, with regard to their various applications in attempts to achieve coherent results related to context. As a case study, the research analysed the practice of private house design at façade level in Baghdad city in the 1950s and 1960s, which act as a benchmark for modern Iraqi architecture. The results suggest that changes in cultural context enhance architectural practice by inspiring designers, leading to the introduction of innovative models that in turn elevate practice and improve cultural contextual values with regard to architecture.
Probabilistic Prediction of Scouring around Piers using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Al Rammahi Ali Hussein Jaber , Khassaf Saleh Issa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Assessing local scour around a pier is important in terms of creating a good design for any bridge. Many equations are available to predict local scour around pier, though the reliability of these must be checked using statistical tools. A Monte Carlo simulation was thus used in this study to check the probabilistic accuracy of lab equations of local scour around a test pier so that the observation data and prediction equation were both tested probabilistically before use in simulation. The parameters of the prediction equation were specified based on the probabilistic and deterministic variables, with average velocity, critical velocity, water depth, median bed diameter, and Froude number being the unknown variables. The deterministic variables were the diameter of the pier and the spacing from the pier to the abutment. The optimum number of iterations utilised in the Monte Carlo simulation was also investigated based on standard deviation. The independent terms of the prediction equation for the simulation model were derived based on the original distribution of the equation of local scour and the relevant statistical values. The distribution of observation data of local scour was assumed to be normal, while the simulation model was lognormal. The input data was then used to check the probabilistic outcomes of the deterministic equation. The deterministic equation of local scour gave the results at the corresponding confidence level of about 20%, depending on the curve of a cumulative probability distribution. The probabilistic results were thus deemed preferable for the computation of local scour around the pier.