bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meteorological Drought Analysis in Iraq using SPI and Theory of Runs for the Period 1980-2022
Authors: Ismael Yaseen M. , Awchi Taymoor A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Iraq, like many other countries in the world, suffers from alternating periods of drought. The aim of this paper is to analyze the meteorological drought in Iraq for the time period 1980-2022, at 27 meteorological stations spread throughout Iraq. Monthly data for precipitation values were collected from the Iraqi Meteorological and Seismological Organization (IMOS). The monthly time series contained missing data that were compensated by the normal ratio (NR) and the multiple linear regression (MLR) methods. To compare the two methods and evaluate the results of filling for missing data, statistical tests were used. The homogeneity test, the Mann-Kendall test, and the consistency test were used to determine the accuracy of rainfall data records and to know the trend of climate data and how its homogeneity. To estimate drought values, the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) was used for 12-month time scale, and the theory of runs was used to analyze the characteristics of meteorological drought, such as its duration, intensity, and amount of rain deficit. The results of the statistical tests showed that the (NR) method is more accurate and reliable and gives the best results with less errors after examining it with six statistical indicators than the (MLR) method. The results of the homogeneity tests showed that all stations were consistent and homogeneous, except for the Haditha station, which failed two tests and its data was corrected using double mass curve method, so it became homogeneous. The results of the Mann-Kendall test showed that all stations recorded a decrease in average rainfall values during the study period, except for the stations in Baghdad, Erbil, and Salahaddin, and it was most severe in the northern stations such as Sulaymaniyah, Khanaqin, Kirkuk, Mosul, Zakho, and Tal-Afar. The SPI results showed that Iraq faced repeated and successive periods of drought, which covered 45% of the study area for the years (1998-2001), 41% for the years (2008-2011), and 14% for the years (2015-2017), and were most severe in the northern stations where drought severity reached the maximum at Salahaddin station which recorded a rainfall deficit of 396.95 mm/year. The Amara and Samawa stations suffered from repeated short and long-term drought periods 18 times during the study period.
Water Scarcity Effect on Kirkuk irrigation project
Authors: Salah Yaseen Riyam , Ridha Faris Mariwan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The Kirkuk irrigation project is very importance for the Kirkuk Governorate. The governorate has been significantly affected due to the water scarcity in Iraq. The shortage of the water can be attributed to various factors. The most important one related to influence of recent climatic changes on the water strategies implemented by neighboring nations sharing borders with Iraq. Moreover, Iraq is facing several challenges in the mismanagement of its water resources. The rise in population has led to a higher demand for water. This study examines various stages of the Kirkuk irrigation project, including the main channels and the feeding channel. Also, this study analyses the dams and projects established by Iran they have Indirect effect on project by cutting the feeding tributaries of dam which Kirkuk irrigation project mainly depended on it. Furthermore, this study explores the consequences of water scarcity on the agricultural output of Kirkuk proven. At the normal years of the project the annual discharge of the Kirkuk irrigation project was higher than they are currently. In 1996, the annual discharge for the Kirkuk irrigation project was 104.5 m3/second, and in 2023, t decreased to 30 m3/second. This reduction forced the farmers to excavate wells for irrigation purposes, and by the year 2023, the total number of wells in the Kirkuk had reached 291,480. the study explores the consequences of water scarcity on the agricultural output of Kirkuk project. Drought and water scarcity have decreased the annual share of individual water share, in 2003 the amount of water per capita was 2393.55 m3/year and decreased in 2021 until it became 758.42 m3/year.
Assessment of raw and produced water quality at Al-Doura water treatment plant
Authors: Mohammed Raheem Hawraa , Rashid Al-Juhaishi Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The population growth rate has increased rapidly in recent years so there is an obligation to evaluate the productivity of produced water (PW) by investigating the operation of the Water treatment plant (WTP). WTP’s primary goal is to remove and destroy harmful organisms from contaminated water to make it safe for human consumption. The quality of PW depends on the performance of WTP. This study aims to assess the removal efficiency of Al-Doura WTP in Baghdad City/Iraq and ensure that the drinking water quality meets the drinking water standards. Twenty-two water quality parameters are analysed over four years (from January 2020 to December 2023). The samples of raw water are collected from the Tigris River at the intake of the WTP, while the PW samples are collected at the final stage where the water undergoes treatment before being distributed to the consumers through the network. The measured parameters are Temperature, Turbidity, Alkalinity as CaCO3, Total Hardness as CaCO3, Calcium as Ca, Chloride as Cl, Magnesium as Mg, pH, Colour, Electrical Conductivity EC, Free chlorine (Residual chlorine), Sulphate as SO4, Total dissolved solids, Suspended solids, Iron as Fe, Fluoride as F, Aluminium as AL, Nitrite as NO2, Nitrate as NO3, Ammonia as NH3, Silica as Sio2, and Orthophosphate as PO4. In this study, special focus is concerned with some of these water quality parameters, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity EC, and Turbidity. The analysis is sub-categorized into winter and summer seasons. The SPSS software is used to analyse the data. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the temperature of raw water and that of the produced water, and the pH values indicate slight alkalinity for raw water in both seasons. Electrical conductivity Ec values for both raw and produced water are found always greater in winter than in summer. The turbidity is found to satisfy the permissible limits for both the Iraqi and World Health Organisation standards (Turbidity < 5 NTU). The drinking water produced from the Al-Doura water treatment plant is found to be within Iraqi and WHO standards, The high difference in turbidity concentration before and after treatment and the removal efficiency excellent value of close to 98% indicates that the plant is highly effective and reflects the effective process of Al-Doura WTP in removing particulate matter and improving water clarity. The Pearson, correlation analysis results indicate a strong (positive, and negative) correlation in the relationship among some parameters reported in this article.
A Comparative Study for the Mesoscale Models of Concrete
Authors: Hussein Ali Hasan , Zain-alabdeen Wurood R. , Al-Rumaithi Ayad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of mesoscale models used to simulate concrete behavior. A comparative analysis was carried out using mesoscale models with two dimensions. The impact of material type on three tests: the indirect tensile splitting test, the three-point bending test, and the direct tensile test was examined in the study. Additionally, a comparison is made between the findings obtained with and without the application of ITZ and the analysis results obtained from the direct tensile test. The results showed that the fixed crack model had higher stiffness than isotropic damage model in both direct tensile test, and three-point bending test. In indirect tensile splitting test, only fixed crack model gave meaningful results. The models with ITZ had most of the cracks in ITZ rather than in the mortar.
Impact Assessment of Mixing Conditions on Rubberized Asphalt Binder
Authors: Mohammed Humam H. , Joni Hasan H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to enhance the efficiency of the approach employed for preparing asphalt binders modified with waste rubber nanomaterial. A high-shear mixer has been utilized, with revaluation rates of 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 rpm. In addition, a mixing time of 30 minutes was employed. Four different waste rubber nanomaterial dosages were used: 0.5%, 1%, 1.5 %, and 2% by weight of asphalt cement, respectively. The asphalt binder was heated to 140 °C. The characteristics of the modified asphalt binder, including penetration grade, softening point temperature, temperature sensitivity, rotational viscosity, and ductility, were analyzed. The study demonstrated that incorporating waste rubber nanomaterial as a modifier improved the physical characteristics of the asphalt binder. Overall, the study revealed decreased penetration and increased softening point temperature and viscosity values. Additionally, the temperature sensitivity was enhanced. In addition, high shear mixing proved to be more efficient in achieving a thorough dispersion of waste rubber nanomaterial particles within the asphalt binder, resulting in a uniform composite binder. The tested samples demonstrated that adding a dosage of 1 % waste rubber nanomaterial enhanced the physical characteristics of asphalt, making it more suitable for the construction of highway pavements in hot weather conditions.
Combined effect of fiber and degree of stabilization on the early age behavior of cement bound granular mixtures
Authors: Dulaimi Omar I. , Hilal Farhan Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
An investigation has been undertaken to study the effect of fiber-reinforcement and different degrees of stabilization on the early age mechanical behavior of cement bound granular mixtures intended to be used as a base layer within pavement structure. Waste plastic fibers (WPF) recycled from soft drink bottles were used at 1% by the mass of aggregate to reinforce cemented mixtures. To stabilize different mixtures, cement content of 3%, 5%, and 7% by the mass of aggregate and by the weight of aggregate and fiber were used for conventional and fiber-reinforced cement bound granular mixture (CCBGM& FRCBGM), respectively. The examined properties include unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile strength (ITS), bulk density, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results showed a significant improvement in UCS and ITS as the cement amount increased for both types of mixtures. Incorporating PET fibers at cement content of 5% and 7% resulted in a noticeable improvement of ITS compared to the conventional mixtures while a marginal enhancement in the UCS occurred due to fiber-reinforcement. Both bulk density and UPV were increased as cement content increased, while both were decreased due to the inclusion of waste plastic fibers (WPF). Hence, utilizing waste plastic fiber has a positive and promising effect on the pavement structure from sustainability, integrity, and economic points of view.
The Mechanical Characteristics of Enhanced Bendable Concrete By Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibers
Authors: Mohammed Zaki Al-Masraf Harith , Salih Al-Attar Tariq , Jawad Frayyeh Qais 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), which are alternatively referred to as Bendable Concrete, is a class of Ultra-ductile cementitious composites characterized by their remarkable ductility and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) fiber reinforcing. These composites are designed to regulate cracks width effectively. This study investigates the influence of matrix flowability, fiber mixing technique, and curing conditions on the mechanical characteristics of Bendable Concrete utilizing high-tenacity (PVA) fibers. This study examined the compressive strength of Bendable concrete, which ranged from 60 to 70 MPa, with a strain exceeding 3%. To regulate the flowability of the matrix, high range water reducing admixture (HRWRA) was added to a matrix with a weight ratio of silica fume was 10% by weight of cement, a weight ratio of water to cementitious material of 0.3, also polyvinyl alcohol acetate solution (PVAS). The primary parameter under investigation in this study is the changing volume fraction dose of (PVA) fiber, while the remaining materials of the combination were held constant. Four different (PVA) fiber percentages (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0)% were adopted by volume of cement. Three (cubes, cylinders, and prisms) were fabricated and cast from each mixture and tested at the ages (7, 28, and 90) days for investigated (compressive, splitting tensile, and Modulus of Rupture) strength, respectively. The results of the tests demonstrated that the proportion of fiber substantially affects the strengths, where both the Compressive strength and Splitting tensile strength were increased with the increment of fiber content until 1% of (PVA) fiber . In comparison, the higher Modulus of Rupture was abtained at 2% (PVA) fiber.
Experimental Investigation of the Behavior of SlFCON Column under Eccentric Monotonic Load
Authors: Abdulabbas Ali I. , Alwash Nameer A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This research delves into the performance of Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (SIFCON) columns when subjected to eccentric monotonic loading, through the examination of twenty columns until their point of failure. The research addresses gaps in existing literature by examining the effects of various parameters, including fiber type, volume fraction, and eccentricity ratio, on SIFCON column performance. Results reveal significant correlations between the studied parameters and the structural behavior of SIFCON columns. The investigation shows how the ultimate load affect by the eccentricity ratio, for instance, the hook end steel fiber with a volume fraction of 6%, where the ultimate load decreased by a factor of 0.25 when the eccentricity ratio changed from 0.1 to 0.5. Furthermore, increasing the volume fraction of steel fibers significantly enhances the energy absorption of SIFCON columns. For instance, with the hook-end steel fiber and an eccentricity ratio of 0.3, the energy absorption increased by a factor of 2.76 when the volume fraction of steel fiber changed from 4% to 9%. The type of fibers used plays a pivotal role in the material behavior of SIFCON, with the straight micro fiber exhibiting an ultimate load 2.17 times greater than flat crimped steel fiber types when the volume fraction was 9% and the eccentricity ratio was 0.3. Finally, based on the experimental results, an interaction diagram has been established for three types of SIFCON: straight micro steel fiber with a volume fraction of 12%, hook end steel fiber with volume fractions of 6% and 4%.
Evaluation of Safety and Operational Efficiency using Structural Health Monitoring Method
Authors: Flaih Athab Hassan , Yousif Aziz Hussein 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The challenges posed by uncertainty in design and use and the absence of traffic laws and regulations. The researchers conducted an assessment of operational efficiency using the structural health monitoring system. The Samawahh North Bridge, located in the city of Samawahh in southern Iraq, was chosen as a case study to evaluate its construction performance and its compliance with the approved requirements and specifications for structural safety and service validity. Service and safety assessment was carried out through practical tests and numerical simulations using CSI Bridge V.24 software. Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) displacement sensors were installed and connected to the data acquisition device, followed by a static load test performed on the bridge. When extracting the displacement and distribution coefficient (DF) values, it was found that all these indicators were approximately 80 and 90% lower than the AASHTO specifications approved steel span and concrete span respectively, and no anomalies were detected. This study contributes to promoting economic growth and ensuring increased safety. The methodology included static load tests and frequent updating of the modified finite element model based on experimental data. Therefore, it is recommended to continue to use and rely on the updated FEM in subsequent bridge analyses to effectively evaluate performance and ensure structural integrity.
Evaluating the Structural Integrity of Cellular Steel Beams with Web Enhancements
Authors: AlShamaa Mushriq F. K. , Ghaddar Maha G. , Jebur Maher M. , Al-Rumaithi Ayad , Hussain Alshimmeri Ahmad J. , Karkush Mahdi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the analytical approach of web reinforcement techniques, including high-strength concrete and laced reinforcement, to enrich improvement for the structural behavior of these beams. The analysis compares an unmodified cellular beam (LB1) with a web-reinforced beam (LB2), including the improvements in load-carrying capacity. The study considers the effects of reinforcement on critical design limit states, such as flexural strength, Vierendeel bending, web post-buckling, and shear resistance. The outcomes reveal significant enhancements in LB2’s structural behavior, with over a 100% increase in flexural strength and local axial force capacity and a 165% increase in web post-buckling strength. This research validates the effectiveness of web reinforcement techniques in concentrating on the limitations of cellular beams and maximizing their potential in structural applications.
Characterisation of T1 (Al2CuLi) Precipitates in Conventional (2099-T83) and Laser Additive Manufactured (PBF-LB/M, DED-LB/M) Microstructures
Authors: Adjei-Kyeremeh F , Akuata C K , Bansal N , Zischke S , Raffeis I , Polaczek A B 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The high strength and lightweight benefits of Al-Cu-Li alloys make them attractive for aerospace applications. The major strength contributing phase is the T1(Al2CuLi) phase. Although extensive reporting is known on its nucleation behaviour and structure in conventional T1 microstructures, little is known for additive manufacturing (AM). This work focusses on the comparative characterisation of T1 phase (structure, nucleation behaviour) in conventional (2099-T83), Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED-LB/M) AA2099 microstructures. It is shown that with different AM processes and heat treatments, different T1 microstructures are achievable.
Optical Microscopy on Machined Surfaces in Ti-6Al-4V Reveals Pore Statistics that Correlate with Fatigue
Authors: Choi J , Zhou K , Adcock E , Pauza J , Ngo A , Swierzewski T , Lewandowski J , Rollett A D 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Optical microscopy on the machined surfaces of 4-point bend fatigue samples 3D printed in Ti-6Al-4V is used to characterize pores larger than ≈15 microns. A large enough number of distinct scan speeds and fatigue tests that span the process window provides a statistically useful dataset. The variation in stress at which runouts (to 10 million cycles) are observed is anti-correlated with the pore density and the same inverse relationship exists for the maximum pore size observed within the area exposed to maximum tensile stress in each test. Total fatigue life is also anti-correlated with maximum defect size albeit with considerable scatter.
The Metallurgy of Additive Manufacturing: Potentials and Challenges towards Industrialisation
Authors: Mayr P , Rauh S , Matheson G , Rotzsche S , Hartmann S , Kabliman E 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The present paper discusses the potential and challenges of processing metallic materials using additive manufacturing. Particular focus is given to laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) and the use of traditional alloy powders such as Al alloys and Ni-based superalloys, as well as novel materials such as metal-matrix composites. The research includes the improvement of the processability of these alloys using PBF-LB/M and optimizing material properties such as strength, creep resistance, and thermal conductivity of printed parts for various applications. Another important aspect presented within this manuscript is the digital representation of advanced manufacturing systems to improve manufacturability and enable advanced quality control. Herein, the development of a digital twin through in-situ process monitoring for the direct energy deposition process of laser metal deposition is presented. In the last part, the future of materials development for additive manufacturing is discussed, focusing on applying material computational techniques. All demonstrated examples result from the successful cooperation between the Chair of Materials Engineering of Additive Manufacturing, TUM, and its industrial and research partners.
Assessing and controlling microstructure heterogeneity in fusion-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Seita M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
One of the de*ining features of fusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) is the localized melting of metal by a high-energy source, which fuses the material together point by point and layer by layer into a 3D object. The rapid solidi*ication velocity, directional thermal gradients, and site-speci*ic thermal build-ups produced by this process yield parts with complex and heterogeneous microstructure. This heterogeneity is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it leads to large property scatter and casts uncertainty over parts performance, hindering the adoption of additive technologies by the industry. On the other hand, it may impart exceptional mechanical properties and new functionalities, which are not found in conventionally produced materials. In this paper, we present two ongoing research endeavours aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of microstructure heterogeneity in AM, and at capitalizing on the opportunities it offers in the design of novel metal alloys, respectively. The *irst consists of developing a high-throughput characterization technique to enable large-scale microstructure analysis of AM builds. The second consists of a new strategy to control the material’s microstructure site-speci*ically during laser powder bed fusion.
An Image-Driven Machine Learning Method for Microstructure Characterization in Metal Additive Manufacturing: Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Cao Z , Liu Y , Kruzic J J , Li X 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The recent development of artificial intelligence especially machine learning technology has provided an emerging direction for solving microstructure representation and analysis in additive manufacturing. In this work, we introduce an advanced image-driven machine learning algorithm that offers an effective way to abstract the features in microstructure and generates high-resolution and large-size images that can represent the original counterparts. The evolution of the model and the potential application of the algorithm in material science are also discussed.
Improved corrosion resistance of powder manufactured AISI 904L parts by hot isostatic pressing post treatment
Authors: Sorea A , Valler P , Kjeldsteen P , Hjelmeborn P 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMetal binder jetting (MBJ) of AISI 904L super austenitic stainless steel makes it possible to produce complex components with a higher corrosion resistance compared to austenitic stainless steels such as AISI 304L and AISI 316L. The initial sintering trials resulted in a porous part with low corrosion resistance. As AISI 904L is a steel with austenitic phase throughout the entire sintering window, densification during sintering was inhibited which resulted in the reduced corrosion resistance due to open porosities. The trials were made with AISI 904L powder suited for MBJ but shaped through metal powder extrusion due to lack of printer availability. This paper will show how to enhance densification and utilize pickling in order to improve the corrosion resistance closer to the expected level comparable to cast and rolled material but with the shaping possibilities of MBJ.