Abstract Soil is one of the construction materials used in civil works projects. The soil of the subgrade and its strength are critical for the construction of pavement. Soil improvement is usually necessary if the soil is weak. In order to increase its strength, improving the soil strength may reduce the cost and thickness of the pavement structure, and the main objective of this study is to add bitumen to the soil to improve its quality, the main objective of this study is to add bitumen to the soil to improve its quality. Bitumen mixtures of (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) The tests in this study included physical and mechanical properties of soil, Compaction, Atterberg limit, and CBR test without and with soaking and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The results showed that the use of bitumen led to an increase in the maximum dry density and a decrease in the optimum water content at the ratios of 8%. The results also showed that the CBR values increased at 8%, while the unconfined compressive strength decreased at 8% addition. This study concluded that the use of bitumen improved the properties of the expansive soil, and this type of soil can be used in road works without causing problems in the future.

Abstract This scientific work aims to present the complex topo-geodetic and geophysical works carried out as part of the project history files, highlighting the vestiges of the historical monument “Trajan’s bridge”, built between 103-105 by the architect Apollodorus from Damascus. The focus of the research was on combining in-situ studies of the natural terrain, using topographic, geodetic, and photogrammetric methods, with the analysis of lithology and buried structures, as well as applying geophysical methods like magnetometry and electrometry, to better understand the lithology and provide new insights into historical monuments.

Abstract The flow over stepped chutes can be classified into skimming flow regime, transition flow regime, and nappe flow regime. The aeration efficiencies of the three flow regimes differ significantly due to the different air entrainment mechanisms in the nappe, transition, and skimming flow regimes. It is well known that aeration efficiency increases in the stepped chutes due to earlier self-aeration and slower flow velocities compared to the smooth chutes. This paper investigates the aeration efficiency of stepped chutes, particularly the effect of mean air concentration. The results showed that mean air concentration had a significant effect on aeration efficiency. They also showed that the aeration efficiency increased as the mean air concentration increased. A design equation was also developed to predict the aeration efficiency in the stepped chutes as a function of mean air concentration and roughness Froude number.

Abstract The impact of orthotropy on thermal displacement is useful to optimize thermal management systems in space structures. The thermal response of the beam is greatly affected by its aspect ratio. The expansion or contraction due to difference in coefficient of thermal expansion affects the structural integrity of the beam. An analytical model helps to understand the effect of these parameters on transverse thermal displacement of laminated beam. Hence, in the present work the effect of change of aspect ratio, degree of orthotropy and coefficient of thermal expansion ratio on transverse thermal displacement of orthotropic and cross ply laminated beams has been studied and presented. The trigonometric beam theory is used. The present theory has sine function in terms of thickness coordinate representing the shear deformation effect. The equations of motions are developed by using principle of virtual work. The transverse deflections are obtained by applying Navier’s solution. A computer program in FORTRAN-77 is developed to obtain transverse deflection for various aspect ratios, modular ratios and coefficient of thermal expansion ratios.

Abstract The energy efficiency of residential buildings is crucial for sustainable urban development. Prefabricated panel apartment blocks constitute a major part of the housing stock in post-socialist countries and often suffer from significant heat loss due to outdated construction methods and inadequate insulation. This study evaluates the thermal performance of rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated prefabricated buildings in Oradea’s Ioșia Nord district. Using thermal imaging and energy simulations, we identify critical heat loss areas and assess rehabilitation strategies needed to meet Nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) standards. The findings highlight key deficiencies in thermal insulation, propose targeted interventions, and offer recommendations for large-scale retrofitting strategies.

Abstract The mobile 3D mapping systems (MMS) and the integration with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) represent an innovative and efficient approach to modern topography. It is recommended and useful for infrastructure analysis and urban planning. This modern technology provides accurate, fast, and detailed data, facilitating well-informed decision-making and contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure in the 21st century. The purpose of this research was to use a mobile mapping system for land surveying measurement of an urban area, independent of pre-established ground control points. On the other hand, the research is supposed to demonstrate the usefulness of kinematic trajectory, digital imaging, and laser scanning in acquiring, storing, and processing point cloud data. This paper shows an affordable method and a modern scanning instrument used for mobile mapping scanning, to create a georeferenced point cloud (PC). The obtained result has centimetric precision of georeferenced point cloud data, even if the average speed of the car was about 30km/h. The trajectory adjustment with static GNSS measurements increases the accuracy of ground control points (GCPs) up to ±5cm for horizontal positioning and vertical positioning. Although this study was carried out while the system was mounted on a car the result followed the national accuracy requirements for land surveying and cadastre fields. In other words, the mobile mapping system is a faster and cost-effective in time alternative to static laser scanning and it is important to continue to explore and adopt these technological solutions to face the future challenges in the field of urban development and infrastructure.

Abstract To improve the concrete performance, combining nano materials with mineral admixtures is quite effective in refining the fresh as well as hardened properties. However, the combined effects of nano and micro level materials on the concrete performance needed to be investigated for better understanding of their synergistic effects. In this paper fly ash (FA) is blended with nano silica (NS) replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) grade 43 to produce high performance concrete (HPC). Experiment was conducted at fixed water binder ratio with varying percentage of superplasticizer to produce workable and cohesive mix. Ternary blending with NS gave better cube strength at early stage than the binary blended mix. Even at later stage there was enhancement in the strength at 15% FA and 2% NS replacement. This could be due to seeding effects of ultra fine NS particles providing favourable hydration conditions for FA. Nano modified concrete gave lower strength at higher proportions due to the inherent problem of agglomeration. Durability of the mix was investigated by the rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT). Also, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test was conducted to observe the homogeneity of the mix. Ternary mix of 1.5% NS and 20% FA with OPC was the optimum dosage as it showed enhanced strength and durability. The images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) was analysed to understand the CSH gel formation and the hydration process. These results showed that the combined usage of NS and FA has synergistic effects which could be utilized for maximum performance.

Abstract Concrete is the mostly used constructional material in industry and have versatile quality in nature. Fibrous concrete has significant factor that improve the scale and value to concrete for humid environments. Day by day abundant demand and use of concrete is increasing in construction industry. It is considered as a 2nd largest building material due to the major productivity. By the use of fibrous concrete, some bonding issues have been addressed and mitigate the environmental problems. Keeping in this view, an experimental based study is conducted to evaluate the strength of fiber reinforced concrete at different percentages 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. All percentages are added by the weight of concrete with all fibers. In this connection, forty-five cylinders of five mixes are prepared. Workability checked of fresh concrete during the pouring of concrete cylinders. Poured cylinders’ samples are left for different curing ages at 7 and 28 days. Thirty cylinders for compression at 7 and 28days but fifteen cylinders for split tensile test at 28days with all fibers i.e. glass fiber, steel fiber, coconut fiber and polypropylene fiber. After curing, compression and split tensile tests are performed to check the strength of hardened concrete. Workability of five mixes lies between 40-90mm and compression strength is increased at 1% replacement with all fibers which is suitable for sustainable construction. Also, fibrous concrete is suitable for humid environment where high strength and voids less concrete are required like plaster in external walls and all structural components. Addition of fibers in concrete may improves the strength parameters as well as to increase the bonding and tensile properties of concrete. It reduces the quantity of water to be used in concrete. Also, the use of different types of fibers has been proved to be economical and is considered as environmentally friendly construction material.

Abstract The context in which this study is conducted is represented by the need to improve road safety at T-intersections, which can be visibility-critical locations and of the risk of accidents. Therefore, this study is important to identify and solve potential problems related to sight distance in road intersections. Case studies on sight distance in intersections are an effective way to assess the impact of the factors that influence it on road safety. Currently, the three-dimensional study allows us to analyze the visibility in detail according to the standards and obtain the sight distance both in tabular format and the graphic representation of the sight distance. The visibility triangle is defined as the spatial region formed by the path of the vehicle traveling along the main road and the vehicle traveling along the side road intersecting leading to the conflict point. The area of the visibility triangle depends on the prescribed sight distances, which must be observed based on the travel speeds of the conflicting paths. In this three-dimensional analysis, the sight distance at the intersection between a national road and an access road to a quarry, in the “T” variant, was studied. In this study, the sight distance checks were made in the “T” shaped intersection according to AND 600, with the help of the 3D model and the Civil Site Design software. Also, the influence of the angle cut slope on the sight distance from the intersections was studied considering 2 slope inclinations namely 1:2 and 1:4.

Abstract Construction projects often face challenges while execution such as delays and disruptions. Thus, Research studies are being carried out to managing the potential risks such as technical, economical, legal, social, commercial, financial, resource and construction that might arise from delays as well as from disruptions. The prime aim of this research is to identify the causes and effects on construction projects due to delays and disruptions. For the data collection, a descriptive study designed to obtain causes that effected construction projects due to delays and disruptions from regulatory bodies clients, consulting and construction firms. Relative importance index (RII) methodology is utilized for identification of important parameters related to delay and disruptions. In this study random sampling technique are utilized for selection of respondents. For data collection literature review and questionnaires survey techniques are received from respondents. The results obtained from this research study revealed that poor project management, funding problems, design changes, delay in payment to contractors, information delays, disagreement on the valuation of work done and compensation issues are identified as main causes for delays and disruptions. In addition to that, the results mentioned that, major effects include cost overrun, time overrun, negative social impact, disputes and idling resources due to delays and disruptions. The study summarizes that there are few causes that effected delays and disruptions that put projects at risk and impacted on project performance. Therefore, it is suggested that prime focus should be kept on sufficient budget of construction, timely issuing of information, design completion and rational project management skills during procurement processes for betterment.