Introduction In semi-arid regions, such as the Sahel, infiltration losses in earthen runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) reduce the efficiency of supplemental irrigation and aquaculture. Engineered sealing methods, such as synthetic liners, are effective but often unaffordable in rural areas. This study evaluates whether fish farming can promote natural sealing of RWHPs through biological accumulation of sediments and organic matter. Methods A 100-day field experiment was conducted in Kamboinsin, central Burkina Faso, using twelve fish-stocked RWHPs and one unstocked control pond. All ponds were managed uniformly, and daily monitoring of water levels, rainfall, and evaporation was performed. Infiltration rates were calculated from the water balance. Statistical analysis included Mann-Kendall trend tests and paired t-tests to assess temporal and treatment effects. Results No significant temporal trends in infiltration were observed, but fish-stocked ponds showed a 95% reduction in mean infiltration compared to the control (4.7 mm/day vs . 159.3 mm/day, p < 0.0001). Discussion The results indicated that fish farming enhances the development of a biological sealing layer, reducing seepage losses. This finding supports integrating aquaculture into water harvesting systems as a sustainable practice to improve water retention, increase resource efficiency, and align with climate adaptation strategies in semi-arid regions. Conclusion Fish farming is not a substitute for engineered liners but represents a promising, nature-based complement in RWHPs under resource-limited conditions. Limitations include the short monitoring period (100 days) and reliance on a single control pond, which may constrain generalizability. Further studies are required to test long-term performance and broader applicability.

Introduction This study aimed to apply flood management at Kinunang River, focusing on evaluating and designing the most suitable river channel geometry that will effectively mitigate destruction due to moderate to extreme flood events. Kinunang is a river located within the Likupang Special Economic Zone for ecotourism. Consequently, the river area’s precondition is flood-free, and any developments herein should adhere to eco-friendly and aesthetic principles. Methods Hydrological analysis of local rainfall data was carried out using HEC-HMS to predict the amount of flood discharge. Hydraulic analysis using HEC-RAS was applied to predict channel storage capacity, to simulate flow profile, and to assess the flow speed with the intention of minimizing scouring. Eco-hydraulic property of the designed channel cross-section was examined by simulating the effect of placing 3 different plants along the channel. Results Re-dimensioning of the river cross-section resulted in a multi-stage trapezoid channel with an upper width (La), lower width (Lb), and depth (h) of 2 m, respectively. The use of vetiver grass was able to reduce the flow velocity by 29%. Discussion The multi-stage trapezoidal cross-section was selected because it can drain the design flood discharge and facilitate the use of plants to meet the eco-hydraulic property. Vetiver grass was chosen due to its maximum amount of velocity reduction. Conclusion The Kinunang River does indeed require channel re-dimensioning. A multi-stage trapezoid channel and the planting of vetiver grass will diminish the impact of the design flood, prevent river bank erosion, and display an attractive green river bank.

Introduction Efficiently updating construction schedules is vital for managing dynamic workflows. Traditional methods like Gantt charts rely on manual updates, but newer approaches, such as Chronographic Modelling and Dynamic Modelling of Occupancy Rate Scheduling (DMORS), require tracking spatial positioning and occupancy rates of teams and resources. Given the complexity of these tasks, emerging technologies are being adopted to enhance data collection. Methods This study reviews recent advancements in tracking construction site occupancy and spatial positioning. It categorizes these technologies into three main types: image and video capture, 3D point cloud generation, and sensor-based tracking systems. Each method is evaluated based on seven essential criteria: data collection speed, portability, accuracy, worksite impact, post-processing time, accessibility, and technology maturity. Results The research provides a selection framework for contractors, helping them choose the most suitable tools based on project size and complexity. High-precision tools like LiDAR and laser scanning are ideal for large contractors requiring detailed modelling, while smaller firms may prefer cost-effective solutions such as manual data collection with photos or videos. Discussion This research highlights that no single technology meets all needs for tracking construction site occupancy. High-precision tools offer accuracy but may disrupt work, while simpler methods are easier to use but less detailed. So, depending on the size of the contractor or the project, the best technology may vary. Conclusion Ultimately, this paper supports the integration of space planning schedules in construction management by offering a structured approach to implementing modern data capture technologies. The study also highlights future trends, advocating for multi-technology integration to improve accuracy and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence for automated data analysis.

Background The continuous use of cement has been on the rise. This increase has a significant detrimental effect on the ecosystem. Many studies are being carried out in an effort to find materials that can replace cement in mortar, either fully or partially. These investigations should have solutions that will be able to produce a higher strength and durable mortar than conventional mortar. Aim This study aims to present a sustainable structural cement-based material with lower cement content that provides better mechanical and physical properties. Objective The goals of this study were to determine the cement-wood ash replacement percentage that resulted in the best compressive and flexural strength on cubes and rectangular beams, respectively, as well as to examine and evaluate the physicomechanical characteristics of the cement-wood ash mortar with and without scattered basalt fiber reinforcement. Methods A variety of mortar mixtures were created, each with a different amount (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) of wood ash replacing cement in part or entirely by volume. The effects of scattered chopped basalt fiber and wood ash/cement substitution were tested for strength after 7 and 28 days of cure. On the mortar, tests for density, slump, and water absorption rate were performed. Results The result of this research revealed that mortar reinforced with chopped basalt fiber had an improved compressive and flexural strength at defined mixes at 28 days of curing with a maximum compressive strength of 12.58 N/mm2. The experimental results suggest 20-40% replacement as the optimum range for cement-wood ash partial replacement. An average increase in density with an increase in sample age as well as the addition of basalt reinforcement was observed with a sample B1 containing 20 percent partial replacement of cement with ash and in the presence of basalt fiber reinforcement, exhibiting the highest density of 2272kg/m3 at 28 days of age contrasting with sample A5, containing 80 percent partial replacement of cement with wood ash. Moreover, sample A5 showed a density of 1824 kg/ m3, the lowest value at 28 days of age. Conclusion The study showed improvement in the flexural and compressive strength of the mortar when reinforced with micro basalt fiber. The partial replacement of cement with wood ash in mortar showed an impact on the water absorption rate and strength of the mortar. Hence, this cement-wood ash mortar reinforced with micro basalt fiber can be used in plastering walls or for flooring to improve the properties of the concrete structural members. Additionally, it can also be used in concrete repairs.

Introduction Pedestrian bridges are crucial urban infrastructure, providing safe passage over roads, railways, and waterways. Different structural systems like trusses, steel girders, and reinforced concrete beams are used, but more research is needed to determine the best design for specific regional contexts. Methods This research paper presents a comparison of various structural systems for pedestrian bridges, with a focus on a practical case study in Kuwait. The study evaluates five common pedestrian bridge designs: steel, concrete, and three truss arrangements. The designs were assessed based on multiple criteria, such as cost, construction time, structural weight, carbon emissions, and vibration performance. Using a decision-making matrix (DMM) and engineering judgment, Truss 3 (X-bracings without verticals) was identified as the optimal design. It features a unique bracing system that enhances its properties. Truss 3 was found to be the lightest design at 561.6 kN, with moderate CO2 emissions of 64.2 tons and a cost of 4288.5 KD per span. Detailed design and safety checks were conducted using ETABS software. The final design was detailed and presented using Autodesk Revit. Results The findings highlight the importance of using integrated frameworks and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to select suitable structural systems that meet technical and regional sustainability goals. Conclusion This research aims to provide a robust solution tailored to the unique conditions of Kuwait, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability for pedestrian bridge infrastructure.

Background The construction industry has an important role in the economy of countries, as the construction industry represents 6.1 percent of the gross domestic product in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A global disaster such as an epidemic causes long-term damage to society, the economy, and related industries. The recent COVID-19 epidemic is one of such disasters. The construction industry was greatly affected by the epidemic globally, as well as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This research aims to determine the impact of the epidemic on construction projects and shed light on the actions taken to mitigate the impact of the epidemic through a multiple case study of three construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were conducted with professionals in these projects. Descriptive analysis and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were used. Results The impact was of high importance on the project time throughout all projects, especially on the project schedule; the RII value was the maximum. Secondly for material delivery within time ranged from 0.8 – 0.91 for RII value and in terms of the mitigation actions taken, communication between project management and employees witnessed maximum effectiveness reached to 83% of participants reported a very effective response, with the help of modern technologies. Most factors ranged from limited effectiveness to ineffective. Conclusion This research contributes to determine the effects of the epidemic and the actions taken to mitigate it, which benefits the organizations and stakeholders in the field of construction and engineering project management, to develop and improve actions, and to prepare and plan for similar circumstances in the future.

BackgroundThe Indonesian region with high seismic activity, Manado City, is situated at the convergence of four major tectonic plates on Earth: the Eurasian Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, Pacific Plate, and Philippine Plate.AimThis study aimed to identify the Manado fault line. The Geoelectric PQWT-TC 300 tool was utilized, which could detect up to a depth of 300 meters vertically.ObjectiveThe research was conducted to analyze and to create a map of the Manado fault line. This study is one of the efforts to mitigate earthquake disasters, which involves constructing earthquake-resistant infrastructure.MethodsThe Manado fault line was measured for 17 lines; each line was 9 to 41m in length, and the result was found to be Manado fault at line 23 Kayuragi-1 and line 70 among the 17 lines.ResultsThe depth of the Manado Fault started from 30m to 270m from the surface layer. The resistivity values of fault were 0 Ω.ConclusionThe present identification of the Manado fault line was close to the previous analysis, and the activity of the Manado fault line has not been detected in the last 1800 years. The present method yielded a better result for the Manado fault line than the previous method.

Introduction The market price of brick has risen sharply due to the insufficient brick supply. Therefore, implementing RCA as one of the alternative materials for sand replacement is significant. The consumption of natural aggregate (NA) can be reduced by using the RCA. It is a good step to utilize recycled concrete to minimize the problem of excess waste materials. The results of using RCA and CBA as sand replacements contribute to better performance in compressive strength as compared to the normal brick. The density of the brick was also reduced by 4.95% as the RCA and CBA took place in the brick. Besides that, the water absorption was decreased when incorporating RCA and CBA in the cement brick due to less free water in the mix and fewer voids. Aims This study aims to ascertain the performance, strength, and durability characteristics of sand cement bricks incorporated with RCA and CBA as partial replacements for sand. Methods Percentages of 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, and 6.0% of CBA and 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of RCA were chosen for partial sand replacement. The brick had dimensions of 215 mm in length, 65 mm in depth and 105 mm in width. Density, compressive force, and water absorption tests were undertaken after each of the three varied ratios of water to cement (1:5, 1:6, and 1:7). Results The finding indicates that with the optimum RCA and CBA replacement and the correct water to cement ratio, the performance of the new brick is better than the normal brick. Conclusion The optimum sand-to-cement ratio is 1:6, according to the overall results of selecting the optimal sand-to-cement ratio by density, compressive strength, and water absorption test. However, the result for the density value shows that the average brick density is inferior to the control brick. For all of the sample bricks, the compressive strength was best at a sand cement ratio of 1:6. However, as each of the samples complies with the British Standard criterion of less or equal to 15% absorption, it was determined that the sand cement brick's capacity for water absorption was sufficient.

Introduction Suction distribution has a major impact on the stability of unsaturated soil because it affects seepage and shear strength. The Air Entry Value (AEV) and Residual Water Content (RWC) variations determine the Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC), which is a crucial component of suction distribution. The subgrade is submerged in water during a flood event, which has an impact on the AEV and RWC, and lowers their performance. Crushed Coconut Shell (CCS), a waste product, has been recycled in this study and used as an addition to increase subgrade strength by enhancing AEV and RWC. Currently, researchers abroad confirm that CCS improves subgrade performance. Nevertheless, the optimum content of the soil-CCS mixture varies based on the soil type of the respective regions. Moreover, there is a lack of scholarly research examining the enhancement of AEV and RWC affected by CCS following a flood occurrence. Aim This research study sought to determine the deviations of AEV and RWC for the optimum CCS content of unsaturated soil in Malaysia. Methods In this research, control samples and soil mixed with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% of CCS were used. The pressure plate extractor equipment and analysis generate SWCC, which characterises the AEV and RWC parameters and quantifies the performance of submerged subgrade because of a flood event. Results The outcome revealed a significantly higher AEV for mixed soil as compared to the control sample. The AEV for the control sample was 10 kPa, whereas that for the optimum mixture of soil-CCS of 0.5% was 25 kPa. Therefore, it has been confirmed that the use of CCS has a positive impact on AEV and RWC. This, in turn, is expected to improve the overall performance of the subgrade when subjected to submersion in water. Conclusion The objective of this study was to assess the characteristics and potential applications of hazardous waste by transforming it into a soil improvement agent. This research supports Chapter 8 of the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021–2025: Environmental Sustainability: Improving Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters, and Chapter 6 of the Green Technology Master Plan Malaysia 2017–2030: Waste.

This article states the modification of stone mastic asphalt with nano titanium dioxide and the advantage it has over conventional asphalt. The transport infrastructures must meet the needs of transport as well as other requirements like resilience and multi-hazard resistance in order to satisfy society's desire for sustainable development. Hence, blast load is introduced in this paper as one of the potential hazards that may be exposed to pavements. The use of SMA with nano titanium is believed to impact the pavement's behaviours significantly and can potentially resist higher blast loads and reduce failure in samples. As real field blast tests are limited, a numerical analysis is done to assess the modified pavement's enhancement. The article concludes by recommending using SMA modified with nano titanium as a promising solution to withstand blast loads in pavements.