Experts have given much attention on the use of waste in asphalt paving because of its significance from a sustainability perspective. This paper evaluated the performance properties of asphalt concrete mixes modified with Crumb Rubber (CR) as a partial replacement for two grade sizes of fine aggregate (2.36, and 0.3 mm) at six replacement rates: 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% by weight. Asphalt concrete mixes were prepared at their Optimum Asphalt Content (OAC) and then tested for their engineering properties. Marshall properties, fatigue, rutting, ideal CT index test, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were deployed to examine the crystalline structure and elemental composition of the CR-modified and unmodified asphalt concrete mixtures. The results showed a difference in Marshall's characteristics. The CT index revealed that the optimum cracking tolerance was achieved with a 2% CR substitution. Wheel track test results indicated that a 4% CR addition improved the rutting resistance of the asphalt mixture. SEM and EDX analyses exhibited significant changes in microstructure and elemental composition with the addition of CR. The main findings reveal that the use of 2% CR as a partial replacement of fine aggregate contributes to the production of more durable asphalt concrete mixtures with better serviceability. However, these results are based on laboratory experiments and require field verification to ensure practical applicability and long-term performance.
This study specifically contributes to the urgent need for novel methods in Training of Trainers (ToT) programs which can be more effective and efficient through incorporation of AI tools. By exploring scenarios in which AI could be used to dramatically advance trainer preparation, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building across sectors, the research aims to understand the possibility. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, it surveys 500 trainers and conducts in-depth interviews with a further 50 ToT program directors across diverse industries to evaluate the impact of AI-enhanced ToT programs. The results showcase that the use of AI has a substantial positive effect on trainer performance and program outcomes. AI-enhanced ToT programs, fo
... Show MoreCombining ultrasonic irradiation and the Fenton process as a sono-Fenton process, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in refinery wastewater was successfully eliminated using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD). The impact of two main influential operational parameters (iron dosage and reaction time) on the COD removal from wastewater generated by an Iraqi petroleum refinery facility was explored. Removal of 85.81% was attained under the optimal conditions of 21 minutes and 0.289 mM of concentration. Additionally, the results revealed that the concentration of has the highest effect on the COD elimination, followed by reaction time. The high R2 value (96.40%) validated the strong fit of the mo
... Show MoreThis study uses load factor and loss factor to determine the power losses of the electrical feeders. An approach is presented to calculate the power losses in the distribution system. The feeder’s technical data and daily operation recorded data are used to calculate and analyze power losses.
This paper presents more realistic method for calculating the power losses based on load and loss factors instead of the traditional methods of calculating the power losses that uses the RMS value of the load current which not consider the load varying with respect to the time. Eight 11kV feeders are taken as a case study for our work to calculate load factor, loss factor and power losses. Four of them (F40, F42, F43 and F
... Show MoreAbstract
Binary polymer blend was prepared by mechanical mixing method of unsaturated polyester resin with Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) with different weight ratios (0, 5, 10 and 15) % of (NBR). Tensile characteristics and wear rates of these blends were studied for all mixing ratios. The microstructure of fracture surfaces of the prepared samples were investigated by optical microscope. The results were showed that strain rates of the resin material increase after blending it with rubber while the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus values of it will decrease. It is also noticed that the wear rate of resin decreases with increasing of (NBR) content.
Keywords:<
... Show MoreAsphalt binder is a thermoplastic material that conducts as an elastic solid at lower service temperatures or throughout fast loading rate. At a high temperature or slow rate of loading, asphalt binder conducts as a different liquid. The classical duplication generates a required to assess the mechanical properties of asphalt concrete at the anticipated service temperature to reduce the stress cracking, which happens at lower temperatures, fatigue, and the plastic deformation at higher temperatures (rutting). In this study, an achievement was made to assess the effect of temperature on the mechanical characteristics of asphalt concrete mixes. A total of 132 asphalt concrete samples were attended utilizing two asphalt cement grades (40-50) a
... Show MoreSustainable pavements are pavements that meet the requirements of present generation without influencing the capability of the future generation to meet their needs. One of the problems of the warm mix asphalt is that it has low resistance to moisture damage; therefore, the aim of this research paper is to study the possibility of producing more durable warm mixes against the moisture damage with the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) which has not been studied before. Six replacement rates (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) for the coarse version aggregate (VA) with RCA were studied. The Marshall mix design method was used to determine the optimum asphalt cement content for each replacement rate. Thereafter, specimens with the opt
... Show MoreSustainable pavements are pavements that meet the requirements of present generation without influencing the capability of the future generation to meet their needs. One of the problems of the warm mix asphalt is that it has low resistance to moisture damage; therefore, the aim of this research paper is to study the possibility of producing more durable warm mixes against the moisture damage with the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) which has not been studied before. Six replacement rates (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) for the coarse version aggregate (VA) with RCA were studied. The Marshall mix design method was used to determine the optimum asphalt cement content for each replacement rate. Thereafter, specimens with the opt
... Show MoreThe efforts embedded in this paper have been devoted to designing, preparing, and testing warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures and comparing their behavior against traditional hot mix asphalt mixtures. For WMA preparation, the Sasobit wax additive has been added to a 40/50 asphalt binder with a concentration of 3%. An experimental evaluation has been performed by conducting the Marshall together with volumetric properties, indirect tensile strength, and wheel tracking tests to acquire the tensile strength ratio (TSR), retained stability index (RSI), and rut depth. It was found that the gained benefit of reduction in mixing and compaction temperatures was reversely associated with a noticeable decline in Marshall properties and moisture s
... Show More