The performance and durability of asphalt pavements are strongly influenced by the rheological properties of asphalt binders, particularly under severe climatic and traffic conditions. This study investigates the synergistic effects of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at dosages ranging from 0.25% to 1% into AC 40-50 asphalt binders modified with 4% Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS). A comprehensive experimental program involving physical, rheological, and chemical characterization tests was conducted, including penetration, softening point, viscosity, storage stability, a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Glover–Rowe (G-R) analysis. Statistical inference using one-way ANOVA was also conducted to evaluate the significance of differences among the binder formulations investigated. The results showed a continuous increase in binder stiffness with increasing CNT content, as indicated by decreasing penetration values, higher softening points, and increased viscosity. Incorporating 1% CNT reduced the softening-point difference from 3.1 °C to 1.6 °C in SBS-modified binders, indicating improved storage stability. Rheological evaluations showed that 0.75% CNT increased the high-temperature performance grade from 82 °C to 88 °C and provided the best rutting resistance, as indicated by MSCR results. In contrast, the 0.5% CNT formulation exhibited superior fatigue resistance and the lowest Glover–Rowe index, indicating improved cracking resistance and durability. Overall, the findings demonstrate that CNTs can effectively enhance the performance of SBS-modified asphalt binders, with 0.75% CNT being optimal for hot-climate applications, while 0.5% CNT exhibited improved fatigue and cracking resistance under moderate-temperature conditions.
Improving the ability of asphalt pavement to survive the heavily repeated axle loads and weathering challenges in Iraq has been the subject of research for many years. The critical need for such data in the design and construction of more durable flexible pavement in bridge deck material is paramount. One of new possible steps is the epoxy asphalt concrete, which is classified as a superior asphalt concrete in roads and greatly imparts the level of design and construction. This paper describes a study on 40-50 penetration graded asphalt cement mixed with epoxy to produce asphalt concrete mixtures. The tests carried out are the Marshall properties, permanent deformation, flexural fatigue cracking and moisture damage. Epoxy asphalt mixes perf
... Show MoreRutting is one of the most complex and widespread types of distress. The rutting is frequently observed on Iraqi roads, especially at the checkpoints, forming a significant hazard on the asphalt layers. Factors such as heavy loads and high temperatures contribute to this distress. Adding fibers to a hot mix asphalt (HMA) effectively improves performance and extends the lifespan of the flexible pavement. This article used glass, steel, and basalt fibers. The wheel tracking test assessed the fibre-asphalt mixture for rutting resistance and compared it with the mix without adding fibers (control HMA). Meanwhile, the microscopic structure of fibres and asphalt mixture modified with fibers was examined using the Field Emission Scanning E
... Show MoreToday’s world confronts various threats from different sources. Similar to deprivation of energy, economic facilities, or political deposition, educational poisoning is one of the dangerous phenomena that result from distorting and corrupting the ethical and educational components of teaching by various material and non – material means.This paper sheds light on the concept of the educational system which is not a mere process of teaching, but rather an endless process of socialization that begins in the family and develops into religious, ethical, scientific and mythological systems, all of which form the cognitive component. It also defines the necessary means by which it is transmitted from one generation into another. The educati
... Show MoreThe intelligent buildings provided various incentives to get highly inefficient energy-saving caused by the non-stationary building environments. In the presence of such dynamic excitation with higher levels of nonlinearity and coupling effect of temperature and humidity, the HVAC system transitions from underdamped to overdamped indoor conditions. This led to the promotion of highly inefficient energy use and fluctuating indoor thermal comfort. To address these concerns, this study develops a novel framework based on deep clustering of lagrangian trajectories for multi-task learning (DCLTML) and adding a pre-cooling coil in the air handling unit (AHU) to alleviate a coupling issue. The proposed DCLTML exhibits great overall control and is
... Show MoreThe research aims to study strategic training and its impact on improving the performance of the inspectors general offices in Iraqi ministries, through two variables strategic training Which include Four Dimensions ( Strategic analysis , Formulation of Training Strategy , Implement the Training Strategy , Evaluation ) and Performance included Three dimensions ( Efficiency , Effectiveness , Added-Value).
This research problem is that the Offices of Inspectors rely on pre-made training Programs received from training centers without designing the training programs that provide the employees with the skills and abilities that lead to the implementation of the current and future goals of the orga
... Show MorePartial shading is one of the problems that affects the power production and the efficiency of photovoltaic module. A series of experimental work have been done of partial shading of monocrystalline PV module; 50W, Isc: 3.1A, Voc: 22V with 36 cells in series is achieved. Non-linear power output responses of the module are observed by applying various cases of partial shading (vertical and horizontal shading of solar cells in the module). Shading a single cell (corner cell) has the greatest impact on output energy. Horizontal shading or vertical shading reduced the power from 41W to 18W at constant solar radiation 1000W/m2 and steady state condition. Vertical blocking a column
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Multipoint forming process is an engineering concept which means that the working surface of the punch and die is produced as hemispherical ends of individual active elements (called pins), where each pin can be independently, vertically displaced using a geometrically reconfigurable die. Several different products can be made without changing tools saved precious production time. Also, the manufacturing of very expensive rigid dies is reduced, and a lot of expenses are saved. But the most important aspects of using such types of equipment are the flexibility of the tooling. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the effect of three main parameters which are blank holder, rubber thickness and forming speed th
... Show MoreHigh tunnels, or unheated plastic greenhouses, are becoming increasingly popular among organic vegetable growers across the United States. However, the intensive production typical of these systems presents soil health challenges, including salinization due to high fertilizer or compost inputs coupled with lack of rainfall to leach salts. Legume cover crops may improve soil health in high tunnels by reducing the need for external inputs, while adding organic matter. We tested the soil health effects of a winter hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) cover crop used to replace fertilizer N in an organic tomato cropping system in high tunnels. Studies were replicated across three sites differing in climate and soil type (Kansas, Kentucky, and Minne
... Show MoreThe developments and transformations taking place in the era and the growth of knowledge economies and communication technology led this development to compel higher education institutions in Iraq to reconsider their objectives to keep pace with development. And one of the most important tools of development was the application of e-learning standards and its long-term impact on the performance of the educational institution. Performance auditing plays an important role in verifying the extent to which these institutions have implemented their activities and programs that auditing performance by adopting e-learning standards helps the institutions’ management by providing appropriate information on the extent to which they achieve thei
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