Flexure members such as reinforced concrete (RC) simply supported beams subjected to two-point loading were analyzed numerically. The Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was employed for the treatment the non-smooth h behaviour such as discontinuities and singularities. This method is a powerful technique used for the analysis of the fracture process and crack propagation in concrete. Concrete is a heterogeneous material that consists of coarse aggregate, cement mortar and air voids distributed in the cement paste. Numerical modeling of concrete comprises a two-scale model, using mesoscale and macroscale numerical models. The effectiveness and validity of the Meso-Scale Approach (MSA) in modeling of the reinforced concrete beams with minimum reinforcement was studied. ABAQUS program was utilized for Finite Element (FE) modeling and analysis of the beams. On the other hand, mesoscale modeling of concrete constituents was executed with the aid of ABAQUS PYTHON language and programing using excel sheets. The concrete beams under flexure were experimentally investigated as well as by the numerical analysis. The comparison between experimental and numerical results showed that the mesoscale model gives a better indication for representing the concrete models in the numerical approach and a more appropriate result when compared with the experimental results.
The dual nature of asphalt binder necessitates improvements to mitigate rutting and fatigue since it performs as an elastic material under the regime of rapid loading or cold temperatures and as a viscous fluid at elevated temperatures. The present investigation assesses the effectiveness of Nano Alumina (NA), Nano Silica (NS), and Nano Titanium Dioxide (NT) at weight percentages of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% in asphalt cement to enhance both asphalt binder and mixture performance. Binder evaluations include tests for consistency, thermal susceptibility, aging, and workability, while mixture assessments focus on Marshall properties, moisture susceptibility, resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and fatigue characteristics. NS notably im
... Show MoreThe dual nature of asphalt binder necessitates improvements to mitigate rutting and fatigue since it performs as an elastic material under the regime of rapid loading or cold temperatures and as a viscous fluid at elevated temperatures. The present investigation assesses the effectiveness of Nano Alumina (NA), Nano Silica (NS), and Nano Titanium Dioxide (NT) at weight percentages of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% in asphalt cement to enhance both asphalt binder and mixture performance. Binder evaluations include tests for consistency, thermal susceptibility, aging, and workability, while mixture assessments focus on Marshall properties, moisture susceptibility, resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and fatigue characteristics. NS notably im
... Show MoreCalcium carbonate is predominantly present in aqueous systems, which is
commonly used in industrial processes. It has inverse solubility characteristics
resulting in the deposition of scale on heat transfer surface. This paper focuses on
developing methods for inhibition of calcium carbonate scale formation in cooling
tower and air cooler system where scaling can cause serious problems, ZnCl 2 and ZnI
2 has been investigated as scale inhibitor on AISI 316 and 304. ZnCl 2 were more
effective than ZnI 2 in both systems, and AISI 316 show more receptivity to the
chlorides salt compared to AISI 304. The inhibitors were more effective in cooling
tower than air cooler system. AISI 316 show more constant inhibition effic
This study aims to find the effect of water-cement ratio on the compressive strength of concrete by using ultrasonic pulse velocity test (UPVT). Over 230 standard cube specimens were used in this study, with dimensions of 150mm, and concrete cubes were cured in water at 20 °C. Also, the specimens used in the study were made of concrete with varied water-cement ratio contents from 0.48 to 0.59. The specimens were taken from Diyarbakir-Turkey concrete centers and tested at the structure and material science lab, civil engineering, faculty of engineering from Dicle University. The UPV measurement and compressive strength tests were carried out at the concrete age of 28 days. Their UPV and compressive strength ranged
... Show MoreTwo decades after replacing the OAU, the AU’s record is best measured not by communiqués but by how fast it converts rules into results on the ground. In March 2022, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) authorised the transition from AMISOM to ATMIS in Somalia — a reminder that, two decades after the African Union (AU) replaced the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the Union’s rules are judged by execution, not intent. This article argues that the AU’s legal and institutional redesign shortened the warning‑to‑decision cycle and raised the credibility of enforcement, but performance still hinges on finance, logistics and political will. Where mandates are matched with money, enabling capabilities and enforc
... Show MoreThe research deals with a new type of high-performance concrete with improved physical properties, which was prepared by using metal additives minutes (Metakaolin) and by studing their impact on the properties of mortar and concrete high-performance through destructive and non destructive tests. This type of concrete is used broadly in public buildings and in other structures . The research involved a number of experiments such as finding the activity index of burned at a temperature of 750 º C according to the standard ( ASTM C-311/03), as well as casting models for the cubic mortar mixtures and concrete containers at different rates of metakaolin ranging between (5% - 20%) as an added part to the cement mix to get a high- compressive
... Show MoreThis study aims to investigate the adequacy of composite cellular beams with lightweight reinforced concrete deck slab as a structural unit for harmonic loaded buildings. The experimental program involved three fixed-ends supported beams throughout 2140 mm. Three concrete types were included: Normal Weight Concrete (NWC), Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC), and Lightweight Fiber Reinforced Aggregate Concrete (LWACF). The considered frequencies were (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30) Hz. It was indicated that the harmonic load caused a significant influence on LWAC response (64% greater than NWC) and lattice cracks were observed, especially at 30 Hz. As for LWACF slab, no cracks appeared,