In the present study, an attempt has been made to experimentally investigate the flexural performance of ten simply supported reinforced concrete gable roof beams, including solid control specimen (i.e., without openings) and nine beams with web openings of different dimensions and configurations. The nine beams with openings have identical reinforcement details. All beams were monotonically loaded to failure under mid-span loading. The main variables were the number of the created openings, the total area of the created openings, and the inclination angle of the posts between openings. Of interest is the load-carrying capacity, cracking resistance and propagation, deformability, failure mode, and strain development that represent the behavior of reinforced concrete gable beams. Test results showed that the total concrete weight consumed for the tested gable beams with openings was lower than the solid gable beam by (14.9–26%). This reduction in weight led to a reduction in the flexural stiffness and, in turn. in the load-carrying capacity by (6.2–17.9%). The percentage of the decrease in the concrete consumption to the reduction in the load-carrying capacity for the tested beams with openings attained (140–240%). It was recorded that the maximum crack width depended on the total area of the created openings rather than the number of these openings.
A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (
... Show MoreThe main objective of this study is to understand the work of the pile caps made of lightweight aerated foam concrete and study the many factors affecting the ability and the capacity of the shear. The study was done by analyzing previous practical and theoretical experiences on the reinforced concrete pile caps. The previous practical results indicated that all specimens failed by shear diagonal compression or tension modes except one specimen that failed flexural-shear mode. Based on test specimens' practical results and behavior, some theoretical methods for estimating the ultimate strength of reinforced concrete pile caps have been recommended, some of which evolved into the design documents available on the subject.
... Show MoreMoisture-induced damage is a serious problem that severely impairs asphaltic pavement and affects road serviceability. This study examined numerous variables in asphalt concrete mixtures to assess their impact on moisture damage resistance. Mix design parameters such as the asphalt content (AC) and aggregate passing sieve No. 4 (PNo. 4) were considered as variables during this study. Additionally, hydrated lime (HL) was utilized as a partial substitute for limestone dust (LS) filler at 1.5% by weight of the aggregate in asphalt concrete mixtures for the surface layer. This study also investigated the potential enhancement of traditional asphalt binders and mixtures by adding nano-additives, specifically nano-silica oxide (NS) and na
... Show MoreRoller Compacted Concrete is a type of concrete that is environmentally friendly and more economical than traditional concrete. Roller Compacted Concrete is typically used for heavy-duty and specialist constructions, such as hydraulic structures and pavements, because of its coarse surface. The main difference between RCC and conventional concrete mixtures is that RCC has a more significant proportion of fine aggregates that allow compaction and tight packing. In recent years, it has been estimated that several million tons of waste demolished material (WDM) produced each year are directed to landfills worldwide without being recycled for disposal. This review aimed to study the literature about creating a Roller-Comp
... Show MoreTwo field experiments were conducted at two different texture sites. The first site of the fields of AlMed-hateya Agriculture Division / Babil Governorate. The second site of the fields of Al-Nouriah Research Station / Ministry of Agriculture, the factors of the study in the two sites included several factors. The first factor includes two irrigation systems: sprinkler irrigation and surface irrigation. The second factor is the method of cultivation which includes the method of cultivation with basin and furrowing. The third factor is the type of the cultivated crop which includes a local variety (Fajr 3) and a hybrid variety (Drakma). The actual water consumption for the sprinkler irrigation system reached (587.13 and 637.62) mm season-1 f
... Show More