When the depth of stressed soil is rather small, Plate Load Test (PLT) becomes the most efficient test to estimate the soil properties for design purposes. Among these properties, modulus of subgrade reaction is the most important one that usually employed in roads and concrete pavement design. Two methods are available to perform PLT: static and dynamic methods. Static PLT is usually adopted due to its simplicity and time saving to be performs in comparison with cyclic (dynamic) method. The two methods are described in ASTM standard.

In this paper the effect of the test method used in PLT in estimation of some mechanical soil properties was distinguished via a series of both test methods applied in a same site. The comparison of

Chemical resistance ceramic tiles and mortar to alkali solution are prepared and characterized in this study due to the lack of this kind of publications in ceramic literature. Most of the utilized materials are readily available raw materials and the other materials are available commercially. Physical and mechanical properties are measured and indicate that the prepared ceramic tile and mortars are competitive to traditional building materials. Chemical resistance test against alkali solution is also performed by subjecting test specimens to 10%NaOH liquid for two weeks. The results give no indication of chemical attack to specimens of ceramic tile and mortar. The results are discussed and important conclusions are drawn to encourage c

In this study, the investigation of Local natural Iraqi rocks kaolin with the addition of different proportions of bauxite and its effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the produced refractories was conducted. Kaolin/bauxite mixture was milled and classified into various size fractions, the kaolin (less than 105 μm) and the bauxite (less than 70μm). The specimens were mixed from kaolin and bauxite in ranges B1 (95+5)%, B2 (90+10)%, B3(85+15)%, and B4 (80+20)%  respectively. The green specimens were shaped by the semi-dry method using a hydraulic press and a molding pressure of 7 MPa with the addition of (9-12) %wt. of PVA ratio. After molding and drying, the specimens were fired at (1100, 1200 and 13

The work is devoted to the study of the plastics features in modern construction use. The plastics classification in modern construction is generalized. This classification includes: the field of building products application, the features of the materials properties and products, a backup group that includes those products that are not included in the previous groups. The classification considered is the basis for choosing the basic materials properties that affect the quality and durability of products. To improve the plastics types in the construction, the Venn diagram is used. The main materials types for manufacturing a product of the "window profile" type are analyzed; the result of the studies is a comparative diagram.

In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared with two concentrations of MWCNTs by casting method. Morphological, structural characteristics and electrical properties were investigated. The state of MWCNTs dispersion in a PVP matrix was indicated by Field Effect-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) which showed a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs within the PVP matrix. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicate strong bonding of carbonyl groups of PVP composite chains with MWCNTs. Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) studies shows characteristics of various stretching and bending vibration bands, as well as shifts in some band locations and intensity changes in others. Hall effect was studied

This research discusses the logic of the balance of power in the field of International Relations. It focuses on the structural-systemic version of the theory because of its centrality to the realist research program within the field. The paper examines the conventional wisdom, which argues that balances of power, in a self-help system, will form regardless of the state’s motives (or intentions); It emerges as an unintended recurring consequence of the interaction of units in anarchy, which primarily seeks superior, not an equal power. This logic assumes that hegemony does not form (or fail) in a multi-state system, because its threats (actual or perceived) to the system instill fear and provoke counterbalancing behavior by other state

In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared with two concentrations of MWCNTs by casting method. Morphological, structural characteristics and electrical properties were investigated. The state of MWCNTs dispersion in a PVP matrix was indicated by Field Effect-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) which showed a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs within the PVP matrix. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicate strong bonding of carbonyl groups of PVP composite chains with MWCNTs. Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) studies shows characteristics of various stretching and bending vibration bands, as well as shifts in some band locations and intensity changes in others. Hall effect was stu

      In the present work, the effect of the cylindrical configurations of the sputtering device electrodes on the plasma parameters (Debye length, electron temperature, electron density, plasma frequency) is studied. Also, the effect of the argon gas pressure on the discharge properties is examined with gas pressures of (0.08, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) Torr. The properties of the plasma are diagnosed by optical emission spectrometry. The spectroscopic method is adopted for examining the atomic spectra of argon emission.  The electron temperature is determined by the Boltzmann method. While, the Stark-widening method was employed for calculating the electron number density. The voltage against current curves of the cylindrical sprayer disc