Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is a material with no slumps and is made from the same raw materials as conventional concrete. The roller compacted dam method, the high paste technique, the corps of engineers method, and the maximum density method are all ways of designing RCC. The evolution of RCC has resulted in a substantial change in construction projects, most notably in dams, because of the sluggish pace of conventional placement, consolidation, and compacting. The construction process was accelerated by incorporating RCC into dams, resulting in a shorter construction period. Research shows that the dams that used RCC had completed one to two years sooner than the dams that used regular concrete (Bagheri an

Despite recent attempts to improve safety in the construction sector, this sector is considered dangerous and unsafe. Iraq is one of the emerging nations that suffers from a lack of construction safety management. In 2018, the construction sector in Iraq was responsible for 38% of all industrial accidents. Creating a safety program minimizes this problem by making safety an intrinsic part of construction projects. As a result, this article aims to identify the crucial safety factors that affect the safety performance in Iraqi construction projects. After conducting a critical literature review of the related literature, a list of 35 sub-factors classified into nine categories of main factors was chosen to rank each facto

The road network serves as a hub for opportunities in production and consumption, resource extraction, and social cohabitation. In turn, this promotes a higher standard of living and the expansion of cities. This research explores the road network's spatial connectedness and its effects on travel and urban form in the Al-Kadhimiya and Al-Adhamiya municipalities. Satellite images and paper maps have been employed to extract information on the existing road network, including their kinds, conditions, density, and lengths. The spatial structure of the road network was then generated using the ArcGIS software environment. The road pattern connectivity was evaluated using graph theory indices. The study demands the abstractio

Substantial research has been performed on Building Information Modeling (BIM) in various topics, for instance, the use and benefit of BIM in design, construction, sustainable environment building, and Facility assets over the past several years. Although there are various studies on these topics, Building Information Modeling (BIM) awareness through facilities management is still relatively poor. The researcher's interest is increased in BIM study is based heavily upon the perception that it can facilitate the exchange and reuse of information during various project phases. This property and others can be used in the Iraqi Construction industry to motivate the government to eliminate the change resistance to use innovat

Construction is a complicated process that takes place in an almost uncontrollable environment. Although projects can be carefully planned in advance in principle, there is a chance that unforeseen events and crises can disrupt these plans, affecting project development. Because the initial investment expenditures in construction projects are so large, they may be quickly influenced by crises, resulting in significant financial losses. The 2014 financial crisis was one of the most prominent crises that Iraq faced, which significantly impacted various activities in general and the construction industry in particular. Despite the importance of crisis management systems, the researchers found a great lack of local studies l

Urban environments face serious climate challenges due to rapid urban expansion, exacerbating the surface urban heat island (SUHI) phenomenon. This study proposes a hybrid framework based on Multi-sensor Fusion technology within the cloud computing environment of the Google Earth Engine platform to overcome the limitations of single data sources. Focusing on Baghdad from 2018 to 2023, Multi-spectral, radar, and atmospheric satellite datasets (Landsat 8/9, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-5P) were integrated to accurately extract morphological and environmental variables at the standardized residential neighborhood scale. A spatiotemporal model was constructed based on the random forest algorithm to evaluate the relative

Waste polyester fibers (WPFs) were used to prepare a range of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) as compatibilizer, and these were characterized. The objective of the research was to enhance the mechanical properties of HDPE and to encourage the use of plastic and textile waste. The composite specimens were made using single-screw extrusion, and tensile, flexural, impact, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), density, porosity, and water absorption were measured. A systematic evaluation of fiber orientation and recycled HDPE (r-HDPE) content was made. The results showed that the fiber orientation had a significant influence on the stress transfer and failur

Yet little is known about the synergism of quaternary bio-based nanocomposite systems on cement mortar performance. For the first time, this research examines a quaternary nanocomposite comprising nano-chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized via ultrasonication and added to Ordinary Portland Cement mortar at 1.0 wt. % of cement. To study the effects of PVA and PAA on compressive strength, four systems (Za1–Za4) were fixed at nano-chitosan = 1.50 g and AgNO₃ = 10 mL while changing PVA content (0.25- 1.50 g) and PAA content (0.125-0.750 g) to a cement: sand ratio of 1:2.75 and w/c = 0.485. We compared these variables of compressive strength, water absorpti

The advances in computer technologies have caused new architectural formations in contemporary buildings. They were characterized by free forms with diverse formal relationships that appear at different levels within the building, especially the surface formation level and the mass formation level. Also, the methods of embodiment of these formations and their mechanisms varied. Difficulties in distinguishing these new formations within the main structure have led to the need to find new structural solutions that embody these formations. In contemporary architecture, the relationship between the main and the secondary structure is defined by a hierarchy of the load-bearing roles. The research problem arises from the absen

This paper proposes a hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) model that combines an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to predict the Quality of Service (QoS) in 5G networks. The model utilizes radio channel indicators such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) to forecast throughput and latency levels. These indicators are critical factors affecting network performance; however, the nonlinear relationship among them makes traditional analytical models inadequate for accurate QoS prediction. The importance of the current study lies in estimating QoS in 5G networks b

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as an effective tool for spatial data acquisition in construction projects, offering high-resolution information suitable for monitoring earthwork operations and construction progress. The objectives of this study are to quantitatively assess the applicability and accuracy of UAV-based photogrammetry for monitoring the cut-and-fill activities in road construction projects in real-world conditions. A UAV survey was performed at an active urban road construction site with a multirotor platform featuring a high resolution RGB camera. The Structure from Motion (SfM) approach was used for photogrammetric processing to create dense point clouds, digital elevation models (DEMs) and O

Path planning in autonomous robotic systems (ARS) is challenging, especially in dynamic or uncertain environments. Many classical methods are computationally expensive and lack adaptability to real-world scenarios. In order to improve the overall path-planning capabilities of robots; this paper introduces a new smart robotic navigation system which uses Software Defined Network (SDN) and Multi-Spike Elman Neural Network (MS-ENN). The introduced system includes an innovative way to encode temporal information using multiple spikes which can capture much greater amounts of detail about changing environmental characteristics than conventional artificial neural networks. Additionally, it includes a spiking wave-front planner

The evolution of shell structure and nuclear deformation in neutron-rich nuclei remains one of the major challenges in nuclear structure physics, particularly near regions associated with shell erosion and shape coexistence. In the present work, neutron-rich isotones with neutron numbers N=50 and N=34 are investigated within the Hartree–Fock (HF) plus Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) framework using the Skyrme SLy5 parameterization. The potential energy surfaces (PES) are calculated as functions of the quadrupole deformation parameter β₂ in order to determine the equilibrium nuclear shapes and examine the evolution of shell stability in neutron-rich systems. The calculated results for ⁷⁰Ca sho

This work studied the textural properties of three adsorbents using nitrogen adsorption–desorption at a constant low temperature (77 K). The adsorbents are (a) mesoporous silica (MS), (b) mesoporous silica modified with Fe₃O₄ (MSF), and (c) mesoporous silica modified with Fe₃O₄ and coated with deacetylated chitin (MSFDAC). The adsorption–desorption isotherm curve demonstrated that the studied adsorbents have a mesoporous structure of type IV, according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) classification. The obtained results show that the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm fits the data better than the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms

Groundwater depletion, climate change, and rising water demand are the primary challenges to the sustainable management of water resources in arid/semi-arid areas, such as Iraq. This study evaluates current models for groundwater and their performance and assesses the recent advancements in groundwater modeling techniques. It addresses that currently, numerical models, Artificial intelligence (AI), and remote sensing techniques are being implemented separately. Physically based models are widely used in groundwater modelling due to their reliable performance in simulating groundwater flow and transport processes. It was widely used in Iraqi and international groundwater studies, constituting 62% and 60% of groundwater st

Increasing carbon emissions pose a serious issue affecting the environment. Several methods have been proposed to reduce this phenomenon. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and enhanced oil recovery EOR are among these methods, which typically involve injecting CO₂ into geological formations to store CO₂ or to enhance oil production. The effectiveness of these methods relies heavily on the interaction between CO₂, rock, and water.  This review summarizes most of the important studies that focused on the alteration of mineralogy, porosity, permeability, and wettability of the host rock, employing different methods such as core flooding and static soaking. Despite extensive research on CO₂–water–rock interaction

Cell-Free Massive MIMO is believed to be one of the most promising designs of future wireless networks due to its ability to provide more coverage, high reliability and improved spectral efficiency, while also supporting secure communication through distributed access point (AP) cooperation. However, secure downlink transmission in cell-free massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (CF-mMIMO) systems becomes challenging when an active eavesdropper (Eve) is located near the targeted user. To achieve high secrecy spectral efficiency (SSE) with a limited number of active APs and a restricted power budget under Nakagami-m fading and imperfect channel state information (CSI), a secrecy-oriented AP selection algorithm is propose

well log analysis is used to determine the rock properties like porosity, water saturation, and shale volume. Archie parameters in Archie equation, which sometimes considered constants greatly affect the determination of water saturation, also these parameters may be used to indicate whether the rocks are fractured or not so they should be determined. This research involves well logging analysis for Zubair formation in Luhais field which involves the determination of Archie parameters instead of using them as constant.

The log interpretation proved that the formation is hydrocarbon reservoir, as it could be concluded from Rwa (high values) and water saturation values (low values), the lithology of Zubair from cro

This paper features the modeling and design of a pole placement and output Feedback control technique for the Active Vibration Control (AVC) of a smart flexible cantilever beam for a Single Input Single Output (SISO) case. Measurements and actuation actions done by using patches of piezoelectric layer, it is bonded to the master structure as sensor/actuator at a certain position of the cantilever beam.
The smart structure is modeled based on the concept of piezoelectric theory, Bernoulli -Euler beam theory, using Finite Element Method (FEM) and the state space techniques. The number of modes is reduced using the controllability and observability grammians retaining the first three
dominant vibratory modes, and for the reduced syste

Many studies and researchers have reported significant evidence that some physical properties of water can be changed as it passes through a magnetic field that can improve water use.  This can have a promising potential for applications, especially in the fields of irrigation and drainage. In this research, magnetized water was used to leach salt-affected sandy loam soil. A test rig was designed and constructed to investigate the effects of magnetized water on leaching soil. The rig consists of a magnetization device that can provide variable intensity. Water was supplied from a constant head reservoir to the magnetization device then to the soils that were placed in plastic columns. Five different magnetic intensi

This research aims to evaluate the factors affecting building rehabilitation cost management using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) model. A literature review, case studies, consultations with experts, and questionnaires were used to identify and categorize fifty-seven factors into six categories. The proposed model has considered twenty factors out of the fifty-seven. The main factor with the highest weight in building rehabilitation cost management in Iraq is the building characteristics, with a weight of 0.298. Design and bill of quantities issues follow this with a weight of 0.204. The next factor is project management Issues with a weight of 0.185. Planning and contract management factors come next with

Asphaltenes' solubility in crude oils is frequently affected by temperature, pressure, and oil composition changes. This could lead to the precipitation and deposition of asphaltene in various parts of the total production system, which would cause a significant economic impact. Predicting the conditions of asphaltene precipitation will be very useful in two cases. In the first case, without the problem, it will be useful in specifying the optimum operating conditions of oil production operations. In the second case, with the problem occurring, the prediction model will be useful in knowing the deposition areas and their sizes. This study is an extension of the first part, in which the advanced versions of Peng-Robinson

In most manufacturing processes, and in spite of statistical control, several process capability indices refer to non conformance of the true mean (µc ) from the target mean ( µT ), and the variation is also high. In this paper, data have been analyzed and studied for a blow molded plastic product (Zahi Bottle) (ZB). WinQSB software was used to facilitate the statistical process control, and process capability analysis and some of capability indices. The relationship between different process capability indices and the true mean of the process were represented, and then with the standard deviation (σ ), of achievement of process capability value that can reduce the standard deviation value and improve production out of theoretical con

In this paper the boundary elements method is used as numerical techniques for solving elastomeric materials (rubber or rubber-like materials) under small and large strains analysis. Under small deformations, the formulations are based on assuming that the elastomer is linear elastic isotropic incompressible solid. While for the large deformation, the formulation is based on decomposing the 1st Piola-Kirchhoff stresses into linear and nonlinear parts. Thereafter, the final derived equations are composed of both boundary integral and non-linear domain integrals. The non-linear analyses were performed using an incremental procedure with an iterative algorithm.
Solving some numerical examples and comparing the results with that obtained

Gypseous soil is classified as problematic soil, characterised by its characterized by complicated and erratic behavior, and is mostly found in arid and semi-arid areas of the globe. As for Iraq. Gypseous soils cover about 30-35% of the total area of Iraq, as this type of soil is found in the Western Desert and extends to the southern parts of the country. Gypseous soils are considered strong but susceptible to sudden collapse when wet. To control the collapse of gypsum soils, Geotextiles are among the most popular kind of geosynthetic material used for soil reinforcement. The goal of this study is to determine whether woven geotextiles can improve the ultimate bearing capacity of foundations constructed on gypsum soil.

Hydrological studies have become more important in recent years to estimate flow discharges in the valleys. The study area of Al-Ghadaf Valley was chosen due to the absence of surface runoff information for this valley. This research studied the watershed of Al-Ghadaf (GW) by using the SWAT model. It wasn’t possible to perform calibration and verification for the model due to the absence of actual discharges in the Al-Ghadaf valley. The area of the catchment was 8567.25  and the weather data used in this model was for three actual stations, Rutba, Ramadi, and Al-Nukhaib, for 13 years from 2009 to 2022. I wasn’t able to choose a period larger than 13 years because some of them are missing. Despite this, one of the f

In this study, the turbulent buoyancy driven fluid flow and heat transfer in a differentially heated rectangular enclosure filled with water is quantified numerically. The two dimensional governing differential equations are discretized using the finite volume method. SIMPLE algorithm is employed to obtain stabilized solution for high Rayleigh numbers by a computational code written in FORTRAN language. A parametric study is undertaken and the effect of Rayleigh numbers (1010 to 1014), the aspect ratio (30, 40 and 50), and the tilt angle (10o to 170o ) on fluid flow and heat transfer are investigated. The results of the adopted model in the present work is compared with previously published results and a qualitative agreement and a good

The object of this work is to model and simulate a fluidized bed desulfurization reactor by coupling a reactor kinetic model with a fluidized bed model based on two –phase theory(bubbling-bed model) proposed by Kunni and Levenspiel(1968).This model is useful for analysis of a reaction involving gas and solid. It generates the conversion data with respect to reaction time of both reacting gas and solids in a continuous flow(for both gas and solids) in fluidized bed. The flue gas or stack gas from a combustor which normally contains sulfur dioxide mixed with excess air is used as the fluidizing gas with calcium oxide as the fluidized solids . Calcium oxide is quite capable of reacting with 2 SO to effect its removal from the gas phase ac

Aluminum-Silicon alloys, with soft lubricant metal, are considered to be one of the important tribological alloys which resist seizure. The effect of different lead percentages (1-20%Pb) that added to the modified eutectic Al-12%Si alloy on the wear rate and resistance was studied by sliding these alloys under dry sliding conditions on a carbon steel disc at different sliding distances (2.24-40.37 km). The results showed that the wear rate was decreased and wear resistance increased with increasing lead percentage of Al-12%Si alloy. Furthermore, wear rate was increased linearly with increasing sliding distance.

In real conditions of structures, foundations like retaining walls, industrial machines and platforms in offshore areas are commonly subjected to eccentrically inclined loads. This type of loading significantly affects the overall stability of shallow foundations due to exposing the foundation into two components of loads (horizontal and vertical) and consequently reduces the bearing capacity.

Based on a numerical analysis performed using finite element software (Plaxis 3D Foundation), the behavior of model strip foundation rested on dry sand under the effect of eccentric inclined loads with different embedment ratios (D/B) ranging from (0-1) has been explored. The results display that, the bearing capacity of st