Advances in Civil and Architectural Engineering
type: channel
description: Advances in Civil and Architectural Engineering (ISSN: 2975-3848) is a Diamond Open Access online journal that publishes research and professional articles in all areas of civil engineering and architecture. The Journal is double-blind peer-reviewed journal and is an important and reliable source of current information on developments in civil and architectural engineering. The topics covered in the Journal include (but are not limited to) concrete structures, construction materials, structural mechanics, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, water resources, hydraulics, fluid-solid-structure interactions, construction project management, construction technology, architecture and urbanism, and other civil engineering and architecture relevant areas. Articles published in the Journal are open access articles distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license and free to access immediately upon publication, without subscription barriers to access. There are no publication fees nor article processing charges (APC) for publishing in this Journal. All accepted papers are subjected to professional English proofreading, which the Journal covers in full. The Journal is indexed in: Web of Science Core Collection Emerging Sources Citation Index CAB Abstracts DOAJ Hrčak In July 2022, Electronic Journal of the Faculty of civil engineering Osijek - e-GFOS (ISSN: 1847-8948) with last published Issue 23 (December 2021) began operating under a new name, Advances in Civil and Architectural Engineering (ISSN: 2975-3848). With the change in the name of our publisher (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture) an adjustement was desirable. This change does not reflect any change or dilution in the scope, values, or editorial standards of the journal; rather, it is made in the spirit of a renewed emphasis on our core mission: to publish research that enriches the body of knowledge in all disciplines of civil engineering and architect…
publisher: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 3, Osijek, Croatia
language: en
publication name: Advances in Civil and Architectural Engineering
issn: 2975-3848
items: Flood risk assessment under climate change in Southeast Vietnam
items: Application of Bay of Bengal seawater in concrete production
items: Performances of recent meta-heuristic algorithms on optimizing the design of steel structures
items: Analysis of combination test of infiltration box and absorption well to reduce road flooding
items: Influence of waste PET fibres on mechanical and durability properties of polyester concrete for tension members
items: Mechanical properties and flexural behaviour evaluation of ultra-high-performance concrete using hybrid natural fibres
items: AI for pavement distress detection on lower-ranking roads: A bibliometric and systematic review
items: Optimising lightweight concrete and bricks using expanded polystyrene beads and silica fume: a sustainable approach to construction materials
items: Review and experimental analysis of oxidative torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and rice husk in concrete
items: Review of concept and laboratory test methods of asphalt mixture rutting performance
items: Performance assessment of industrial waste-based mortar under elevated temperatures
items: Post-fire strengths and morphological properties of high-strength concrete reinforced with kenaf fibres
items: An approach to pullout resistance determination for wrap-around geotextiles in flood embankments
items: Implementation of a substructure method to analyse soil-structure interaction at an existing 10-storey reinforced concrete building
items: Synergistic effects of banana fibre and banana leaf ash on the strength and durability of eco-friendly concrete
items: Field-based assessment and multilinear modelling of infiltration dynamics across heterogeneous zones
items: Advanced metaheuristic optimization for reducing time and cost while enhancing quality in major projects
items: Enhancing sandy soils of varying densities via microbially induced calcite precipitation
items: Evaluation of noise control in industrial buildings through simulations
items: Balancing aesthetic diversity and functional efficiency to enhance building performance and user satisfaction
items: Interaction of root pattern with tropical residual soil in bio-anchorage system for slope stabilization
items: Effectiveness of geopolymer-treated soil plasticity characteristics: A road pavement material
items: Comparative study on predicting the compressive strength of oven-cured fly ash and slag-based geopolymer concrete using soft computing techniques
items: Nonlinear analysis of an RC frame structure considering the effects of embedment on soil–structure interaction
items: Development and performance evaluation of heat-resistant concrete under varying temperature conditions
items: An approach towards achieving net-zero-carbon concrete
items: Assessment of building envelope thermal insulation and indoor air temperature
items: Comparison of the New Drought Index with various well-known drought indices
items: A capacity-based design process for earthquake-resistant steel frames
items: Strength improvement of M20 concrete using acid treated recycled coarse aggregate with fly ash

Flood risk assessment under climate change in Southeast Vietnam
type: item
description: Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by flood risk and climate change. Accurate flood-risk assessment is crucial for effective urban planning and disaster management. This study used an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in combination with a geographical information system (GIS) environment to evaluate the present and future flood risks in the Southeast region of Vietnam and mapped the results. Thirteen flood causative factors were considered and weighed, including the elevation, slope, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), flow accumulation, topographic wetness index (TWI), distance to rivers, land use and land cover (LULC), precipitation during the wettest month, drainage density, road density, distance to the coastline, soil type, and population density. The weighted overlay technique from the spatial analysis tools of ArcGIS was used to prepare flood-risk maps. For the year 2050, spatial (LULC) and temporal (climate) changes were considered to predict the flood risk. The flood-risk maps were categorized into five classes: very low, low, medium, high, and very high. Policymakers can use the obtained results to develop more appropriate mitigation measures and strategies to effectively manage flood risks and ensure sustainable socio-economic sustainability.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: analytic hierarchy process
  topic: keywords
subject: climate change
  topic: keywords
subject: flood risk
  topic: keywords
subject: Vietnam
  topic: keywords
creator: Thi Kim Chi Thai
creator: Thi Kim Chung Thai
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Thi Kim Chi Thai (Author); Thi Kim Chung Thai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-14
publication date: 2026-07-14
starting page: 47
ending page: 61
doi: 10.13167/2026.33.3

Application of Bay of Bengal seawater in concrete production
type: item
description: In this study, the feasibility of using seawater from the Bay of Bengal in concrete production was investigated, comparing it with the conventional method of using freshwater. A critical literature review was conducted alongside the experimental study. Two water sources (seawater and freshwater) were used during different phases of concrete production (casting-curing, only casting, and only curing). In addition, two types of coarse aggregates (brick chips and stone chips) were used. Consequently, experiments were conducted under eight different conditions. The results revealed that in freshwater, compressive strength increased with longer curing periods; however, for seawater, the strength initially increased but decreased upon prolonged curing. The highest reduction in compressive strength (12,7-23,5 %) occurred when seawater was used in the casting-curing phase. Using stone chips with seawater was more effective than using brick chips. Higher densities were observed with stone chips; however, the use of seawater caused negligible changes in concrete densities. Seawater can be used for concrete production in certain specified structures, potentially conserving freshwater resources and promoting environmental and economic sustainability.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: seawater
  topic: keywords
subject: water quality
  topic: keywords
subject: concrete
  topic: keywords
subject: compressive strength
  topic: keywords
subject: concrete density
  topic: keywords
creator: Md. Mahmudul Hasan
creator: Raofur Adnan
creator: Sirajudawla Rafi
creator: Md. Abdul Malek
creator: Md. Shafiquzzaman
creator: Md. Jahangir Alam
creator: Mosaddakur Rahman Taluckder Nobel
creator: Md. Sohel Rana
creator: Mohammad Ibna Anwar
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Md. Mahmudul Hasan (Author); Raofur Adnan, Sirajudawla Rafi, Md. Abdul Malek, Md. Shafiquzzaman, Md. Jahangir Alam, Mosaddakur Rahman Taluckder Nobel, Md. Sohel Rana, Mohammad Ibna Anwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-10
publication date: 2026-07-10
starting page: 23
ending page: 46
doi: 10.13167/2026.33.2

Performances of recent meta-heuristic algorithms on optimizing the design of steel structures
type: item
description: This study investigates the performance of three recently developed meta-heuristic optimization algorithms, i.e., tree-seed optimization (TSO), crow search algorithm (CSA), and symbiotic organisms search (SOS), by applying them to optimize the designs of sinusoidal web opening beams and large-scale space truss systems. For sinusoidal beam optimization, evaluation capacity and design principles, based on the Eurocode specification, are considered as the design constraints. A profile chart is developed for the beam design based on the design variables of the gap graphic design of the section and sinusoidal beam selected. The basic principles and specifications outlined by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) are also considered as the design constraints. Finally, the weight optimizations of the two sinusoidal beams and two space truss systems performed using these optimization algorithms and the performances of the algorithms are discussed based on the results obtained.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: steel structures
  topic: keywords
subject: optimization
  topic: keywords
subject: tree-seed optimization
  topic: keywords
subject: crow search algorithm
  topic: keywords
subject: symbiotic organisms search
  topic: keywords
creator: İbrahim Aydoğdu
creator: Ghulam Rasool Abed
creator: Ömür Tosun
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 İbrahim Aydoğdu, Ghulam Rasool Abed; Ömür Tosun (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-07-08
publication date: 2026-07-08
starting page: 1
ending page: 22
doi: 10.13167/2026.33.1

Analysis of combination test of infiltration box and absorption well to reduce road flooding
type: item
description: Urbanisation increases impervious surfaces, leading to increased runoff and flood risk, particularly in tropical urban areas. This study examines the effectiveness of a combination of infiltration boxes and wells installed in road medians as a decentralized stormwater management strategy. Experiments were conducted using a laboratory-scale flume model to compare hydrological responses with and without an infiltration system. The analysed parameters included runoff volume, peak discharge, peak time, and infiltration efficiency. The results indicated that the system performance varied depending on configuration, with runoff reductions ranging from 30.34% to 59.37%. Under optimal conditions, the system was able to reduce peak discharge by up to 85.17% and delay peak flow time by approximately 35 min, indicating significant improvements in retention capacity and flow control. The infiltration efficiency ranged from 50.74% to 68.47%, indicating the system ability to increase water absorption and reduce surface runoff. However, under extreme rainfall conditions (>100 mm/h), the system capacity reached its maximum limit, necessitating integration with conventional drainage. In conclusion, these findings confirm that infiltration boxes are an effective low impact development solution and can be integrated to improve urban hydrological resilience.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: infiltration box
  topic: keywords
subject: surface runoff
  topic: keywords
subject: peak discharge
  topic: keywords
subject: flume channel
  topic: keywords
subject: green infrastructure
  topic: keywords
creator: Awliya Tribhuwana
creator: S. Imam Wahyudi
creator: Moh. Faiqun Ni'am
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Awliya Tribhuwana (Author); S. Imam Wahyudi, Moh. Faiqun Ni'am https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-06-17
publication date: 2026-06-17
starting page: 205
ending page: 223
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.12

Influence of waste PET fibres on mechanical and durability properties of polyester concrete for tension members
type: item
description: In the northern areas of Pakistan, the fabric mostly used for wearing purposes is polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Due to its versatile quality, concrete is the most demanding construction material. In this study, durability & mechanical properties of polyester concrete (PC) are investigated by including raw polyester fibre (PF) with varying percentages (0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; and 2,0 %). Additionally, 1% sodium carbonate is used as a cement replacement. The results reveal that the addition of 1 % polyester (PET) fibre by weight produces 25,0 and 20,6 % increases in tensile and compressive strengths, respectively. The increased percentage of fibre also significantly reduces chloride permeability, indicating improved crack resistance in concrete. However, fibre additions of 1,5 or 2,0 % may result in reduced compressive strength and increased permeability. Therefore, 1 % polyester fibre is recommended for the application of concrete tension members and mortar in external walls. Moreover, this research focuses on the sustainable use of raw polyester as a constructive approach towards addressing environmental challenges associated with conserving resources, waste disposal, and mitigating environmental pollution.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: PET fiber
  topic: keywords
subject: recycling
  topic: keywords
subject: mechanical properties
  topic: keywords
subject: green concrete
  topic: keywords
subject: durability
  topic: keywords
creator: Humaira Kanwal
creator: Ziping Wang
creator: Wenfeng Hao
creator: Kamran Javed
creator: Muhammad Asim
creator: Muhammad Ahsan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Humaira Kanwal (Author); Ziping Wang, Wenfeng Hao, Kamran Javed, Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Ahsan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-15
publication date: 2026-05-15
starting page: 137
ending page: 151
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.8

Mechanical properties and flexural behaviour evaluation of ultra-high-performance concrete using hybrid natural fibres
type: item
description: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of incorporating basalt and banana fibres on the mechanical behaviour of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Two distinct UHPC groups were evaluated; the first group consisted of unreinforced control specimens, whereas the second group included fibre-reinforced specimens with systematically varied fibre volume fractions of 0,25; 0,50; and 1,00 % to assess the impact of fibre content. The fibres enabled a thorough assessment of their types and impact on UHPC performance. Beam-shaped specimens were cast with these fibre contents to facilitate three-point bending tests, enabling assessment of their response under flexural loading. The results conclusively demonstrate that incorporating 1,00 % basalt fibres yielded significantly improved performance compared to all other mix proportions, including those containing banana fibres or lower basalt fibre content. This outcome highlights the potential of basalt fibres as a valuable reinforcement strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties of UHPC, particularly its flexural resistance and energy-dissipation capabilities.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: basalt fibre
  topic: keywords
subject: banana fibre
  topic: keywords
subject: ultra-high-performance-concrete
  topic: keywords
subject: mechanical properties
  topic: keywords
subject: fracture energy
  topic: keywords
creator: Ananthakumar Ayyadurai
creator: Saravanan Marudai Muthuchamy
creator: Dineshkumar Gopalakrishnan
creator: Maniarasan Settiannan Karuppannan
creator: Miyalvaganan Raju
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Ananthakumar Ayyadurai (Author); Saravanan Marudai Muthuchamy, Dineshkumar Gopalakrishnan, Maniarasan Settiannan Karuppannan; Miyalvaganan Raju (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-19
publication date: 2026-03-19
starting page: 75
ending page: 96
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.5

AI for pavement distress detection on lower-ranking roads: A bibliometric and systematic review
type: item
description: Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning have transformed pavement condition assessment by enabling faster, more consistent, and scalable detection of pavement distresses compared with traditional manual inspection. Although significant progress has been made in detecting cracks and other common defects, limited attention has been given to developing AI-based approaches tailored to the specific needs of lower-ranking roads, where potholes, ruts, manholes, and localised surface irregularities occur more frequently and present substantial safety concerns. This paper presents a combined bibliometric and systematic review of recent advances in AI-driven pavement distress detection, with emphasis on methods applicable to low-volume road networks. A structured search of Scopus and ScienceDirect resulted in 98 relevant peer-reviewed studies. The bibliometric analysis revealed a strong increase in research activity since 2018, with China, India, and the United States of America leading the number of published articles. You Only Look Once (YOLO)-based object detection algorithms dominate current approaches, supported by variants of convolutional neural networks and emerging multi-modal techniques that incorporate unmanned aerial vehicle imagery, three-dimensional (3D) scanning, or sensor fusion. Despite rapid development in AI-driven pavement distress detection, key challenges persist, including inconsistent ground-truthing, limited comparison between AI and human evaluators, lack of standardised benchmarking datasets, and the need for robust 3D data acquisition strategies for complex distresses on lower-ranking roads. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure reproducibility, comparability, and practical implementation of AI-based pavement inspection systems.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: YOLO
  topic: keywords
subject: review
  topic: keywords
subject: pavement
  topic: keywords
subject: pothole
  topic: keywords
subject: lower-ranking roads
  topic: keywords
creator: Martina Zagvozda
creator: Kristijan Ljutić
creator: Vjekoslav Janić
creator: Ivana Barišić
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Martina Zagvozda (Author); Kristijan Ljutić; Vjekoslav Janić (Author); Ivana Barišić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-18
publication date: 2026-04-18
starting page: 116
ending page: 136
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.7

Optimising lightweight concrete and bricks using expanded polystyrene beads and silica fume: a sustainable approach to construction materials
type: item
description: Construction components are in greater demand as a result of the rapid growth of the building sector. This study investigated the feasibility of using expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads in combination with silica fume to produce lightweight construction materials. The strength and weight properties were determined using different types of mixed samples consisting of bricks and concrete of the same grade. The results were compared with the standard samples and cast with EPS. EPS was used as a volumetric replacement of 0; 10; and 20 % of coarse and fine aggregate along with silica fume to increase the strength of concrete and bricks for the experiment. The results revealed that when using 10% and 20 % EPS, the unit weight of the concrete samples decreased by 9 and 16 %, whereas the compressive strength decreased by 25 and 43 %, respectively. For the bricks, the weight decreased by 10 and 19 %, whereas the strength decreased by 26 and 49 %, respectively. Cement was replaced with 7,5 and 12,5 % silica fume in various combinations with these EPS substitutes to mitigate the loss of strength. The results showed an increase in the strength of the EPS-mixed concrete increased by 9 % when pozzolanic material was used, and the strength of the brick increased by 6,5 % compared with normal samples. In the combined effectiveness analysis, the EPS used in bricks was more effective than in concrete samples. Therefore, based on the effectiveness analysis, EPS can be easily used in a moderate range of building materials.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Expanded polystyrene
  topic: keywords
subject: Silica fume
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable infrastructure
  topic: keywords
subject: concrete masonry brick
  topic: keywords
subject: lightweight
  topic: keywords
creator: Abu Shad
creator: Mehedi Hashan Riad
creator: Anwar Hossain
creator: Robiul Awall
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Abu Shad, Mehedi Hashan Riad; Anwar Hossain (Author); Robiul Awall https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-17
publication date: 2026-04-17
starting page: 97
ending page: 115
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.6

Review and experimental analysis of oxidative torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and rice husk in concrete
type: item
description: The growing global emphasis on sustainable, low-carbon energy has intensified interest in biomass as a renewable substitute for fossil fuels, with torrefaction emerging as an effective thermal pretreatment for enhancing fuel properties, particularly for co-firing in coal-based power plants. This study examines the oxidative torrefaction of three widely available lignocellulosic residues sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and rice husk processed at 200, 250, and 300 °C for 30 min under ambient air conditions to simulate oxidative environments. Fuel quality improvements and physicochemical transformations were assessed using proximate analysis, calorific value measurements, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that oxidative torrefaction significantly enhances biomass characteristics by increasing fixed carbon content, reducing moisture and volatile matter, and improving calorific value. Among the materials studied, sawdust exhibited the most pronounced enhancement, attaining a calorific value of 5941,53 kcal/kg and the highest carbon concentration, followed by sugarcane bagasse, while rice husk showed moderate improvement due to its higher ash and silica content. Overall, the findings demonstrate the suitability of torrefied biomass for integration into existing coal-fired systems, supporting emission reduction, cleaner energy generation, and alignment with India’s energy transition and carbon mitigation objectives.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: biomass
  topic: keywords
subject: co-firing
  topic: keywords
subject: rice husk
  topic: keywords
subject: sawdust
  topic: keywords
subject: sugarcane bagasse
  topic: keywords
creator: Saranya Nithiyanandan
creator: Ramaiah Prakash
creator: Vadivelu Navin Ganesh
creator: Shenbagaraman Panneerselvam
creator: Saraswathi Radhakrishnan
creator: Manoj Prabhakar
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Saranya Nithiyanandan (Author); Ramaiah Prakash, Vadivelu Navin Ganesh, Shenbagaraman Panneerselvam, Saraswathi Radhakrishnan, Manoj Prabhakar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-06-11
publication date: 2026-06-11
starting page: 170
ending page: 188
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.10

Review of concept and laboratory test methods of asphalt mixture rutting performance
type: item
description: Asphalt pavement is subjected to considerable recurring stresses that reduce its lifespan and impair its condition, mostly owing to repeated traffic loads and environmental factors, as well as construction quality. As the application of asphalt mixtures in paving roads has increased, asphalt mixture components have attracted interest as they are closely linked to its durability and performance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theory of permanent deformation (rutting formation) in asphalt pavements. Types and factors that influence rutting are also discussed. More importantly, laboratory tests are categorized into four fundamental concepts related to the permanent deformation, which aids in selecting the proper test for evaluation, each containing many assessment methods according to American and European practices to analyse the structural behaviour of pavements and changes in their properties over time, which results in significant rutting. Solutions to enhance resistance to rutting are discussed. The paper concludes that rutting is unavoidable when both high temperatures and frequent heavy loads are present. Geosynthetics are an effective approach to reducing permanent structural and non-structural deformation; they have demonstrated effectiveness in field applications, in contrast to methods primarily validated through laboratory testing.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: asphalt mixtures
  topic: keywords
subject: rutting
  topic: keywords
subject: permanent deformation
  topic: keywords
subject: geosynthetics
  topic: keywords
subject: asphalt cement
  topic: keywords
creator: Nadheer Albayati
creator: Mohammed Qadir Ismael
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nadheer Albayati (Author); Mohammed Qadir Ismael https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-11
publication date: 2026-03-11
starting page: 46
ending page: 74
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.4

Performance assessment of industrial waste-based mortar under elevated temperatures
type: item
description: The present study focuses on the effect of elevated temperatures i.e., 150, 300, and 450 °C on the mass and compressive strength of cement mortar consisting of industrial wastes such as plastic waste, micro silica, and ground granulated blast furnace slag. Plastic waste as a sand substitute and industrial by-products such as micro silica and ground granulated blast furnace slag as a cement substitute were used in the different mix proportions of cement mortar. The plastic waste with or without supplementary cementitious materials was used in the mortar mixes. The environmental assessment and performance index of different cement mortar mixes were evaluated and compared with the conventional mortar mix. Results showed that plastic waste, micro silica, and furnace slag enhanced the residual compressive strength, whereas the wastes reduced the mass of mortar specimens. It was concluded that the use of industrial waste up to a certain extent improved the performance of the mortar mixes. The circular economy and sustainable development are embodied in this approach by conserving natural resources, minimising waste, and maintaining acceptable performance characteristics.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: plastic waste
  topic: keywords
subject: industrial by-products
  topic: keywords
subject: residual compressive strength
  topic: keywords
subject: environmental assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: performance index
  topic: keywords
creator: Kiran Devi
creator: Nitin Lamba
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Kiran Devi (Author); Nitin Lamba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-02-26
publication date: 2026-02-26
starting page: 30
ending page: 45
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.3

Post-fire strengths and morphological properties of high-strength concrete reinforced with kenaf fibres
type: item
description: The high manufacturing cost of conventional fibres and the need for greener and more sustainable constructions necessitate the adoption of plant-based fibres in concrete. Previous research has shown that fibres remarkably influence the post-fire behaviour of concrete. Post-fire concrete strengths and micro-imageries are vital to the serviceability requirements of concrete. Therefore, this paper presents an experimental report on a 28-day cured kenaf fibrous high-strength concrete (KFHSC), heated from ambient temperature to 800 ºC at 100 ºC intervals, sustained for 1, 2, and 3 h, and tested after being cooled naturally to ambient temperature. The fibres were treated and examined through SEM to ascertain their interfacial properties. Test samples of concrete grade 60 were prepared using an optimum volume (0,75 %) and length (25 mm). The KFHSC's residual strength characteristics, weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and morphology were determined and compared with plain (unreinforced) high-strength concrete. The findings show that samples of both mixes degraded with an increase in temperature and exposure durations. However, kenaf fibre retrained crack extension at a lower temperature phase and through networks of channels within the matrices, reduced pore pressure build-up at a higher temperature phase and consequently lessened the explosive spalling of the heated concrete.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: biofibres
  topic: keywords
subject: kenaf fibre
  topic: keywords
subject: residual mechanical properties
  topic: keywords
subject: microstructures
  topic: keywords
subject: elevated temperature
  topic: keywords
creator: Oluwatobi Aluko
creator: Mariyana Abd Kadir
creator: Paul Awoyera
creator: Naraindas Bheel
creator: Jamaludin Yatim
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwatobi Aluko (Author); Mariyana Abd Kadir, Paul Awoyera, Naraindas Bheel, Jamaludin Yatim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-11-14
publication date: 2025-11-14
starting page: 201
ending page: 219
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.12

An approach to pullout resistance determination for wrap-around geotextiles in flood embankments
type: item
description: This study proposes an alternative verification procedure for assessing the pullout resistance of wrap-around geotextiles in flood embankments. The research does not aim to determine the design pullout resistance for practical engineering applications directly, but rather, to evaluate the geotextile pullout force within small-scale physical models intended for conceptual-level analysis. The approach addresses the limitations of standard numerical models in capturing the actual slope failure mechanism. It also accounts for the stabilising effect of geotextile wrapping, which is often insufficiently represented in conventional analyses. The proposed approach integrates physical experiments with analytical and numerical modelling. Small-scale embankment models subjected to seepage-induced hydraulic and slope stability failure were reinforced with wrap-around geotextiles of varying anchorage lengths and wrap-around heights along the downstream toe. The observed stability or failure of the physical models was used to evaluate the analytical formulation. The analytical model is based on a comparative calculation of hydrodynamic force and geotextile pullout force. The analytically derived pullout force was implemented in GeoStudio: SLOPE/W to assess the embankment stability. A comparative assessment of the physical, analytical, and numerical results showed good agreement, confirming the reliability of the proposed verification approach. The developed analytical model, validated through numerical simulations and experimental observations, represents a useful tool for the conceptual evaluation of embankment stability mechanisms.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: analytical model
  topic: keywords
subject: embankment
  topic: keywords
subject: geotextile
  topic: keywords
subject: numerical simulation
  topic: keywords
subject: physical experiment
  topic: keywords
subject: slope stability
  topic: keywords
creator: Željko Šreng
creator: Luka Juretić
creator: Krunoslav Minažek
creator: Goran Lončar
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Željko Šreng (Author); Luka Juretić, Krunoslav Minažek, Goran Lončar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-06-12
publication date: 2026-06-12
starting page: 189
ending page: 204
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.11

Implementation of a substructure method to analyse soil-structure interaction at an existing 10-storey reinforced concrete building
type: item
description: In earthquake-resistant design, structures are usually assumed to be fixed at their bases. Although in some cases this assumption may be realistic, in other cases it is neither reasonable nor conservative and the consequences can be significant. Many investigations of soil-structure interaction (SSI) in recent decades have been related to prototype frame buildings. On the other hand, relatively few investigations of SSI have considered existing structures and structures of mixed systems. This work investigates SSI in a 10-storey reinforced concrete structure built in the 1970s in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The building is part of Ohrid’s 3D seismic network and is instrumented in the soil profile, foundation structure and two storeys. Thus, it provides an ideal example to investigate SSI. The interface between the soil and the structure is substituted with springs to consider the flexibility of the connection between the soil and the structure. The results of the flexible base structure are provided in terms of the reduced demands (reduced response spectra and the elongation of fundamental vibration period) and these are compared with the fixed base counterparts. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of SSI effects in dual systems and provide valuable insights for more accurate seismic design practices incorporating SSI.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: soil-structure interaction
  topic: keywords
subject: RC structure
  topic: keywords
subject: flexible base
  topic: keywords
subject: fixed base
  topic: keywords
creator: Besar Abdiu
creator: Julijana Bojadjieva
creator: Aleksandra Bogdanovic
creator: Antonio Shoklarovski
creator: Kemal Edip
creator: Vlatko Sheshov
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Besar Abdiu, Julijana Bojadjieva, Aleksandra Bogdanovic, Antonio Shoklarovski, Kemal Edip, Vlatko Sheshov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
starting page: 220
ending page: 234
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.13

Synergistic effects of banana fibre and banana leaf ash on the strength and durability of eco-friendly concrete
type: item
description: The quest for sustainable construction materials is driving the exploration of agricultural by-products as eco-friendly alternatives in concrete production. This study investigates the combined effect of banana fibre (BF) and banana leaf ash (BLA), derived from the Musa spp. plant, on the mechanical and durability performance of concrete. BFs at percentages of 0,25 %, 0,50 %, and 0,70 % were used as natural reinforcement to improve tensile characteristics. BLA, which is rich in silica and other pozzolanic compounds, was utilized as a partial cement replacement at varying percentages of 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %. Experimental analysis included slump, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength tests over different curing periods. An optimal combination of BF and BLA enhanced the tensile properties and improved resistance to environmental degradation without significantly compromising compressive strength. The findings suggest that incorporating banana waste derivatives enhances concrete performance and contributes to a more sustainable and circular construction economy.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: supplementary cementitious material
  topic: keywords
subject: banana fibre
  topic: keywords
subject: banana leaf ash
  topic: keywords
subject: compressive strength
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainability
  topic: keywords
creator: Sivakumar Sankaralingam
creator: Srividhya Sundaresan
creator: Prakash Ramaiah
creator: Maheswari Elaiyalwar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Sivakumar Sankaralingam (Author); Srividhya Sundaresan, Prakash Ramaiah; Maheswari Elaiyalwar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-12-11
publication date: 2025-12-11
starting page: 252
ending page: 265
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.15

Field-based assessment and multilinear modelling of infiltration dynamics across heterogeneous zones
type: item
description: Accurate estimation of infiltration is critical for hydrological modelling, particularly in regions with heterogeneous physiographic conditions. Conventional field measurements, while reliable, are labour-intensive and spatially constrained, underscoring the need for robust predictive models. This study presents a multiple linear regression (MLR) framework for predicting infiltration rates across diverse terrains in Kerala, India, using both primary field measurements and secondary soil property data. Key infiltration influencing parameters percentage silt, clay, sand, bulk density, initial moisture content, and time were incorporated into the model, with logarithmic transformation applied to linearize the relationship. Model coefficients were derived using the least squares method in IBM SPSS, with statistical significance, multicollinearity, and overall adequacy assessed through variance inflation factor (VIF), coefficient of determination (R²), adjusted R², and standard error of estimate. Calibration was achieved by introducing an infiltration coefficient (K), determined from the ratio of field to predicted infiltration rates, with values ranging from 5,7 to 8,9 across locations. Validation using one-way ANOVA and R² analysis confirmed high predictive accuracy and model robustness. LOOCV sensitivity analysis identified time (T) as the most influential predictor, with soil texture parameters showing comparable effects. The developed MLR model provides a scalable, validated tool for infiltration estimation across varied physiographic conditions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: infiltration modelling
  topic: keywords
subject: sensitivity analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV)
  topic: keywords
creator: Sunith John David
creator: Abdu Rahiman
creator: Subha Vishnudas
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Sunith John David (Author); Abdu Rahiman, Subha Vishnudas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-12-15
publication date: 2025-12-15
starting page: 266
ending page: 282
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.16

Advanced metaheuristic optimization for reducing time and cost while enhancing quality in major projects
type: item
description: The management of large and complex construction projects, particularly the optimization of project completion time, cost, quality, and coordinated resource allocation, remains a critical challenge. This challenge becomes increasingly pronounced in projects characterized by numerous activities, strong temporal dependencies, and limited resources. The growing number of concurrent projects has intensified implementation delays, leading to increased construction costs, reduced quality, and, in extreme cases, economic infeasibility. This study proposes an efficient hybrid framework to investigate the factors influencing delay time, project cost, and quality. The results of reliability analysis showed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0,80 for the design and engineering phase (10 factors), 0,76 for the procurement phase (15 factors), and 0,59 for the construction phase (23 factors), confirming acceptable data reliability. A comparative analysis between the quantitative index method and a metaheuristic approach, namely an enhanced harmony search (HS) algorithm, was then conducted. The results demonstrate that the HS algorithm effectively balances the time-cost-quality trade-off, achieving notable reductions in project duration and total cost while maintaining the desired quality level. The proposed framework exhibits higher convergence stability and adaptability than conventional methods, highlighting its potential as a practical decision-support tool for data-driven and sustainable management of large-scale construction projects.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: performance metrics
  topic: keywords
subject: artificial intelligence optimization algorithms
  topic: keywords
subject: smart scheduling systems
  topic: keywords
subject: project cost efficiency
  topic: keywords
subject: performance enhancement
  topic: keywords
creator: Nima Hassanalipourifard
creator: Alireza Lork
creator: Babak Aminnejad
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nima Hassanalipourifard (Author); Alireza Lork, Babak Aminnejad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-25
publication date: 2026-05-25
starting page: 152
ending page: 169
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.9

Enhancing sandy soils of varying densities via microbially induced calcite precipitation
type: item
description: Interest in microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has grown due to the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient soil improvement methods. This study explored the potential of using Sporosarcina pasteurii to enhance the engineering properties of sandy soils with varying grain sizes and relative densities. Calcium carbonate precipitation induced by bacterial activity was assessed under different bacterial concentrations (10⁷, 10⁸, and 10⁹ cells/mL) and temperatures (16 °C, 30 °C, and 45 °C). The improvements were evaluated using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and microstructural analyses using SEM, EDS, and XRD techniques. The results indicated that MICP significantly increased soil strength, with the highest UCS values observed for medium and coarse sands under optimal conditions. Fine sand exhibited limited improvement owing to lower permeability, which hindered bacterial distribution. SEM and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of calcium carbonate polymorphs, such as calcite and vaterite, enhancing intergranular bonding. The optimal conditions for bacterial activity and calcium carbonate precipitation were a concentration of 10⁹ cells/mL and temperatures of 30 °C for fine sand and 45 °C for coarse sand. This research underscores the potential of MICP as a sustainable soil stabilisation technique while highlighting challenges in bacterial distribution and bonding across different sand types.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: microbially induced calcite precipitation
  topic: keywords
subject: sand
  topic: keywords
subject: soil improvement
  topic: keywords
subject: sporosarcina pasteurii
  topic: keywords
creator: Kağan Eryürük
creator: Yavuz Yenginar
creator: İlyas Özkan
creator: Hatice Türk Dağı
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Kağan Eryürük (Author); Yavuz Yenginar, İlyas Özkan, Hatice Türk Dağı https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-10-29
publication date: 2025-10-29
starting page: 165
ending page: 179
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.10

Evaluation of noise control in industrial buildings through simulations
type: item
description: The most common detrimental effect of noise among workers in industrial facilities is permanent hearing loss. In the literature review, it was found that the combined effect of increasing the total sound absorption and noise barriers on noise control in industrial buildings has not been analysed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the combined effect of these parameters depending on the total sound absorption in the volume, noise barrier and the total absorption of the noise barrier in industrial buildings by comparing the noise reduction levels through acoustic measurements and acoustic simulation results in an existing industrial facility and to provide information that will enable the production of guiding information and method development on the design and applications of related areas. Within the scope of the method applied in the study, acoustic measurements were made in the relevant industrial building and scenarios developed for the industrial building were modelled in computer environment. The results of the study show through tables, graphs and noise maps that it is necessary to develop optimum solutions by analysing the combined effect of these parameters depending on the total sound absorption, the noise barrier and the total sound absorption of the noise barrier.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: acoustic simulation
  topic: keywords
subject: industrial noise
  topic: keywords
subject: noise maps
  topic: keywords
subject: noise barriers
  topic: keywords
subject: noise control
  topic: keywords
creator: Okan Şimşek
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Okan Şimşek (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-11
publication date: 2025-09-11
starting page: 67
ending page: 82
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.5

Balancing aesthetic diversity and functional efficiency to enhance building performance and user satisfaction
type: item
description: This paper investigates on the aesthetic values that were employed during residential, commercial and administrative building by comparing statistical data. Findings show that diversity is always one of the most significant aesthetical values, but its comparative significance depends on the type of building. Diversity has a mean score of 4,15 with an importance rating of 83 % in residential buildings, and then rhythm (4,05), harmony (4,01) and contrast (3,98). Complexity gets a lowest score (3,12), and unity, balance, and proportionality are in a moderate range (3,45-3,65). Diversity is once more the most valued in commercial buildings having a mean score of 4,42 and an importance rating of 88,40 %. Balance is also high (4,10), and the values of unity (3,65), rhythm and contrast (3,80) are medium. Complexity is the least desirable element (3,20), and this is in line with a tendency to adopt simple design. In case of administrative buildings, the most stressed values are proportionality (4,15; 83,00 %), and diversity, as well as ratio (3,44; 68,80 %). Balance (3,88) is also appreciated whereas complexity (3,35), harmony, (3,40), and rhythm (3,38) are viewed as mediocre. These results can help architects to be practical in the integration of aesthetic strategies to the intended purpose of a building.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: architectural aesthetics
  topic: keywords
subject: building functionality
  topic: keywords
subject: aesthetic values
  topic: keywords
subject: function-design relationship
  topic: keywords
subject: measurement of beauty
  topic: keywords
creator: Nidaa Nuaman Mageed
creator: Riyadh Alsultani
creator: Mohammed Kareem Sameer
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nidaa Nuaman Mageed; Riyadh Alsultani (Author); Mohammed Kareem Sameer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-01-09
publication date: 2026-01-09
starting page: 16
ending page: 29
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.2

Interaction of root pattern with tropical residual soil in bio-anchorage system for slope stabilization
type: item
description: The primary objectives of this study were to quantify how Eugenia Oleina (with H-type root architecture) improves slope stability in tropical residual soils and to assess the factors controlling this bio-anchorage effect. Laboratory tests measured soil shear strength (cohesion c′ and friction angle ϕ′) and root tensile properties, and a numerical slope analysis (finite element method) evaluated Factor of Safety (FOS) with and without vegetation under various rainfall scenarios. Results showed that planting E. Oleina increased shear strength: cohesion rose by 8-13 kPa and friction angle by 5-8° compared to unrooted soil, yielding higher FOS values. Root pull-out tests revealed that thinner E. Oleina roots exhibited higher tensile strength than thicker ones, consistent with a power-law trend. Specifically, mature E. Oleina roots (age > 10 yrs) attained tensile strengths 50 MPa, about 2,5 times higher than comparable M-type roots under dry conditions. However, in fully saturated soils, pull-out strength dropped by 33 %, illustrating moisture sensitivity. Finite element analysis confirmed the experimental findings: vegetation consistently improved slope stability (higher FOS) across rainfall conditions, although heavy rainfall (100 % saturation) reduced the FOS relative to moderate rain. These findings have practical implications: E. Oleina (an H-type species) is most effective on slopes up to 20° and 3,5 m high, especially in regions with intense rainfall, where its extensive horizontal roots can bind the soil surface. Guidelines are provided for implementing E. Oleina in bioengineering. The combined experimental and numerical results demonstrate E. Oleina’s value as a sustainable slope reinforcement strategy in tropical residual soils.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: bio-anchorage system
  topic: keywords
subject: direct shear box test
  topic: keywords
subject: root tensile strength
  topic: keywords
subject: slope stability
  topic: keywords
subject: tropical residual soil
  topic: keywords
creator: Kuraisha Kambali
creator: Youventharan Duraisamy
creator: Rokiah Othman
creator: Mohd Arif Sulaiman
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Kuraisha Kambali; Youventharan Duraisamy (Author); Rokiah Othman, Mohd Arif Sulaiman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-01-05
publication date: 2026-01-05
starting page: 1
ending page: 15
doi: 10.13167/2026.32.1

Effectiveness of geopolymer-treated soil plasticity characteristics: A road pavement material
type: item
description: High- and low-expansivity are common in all expansive soils. Most roads are constructed on high- and low-plastic soils that can be enhanced by means of fly ash-based geopolymer, a “green cement”. This paper describes the effectiveness of fly ash-based geopolymer for construction of road subgrade through laboratory experimentation, considering free swell behaviour, shrinkage behaviour, unconfined compression test, California bearing ratio, and resilient modulus. The effectiveness and feasibility of the material were characterized in terms of reduction in swelling and shrinkage and improvement in strength behaviour of soil mass. The optimized fly ash and geopolymer mixes were noted at 25 %, as observed through the microstructural analysis of soil samples. Soil plasticity plays an important role, governing the strength of soil. Low-plastic soil shows high mechanical strength compared to high-plastic soil. Fly ash geopolymer-treated soil material was found to be more suitable for construction of the sub-grade or sub-base layer of flexible pavement, help to reduce conventional stabilizer, and lead to a sustainable solution.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: green cement
  topic: keywords
subject: high plastic
  topic: keywords
subject: low plastic
  topic: keywords
subject: fly ash
  topic: keywords
subject: geopolymer
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable solution
  topic: keywords
subject: road pavement
  topic: keywords
creator: Sagar Dattatray Turkane
creator: Sandeep Kumar Chouksey
creator: Sachin Madhav Gunjal
creator: Anurag Sharma
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Sagar Dattatray Turkane (Author); Sandeep Kumar Chouksey, Sachin Madhav Gunjal, Anurag Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
starting page: 111
ending page: 129
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.7

Comparative study on predicting the compressive strength of oven-cured fly ash and slag-based geopolymer concrete using soft computing techniques
type: item
description: Sustainable concrete is created using waste materials and contributes to environmental conservation. In this study, fly ash and slag were key ingredients for this sustainable concrete. The focus was on constructing a predictive model using various input variables. To achieve this, machine learning techniques were employed: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and long short-term memory (LSTM). These algorithms were used to predict the properties of structural concrete produced from fly ash and slag. The predictive model was precisely trained and tested using experimental data. The assessment of model performance involved a comparative analysis based on two metrics: the coefficient of determination score and root mean square error. The coefficient of determination values for the RF, SVM, and LSTM were 0,8439; 0,8668; and 0,8694; respectively. The root mean square error values were 4,0318; 3,9692; and 3,6921 for RF, SVM, and LSTM, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that the LSTM model outperformed both the RF and SVM models. This suggests that the LSTM algorithm is particularly suitable for capturing complex patterns and relationships within the data, making it well-suited for predicting the properties of sustainable concrete based on fly ash and slag.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: fly ash
  topic: keywords
subject: granulated blast-furnace slag
  topic: keywords
subject: structural concrete
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
subject: compressive strength
  topic: keywords
creator: Pramod Kumar
creator: Sanjay Sharma
creator: Bheem Pratap
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Pramod Kumar (Author); Sanjay Sharma; Bheem Pratap (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-10-24
publication date: 2025-10-24
starting page: 146
ending page: 164
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.9

Nonlinear analysis of an RC frame structure considering the effects of embedment on soil–structure interaction
type: item
description: The interaction between soil and structure, which merges geotechnical and structural engineering, plays a crucial role in seismic regions. Traditional structural design often assumes that buildings are fixed at their foundations, neglecting the influence of local soil conditions. However, accounting for soil–structure interaction (SSI) indicates greater structural flexibility, modified dynamic behaviour, and variations in the intensity and distribution of earthquake forces. These influences are especially notable in soft or moderately stiff soils, where foundation flexibility may cause increases or decreases in seismic demand. To account for these influences, American pre-codes provide detailed guidelines for incorporating SSI into structural analyses. In this study, these guidelines were applied in both nonlinear static (push-over) and nonlinear dynamic (time-history) analyses of a six-storey reinforced concrete frame structure. The analyses considered two different soil types, B and C, which were classified according to Eurocode 8, to evaluate the effect of different soil rigidity on structural behaviour. The findings, with a focus on kinematic interaction, highlighted how foundation embedment influences seismic behaviour. The results showed notable deformations in storey displacements and inter-storey drifts, as well as the formation of plastic hinges, indicating nonlinear response mechanisms. Reduced capacity curves under lower seismic forces confirmed the influence of SSI. This study underscores the necessity of incorporating SSI effects to improve seismic design accuracy and enhance the prediction of structural behaviour during earthquakes.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: soil–structure interaction
  topic: keywords
subject: kinematic interaction
  topic: keywords
subject: period lengthening
  topic: keywords
subject: push-over analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: time-history analysis
  topic: keywords
creator: Nikola Petrov
creator: Julijana Bojadjieva
creator: Jordan Bojadjiev
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Nikola Petrov (Author); Julijana Bojadjieva, Jordan Bojadjiev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-12-03
publication date: 2025-12-03
starting page: 235
ending page: 251
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.14

Development and performance evaluation of heat-resistant concrete under varying temperature conditions
type: item
description: In industries where thermal endurance is critical, such as metallurgy, power generation, and construction, heat-resistant concrete (HRC) represents a specialised form of concrete engineered for high-temperature applications and thermal cycling. Traditional concrete, when exposed to elevated temperatures, undergoes significant morphological and chemical transformations that lead to disintegration and a reduction in mechanical strength, as the thermal, mechanical, and deformation properties of concrete govern the response of structural elements to fire exposure. In this investigation, three distinct concrete mix designs were prepared and subjected to controlled heating, and their compressive strengths were evaluated against those of the control concrete to assess performance under thermal stress. The study also examined the composition, characteristics, and potential applications of HRC by exploring the use of various binders, additives, and aggregates aimed at enhancing thermal stability. Basalt aggregates, combined with high-temperature-resistant binders such as Portland slag cement, were employed as primary constituents. The results demonstrated that concrete containing basalt aggregates exhibited superior thermal performance compared with natural aggregates, with a binder content of 420 kg/m³ showing optimal strength retention across all curing and heating conditions. Consequently, the investigation confirmed the applicability of HRC for industrial construction environments exposed to high temperatures of 105, 350, and 700 °C.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: elevated temperature
  topic: keywords
subject: properties
  topic: keywords
subject: basalt aggregate
  topic: keywords
subject: Portland slag cement
  topic: keywords
subject: compressive strength
  topic: keywords
creator: Tejas Joshi
creator: Urmil Dave
creator: Sonal Thakkar
creator: Abhishek Chanda
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Tejas Joshi (Author); Urmil Dave, Sonal Thakkar, Abhishek Chanda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-12-22
publication date: 2025-12-22
starting page: 300
ending page: 319
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.18

An approach towards achieving net-zero-carbon concrete
type: item
description: Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The construction industry is a main contributor to carbon dioxide emissions worldwide and must make conscious efforts towards becoming a green industry by using materials that are better for the environment. This study investigated innovative approaches to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in concrete production by replacing traditional Portland cement and paving the way to achieving net-zero-carbon concrete. Geopolymer mixes were evaluated as cement alternatives. In addition, alternative partial replacements for cement like ground granulated blast furnace slag, alongside the incorporation of various admixtures such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and biochar, were tested. Tests were conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, durability, and carbon dioxide emissions. Comparisons to conventional Portland cement concrete were performed to quantify the environmental benefits of the developed concrete mixtures. The full replacement using a geopolymer was a significant step towards net-zero carbon emissions. It yielded higher strength and durability than the ordinary Portland cement concrete. The geopolymer concrete showed promising results with no curing and better results after 1 day of heat curing, which set this material steps ahead of other alternatives. Alongside the admixtures, the studied concrete model maintained the characteristics needed for structural concrete while reducing the contribution to the carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere and providing greater strength. The use of admixtures like titanium dioxide and biochar effectively enhanced geopolymer concrete while increasing its carbon dioxide absorption.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: portland cement concrete
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: net-zero-carbon concrete
  topic: keywords
subject: geopolymer
  topic: keywords
subject: GGBS
  topic: keywords
subject: titanium dioxide
  topic: keywords
subject: zinc oxide
  topic: keywords
subject: biochar
  topic: keywords
creator: Abdelrahman El Bialy
creator: Aly Farouk
creator: Fady Khalaf
creator: George Saad
creator: Mira Zaki
creator: Yahia Khaled
creator: Donia Eldwib
creator: Tamer Breakah
creator: Mohamed Abou-Zeid
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Abdelrahman El Bialy, Aly Farouk, Fady Khalaf, George Saad, Mira Zaki, Yahia Khaled, Donia Eldwib, Tamer Breakah, Mohamed Abou-Zeid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-10-31
publication date: 2025-10-31
starting page: 180
ending page: 200
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.11

Assessment of building envelope thermal insulation and indoor air temperature
type: item
description: This study investigated the impact of thermal insulation placement, type and thickness on indoor air temperature (IAT), energy performance and electricity costs for a residential villa in the hot-humid climate of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A baseline EnergyPlus model, validated against measured data from Riyadh, revealed that without insulation, IAT exceeded American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) comfort limits for 93 % of the year. Simulations of five common insulation types, including board, batt, cellular glass, fibreglass and polyurethane, demonstrated that exterior placement consistently outperformed interior installation by reducing heat transfer and infiltration. Polyurethane delivered the highest performance, achieving up to a 40,2 % reduction in annual energy use at 100 mm thickness, with diminishing returns beyond 75-100 mm. A floor-level analysis revealed that upper floors with exposed roofs required thicker insulation to counteract solar gains, whereas lower floors performed optimally with thinner layers in humid conditions. An economic analysis based on Saudi Arabia’s residential tariff structure demonstrated lifetime savings exceeding USD 79.760,00 over 20 years for top-performing configurations. The findings underscore the importance of climate- and building-specific insulation strategies to optimise both thermal comfort and long-term economic returns.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: EnergyPlus modelling
  topic: keywords
subject: energy performance
  topic: keywords
subject: thermal insulation
  topic: keywords
subject: indoor air temperature
  topic: keywords
subject: sensitivity analysis
  topic: keywords
creator: Azzam Alosaimi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Azzam Alosaimi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-17
publication date: 2025-09-17
starting page: 83
ending page: 110
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.6

Comparison of the New Drought Index with various well-known drought indices
type: item
description: This article introduces the New Drought Index (NDI) to a wide scientific and professional society. This index, relatively simple to apply, was published by Bonacci et al. in Croatia in 2022 and international journals in 2023. Thus far, it has been tested in many countries on four continents. The main strength of NDI is that it uses only two parameters: precipitation and air temperature for a certain time period (month, season, or year). In this research, NDI was tested on a monthly basis for two Croatian regions, continental (meteorological station Donji Miholjac) and coastal region (meteorological station Split). The results were compared with those of drought severity obtained using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), and Aridity Index (AI). The period of analysis was between 1981 and 2022. The best correlation was between both regions' NDI and SPEI (> 0,7).
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: New Drought Index
  topic: keywords
subject: Standardized Precipitation Index
  topic: keywords
subject: Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index
  topic: keywords
subject: Rainfall Anomaly Index;
  topic: keywords
subject: Aridity Index
  topic: keywords
creator: Lidija Tadić
creator: Tamara Brleković
creator: Marija Antolović
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Lidija Tadić (Author); Tamara Brleković, Marija Antolović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-03
publication date: 2025-09-03
starting page: 31
ending page: 43
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.3

A capacity-based design process for earthquake-resistant steel frames
type: item
description: Capacity-based design ensures that the structure collapses according to a desired scenario in the event of a large earthquake to minimise loss of life. This design approach has been widely researched and incorporated into some building codes. However, current methods still have limitations, leading to potential uncontrolled collapses in certain scenarios. Many researchers have worked to address these shortcomings, but existing procedures remain complex and challenging to apply in practice. This paper introduces a new design method that focuses on optimising structures beyond the elastic range. First, the frame is calculated for optimal plasticity according to the earthquake load to determine the plastic moments. These plastic moments are used to redesign the cross-sections of beams and columns. The beam cross-section is designed according to the calculated plastic moments. Meanwhile, the moment value for designing the column cross-section is equal to the calculated plastic moment value multiplied by a factor > 1. The results show that the steel frames designed using the proposed method attain a global collapse mechanism. Additionally, the ductile behaviour of the frames has been controlled. A 3-story, 1-span 2D frame and a 6-story, 3-span 2D frame are analysed using this capacity design approach to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed procedure and compared with other methods.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: plastic design
  topic: keywords
subject: capacity design
  topic: keywords
subject: steel frames
  topic: keywords
subject: seismic behaviour
  topic: keywords
subject: global ductility
  topic: keywords
subject: optimisation
  topic: keywords
creator: Trong Kien Nguyen
creator: Ngoc Long Tran
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Trong Kien Nguyen (Author); Ngoc Long Tran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-12-22
publication date: 2025-12-22
starting page: 283
ending page: 299
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.17

Strength improvement of M20 concrete using acid treated recycled coarse aggregate with fly ash
type: item
description: Concrete, recognized for its strength and durability, poses significant environmental challenges due to natural aggregate depletion and emissions from cement production. This study investigates the potential of Recycled Coarse Aggregate (RCA) as a sustainable alternative to Natural Coarse Aggregate (NCA) and examines the synergistic effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) treatment and fly ash incorporation on the performance of M20 grade concrete. Findings reveal that RCA can effectively replace NCA without compromising mechanical properties; however, acid treatment enhances RCA's bond with the cement matrix, leading to improved strength and durability. Furthermore, optimal mixes achieve a 25,7 % reduction in cement content when incorporating HCl with 25 % fly ash, alongside minor reductions in coarse and fine aggregates. Experimental results show that NCA achieves the highest compressive strength of 30,7 MPa, while untreated RCA shows a strength of 25,4 MPa. With HCl treatment, RCA reaches 30,0 MPa, and the optimal mix of 1,25 M HCl and 25 % fly ash yields the best performance at 32,6 MPa due to enhanced pozzolanic effects. This research emphasizes the importance of optimizing concrete mix designs through innovative treatments and sustainable materials, contributing to environmentally friendly construction practices.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: acid treatment
  topic: keywords
subject: compressive strength
  topic: keywords
subject: concrete durability
  topic: keywords
subject: fly ash
  topic: keywords
subject: recycled coarse aggregate
  topic: keywords
subject: strength improvement
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable construction
  topic: keywords
creator: Gopinath Balasubramani
creator: Meyyappan Palaniappan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Gopinath Balasubramani, Meyyappan Palaniappan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2025-09-05
publication date: 2025-09-05
starting page: 44
ending page: 66
doi: 10.13167/2025.31.4