Advances in Civil and Architectural Engineering
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 architecture. Papers are published only in English and in the Journal's two issues per year. Publisher of the Journal is Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia. The Journal is supported by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education. Papers are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 3, Osijek, Croatia
Influence of waste PET fibres on mechanical and durability properties of polyester concrete for tension members
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Humaira Kanwal (Author); Ziping Wang, Wenfeng Hao, Kamran Javed, Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Ahsan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mechanical properties and flexural behaviour evaluation of ultra-high-performance concrete using hybrid natural fibres
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ananthakumar Ayyadurai (Author); Saravanan Marudai Muthuchamy, Dineshkumar Gopalakrishnan, Maniarasan Settiannan Karuppannan; Miyalvaganan Raju (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI for pavement distress detection on lower-ranking roads: A bibliometric and systematic review
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Martina Zagvozda (Author); Kristijan Ljutić; Vjekoslav Janić (Author); Ivana Barišić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimising lightweight concrete and bricks using expanded polystyrene beads and silica fume: a sustainable approach to construction materials
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abu Shad, Mehedi Hashan Riad; Anwar Hossain (Author); Robiul Awall https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Review of concept and laboratory test methods of asphalt mixture rutting performance
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nadheer Albayati (Author); Mohammed Qadir Ismael https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Performance assessment of industrial waste-based mortar under elevated temperatures
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kiran Devi (Author); Nitin Lamba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Post-fire strengths and morphological properties of high-strength concrete reinforced with kenaf fibres
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwatobi Aluko (Author); Mariyana Abd Kadir, Paul Awoyera, Naraindas Bheel, Jamaludin Yatim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Implementation of a substructure method to analyse soil-structure interaction at an existing 10-storey reinforced concrete building
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Besar Abdiu, Julijana Bojadjieva, Aleksandra Bogdanovic, Antonio Shoklarovski, Kemal Edip, Vlatko Sheshov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synergistic effects of banana fibre and banana leaf ash on the strength and durability of eco-friendly concrete
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sivakumar Sankaralingam (Author); Srividhya Sundaresan, Prakash Ramaiah; Maheswari Elaiyalwar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Field-based assessment and multilinear modelling of infiltration dynamics across heterogeneous zones
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sunith John David (Author); Abdu Rahiman, Subha Vishnudas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Advanced metaheuristic optimization for reducing time and cost while enhancing quality in major projects
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.
artificial intelligence optimization algorithms
Copyright (c) 2026 Nima Hassanalipourifard (Author); Alireza Lork, Babak Aminnejad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing sandy soils of varying densities via microbially induced calcite precipitation
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.
microbially induced calcite precipitation
Copyright (c) 2025 Kağan Eryürük (Author); Yavuz Yenginar, İlyas Özkan, Hatice Türk Dağı https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of noise control in industrial buildings through simulations
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Okan Şimşek (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Balancing aesthetic diversity and functional efficiency to enhance building performance and user satisfaction
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nidaa Nuaman Mageed; Riyadh Alsultani (Author); Mohammed Kareem Sameer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interaction of root pattern with tropical residual soil in bio-anchorage system for slope stabilization
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kuraisha Kambali; Youventharan Duraisamy (Author); Rokiah Othman, Mohd Arif Sulaiman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effectiveness of geopolymer-treated soil plasticity characteristics: A road pavement material
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sagar Dattatray Turkane (Author); Sandeep Kumar Chouksey, Sachin Madhav Gunjal, Anurag Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative study on predicting the compressive strength of oven-cured fly ash and slag-based geopolymer concrete using soft computing techniques
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pramod Kumar (Author); Sanjay Sharma; Bheem Pratap (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nonlinear analysis of an RC frame structure considering the effects of embedment on soil–structure interaction
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nikola Petrov (Author); Julijana Bojadjieva, Jordan Bojadjiev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development and performance evaluation of heat-resistant concrete under varying temperature conditions
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tejas Joshi (Author); Urmil Dave, Sonal Thakkar, Abhishek Chanda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An approach towards achieving net-zero-carbon concrete
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.
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
Assessment of building envelope thermal insulation and indoor air temperature
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Azzam Alosaimi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison of the New Drought Index with various well-known drought indices
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).
Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index
Copyright (c) 2025 Lidija Tadić (Author); Tamara Brleković, Marija Antolović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A capacity-based design process for earthquake-resistant steel frames
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Trong Kien Nguyen (Author); Ngoc Long Tran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strength improvement of M20 concrete using acid treated recycled coarse aggregate with fly ash
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gopinath Balasubramani, Meyyappan Palaniappan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of varying soil conditions on soil-structure interaction in berthing structures: A case study using modelling approach
The substructure of a berthing structure with a deep draft presents significant financial challenges. This research offers valuable perspectives on minimizing substructure expenses for a berthing structure by leveraging the Indian Standard (IS) code for deep draft berthing structures in the early project phase for the prompt creation of the bill of quantities. The focus is on achieving efficient results, while adhering to the IS approach, thus avoiding time-consuming analyses. Different analyses of soil-structure interaction, including those based on the Indian Standard (IS) code, Fixity method, linear analysis, and non-linear analysis approaches were conducted utilising actual field soil parameters. Three distinct sites, predominantly comprised of sand (Chennai port), clay (Cochin port), and rock (Bhavanapadu port) were chosen for conducting optimised analyses. The analysis methodology involved creating four models for each site, along with IS Standard theoretical approaches. The models of the berthing structures were developed using STAAD Pro software, with detailed load calculations incorporated into the analysis. Results were presented as percentage variations in bending moments, shear force, and deflection obtained by different methods, revealing that the IS approach is comparatively non-conservative.
Copyright (c) 2025 Namratha Sasikumar (Author); Ilamainathan Natarajan, Joanna Philip Saratha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A simple triangular finite element model for analysing the linear static behaviour of thick sandwich plates with equivalent material properties
This study presents a simple triangular finite element model for analysing the linear static behaviour of thick sandwich plates. What sets this work apart is its unique combination of the deformation approach with Airy’s function and analytic integration. The triangular plate finite element (TPFE) model using the Airy function consists of three nodes, each with three degrees of freedom: one transverse displacement and two rotations. Interpolation functions for strain, displacements, and stresses are derived using equilibrium conditions. The selection of bi-harmonic polynomial functions is based on the evolution of the Airy solutions. The basic stiffness matrix is evaluated using the variational principle and analytical integration approach. Additionally, the equivalent material properties for a sandwich plate are obtained using a simple mathematical formula. The numerical results are evaluated and validated using analytical and numerical solutions. The comparison demonstrates the efficiency and accuracy of the TPFE element. Furthermore, the study presents the effects of geometrical parameters, such as thickness configurations and length-to-thickness ratios, as well as end-boundary and load conditions, on the deflection behaviour of the sandwich plates.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hichem Belaid, Hassina Ziou; Mohammed Himeur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of environmentally friendly fibre reinforced concrete using agricultural byproduct as a cement substitute to reduce the ecological footprint of cement
One of the most common types of waste produced by the agriculture sector all over the world is coconut shells. However, cement manufacturing in the construction industry is responsible for billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This study investigated the feasibility of using coconut shell ash (CSA) as a cement substitute in concrete manufacturing to mitigate the aforementioned agro waste disposal issue and the environmental consequences of the expanding construction sector. In addition, treated and untreated coconut fibers were used as reinforcements in concrete. The CSA proportions in the blend designs used in the investigation varied from 0-20 % at 5 % increments, while the coconut fiber reinforcements varied from 0-1 % at 0,25 % increments. Tests were performed on both fresh and hardened concrete, including slump tests and mechanical property evaluations after 28 days of curing. The results indicated that adding more than 10% coconut shell ash decreased the workability and compressive strength of the concrete when compared to conventional mixes. At 28 days of curing, the compressive strengths of concrete mixes with 5, 10, 15 and 20 % replacement levels were 29,50; 26,50; 24,80; and 22,67 MPa, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elaiyawar Maheswari; Sundaresan Suresh Babu, Pitchaipillai Neelamegam, Rajendran Karthick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physical and numerical modelling of a geotextile influence on embankment stability
This study evaluates the impact of geotextile installation on the stability of a sand embankment under the influence of water seepage. For the embankment, uniform river sand was used from the lower course of the Drava River, while a non-woven geotextile, commonly used in hydraulic engineering works was selected. Five physical models at a reduced scale were built in the HM 169 apparatus, where the geotextile was installed in different configurations. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different geotextile configurations on the stability of embankment slopes. The models exhibited different behaviours under seepage influence, ranging from very rapid failure in the case where no geotextile was present in the embankment, gradual failure with the application of geotextile without wrapping, to stability without change when geotextile was wrapped. The behaviour observed in the physical models was then simulated with numerical models using GeoStudio software. The goal of the numerical analyses was to determine an appropriate method to define slip surfaces and identify a suitable method to account for the influence of geotextile. The positive influence of the geotextile on stability was considered using various methods implemented in GeoStudio software: 1. as a standard reinforcement element, 2. by simulating a positive contribution of the geotextile with external forces (continuous load). The standard reinforcement element did not yield satisfactory results due to the position of the geotextile relative to the predefined critical slip surface. As the geotextile wrapped around the downstream slope, continuous load proved to be a better option for simulating its effect.
Copyright (c) 2025 Željko Šreng; Krunoslav Minažek, Marin Grubišić, Marina Jelović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating the feasibility of utilising bagasse ash and reclaimed asphalt pavement dust in geopolymer mortar
Geopolymers offer a sustainable alternative by reducing environmental impacts while fulfilling construction needs. Their eco-friendly properties and performance contribute to lower CO2 emissions and minimise landfill waste through recycling. This study investigates the properties of geopolymer mortar incorporating bagasse ash (BA) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) dust as binders in varying percentage ratios of 0; 35; 65 and 100. An activation system consisting of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in ratios of 1,0; 1,5; and 2,0 with a NaOH concentration of 10 M were tested to explore the polymerisation process. A dataset of 331 samples was created for use with machine learning algorithms and served as a benchmark to compare lab-tested compressive strength. Regression analysis using random forest, gradient boost, and extreme gradient boost regressors identified the range of the R² value from 0,57-0,73, MAE from 7,55-23,56 , and MSE from 123,45-583,75. The compressive strength (CS) of different mix designs was tested, ranging from 3,05-27,05 MPa after 28 days of testing. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated minor weight loss at specific temperature ranges, with more significant loss afterwards. Post-exposure to 1000 °C, a variation in compressive strength was noted owing to mortar matrix decomposition. The microstructural analysis identified the formation of C-A-S-H, N-A-S-H, C-S-H, and key crystallographic phases. This study provides valuable insights into optimising mixtures for targeted properties while facilitating large-scale landfill waste recovery, reducing environmental hazards, and replacing cement-based mortar, thereby contributing to sustainable construction practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sajan Sharma; Shailja Bawa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of safety accidental factors on safety performance for high-rise building projects: EFA-SEM approach
High-rise building projects face a significant problem with safety mishaps due to insufficient safety performance. This study aims to examine the factors that contribute to safety performance in high-rise building projects by utilising a combined approach of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). A total of 400 questionnaires were disseminated and as a result, 285 valid replies were obtained, indicating a response rate of 71 %. In order to accomplish the objective of this research study, EFA was used to identify eight safety-related factors that impact the safety performance of high-rise building projects. The results indicated that the factor F8 (mishandling construction material) was eliminated from the final structural equation model because it did not have an adequate statistically significant value. The final structural equation model passed the goodness-of-fit tests and hypothesis testing, indicating the model's validity. Consequently, using EFA and SEM methodologies offers a framework for future researchers to accomplish specific goals in the construction sector and enhance safety management in high-rise building projects. The study's findings will serve as a foundation for numerous industry players to mitigate hazardous situations and enhance the efficiency of high-rise building projects via the application of safety management concepts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bilal Manzoor ; Idris Othman ; Abdul Hannan Qureshi; Nicholas Chileshe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0