Emerging Technologies and Engineering Journal

Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Openings: A Review

Omer Mahmood Haji Ahmed, Wrya Abdullah — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This paper reviews the effects of openings in reinforced concrete (RC) beams and their effects on the RC beams' ability to bear loads. RC beams may have openings due to the advancement of construction techniques and the rise of supplies and requirements during construction. The paper reviews the effects of opening sizes, locations, and shapes on the behavior of RC beams. It is found that the openings weaken the beam's overall resistance. Also, the openings in the shear zones have a bigger impact than the bending zones, making the beam more brittle during failure. Additionally, regarding the members’ overall energy loss, circular openings are preferable over rectangular and square openings. It is also found that the beam's opening results in shorter chord distances; therefore, rectangular openings work better horizontally than vertically to maintain a balance between compression and tension zones in the beam. Finally, the size of the openings inversely affects the strength and behavior of the RC beams.

Factors Associated with Human-Controlled Motor Vehicle Fatal Crashes in Urban Area Using Fatality Ratio

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) remain a significant public health concern worldwide. This study analysed motor vehicle crashes in Tema-Ghana, focusing on factors associated with fatal crashes. Data extracted from road crash reports of the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) of Ghana from 2017-2020 were used. In total, 925 reports were found appropriate for the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and cross-tabulation analyses were conducted. The fatality ratio was further developed to investigate factors more likely to cause fatal crashes. The results showed that, in general, age, wrong overtaking, speeding, failure to yield right of way, and crash location had a statistically significant relationship with fatality. Furthermore, teenagers, unlicensed drivers, wrong overtaking, speeding, outside intersection areas, and uncontrolled intersections were factors that contributed to fatal crashes within the urban area. It was also found that males were more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than females. Several measures are outlined to address road crashes and fatality issues within urban areas.

Compliance of Cement Concrete Produced Based on Previous Prepared Job-Mix Formula: Case Study

Nadheer Albayati — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The primary focus of construction is on concrete quality control to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards and fulfill its intended purpose. This study investigates the compliance of compressive strength requirements for Portland cement concrete used to manufacture precast New Jersey barriers, based on a previously prepared job-mix formula. The methodology involved selecting 90 cube specimens (150×150×150 mm) and testing them by applying compressive pressure after 28 days of curing. The evaluation methods followed the standards of the British and American Concrete Institute. The study found that the compressive strength of the new concrete mixture complied with the American statistical method, with a 3.4 MPa margin of safety and excellent concrete control. However, according to the British methodology, the initial production period did not meet compressive strength compliance due to only a marginal increase in strength compared to the required value. Nevertheless, the continuous production period satisfied the compliance requirements. The potential to utilize previously prepared job-mix formulas with comparable characteristics depends on the materials meeting the required property standards. There is a cost-benefit advantage due to reduced delays.

Investigation of CBR Value of Sylhet Sand Blended With Local Sand

Asma Ul Hosna, Abu Saleh Sagor — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study investigates the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values of laboratory-compacted mixtures of Sylhet sand blended with local Rupsha sand to optimize pavement subgrade strength. The physical properties, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and CBR values were determined for various mix proportions. A linear relationship was identified between Sylhet sand content and maximum dry density, indicating a decrease in dry density with the inclusion of Rupsha sand. Similarly, the CBR value decreased linearly as more local sand was added. The equations derived from these relationships provide a standardized approach for engineers to determine optimal mix proportions for achieving targeted CBR values, ensuring adequate load-bearing capacity for pavement subgrades. These findings are valuable in pavement design, helping determine the necessary thickness of pavement layers to enhance road durability. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of site-specific trial mixes to assess the impact of incorporating local sand on the strength and stability of pavement materials.

Towards Sustainable Waste Management: A Study of Household Solid Waste Generation in Koya City

Anwer Hazim Dawood, Salah Farhan A. Sharif — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Solid waste management (SWM) is an increasing challenge in Koya and its surrounding areas, driven by population growth and changing consumption patterns. This study assesses the current state of household solid waste (SW) generation and composition in the Koya District. A field survey was conducted across selected neighborhoods in Koya City to estimate household waste generation rates and analyze waste composition. The findings were compared with Koya Municipality records and showed strong consistency. The results indicate an average household waste generation rate of 1.035 kg/person/day in Koya City, with lower and higher rates observed in the Ashti (0.73 kg/person/day) and Shoresh (1.21 kg/person/day) districts, respectively. Composition analysis revealed that daily household waste is approximately 121 tons, predominantly composed of decomposable organic materials and paper, plastics, metals, glass, textiles, and dust. All household solid waste is disposed of in landfills without any reduction, reuse, or recycling practices. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated SWM strategies in Koya to minimize environmental impacts and promote sustainable waste management.