The increase in the number of trucks and other heavy vehicles in Iraqi highways lead to cracking and deteriorations in the flexible highway. The use of polymermodified asphalt may solve this problem to match the required performance standards. This study investigates the effects of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymer on the performance behaviour of Iraqi bitumen binder. The characteristics of bitumen binder were analysed to observe the compatibility of bitumen with SBS polymer. The bitumen binder was mixed with three different contents of SBS (4%, 4.5%, and 5%) by weight of asphalt cement. Viscosity tests were conducted on the SBS polymer-modified asphalt at 135 oC and 165 oC in addition to conventional binder tests. The preparation of the asphalt concrete mixes was done at a fixed optimum asphalt content of 4.7% and evaluated for moisture resistance and Marshall Stability. From the test result, the modification of the binders with SBS increased the binder consistency by reducing the penetration and increasing the softening point. The SBS modification also reduced the susceptibility of bitumen to temperature as evidenced by the improved penetration index. Moreover, the relationship between mixing and compaction temperatures with SBS modification is a positive relationship. The asphalt mixes modified with SBS have shown a developed of Marshall Stability and high durability against environmental effects
Baghdad Metro is a vital project to fulfill the rapidly increased traffic volume requirements. The proposed metro will connect both sides of Baghdad City, passing under the Tigris River. This study is employed finite elements software (PLAXIS 3D) to evaluate the seepage force developed around the sub-river segment during different construction stages and for other water levels of Tigris. The study found that when the water level changes from maximum to minimum, the developed seepage force decreases by (8 to 13%) and (22 to 27%) respectively. The seepage forces were found to be maximum during the excavation stage. The concrete lining process led to a noticeable reduction in seepage forces at all locations. The study also
... Show MoreA novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (
... Show MoreThis study looked at how the synthetic chitosan-AgNPs-Doxorubicin-folic acid combination affected the A549 cell line in terms of cytotoxicity and anticancer activity. By reducing silver nitrate (AgNO3) and biodegradable chitosan, silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized. The produced conjugate was examined by using FT-IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The cytotoxicity assay for the viability of A549 cells revealed that the combination of chitosan, AgNPs, doxorubicin, and folic acid decrease cell viability in a dose-determined by method over 48 hours, which direct to a dependent reduce in the activity of A549 cells. The mechanism analysis of the impacted living cells lea
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