This research is presenting a study of optical and structural properties of (Fe2O3)1-x(MgO)x composites synthesized as thin film that can be used as a gas sensor. Pulsed laser deposition technique was used to prepare thin films of (Fe2O3)1-x(MgO)x. The pattern of X-ray diffraction of the composites powder showed the consistency of iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) hematite phase along with the planes (104) and (110) as preferred planes for crystal growth where the intensities of which varied with MgO content. The crystal size of the thin film material was varied in between (26.8-35.1) nm. The diffraction pattern of the pulsed laser deposited thin films was absent from any diffraction peaks. The maximum transparency obtained of hematite

This research aimed to explore the use of foamed concrete (FC), a lightweight concrete, by replacing sand with crushed plastic from washing machines to improve environmental and thermal properties. The primary components included traditional materials like cement, water, and a foaming agent, along with the innovative use of waste plastic (WP). Utilizing Minitab software, the study applied the Response Surface Method to optimize mix designs, reducing the experimental mixtures to 31, which were then tested for dry density, porosity, water absorption, shrinkage, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and thermal conductivity. Results indicated a significant 24% reduction in dry density when using plastic as fine and coarse aggregate

Moisture damage is described as a reduction in stiffness and strength durability in asphalt mixtures due to moisture. This study investigated the influence of adding nano silica (NS) to the Asphalt on the moisture susceptibility of hot-mix-asphalt (HMA) mixtures under different aging conditions. NS was mixed with asphalt binder at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight of the binder. To detect the microstructure changes of modified Asphalt and estimate the dispersion of NS within the Asphalt, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used. To examine the performance of Asphalt mixed with NS at different aging stages (short-term and long-term aging), asphalt mixture tests such as Marshall stability,

Structural and optical properties of CdO and CdO0.99Cu0.01 thin
films were prepared in this work. Cadmium Oxide (CdO) and
CdO0.99Cu0.01semiconducting films are deposited on glass substrates
by using pulsed laser deposition method (PLD) using SHG with Qswitched
Nd:YAG pulsed laser operation at 1064nm in 6x10-2 mbar
vacuum condition and frequency 6 Hz. CdO and CdO0.99Cu0.01 thin
films annealed at 550 C̊ for 12 min. The crystalline structure was
studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and atomic force
microscope (AFM). It shows that the films are polycrystalline.
Optical properties of thin films were analyzed. The direct band gap
energy of CdO and CdO0.99Cu0.01 thin films were determined from
(αhυ)1/2 v

A 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 (

Soil improvement has developed as a realistic solution for enhancing soil properties so that structures can be constructed to meet project engineering requirements due to the limited availability of construction land in urban centers. The jet grouting method for soil improvement is a novel geotechnical alternative for problematic soils for which conventional foundation designs cannot provide acceptable and lasting solutions. The paper's methodology was based on constructing pile models using a low-pressure injection laboratory setup built and made locally to simulate the operation of field equipment. The setup design was based on previous research that systematically conducted unconfined compression testing (U.C.Ts.). Th