High-volume traffic with ultra-heavy axle loads combined with extremely hot weather conditions increases the propagation of rutting in flexible pavement road networks. Several studies suggested using nanomaterials in asphalt modification to delay the deterioration of asphalt pavement. The current work aims to improve the resistance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) to rutting by incorporating Nano Silica (NS) in specific concentrations. NS was blended into asphalt mixtures in concentrations of 2, 4, and 6% by weight of the binder. The behavior of asphalt mixtures subjected to aging was investigated at different stages (short-term and long-term aging). The performance characteristics of the asphalt mixtures were evaluated using the Marshall stability, flow, and wheel tracking tests. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was utilized to understand the microstructure changes of modified asphalt and estimate the dispersion of NS within the asphalt. The results revealed that using NS–asphalt mixtures as a surface layer in paving construction improved pavement performance by increasing stability, volumetric characteristics, and rutting resistance before and after aging. The FESEM images showed adequate dispersion of NS particles in the mixture. Results indicated that adding 4% of NS to asphalt mixtures effectively enhanced the pavement’s performance and rutting resistance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2023-09-01 Full Text: PDF
In this paper, Response Surface Method (RSM) is utilized to carry out an investigation of the impact of input parameters: electrode type (E.T.) [Gr, Cu and CuW], pulse duration of current (Ip), pulse duration on time (Ton), and pulse duration off time (Toff) on the surface finish in EDM operation. To approximate and concentrate the suggested second- order regression model is generally accepted for Surface Roughness Ra, a Central Composite Design (CCD) is utilized for evaluating the model constant coefficients of the input parameters on Surface Roughness (Ra). Examinations were performed on AISI D2 tool steel. The important coefficients are gotten by achieving successfully an Analysis of V
... Show MoreThis study examined the phenomenon of unemployment in Iraq and the extent of the contribution of these loans granted by banks to finance small and medium enterprises in reducing their rates. The temporal boundaries of the study included the period between (2012-2018). The spatial boundaries consisted of random sampling of six Iraqi banks) Where the government banks included (Rafidain, Rasheed and industrial), private banks included (the Iraqi Islamic Bank and the Gulf Commercial Bank and the Bank of the Middle East). In order to achieve the objective of the research in the light of the hypotheses drawn up, the research divided into three topics, the first section highlighting the reality of small and medium enterprises in Iraq and the lo
... Show MoreAlgae have been used in different applications in various fields such as the pharmaceutical industry, environmental treatments, and biotechnology. Studies show that the preparation of nanoparticles by a green synthesis method is a promising solution to many medical and environmental issues. In the current study, the green alga Stigeoclonium attenuatum (Hazen) F.S. Collins 1909 was isolated and identified from the Al-Hillah River (Governorate of Babylon) in the middle of Iraq. The green synthesis by the aqueous extract of algae was used to prepare the nanoflakes of ZnO. Nanoflakes of ZnO are characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with flakes shape and dimensions ranging be
... Show MoreThe importance of Baghdad city as the capital of Iraq and the center of the attention of delegations because of its long history is essential to preserve its environment. This is achieved through the integrated management of municipal solid waste since this is only possible by knowing the quantities produced by the population on a daily basis. This study focused to predicate the amount of municipal solid waste generated in Karkh and Rusafa separately, in addition to the quantity produced in Baghdad, using IBM SPSS 23 software. Results that showed the average generation rates of domestic solid waste in Rusafa side was higher than that of Al-Karkh side because Rusafa side has higher population density than Al-Karkh side. T
... Show MoreVarious theories have been proposed since in last century to predict the first sighting of a new crescent moon. None of them uses the concept of machine and deep learning to process, interpret and simulate patterns hidden in databases. Many of these theories use interpolation and extrapolation techniques to identify sighting regions through such data. In this study, a pattern recognizer artificial neural network was trained to distinguish between visibility regions. Essential parameters of crescent moon sighting were collected from moon sight datasets and used to build an intelligent system of pattern recognition to predict the crescent sight conditions. The proposed ANN learned the datasets with an accuracy of more than 72% in comp
... Show MoreThe purpose of this study is to develop and assess the effectiveness of exercises using heavy and hanging ropes for handball players, focusing on enhancing specific physical abilities and shooting accuracy. The research addresses the gap in training methodologies by comparing the effects of heavy rope exercises versus hanging rope exercises. An experimental design was used in two equal groups, besides pre-testing and post-testing. The study involved 16 players from the School of Handball for the season 2022–2023. The sample included 14 players, who were then randomly divided into two experimental groups of 7 each. The first group performed heavy rope exercises, while hanging rope exercises were included in the plan of the second group. Th
... Show MoreThis study investigated the structural behavior of a beam–slab member fabricated using a steel C-Purlins beam carrying a profile steel sheet slab covered by a dry board sheet filled with recycled aggregate concrete, called a CBPDS member. This concept was developed to reduce the cost and self-weight of the composite beam–slab system; it replaces the hot-rolled steel I-beam with a steel C-Purlins section, which is easier to fabricate and weighs less. For this purpose, six full-scale CBPDS specimens were tested under four-point static bending. This study investigated the effect of using double C-Purlins beams face-to-face as connected or separated sections and the effect of using concrete material that contains different recycled
... Show MoreAgricultural nozzles usually produce a different drops size depending on the pressure and the physical condition (work life) of the nozzle besides producing a wide range of the drops spectrum in the spray cloud. In this paper the standard flat fan nozzles were investigated regarding the effect of the working pressure and the nozzle physical condition (new and worn nozzles). The size of drops and the spectrum of drops across the long axis of the spray pattern were examined by using Sympatec GmbH Laser Diffraction. Reducing the working pressure from 3 to 2 and then to 1 caused production of larger drops, also using worn nozzles (especially with lower pressure) changed the drops size whi
Friction stir welding (FSW) of Tee-joints is obtained by inserting a specially designed rotating pin into the clamped blanks, through top plate (skin) to bottom plate (stringer), and then moving it along the joint, limiting the contact between the tool shoulder and the skin. The present work aims to investigate the defects occur for Tee-joint of an Aluminum alloy (Al 5456) with dimensions (180mm x 70mm) for the skin plate, (180mm x 30mm) for stringer plate and thickness of (4mm).
The effects of welding parameters such as rotational speed, linear speed, plunging depth, tool tilting, and die radii of welding fixture on the welding quality of Aluminum Alloy will be studied. Weld defects had been summarized and studied, and then the best