Annaba City Research Articles

For a Sustainable Management of Potential Impacts of Global Change on Coastal Aquifers: Case Study of Coastal Aquifers in Annaba City, Algeria

For a Sustainable Management of Potential Impacts of Global Change on Coastal Aquifers: Case Study of Coastal Aquifers in Annaba City, Algeria

Seismic Resilience and Vulnerability Insights from RISK-UE Methodologies: A Case Study of Annaba City’s Historical Masonry Buildings

Seismic Resilience and Vulnerability Insights from RISK-UE Methodologies: A Case Study of Annaba City’s Historical Masonry Buildings

Integrated seismic vulnerability assessment for heritage educational buildings in Annaba city: combining probabilistic hazard analysis and structural modeling

PurposeThe primary goal of this research is to evaluate the seismic performance of Asla Hocine Primary School, a heritage school building in Annaba, Algeria, to prevent additional damage during future earthquakes in the region. The study aims to guide decision-makers in strengthening weak parts or elements in the building, implementing preventive measures and ultimately reducing earthquake disaster risk by mitigating vulnerability.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs the 3Muri software to model the seismic behavior and structural failures of the school’s elements. An integrated multimodal pushover analysis is used to generate the non-linear capacity curve of the school to assess its seismic performance. The seismic demand is determined based on Algerian seismic regulations, with peak ground acceleration derived from a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of Annaba city for return periods of 100, 200 and 500 years. The study develops three seismic scenarios to evaluate performance levels and expected damage probabilities.FindingsThe study reveals that the Asla Hocine Primary School faces a high risk of damage and potential collapse under the expected seismic hazard of the region. The analysis indicates variable resilience across different seismic return periods (100, 200 and 500 years), with the performance level degrading from life safety to collapse prevention and total collapse under increasing seismic intensity. This underscores the need for targeted structural analysis and potential retrofitting to enhance the building’s seismic robustness.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper encouraged to account for soil-structure interaction in similar studies, as it can significantly affect the overall seismic performance of buildings. Furthermore, conducting out-of-plane analysis when necessary can offer valuable insights into the structural behavior of specific components.Practical implicationsThe insights provided by this study contribute vital data toward conservation efforts and risk mitigation strategies for heritage structures in seismic zones. The findings are intended to guide decision-makers in implementing preventive measures and strengthening weak parts or elements in the studied school building, ultimately reducing earthquake disaster risk by mitigating vulnerability.Originality/valueThis research offers a comprehensive framework for assessing the seismic vulnerability of heritage schools using detailed modeling and analysis. It highlights the importance of considering return periods of seismic events in assessing a building’s seismic performance and provides a deeper understanding of the structural response to seismic stresses at both macrostructural and individual element levels. The study emphasizes the critical need for seismic risk assessment and targeted retrofitting to preserve cultural heritage assets and ensure their continued use.

Analyzing Urban Climatic Shifts in Annaba City: Decadal Trends, Seasonal Variability and Extreme Weather Events

Global warming is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, contributing to climate change effects and with far-reaching implications for built environments. The main aim of this study is to assess the extent to which Annaba city, Algeria, as part of the Mediterranean region, is affected by global climate change and its broader influences. The study investigated climatic shifts in Annaba city, using a multi-step methodology integrating data collection and analysis techniques. Data collection included 23 years of climate data (2000–2023) from Annaba’s meteorological station, on-site measurements of microclimatic variations, and a questionnaire survey. The collected data underwent four main analyses: a time series analysis to describe climate parameters over 23 years, a statistical analysis to predict potential future climatic conditions (2024–2029) and the correlation of various climatic variables using specialized bioclimate tools to highlight seasonal variability, a spatial study of the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon and perceived climatic shifts, and an analysis of extreme weather events characterizing heat atmospheric events in the context of urban climate change in the Mediterranean region. The findings revealed a consistent warming trend in Annaba city, with prolonged extreme climate conditions observed, particularly in the last four years (2020–2023). Significant temperature fluctuations were emphasized, notably in July 2023, with record-breaking maximum temperatures reaching 48.2 °C, the hottest on record with an increase of 3.8 °C, and presenting challenges amplified by the urban heat island effect, causing temperature differentials of up to 6 °C within built-up areas. Projections for 2029 suggest a tendency towards heightened aridity with a significant shift towards a new climate seasonality featuring two distinct main seasons—moderate and hot challenging. The abrupt disruption of calm weather conditions in Annaba on 24 July 2023 highlighted the influence of atmospheric circulation within the Mediterranean region featured for both anticyclones and atmospheric blocking phenomena on local weather patterns.

School Policies and Primary School Architecture in the City of Annaba (ex Bône), Algeria, 1830–1962

This study investigates the history of the French colonial architecture of schools in the city of Annaba (ex Bône) in Algeria by spotlighting the buildings and their characteristics to identify the links between educational colonial policies, primary school architecture, and the context of their creation. This historical perspective enhances our understanding regarding the evolution of the architecture of Bône primary schools. Although the construction of public infrastructure at that time followed the movement of building Algerian cities to occidental standards, the issue of education and the construction of primary schools was extremely political, since French public instruction in Algeria was an integral part of the political project of colonial conquest. Primary school was a powerful tool of moral conquest; it began with a civilising mission then shifted to assimilation and integration. The evolution of the production of primary schools testifies to the seal of the various colonial educational policies, laws, and successive reforms that spread over this period, which influenced the school and its architecture.

Microscale Investigation of Urban Heat Island (UHI) in Annaba City: Unveiling Factors and Mitigation Strategies

Cities are facing significant challenges related to climate change, particularly due to the increasing impact of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. The present study investigated the UHI phenomenon at the microscale in Annaba, Algeria. The research involved a multi-step approach, starting with on-site measurements of urban microclimate parameters, performed in downtown Annaba on 6 July 2023. The UHI intensity was quantified by comparing city-measured temperatures with rural surroundings. Thermal imaging is then used to empirically identify the contributing factors to UHI initiation at the microscale. The study employed the ENVI-met model to analyse mitigation strategies, manipulating parameters for six scenarios including the current design of the study area. Outputs were used to assess the impact of these strategies on air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The findings revealed an intense UHI effect in Annaba city with a peak difference of 6.9 °C, with practical implications for buildings, ground and roads, vehicles, air conditioners, and specific facade materials. Introducing urban vegetation, particularly urban trees and green roofs, proved highly effectiveness in mitigating the UHI in downtown Annaba. Urban trees demonstrated the most substantial impact, reducing temperatures by 1.9 °C at 1 p.m., while green roof temperature reductions ranged from 0.1 °C to 2 °C.

Isolation and Identification of Shimwellia blattae from the Gut of the Hospital Cockroach Blatta orientalis in Annaba City, Algeria

The overall aim of this paper was to divulge the pathogenic and beneficial bacterial flora of cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) living in a hospital area in Annaba city, Algeria. Thirteen cockroaches were randomly apprehended in sterile conditions during March 2022 in two different hospitals in Annaba, “El Bouni” Hospital and the “Sainte-Therese” Hospital. Bacterial strains were isolated from the imprint of the insect on Petri dishes previously inoculated with different media, also from external and internal body part suspensions of the captured specimens. Biochemical identification was established using the analytical profile Index (API) System (Biomerieux, France). The identification of the enteric-screened strain was confirmed using molecular sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The results showed a high prevalence of the pathogenic strains isolated from the oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis (225 strains), such as Serratia liquefaciens, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Pseudomonas luteola, Enterobacter aerogenes, Hafniaalvei and Bacillus sp. Phylogenetic analysis of the enteric bacteria confirmed the affiliation with Shimwellia blattae NCTC10965 (100%), Basonym Escherichia blattae, which is a natural cyanocobalamin producer. Results confirm at the same time the symbiotic relationship between S. blattae and Blatta orientalis, but also point out the underrepresented potential of these insects as a source of strains with biotechnological interest.

Impact of social vulnerability assessment on flood risk management processes in the urban environment in Annaba province


 
 
 Considering that flood risk is one of the greatest natural hazards threatening human beings, the standard approach of flood risk management is mostly based on structural mea- sures giving less importance to uncertainty as a main factor. The robustness leads frequently to failures in the structural measures as a factor of uncertainty, in addition to other factors like changes in hazard comportment. The current study represents an evaluation of flood policy in Annaba city, how decision-makers deal with this issue, and how to reduce exposure and susceptibility factors. The evaluation is based on the study of flood risk components, hazard amount, vulnerability degree and people’s perception of flood risk. The study also assesses how people handle flood risk and their capability to cope with extreme events. A survey method was used to assess the potential risks as it involves analyzing different flood risk aspects by conducting a survey through questioning local residents. We can state that exposure is highly affected by the number and density of the population characterized by the high probability of human and material losses in the study area. On the other hand, the vulnerability operates on a smaller scale that increases the capacity of flood risk to affect humans and other components of the environment. This study affirms that the uncertainty in hazard determination forecasting and misevaluation of social vulnerability leads inevitably to devastating consequences in the case of an exceptional event. Moreover, the behaviour of citizens during and after disaster phases can have a key role in flood risk management. Taking into consideration complexities related to social behaviour enhances the outcome of scenarios that lead consequently to more realistic forecasting. These findings concluded that the risk has always existed, i.e., the notion of «zero risk» never exists by natural laws. Knowing that risk management is the only way to deal with such issues, we highlight the importance of urban governance that integrates all actors without exclusion, based on a partnership aimed at obtaining optimal results. The essential principle of this mode of management is the reduction of economic and human losses.
 
 

Assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Urban Public Space, during the Hottest Period in Annaba City, Algeria

In this study; the outdoor thermal comfort of the users of two urban plazas with different morphologies in Annaba city, Algeria, have been evaluated. First, field measurements of the microclimatic parameters took place; namely the air temperature and the relative humidity in the two urban plazas, during hot days. Then, these measurements were compared with the results of the numerical simulations carried out by ENVI-met software in order to validate the model. The outdoor thermal comfort was evaluated by microclimatic measurements as well as a questionnaire survey consisting of interviews during the measurement days. The main objective was to determine the neutral Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and to examine the influence of urban microclimatic conditions on the subjective thermal perception of people, as well as to compare it with different indexes of thermal comfort. Hence, the aim was to compare the microclimatic parameters of the two plazas, with and without vegetation and to see their impact on the thermal comfort indices. The results show that there is a difference between the two morphologies. Moreover, vegetation and urban morphology influence the neutral values of the thermal comfort indices.

New dating approach based on the petrographical, mineralogical and chemical characterization of ancient lime mortar: case study of the archaeological site of Hippo, Annaba city, Algeria

This work presents the results of a multidisciplinary study on the characterization of the composition of certain joint mortars from the ancient city of Hippo (Algeria), one of the most important North African cities in antiquity. Twenty mortar samples were analysed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRPD), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their main physical properties, like solid and dry density and porosity, have been measured by geotechnical procedures. The typological observation by OM showed the existence of four types of sand used as aggregates that ranged from fine to coarse and were mixed with a white to russet natural lime binder. These mortars consisted mainly of mixtures of calcite and rock fragments, and sometimes pieces of red tile. It was recognized that the origins of the natural granules were sands produced by marine erosion of the Edough Mountains. The analysis by XRPD and TGA indicates that the mortars consisted of a mixture of lime/aggregates of low to medium hydraulicity. The analysis of the main chemical components by XRF allowed for the confirmation of the dating of certain monuments and suggested a new dating for other monuments.

Rapid Application of the RISK-UE LM2 Method for the Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of the Algerian Masonry Buildings

ABSTRACT The building stock in most historical urban areas in Algeria consists of old masonry buildings which are characterized by the rather high vulnerability. In that respect, to reduce the seismic risk there is a requirement for strategic urban planning and urban management policies. This paper focuses on the assessment of the seismic vulnerability using the RISK-UE methodology, namely the mechanical method LM2, which is adopted and applied to fit the Algerian urban features. In order to implement the RISK-UE LM2 methodology, an old urban center in Annaba city is chosen as a pilot area. Almost, the majority of the structures are unreinforced masonry buildings. In total 226 buildings were assessed, which are typical not only for this region but can be found in many other medium-sized Algerian urban environments. Three scenarios that take into account various values of the peak ground accelerations (PGA) are elaborated. Two scenarios use PGAs issued from an existing probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) of Annaba city for 100 and 475 return periods. The third PGA for the last scenario is taken from the Algerian seismic code (RPA99/2003). In order to highlight the degree of vulnerability and risk of the studied masonry buildings, a comparison between the three seismic scenarios is presented in detail for each building’s typology. The obtained seismic vulnerability outcomes offer a great prospect to provide recommendations for making correct decisions to reduce the seismic risk and conduct adequate emergency planning in Algerian urban areas.

The mineralization of urban soils facing the risk of climate change: Case of the flooding phenomenon in the city of Annaba

Urbanization exerts changes on the environment and on the ecosystems and it leads to a modification of the nature of the soil or even a soil impermeability via the infrastructures carried out. This impermeability acts as an aggravating factor for the effects of climate change and causes local environmental stresses. These are particularly urban heat island and urban flooding. The city of Annaba (located in the northeast of Algeria) is among these dense coastal cities, which have experienced rapid and abrupt urban development resulting in the expansion of impermeable infrastructure at the expense of the removal of natural and vegetal cover. The problem of soil sealing in Annaba therefore put it face to face with the direct risk of climate change.Urban flooding is a phenomenon directly linked to soil sealing. The combined effects of climate change, in terms of changes in rainfall patterns and intensities, make some sewerage networks unable to evacuate increasingly large quantities of runoff water from impermeable surfaces causing important material and human damages. In fact, this city has experienced strong periods of heat in recent years, reaching 47°C in summer 2021 [1]. Winter was not so different, intense rainfall causes repeated flooding every year, amplifying the sensitivity and exposure of city dwellers and properties to multiple risks. The present consideration, aims to identify and measure sealed surfaces and to determine the areas vulnerable to the impacts of soil sealing.

A numerical investigation of optimum angles for solar energy receivers in the eastern part of Algeria

Abstract The need to capture the maximum amount of solar energy and to optimize the panels’ collecting surfaces are among the primary objectives of research in solar engineering. The simplest way to accomplish this is to perform a monthly accurate determination of the solar collector’s proper slope and azimuth angles. Indeed, this is the aim of this article, which consists of a graphical optimization based on the Gueymard’s daily integration model. A Matlab program was developed to predict the hourly solar radiation on a solar receiver using the Gueymard model in conjunction with the Liu and Jordan isotropic, Perez, and HDKR anisotropic models. A comprehensive simulation of the monthly solar irradiation throughout 2018 was executed for the city of Annaba, in north–eastern Algeria. The results indicate that the south-facing surface azimuth angle is the most appropriate. In fact, for maximum sunlight capture, the solar collector inclination must be adjusted each month in the range of [10–40°]. Furthermore, the results show that the gains in the amount of solar radiation received throughout the year by the thermal panel mounted at monthly optimum tilt angles are 15.63% in January and 7.37% in July.

Nano technology building insulation effect on the thermal behavior of building under different Algerian weather

The energy consumption of the building sector in Algeria represents the largest part of the energy produced in the country. Action to reduce the impact of this sector on the economy and the environment must be taken. The use of thermal insulation to reduce the energy needs of the building sector represents an effective and sustainable solution. The objective of our work is to conduct a study using the TRNSYS 17 software on the influence of the use of thermal insulation in different climates in Algeria. A typical apartment is chosen to run the calculations under three different climates of Algeria. The simulation results obtained for the city of Annaba show that the use of rock wool, cork, expanded polystyrene and airgel insulation allows a reduction of 42.81%, 43.08%, 43.31% and 50.90% respectively. While for the city of Setif the reduction obtained is 34.15%, 34.70%, 35.13% and 52.25% respectively for the same insulation. For the city of Biskra the reduction is 32.07%, 32.28%, 32.45% and 38.72% respectively for the same insulation. The improvement of the thermal performance of the structure and the glazed surfaces according to the Passivhaus standard allows a significant reduction of heating and air conditioning needs estimated at 72, 78.21 and 65.21% respectively for the cities of Annaba, Setif and Biskra. A low energy consumption building is obtained for the city of Annaba and Setif.

EVALUATION OF SOIL SALINITY OF THE FETZARA LAKE REGION (NORTH-EAST ALGERIA)

Fetzara lake, located at 18 km southwest of Annaba city, is one of the largest lakes in the extreme northeastern Algeria. In 2002, the Ramsar convention classified it among the wetlands of international importance. In this study, we aim to evaluate soil properties of Fetzara lake region, which are very sensitive to salinization phenomena, and their evolution according to depth. A sampling companion was carried out on the first two superficial levels 0 to 25 cm and 25 to 50 cm. A total of 24 samples, gathered from 12 sites distributed around the lake perimeter, were analyzed for their physical and physico-chemical properties. Results show that the majority of the soils samples are classified as saline soils (ESP ≤ 15%, EC > 4 mS cm -1 ), with a highly variable electrical conductivity (6.52 to 24.3 mS cm -1 ), reaching its maximum in both northeastern (Wadi Zied town) and southeastern part of the lake (Cheurfa town). Moreover, the soil solutions are characterized by the abundance of ions such as Cl - , SO 4 2- , Na + and Mg 2+ , giving a dominant sodium chloride facies in most of the analyzed samples.

Impact of Mediterranean climate of northeast Algeria on the phytochemical composition and in vitro antiradical power of Tropaeolum majus L

ABSTRACT This paper reports an evaluation of Annaba city climate impact on phytochemical composition and antiradical power of Tropaeolum majus leaf, flower and fruit extracts. Significant phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and carotenoid levels were registered in leaf extract, whereas flower extract showed higher yield, vitamin C and anthocyanin contents. The 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging power was significantly higher in leaf extract. Conversely, hydroxyl antiradical power was significantly higher in fruit fixed oil. These results show that the Mediterranean climate of Annaba City improved Tropaeolum majus leaves and the nutritional qualities of flowers and fruits, enhancing their phytochemical composition as well as antiradical properties.

The role of Zakat in developing Islamic social finance and enhancing its effectiveness during the Covid-19 pandemic _The Zakat Fund for ANNABA City Model_

This study aimed to show the importance of Zakat for development of Islamic social finance, and enhance its effectiveness during Covid-19 pandemic. The Zakat is one of Islamic social financing tools distributed between profit-making and charitable financing tools, where it is a stable and permanent source of funding and an important component of emergency support programs in times of crises and pandemics. By studying the case of ANNABA Zakat, the study concluded that it works to provide important Islamic social financing, by financing consumer requirements according to priority, and financing investment according to the good loan formula but it was canceled since 2014 because due to the lack of resources allocated for investment and the low rate of loan recovery. In the Covid-19 pandemic, all the resources of the Fund where allocated to finance the consumption of those affected by it. The study recommended diversifying the investment formulas for Zakat resources to enhance the effectiveness of Islamic social financing which is to be achieved within the framework of the executive decree NO 21-179.

Bus Stations in Annaba between Mobility and Attractiveness

Travel and transportation are seen as a necessity for our society and an essential component of social, economic and environmental development. In order to control the use of cars, especially in the city centre, urban planners and researchers are currently considering the question of the interaction between the public transport station, the train station and the city. Supported by the development and improvement of public transport networks, their importance is vital to reduce the ecological footprint of cities. To this end, the city of Annaba (located in the northern-east of Algeria) was chosen to study the relationship between service areas around public transport stations in the city centre. The development and growth of Annaba's agglomeration has had a major impact on travel levels and volumes. Field results state that the urban public transport station

Study of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Properties of Wastewaters Released Directly into The Natural Environment of Annaba City (North-East Algeria)

The present study was aimed to assess the quality of wastewaters released in different regions of Annaba city (northeast Algeria). The physicochemical and bacteriological parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, 5-Day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), coliform and faecal loads, faecal streptococci and sulfur-reducing bacteria of wastewaters released into the natural ) environment of this city, and their comparison with those applicable in the national legislation have been determined using standard methods. The results showed marked variations in the studied parameters of Annaba wastewaters during the four seasons. The pH, water conductivity, temperature, and COD were increased in seasons, but in winter the conductivity was decreased. Further, the maximum level of total dissolved oxygen (10 mg/l) and suspended matters of wastewaters (1700 mg/l) were observed during winter, 515since the maximum level of BOD wasmg/l, a lower value (300 mg/l) during winter. The level of minerals (nitrates, nitrites, and phosphorous) was increased in seasons for both and waste sites. In addition, the bacterial loads in wastewaters were higher during autumn, spring, and summer than those seen during winter for both waste sites. Consequently, wastewaters released into Annaba natural environment are responsible for serious effects on the health of citizens.

Water quality evaluation analysis of an urban river based on self-organising maps: Annaba City (Eastern Algeria)

Water quality evaluation analysis of an urban river based on self-organising maps: Annaba City (Eastern Algeria)