Civil Engineering Research Articles

Using modular timber structure as a proposal to reduce the carbon footprint in civil engineering.

Construction is responsible for a significant impact on environmental pollution, depending on the source, it is about 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions (Global Alliance for Building and Construction; International Energy Agency 2019). Due to increasing restrictions related to CO2 emissions, every sector, including construction, are obliged to look for solutions that reduce their impact on the environment. At each stage of the LCA analysis of a building, solutions can be sought leading to the reduction of parameters. In the following text, the emphasis is placed on the early stages such as the selection of construction material and the technology of creation. The results of GWP analyses for a small modular building in two structural variants: steel and timber, and the amount of building materials in the building made in traditional and modular technology were compared. Analyses showed a significant reduction in the GWP value due to the use of timber construction.

Research Progress on the Utilization of Solid Waste in Asphalt and Asphalt Mixtures

In the field of sustainable civil engineering, the application of solid waste in asphalt and asphalt mixture has become an important research direction. Industrial wastes such as rubber, plastic, red mud, coal gangue and steel slag can be recycled as modifiers to optimize asphalt performance, improve the road performance of the mixture, reduce production costs, and have both economic and social benefits. At present, domestic and foreign scholars have done a lot of research on solid waste modified asphalt and asphalt mixture, and achieved some results. It has important application value and broad development prospects in the engineering field, and has positive significance for environmental protection, sustainable development and urbanization. Although the existing research in this book lacks some unique data and novel insights, it systematically summarizes the latest progress and provides a valuable reference for scholars who are not familiar with this field.

The Role of Green HRM Strategies in Engineering Project Management: A Study on the Mediating Effect of Employee Green Behavior on the Transformation Performance of Carbon Reduction Enterprise

Using survey data from 450 employees in 15 engineering companies, this study reveals the transmission mechanism of green human resource management to low-carbon transformation. The analysis found that including environmental protection track record assessment in recruitment criteria, implementing special training on energy-saving skills, and implementing performance bonus systems for carbon emission reduction can increase employees' likelihood of actively participating in green actions such as saving electricity and water by 42%. Particularly in the field of civil engineering, the correlation between green HRM measures and the emission reduction effectiveness of resource-intensive companies is 0.73. The case study shows that after a road and bridge construction company implemented an environmental assessment system, the rate of material loss on the construction site decreased by 19% year-on-year. The results provide an operational implementation plan for engineering companies to promote carbon emission reduction for all employees through human resource management.

Integrating surveying, photogrammetric, and remote sensing data to generate large-scale maps

Integration means the combination of smaller elements into a coherent system that can function as a whole. In civil engineering, integration combines data from different sources to yield complete information about an object. Data synergy significantly helps consolidate all types of data while considering their content, quantity, and diversity of formats. It involves the removal of inconsistencies and redundant pieces of information from acquired data, resulting in a consistent image (dataset). A combination of survey data, maps, photogrammetry, and remote sensing gives a 3D spatial database. A holistic approach to object data acquisition with diverse methods, techniques, and measuring tools facilitates high-quality measurement results. Information acquired this way, supplemented with spatial data from official (state-controlled) surveying and cartographic resources, paves the way for generating large-scale maps, including the master map, in line with applicable legal and technical requirements. The paper describes the process of acquiring, processing, and integrating geospatial data of a specific structure and its surroundings, using point clouds from terrestrial laser scanning, an orthophoto, databases from the State Surveying and Cartographic Inventory, and classical tacheometric surveys and GNSS-RTK surveys.

Assessing the Compliance of the Civil Engineering Program with the Philippine Technological Council’s Accreditation Standards

Objectives: The Philippine Technological Council – Washington Accord (PTC WA) provides internationally accepted standards for engineering education with an emphasis on outcomes-based learning and ensuring graduates are globally competent. This study investigated the perceived compliance of the Civil Engineering program at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges with the nine PTC accreditation criteria. Methods: This study employed a survey method that gathers information on the level of compliance of the engineering programs along PTC accreditation standards. Likewise, documentary analysis was used to analyze the program profile and support the data gathered. Faculty members of civil engineering served as the study's respondents. They were requested to respond to the survey questions explicitly crafted to determine the level of compliance of the programs to PTC accreditation standards. Findings: The results show that the institution understands the significance of accreditation, but there are areas that need to be addressed. These are characterized by low scores obtained in the evaluation, which include the areas of student performance monitoring, faculty development, academic exchange, facilities, extension, industry linkages, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). Findings also emphasized the importance of encouraging faculty members to pursue advanced studies and enhance the passing percentage in the licensure examinations of graduates. Based on these findings, the study formulated plans of action that will serve as a roadmap for the program's quest for PTC accreditation. Novelty: The developed plans of action aim to enhance the quality of the program, generate international recognition, and make graduates more competitive within the global engineering community. Keywords: PTC, Accreditation, Civil engineering, Compliance, Washington Accord

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE STABILIZATION OF EXPANSIVE SOIL USING PLASTIC WASTE

ABSTRACT: Soil stabilization is a process which improves the physical properties of soil, such as increasing shear strength, bearing capacity, etc. Expansive soils are the type of soil whose volume changes with the change in water content. They have a behavior of swelling and shrinking that is a serious hazard to structures built over them. This study investigates an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to improve engineering properties of expansive soil through stabilization using recycled plastic bottle strips. The experimental program involves laboratory testing to evaluate engineering properties of expansive soil samples treated with varying percentages of plastic. Laboratory tests including Standard Proctor test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and volume change behavior were conducted to evaluate the compaction characteristics and strength improvements. The findings of this study suggest that plastic holds promise as a sustainable and cost-effective stabilizing agent for expansive soils. Implementation of plastic stabilization techniques could offer environmentally friendly solutions for mitigating the detrimental effects of expansive soils on civil engineering infrastructure. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term performance and durability of plastic-treated soils under field conditions.

Prediction of Strength Properties of Soft Soil Using Machine Learning Techniques

In civil engineering projects, the strength of soil, particularly its cohesion, is pivotal for the stability of building foundations and slopes. Traditionally, determining cohesion (c) involves labor- intensive methods such as unconfined compression tests, direct shear tests, and triaxial tests, which require collecting soil samples. However, these methods are often constrained by time and cost considerations, exacerbated by the diverse nature of soil types. This research initiative aims to introduce a simplified approach for assessing the cohesion strength parameter of cohesive soil. Our proposal entails leveraging statistical correlations and machine learning techniques to establish connections between soil properties such as liquid limit, plastic limit, moisture content, % fine particle content, and the strength parameter. These laboratory tests are comparatively straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective when juxtaposed with conventional methodologies.

Analysis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

The most common building material utilized worldwide is concrete. These days, more difficult engineering constructions are being built all over the world. Concrete must therefore be extremely durable and workable. By adjusting the ratios of different fibers and admixtures, researchers worldwide are creating high-performance concrete. Concrete's tensile strength, fatigue characteristics, durability, shrinkage, impact, erosion resistance, and serviceability are all improved by a variety of fibers, including as glass, carbon, polypropylene, and aramid fibers. These qualities allow fiber reinforced concrete to be used in a variety of civil engineering applications. The history of GRC is briefly summarized before going over the essential elements of this complex compound. Features are analyzed, production methods are enumerated, and fracture mechanisms unique to GRC are explained. Glass fiber reinforced concrete, or GFRC, is a relatively recent advancement in concrete technology. The benefits of GFRC are its high compressive strength, flexural strength, and light weight. To improve long-term durability, glass fiber reinforced concrete that is resistant to alkali is also being developed. A review of the advantages that are currently available and being used by its customers is provided, along with a description of the wide variety of current GRC applications. Key Words: Glass fiber, compressive strength, flexural strength, alkali resistant.

Coupling Bayesian Neural Network and Linear Regression Approach for High-Strength Rock Fragmentation Energy Optimization

The utilization of blasting has been prevalent in mining and civil engineering domains due to its cost-effectiveness and affordability as a method for fracturing rock. The achievement of an ideal blast results in the most effective fragmentation while ensuring safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. In developing blast efficiency model, this study considered uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), spacing, hole depth, stemming length, point load index, powder factor, charge weight and burden. The model was trained by artificial neural network (ANN) and linear multivariate regression (LMVR) using 85 production datasets. After training four-layer ANN architecture 8-4-1 was found to be optimum. The prediction accurateness of two developed models was analysed using mean square error (MSE), performance index (PI), variance accounted for (VAF), root mean square error (RMSE), and co-efficient of determination (R2). The obtained values of performance parameters reveals ANN model to be more accurate as compared to the LMVR model. The ANN and LMVR model have R2 value of 90.9% and 56.3%. The optimized model was employed to achieve the optimal blast design for high strength granite to enhance blast efficiency. The test data result was utilized to optimize the blast parameters, including spacing, stemming length, burden, charge length, and charge. The values chosen for these parameters were 1.8 m, 1.8 m, 1.5 m, 157.17 kg, and 1.35 kg/m3, respectively, based on the optimum model.

A Constant-Pressure Air Storage Operation Strategy for an Isothermal Compressed Air Energy Storage System Based on a Linear-Drive Liquid Piston

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems represent a critical technological solution for addressing power grid load fluctuations by generating electrical power during peak load periods and storing energy during low load periods. As a prominent branch of CAES, isothermal compressed air energy storage (ICAES) systems have attracted significant research attention due to their elimination of requirements for high-temperature storage chambers and high-temperature compressors. Implementing constant-pressure operation in air storage reservoirs not only enhances energy storage density but also improves system safety. However, existing constant-pressure air storage methodologies necessitate supplementary infrastructure, such as high-pressure water reservoirs or elevated hydraulic columns, thereby escalating capital expenditures. This study introduces a novel constant-pressure air storage strategy for ICAES systems utilizing a linear-driven liquid piston mechanism. The proposed approach achieves constant-pressure air storage through the dual-mode operation strategies of buffer tanks (CBA and CBP modes) and hydraulic cylinders (CPP and CPW modes), eliminating the requirement for an auxiliary high-pressure apparatus or extensive civil engineering modifications. A prototype two-stage constant-pressure ICAES architecture was proposed, integrating low-pressure equipment with liquid pistons and providing detailed operational processes for preconditioning, energy storage, and power generation. A comprehensive mathematical model of the system is developed and validated through process simulation and performance characterization of a 100 kWh capacity system. It demonstrates that under operational conditions of 1 MPa of low pressure and 5 MPa of storage pressure, the system achieves an efficiency of 74.0% when the low-pressure equipment and liquid piston exhibit efficiencies of 85% and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, parametric analysis reveals a negative correlation between system efficiency and low-pressure parameters.

MODELING THE STUDY OF SOLID MATERIALS' THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY USING THE DYNAMIC CALORIMETRY METHOD

Statement of the Problem.The search for energy-efficient solutions is relevant at the current construction and civil engineering development stage. One of the key parameters to be determined is the thermal conductivity of materials and products. This parameter depends on temperature and other factors, necessitating the need for fast and reliable methods to determine it for energy efficiency assessments or research purposes. One such method is using the modeling. This paper describes the formulation of modeling tasks and presents a computer model based on a real device for measuring thermal conductivity via the dynamic calorimetry method. The mathematical foundation of the model is based on Fourier’s law, thermal parameter dependencies documented in the device specifications, and data obtained from benchmark experiments. The model is implemented in the LabVIEW environment and has been tested through experiments in various operational modes. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in time required to obtain data compared to studies conducted using the physical device, highlighting the effectiveness of modeling for research purposes. The purpose of the article. To present the problem formulation and modeling results for studying the thermal conductivity of solid materials. Conclusion. The modeling tasks have been formulated, and a computer model has been developed to study the thermal conductivity of solid materials. The model simulates the processes occurring in a real thermal conductivity measurement device. Experimental studies on the actual instrument have been used to validate the model’s accuracy. The developed model can be utilized both for educational purposes and for obtaining data on the thermal conductivity and thermal insulation properties of various solid materials.

Assessment of Price Adjustment Mechanisms in Romanian Public Construction Contracts: A Longitudinal Cost Impact Analysis (2018–2024)

Since the enforcement of Law 98/2016 on public procurement in Romania, the inclusion of price adjustment clauses in construction contracts has become a standard practice. This paper, which presents a comprehensive analysis of the financial implications of eight adjustment formulas applied to public construction projects executed over three durations (12, 24, and 36 months) between 2018 and 2024, is a significant contribution to the field. A comparative analysis using objective indices published by Romania’s National Institute of Statistics reveals the impact of inflation and cost variations on adjusted contract values. Three scenarios, each starting in different years (2018, 2020, and 2022), are explored to determine the sensitivity of the formulas to market fluctuations. Results show that by applying the eight adjustment formulas, only two formulas tend toward annual inflation. The indices used by the construction branch are not correlated with yearly inflation, and when no advance payments are granted, they offer a reliable basis for economic equilibrium in public contracting. The study guides the selection of appropriate adjustment models to manage financial risk in a volatile construction market, providing valuable insights for academics, researchers, and professionals in civil engineering and public procurement.

Deterioration process and evolution damage model of ECC under de-icing salt freeze-thaw cycles circumstance of severely cold regions

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) exhibit significant potential for cold region engineering structures due to their unique strain-hardening behavior and crack control capabilities. This study investigates ECC’s performance degradation under de-icing salt freeze-thaw cycles. Damage analysis based on the relative dynamic elastic modulus reveals that the 1.5 vol% PVA fiber group exhibits the lowest damage level of only 7.8% after 300 freeze-thaw cycles, demonstrating optimal frost resistance. PVA fibers effectively block the expansion of harmful pore structures during the freeze-thaw process by optimizing pore distribution and bridging the cementitious materials. This reduces the extent of freeze-thaw damage and causes ECC’s freeze-thaw damage to evolve in three stages. The study further establishes a freeze-thaw damage evolution model based on the logistic function, providing a quantitative description of the fiber content-damage progression. These findings provide a basis for multi-scale material optimization and service life prediction in harsh civil engineering environments.

Pemanfaatan Sampah Plastik Menjadi Eco-brick sebagai Teknologi Tepat Guna di Desa Lembah Sari, Kecamatan Batu Layar, NTB

Lembah Sari Village is one of the villages located in Batu Layar sub-district, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The village has an area of 500 hectares with a population of 3,161 people. Lembah Sari Village is surrounded by hills and lots of green land, making it a special attraction for visitors to the village. The large population in Lembah Sari Village has its own problems, namely the number of villagers who use plastic waste in their daily activities so that this becomes a problem that needs to be addressed. As a form of scientific service to the community, the teaching staff together with Civil Engineering students of Muhammadiyah Mataram University together provide assistance in utilizing plastic waste into eco-bricks which are appropriate technology. This eco-brick is made by utilizing plastic waste around the village and then utilized into a form of building material or other materials. This eco-brick can be one of the solutions to reduce plastic waste in Lembah Sari village and be utilized as a business for the Lembah Sari village community

Integration of BIM and virtual reality in teaching construction site layout planning: an empirical study

Construction site layout planning is fundamental for ensuring logistics, safety, and process efficiency in construction. Building information modeling (BIM) and digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR) can support the teaching of this planning. However, there is a limited number of studies specifically addressing this topic, particularly with a focus on non-immersive VR. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how the integration of BIM and non-immersive virtual reality enhances civil engineering students' understanding of construction site layout planning, compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) drawings. To this end, an empirical study was conducted with 15 civil engineering students enrolled at a Brazilian university, involving activities that included 2D project analysis and walkthroughs in two BIM-based models using non-immersive VR with predefined routes. The results indicate that although 2D drawings were considered relevant, BIM-based non-immersive VR was perceived as the tool that contributed most to understanding the site layout, improving spatial awareness, and supporting critical analysis of site logistics. As a contribution, the study corroborates the pedagogical benefits of VR integrated with BIM, providing evidence of its applicability as a complementary tool in teaching construction site layout planning.

Engineering knowledge: the Institution of Civil Engineers and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Infrastructure systems have the potential to benefit all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to understand the role of civil engineers to contribute to the SDGs, the synergies and trade-offs between civil engineering projects, the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets were identified. Using a structured literature review of research published in key Institution of Civil Engineers journals, the priority targets for the SDGs that civil engineering is best placed to provide a contribution were identified. The highest synergies were noted in the sector of transport (Target 11.6), which highlights the need for a standalone transport goal for future SDGs beyond 2030. Across the transport, energy, water and waste management infrastructure, SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production) were found to have the highest synergies, but more work needs to be done to address the increasing uncertainty and threats of climate change (SDG 13). Finally, the civil engineering community needs to recognise the trade-offs between infrastructure projects with socio-economic SDG targets relating to health, education, gender equality and poverty reduction, which is best done by embedding the SDGs in projects from planning rather than at design or implementation stages.

Simple derivation of the Hermite bicubic patch using tensor product

Bicubic parametric patches are widely used in various geometric applications. These patches are critical in CAD/CAM systems, which are applied in the automotive industry and mechanical and civil engineering. Commonly, Hermite, Bézier, Coons, or NURBS patches are employed in practice. However, the construction of the Hermite bicubic patch is often not easy to explain formally. This contribution presents a new formal method for constructing the Hermite bicubic plate based on the tensor product approach.

MOBILIDADE URBANA E ACESSIBILIDADE EM ÁREAS PERIFÉRICAS DO RIO DE JANEIRO: DESAFIOS E ENFRENTAMENTOS NA CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL

The objective of this research is to shed light on the history of urban mobility and accessibility in Brazil throughout the formation of society, as well as the implications found by civil engineering in the development of public policies, presenting challenges and also possible interventions that enable adaptations aimed at people with disabilities, since this topic is extremely important for equitable and sustainable development, especially in the outskirts where social inequality and lack of infrastructure are intensified in all segments. Thus, the research will seek to promote quality of life through inclusion, understanding how mobility is essential in large cities in traffic between roads. The research is bibliographic with a qualitative approach, with an emphasis on studies that focus on the practice of civil engineering in the most vulnerable communities, so that possible interventions are relevant and enriching for our society. This research is justified by the need to include all subjects in public roads, and thus be an element that facilitates inclusion.

Nonlinear Instability Modeling of Functionally Graded Sandwich Sanders’ Arches on Partial Hardening/Softening Elastic Foundations

This study investigates the instability and collapse behavior of sandwich arch structures with functionally graded material (FGM) face sheets and a metal core. The FGM domain is homogenized using the Mori–Tanaka approach. The third-order shear deformation theory is employed to approximate the in-plane displacement field, incorporating geometrically nonlinear kinematics and Sanders’ assumptions within the strain relations. Elastic constitutive laws are applied to the constituent materials, and a partial nonlinear elastic foundation is modeled beneath the arch. The Chebyshev Ritz method, known for its efficiency with discontinuous structures and rapid convergence, is utilized to derive the equilibrium equations. The nonlinear equations governing the arch’s response to a lateral uniform patch load are solved using the arc-length method. The snap-through instability characteristics are analyzed, demonstrating how the nonlinear elastic foundation’s coefficients influence the arch’s behavior, transitioning from hardening to softening. Finally, the collapse of the structure is examined, particularly when the softening response dominates. Understanding the stability and collapse of such advanced arch structures is crucial for applications in aerospace, civil engineering, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). These structures are increasingly used in wing designs, bridge construction, and sensor technologies, where precise control of deformation and load-bearing capacity is paramount. The analysis of FGM sandwich arches with nonlinear foundations enables the optimization of structural designs for enhanced performance under extreme loading conditions, contributing to the development of more resilient and efficient engineering systems.

Balancing AI-assisted learning and traditional assessment: the FACT assessment in environmental data science education

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools evolve, a growing challenge faced by educators is how to leverage the invaluable AI-assisted learning, while maintaining rigorous assessment. AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Jupyter AI coding assistant, enable students to tackle advanced tasks and real-world applications. However, they also risk overreliance, which can diminish cognitive and skill development, and complicate assessment design. To address these challenges, the Fundamental, Applied, Conceptual, critical Thinking (FACT) assessment was implemented in an Environmental Data Science course for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students from civil and environmental engineering, and Earth sciences. By balancing traditional and AI-based assessments, the FACT assessment includes: (1) Fundamental skills assessment (F) through assignments without AI assistance to build a strong coding foundation, (2) applied project assessment (A) through AI-assisted assignments and term projects to engage students in authentic tasks, (3) conceptual-understanding assessment (C) through a traditional paper-based exam to independently evaluate comprehension, and (4) critical-thinking assessment (T) through complex multi-step case study using AI, to assess critical problem-solving skills. Analysis of student performance shows that both AI tools and AI guidance improved student performance and allowed them to tackle complex tasks and real-world applications versus AI tools alone without guidance. Survey results show that many students found AI tools beneficial for problem solving, yet some students expressed concerns about overreliance. By integrating assessments with and without AI tools, FACT assessment promotes AI-assisted learning while maintaining rigorous academic assessment to prepare students for their future careers in the AI era.