Engineering Projects Research Articles

Freeze-thaw durability of clayey soils stabilized by alkaline-activated kaolin and recycled cement kiln dust

Weak soils pose significant challenges for civil engineering projects, particularly in cold regions. Stabilizing such soils with additives is a common practice to enhance their geotechnical properties. This research aimed to evaluate the durability of clayey soils stabilized by alkaline-activated kaolin at 10, 25, and 50%, along with 10% recycled cement kiln dust (CKD). The stabilization process involved curing the soils at different temperatures (40, 60, and 80°C) for varying durations (1, 7, 14, and 28 days). The stabilized soils underwent 5, 10, and 20 freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles to evaluate their durability. The results indicated F-T cycling led to a reduction in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of unstabilized soils, with a more pronounced impact as the number of cycles increased. However, this adverse effect was mitigated by additive stabilization. The improvement in UCS in stabilized soils was directly linked to the additive content, curing duration, and temperature. Both additives demonstrated superior resistance to F-T cycles, with CKD outperforming kaolin. These findings provide guidelines for utilizing kaolin and CKD for earthwork applications in cold regions with economic and sustainability advantages.

Research on the hydraulic response characteristics during the water conveyance process of water diversion projects

Abstract During the initial trial period, the Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Valley Water Diversion Project (HWRVWD) sourced water from the Sanhekou water conservancy junction. It then transferred water through the Qinling water conveyance tunnel and distributed it at the Huangchigou water distribution hub, ultimately transporting it to the Guanzhong area. The hydraulic simulation and real-time control of the water conveyance system play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of this engineering project. To maintain water transfer safety and reasonable scheduling during the water supply process, the hydraulic characteristics of the transient process were calculated and analyzed in this paper. The one-dimension (1D) hydrodynamic mathematical model and advection-dispersion model were established to calculate the hydraulic factors of the 81.78 km Qinling water conveyance tunnel and the Huangchigou water distribution hub within the HWRVWD. Validation results showed that the root mean squared error tended toward zero and the coefficient of determination exceeded 0.97 between the measured values and the simulated values. The opening of gates and upstream inflow directly affected water level variations and storage. Smaller gate openings led to increased water level amplitudes before the gate and faster reaching of maximum water levels, but it also led to opposite trends in flow rates behind the gate compared to upstream water levels. The impact of incoming water flow rates on flow variations at different channel sections was significant. The time for water heads to reach each section and the rate of flow variation positively correlated with incoming water flow rates. Gradual increases in upstream inflow resulted in progressively larger water level amplitudes both before and behind the gate, with an increased maximum value, but more water might be discarded. When the water demand changes, the primary focus is on controlling the upstream inflow, with gate opening adjustments as a secondary measure, to achieve the goal of minimizing or eliminating water wastage.

Sharia as a New Culture System of Identity in the Post-Conlict Aceh, Indonesia

The research on Aceh in various fields has been conducted by many scholars so far. What is felt less of concern in academic studies is on current period of post-conflict Aceh after peace process between Free Aceh Movement and Indonesian Army since 2005. This article would like to discuss about contemporary situation, especially in the post-conflict Aceh, on what has been shifted dealing with socio-cultural in Acehnese society. However, it has been a big change and shifting within society in Aceh, particularly after sharia religious law stipulated as the main legal formal that is objected as social engineering. Why sharia is important to be studied here could be not separated from Aceh’s long history and its deep role of Islamization process to South East Asia. Beside it is used as an identity, sharia currently in Aceh has also chosen as the new culture system and as the way out of prolonged armed conflict in Aceh that has taken place for more than three decades (1976-2005). By using theory religion as a culture system, this article would like to discuss and analyze about how does sharia now in Aceh become a new culture system of identity that broadly changed Aceh and its society, not only in socio-cultural, but also any other dimensions of life in contemporary time. The findings show that sharia religious law which has been institutionalized and stipulated as the main legal formal is more being objected as social engineering projects for future oriented social transformation and being a new culture system of identity.

Investigation on the hydraulic loss in the vertical inlet and outlet of a pumped storage power station

Abstract The vertical inlet/outlet is commonly adopted in the upper reservoir of pumped-storage power stations, in which the internal flow patterns exert a critical influence on the safety and operational efficiency of the entire power station. Based on the standard k-ε turbulence model coupled with the revised wall roughness theory, this investigation presented a numerical model of a vertical inlet/outlet in a pumped-storage upper reservoir and the validity and accuracy of the numerical simulation are validated through comparison well with the results of the model experiments. The results suggest that the emergence of vortices of varying intensities near the inlet during power-generation scenarios at dead water levels and at 3.5 times of the rated flow rate (389.6 m3/s). The bend section experiences fairly nonuniform flow velocity, with the highest average flow hydraulic loss in the entire vertical pipe inlet/outlet system. These insights provide a substantial utility for operational strategies and optimization designs in related engineering projects.

Super-large diameter slurry shield tunnel encountering boulder formation: Detection, treatment and data analysis

Boulders pose substantial challenges in coastal urban tunnel engineering. This study, for the first time, utilizes extensive closely spaced borehole data from 3486 drilling points obtained during actual tunnelling through boulder strata to evaluate the effectiveness of microtremor detection, analyze variations in operational parameters, and assess the efficiency of blasting treatment. Additionally, leveraging borehole data, a 3D reconstruction of the soil-boulder-bedrock stratum was developed, and the stratum content ratio at the excavation face was derived. A multivariate linear regression model was established to explore the relationship between boulder geology and construction parameters. The results demonstrated that microtremor surveys effectively identified boulder distributions by analyzing horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio curves and differences in surface wave phase velocity. Field drilling confirmed the high accuracy of microtremor predictions, particularly in areas with dense or thick boulder layers. Post-blasting secondary drilling revealed boulder fragments smaller than 30 cm, meeting the operational requirements for shield cutter and crusher systems. The presence of boulders was found to increase thrust, torque, and overturning moments, as well as cause abnormal cutter wear. Blasting significantly reduced the standard deviation of operational data, demonstrating its effectiveness in stabilizing tunnelling performance. Regression analysis showed a strong correlation between geological conditions and tunnelling parameters, with results indicating that blasting operations effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of boulders on shield tunnelling performance. This study aims to provide valuable insights and references for future engineering projects encountering similar complex geological conditions.

Effective Information Flow In Project Management: Lessons From An Information Technology Project

Network analysis of scheduled activities is a widely-applied project management tool which promotes timely and efficient project delivery. However, lack of coherent network of information flow during the project implementation can render the project objectives and targets unrealisable. In this study, the researcher analysed lessons on information management from a plant installation process in an information technology (IT) company within the Manchester neighbourhood. The lessons were relatable because the researcher was a member of the team who managed the plant installation. In particular, an electronic information model (under the auspices of Excel software) was designed and implemented in collaboration with the project team. This immediately kept the team well informed of the project progress, corrected slowdowns in activity execution and facilitated timely completion of the plant assembly. The multiple-machine plant was successfully prepared for production operation within the specified timeline. This study therefore argues that project managers may take lessons from this experience in creating a network of information flow such that the project team implements their assigned activities with full information knowledge of what comes before and after each activity.

Development of an optical measurement system for strain determination in concrete structures

Health monitoring activities in concrete structures are crucial tools in Civil Engineering for both maintenance processes and durability assessment. These activities carry significant economic implications within the field of civil projects. At the regional level, locally produced products and services for such monitoring are lacking. This deficiency is likely due to the high costs associated with importing and deploying such systems, thus limiting the implementation of structural health monitoring practices. However, strain measurement is a key parameter in structural monitoring techniques, and optical sensors have emerged as attractive alternatives due to their inherent advantages over conventional technologies. Recognizing the potential benefits and economic impact of such systems in civil project management, and noting the void in the regional market, this article presents the results of a technological development undertaken as part of a start-up technological project. Specifically, an optical system was designed, implemented, and tested for strain measurement in concrete structures using locally manufactured fiber optic sensors based on Bragg gratings.

Ship model-based route optimisation for decision support in deep sea shipping

Abstract We present a new approach and route optimization methodology to support analysis and planning of vessel and fleet performance in deep sea shipping for green, energy efficient, and safe navigation. The developed methodology combines the ship technical characteristics based on a ship model developed for a particular vessel type and energy-saving technology options and an optimization algorithm taking into account weather conditions. Optimization involves two stages: graph construction and Dynamic Programming labelling algorithm implemented to solve the shortest path problem with variable speed. The new approach is implemented as part of a decision-support tool EcoRouter enabling the user to conduct analysis of safe and Pareto optimal solutions. Several applications to support real fleet planning and ship performance analysis have been identified including project engineering for future energy-saving ship technologies, for example, wind-assisted propulsion.

Agrobiodiversity Conservation Policies: Insights from an Integrated Micro-macro Economic Model in Ethiopia

AbstractNational strategies aiming to enhance agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa have traditionally focused on encouraging the adoption of improved modern crop varieties. This approach led to genetic erosion and reduced option value for bioprospecting, an unintended consequence of the decline of locally conserved traditional varieties. Governments are often left with poor guidance to evaluate the costs and benefits of this strategy. In this paper, we propose a methodological framework for assessing agricultural policies based on local agrobiodiversity conservation. In particular, we modify a computable general equilibrium model with trade to account for the land allocated to traditional and improved modern varieties as input for the agricultural sector. As a case study we select the Ethiopian durum wheat. Several sources of data at macro, micro and agronomic levels are adopted to estimate parameters and economic effects. Accounting for climate change and technological projections up to 2050, results of a counterfactual scenario show that when policy-driven breeding programs in specific agroecological niches are implemented, they simultaneously achieves conservation and food production goals. The findings underscore the need for policy interventions aimed at promoting context-specific strategies that consider conservation and production objectives within the broader agricultural landscape.

Research on intelligent building decoration design and user experience based on VR technology

The continuous development of virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used in all walks of life, bringing unprecedented design possibilities and user experience improvement to the field of architectural decoration design. This paper aims to explore how to use VR technology for intelligent building decoration design and evaluate its impact on user experience through empirical research. Firstly, through the review of relevant literature at home and abroad, the application status and development trend of VR technology in architectural decoration design is sorted out. Then, the design process and implementation scheme based on VR technology are introduced in detail, and the design framework suitable for different application scenarios is constructed. Then, through the design of the user experience evaluation index system, using the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the intelligent decoration design scheme based on VR technology is systematically evaluated. Finally, select a typical case for in-depth analysis, show the application effect of VR technology in actual projects, and summarize the feedback of users. The research results show that the intelligent building decoration design based on VR technology can not only improve the design efficiency and quality but also significantly enhance the user's sense of immersion and satisfaction, providing a new perspective and development direction for future architectural design. In addition, this paper also points out the challenges in this field and the possible research directions in the future, which provides a valuable reference for subsequent scholars.

Development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects

This review delves into the development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects, an area critical for maintaining project viability and profitability amidst fluctuating market conditions. Effective cost control is essential in the oil and gas sector, where projects are often capital-intensive and subject to economic and operational uncertainties. This review examines various cost control methodologies and their application throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning and budgeting to execution and closure. The paper highlights key cost control strategies, including detailed project cost estimation, budget forecasting, and variance analysis. It discusses the use of advanced project management tools and technologies, such as software for real-time cost tracking and predictive analytics, which enhance decision-making and financial oversight. The review also covers the importance of risk management practices in identifying and mitigating potential cost overruns, emphasizing the role of contingency planning and risk assessment in maintaining financial control. Case studies demonstrate how successful implementation of these strategies can lead to significant cost savings, improved project efficiency, and enhanced financial performance. The challenges associated with cost control, including dealing with unexpected price fluctuations, scope changes, and regulatory compliance issues, are also addressed. Solutions to these challenges, such as adopting flexible budgeting techniques and leveraging data-driven insights, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for refining cost control practices in oil and gas engineering projects, including the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of cost control measures, integrating cost management with overall project strategy, and fostering collaboration among project stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.

Prediction of Undrained Shear Strength Utilizing a Hybrid Stacking Model Enhanced by Bayesian Optimization Algorithm

Undrained shear strength serves as one of the crucial indicators for analyzing the strength and assessing the stability of clay. To enhance the predictive capability of undrained shear strength, we introduced a hybrid stacking model, the KSMRX, which leverages the Bayesian optimization algorithm. Comparative analyses against base models revealed that the KSMRX model significantly enhanced prediction accuracy, elevating it from 51.3% to 72.5%. This substantial improvement underscored the efficacy of our approach in predicting drained shear strength. Moreover, when compared with the prediction accuracies of 15 other hybrid models, the KSMRX hybrid stacking model consistently demonstrated superior performance. Therefore, this study not only presents a novel and more convenient computational approach, facilitating the acquisition of highly accurate geotechnical parameters, but also serves as a reference for the implementation of geotechnical engineering projects.

Evaluating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Managing Construction Engineering Projects

This study evaluates the impact of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in managing construction engineering projects. With the increasing complexity and scale of construction projects, AI offers promising solutions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making processes. The study investigates the potential benefits, challenges, and practical applications of AI through detailed case studies. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was collected through literature reviews and case studies where AI had been successfully implemented. The analyses included comparisons between projects that used AI and those that did not. The findings demonstrated significant improvements in project efficiency, cost estimation accuracy, and risk management. For instance, AI-powered systems reduced scheduling errors by 35%, leading to more accurate timelines. Additionally, the integration led to a 20% reduction in project durations due to improved resource allocation and proactive risk management. Furthermore, AI-supported systems contributed to a 25% improvement in stakeholder satisfaction. In terms of cost estimation, AI-powered estimation tools improved the accuracy of cost estimates by 30%, helping to reduce budget overruns by 40%. In risk management, AI-supported tools enhanced the accuracy of risk identification by 45%, leading to the early detection of potential issues and the development of effective mitigation strategies that reduced the impact of risks by 30%. Thanks to these improvements, project success rates increased by 20%. These results demonstrate that integrating AI into the management of engineering construction projects can lead to tangible improvements in project efficiency, cost accuracy, and risk management, thereby enhancing stakeholder satisfaction and contributing to more successful project outcomes.

Net-Zero Considerations within the Delivery of Major AEC Projects in the UK: A Thematic Analysis of the Key Challenges for Project Managers

The growing emphasis on carbon considerations and the pursuit of net-zero emissions have brought about a paradigm shift in project management. To successfully facilitate the transition towards net-zero emissions, major projects must not only adapt existing systems but also embed carbon targets into their core strategies. While several studies have investigated carbon integration during the procurement phase, limited attention has been given to the construction project manager (PM) perspective. This study aims to bridge this research gap by exploring the challenges and barriers faced by construction PMs when integrating carbon targets and metrics into major Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects, as well as evaluating the readiness of project teams to deliver on these. This study deployed a qualitative exploratory research design, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 AEC project professionals actively engaged in the planning and execution of major projects in the UK. Thematic analysis of the data revealed a range of challenges and barriers faced by PM teams delivering these projects. The research findings contribute to the field of construction major projects and project management by enhancing the understanding of the challenges faced by PMs when planning and delivering major AEC projects within the context of the net-zero transition. This study uncovers a series of challenges and prevalent practices that have the potential to impede progress towards net zero. A conceptual model is also proposed, offering a synthesis of the different PM perspectives on carbon integration.

Critical competencies for integration of digital technologies in managing PPP projects

This study addresses the application of various digital technologies (DTs) in PPP construction projects by identifying relevant DTs for this type of projects and analyzing the required skill sets for the effective adoption of these technologies. The study identifies 18 competencies from existing literature and uses purposive sampling technique, selecting a sample of 200 professionals. The identified competencies were subjected to validation by the professionals through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics to ascertain perceived relative importance. Further hypothetical tests were conducted to assess the differences in perception of these skills relative to the professions and company size of the respondents. The identification of the critical competencies for digital technology application in Nigerian PPP projects highlighted the critical role of both technical and managerial competencies, with a notable emphasis on continuous learning, proficiency in BIM software, and essential managerial competencies. Furthermore, the study found consistent skill appraisal across professional groups and no significant relationship between company size and the perceived importance of these competencies, underscoring the universality of requirements for effective adoption of DTs in PPP Projects. The findings underscore the critical importance of a balanced blend of technical expertise and managerial competencies, along with consistent skill appraisal across professional groups.

RESEARCH APPROACH IN METHODOLOGICAL FUTURE SCIENCE TEACHER TRAINING

The article is devoted to a research approach implementation in the methodological training of future science teachers. The author emphasizes the need to develop research competence in higher education students majoring in the subject specialty 014.15 Secondary Education (Natural Sciences) and obtaining a professional qualification of a teacher of natural sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology to work in the New Ukrainian School. The article’s purpose is to reveal the essence of the research competence of future science teachers and the peculiarities of implementing the research approach in their methodological training. It has been established that the research approach involves the organization of the educational process in which learning takes place through research activities. The research competence of future science teachers is interpreted as an integrative quality of a personality that combines motivation for research, methodological knowledge and knowledge of research technologies, research skills, the ability to carry out research activities, organize them with students in teaching science subjects, and evaluate their effectiveness. It is determined that this research competence combines motivational, cognitive, activity-operational, and reflective components. The importance of methodological disciplines in the formation of research competence of future teachers of natural sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology is emphasized. It has been found that the research approach in the methodological training of future teachers requires the use of specific teaching methods and technologies (project, contextual, case technology, research laboratory work). It contributes to the research competence of higher education students development, in particular, their ability to organize students’ research activities in science classes in general secondary education institutions.

Predicting the Compressive Strength of Sustainable Portland Cement-Fly Ash Mortar Using Explainable Boosting Machine Learning Techniques.

Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is a critical property for assessing the engineering performances of sustainable materials, such as cement-fly ash mortar (CFAM), in the design of construction engineering projects. The experimental determination of UCS is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, the present study aims to model the UCS of CFAM with boosting machine learning methods. First, an extensive database consisting of 395 experimental data points derived from the literature was developed. Then, three typical boosting machine learning models were employed to model the UCS based on the database, including gradient boosting regressor (GBR), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), and Ada-Boost regressor (ABR). Additionally, the importance of different input parameters was quantitatively analyzed using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach. Finally, the best boosting machine learning model's prediction accuracy was compared to ten other commonly used machine learning models. The results indicate that the GBR model outperformed the LGBM and ABR models in predicting the UCS of the CFAM. The GBR model demonstrated significant accuracy, with no significant difference between the measured and predicted UCS values. The SHAP interpretations revealed that the curing time (T) was the most critical feature influencing the UCS values. At the same time, the chemical composition of the fly ash, particularly Al2O3, was more influential than the fly-ash dosage (FAD) or water-to-binder ratio (W/B) in determining the UCS values. Overall, this study demonstrates that SHAP boosting machine learning technology can be a useful tool for modeling and predicting UCS values of CFAM with good accuracy. It could also be helpful for CFAM design by saving time and costs on experimental tests.

Teaching Reform and Practice of Soil Mechanics Course in the Context of Emerging Engineering Science

With the accelerated development of scientific and technological progress and industrial upgrading, Emerging Engineering Education has become the key to cultivate high-quality and innovative talents, and the teaching reform of the Soil Mechanics course, as a core basic course of civil engineering, is particularly important for adapting to the engineering needs of the new era. This paper discusses the teaching reform and practice of Soil Mechanics courses in the context of emerging engineering science, and puts forward the introduction of cutting-edge technology, updating course content, innovative teaching methods, the teaching quality of Soil Mechanics courses and the comprehensive quality of students, and other strategies, and seeks to promote the significant improvement of the quality of teaching and the quality of talents. Among them, the application of virtual reality and project-driven learning mode enhances students' practical ability and innovative thinking. The strengthening of practical teaching links and industry-university-research cooperation has enhanced the opportunities for students to participate in actual engineering projects, while the integration of Civic and Political Education has fostered students' professional ethics and sense of social responsibility. In the future, the course of Soil Mechanics will continue to adjust and optimise the teaching mode, cultivate high-quality civil engineering talents adapted to the needs of emerging engineering science, and provide powerful support for modern engineering construction.

Fracture analysis of seawater sea-sand recycled aggregate concrete beams: Experimental study and analytical model

Seawater sea-sand recycled aggregate concrete (SSRAC) has garnered significant attention from engineers involved in various coastal engineering projects. Fracture constitutes one of the primary failure modes of SSRAC, and the accurate analysis of its fracture behavior is crucial for application. In this present study, SSRAC with 50% aggregate replacement was subjected to three-point bending tests to evaluate its fracture performance. Specific methodologies for calculating SSRAC fracture toughness were introduced, taking into account the effects of material microstructures and specimen boundaries. By comparing the fracture properties of SSRAC specimens with varying initial notch lengths, the size effect was addressed by using established methods, resulting in a constant fracture toughness value. Furthermore, the methods for analyzing the fracture of un-notched specimens were developed, considering fracture path analysis and the influence of internal defects. Notably, this research demonstrated that small specimens and established methodologies efficiently predict the fracture behavior of larger specimens, providing practical insights for engineering applications.

Challenges to Public Administration Related to the Implementation of the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation

The author considers the requirements of the Decree of the President of Russia “On the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation” to the characteristics and principles of functioning of the public administration system in Russia. It is shown that the list of these characteristics and requirements is incomplete and insufficient for the implementation of the Decree. The main gaps in the requirements formed by the Decree relate to limiting the reconfiguration of the management system to only one subsystem, management in the field of scientific and technological development. The article argues that the complex nature of grand scientific and technological challenges implies profound changes in the public administration system as a whole, the transition from a structural and functional management system (a combination of meritocratic and client-oriented models) to a project management system (indicative and public-state models). The changes should affect the nomenclature and the scheme of interaction between structural divisions of state bodies, increase the level of project intra- and interdepartmental coordination. In addition, significant changes must be made in the public service system. We should organize training of specialists capable of using data analytics tools and data-based decision-making technologies as well as of carrying out an indicative assessment of project implementation indicators. The structure of the civil service should be associated with project offices and temporary performance of duties in these offices, and not only with permanent functions, taking into account the specifics of project service activities and project teams within government agencies. Civil servants should actively interact with independent expert structures and with civil society, which is the ultimate beneficiary of science and technology projects.