Category: Uncategorized

Behavior of self-compacting recycled aggregate concrete filled double skin steel tubular square columns under axial loading

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (51-65)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01-/51-65

Research Article By:

Zain AL-abdeen Injers Tomma and Samoel Mahdi Saleh

Corresponding author E-mail: zainalmaliky451@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

A series of experimental tests were carried out to investigate the behavior of sustainable self-compacting concrete-filled double skin steel tubular (HSCFDST) columns. Nine column specimens were tested in the present study, taking into account the effects of the inner shape of the column cross section (circular or square), the hollowness ratio, and the recycled aggregate replacement ratio. For comparison, three of the tested specimens were filled with normal recycled aggregate concrete. It was observed that the maximum axial strength of CFDST columns increases with the increase in void fraction for round inner tubes and decreases with the increase in void fraction for square inner tubes. Also, it was found that for square column specimens, the ultimate axial strength of HSCFDST columns was inversely proportional to their hollowness and slenderness ratios. CFDST column specimens filled with recycled aggregate concrete compared with those filled with normal aggregate concrete decreased stiffness and ultimate axial strength but gave unexpected results for the ultimate axial strength; therefore, the suitable choice for the section properties of the inner steel tube is required. The bearing capacity of CFDST square columns with concrete aggregate (30% and 60%) decreases by 5% and 10%, respectively. Increasing the volume of recycled concrete led to a decrease in maximum load capacity, with a 30% volume resulting in a 5%-10% reduction and 60% volume further reducing capacity by 10%-14.6%. The experimental results and analytical approach that were developed by other researchers showed good agreement.

Keywords: CFDST, Sustainable concrete, self-compacting concrete, Composite column, Hollowness ratio, recycled aggregate.

Get Full Access / pdf

A review: thermal degradation of polymethyl methacrylate: a metallurgical perspective on fiber and CO2 laser exposure

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (38-50)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01-/38-50

Research Article By:

Hasanain Atiyah, Rafea Dakhil Hussein and Hayder I. Mohammed

Corresponding author E-mail: hasanainatiyah@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

This paper presents a thorough examination of the thermal deterioration of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) influenced by fiber and CO2 lasers, investigating their unique metallurgical and thermal effects. The elevated energy density of fiber lasers results in quick and highly targeted heating, enabling speedy material removal and ablation. Nonetheless, this quick heating causes considerable surface roughness, microfractures, and extensive molecular degradation, undermining the material’s structural integrity. In contrast, CO2 lasers, distinguished by their longer wavelength, provide wider and more uniform heat distribution throughout the PMMA surface. This yields a more refined surface finish with enhanced degradation control, however at a reduced processing speed. The review examines the unique thermal distribution patterns generated by each laser type, investigating the development of heat-affected zones (HAZs) and the particular degradation mechanisms occurring inside these zones. The study examines the metallurgical alterations caused in the PMMA structure, focusing on aspects such as chain scission, depolymerization, and the generation of volatile byproducts. Experimental results demonstrate that fiber lasers are optimal for high-velocity material removal procedures where surface finish is not paramount, but CO2 lasers are favored for applications requiring superior surface precision and less heat damage. These discoveries include substantial industrial ramifications for several industries, including automotive, optical, and medical device manufacture. The analysis closes by examining ways for optimizing laser parameters, including power, pulse length, and scanning speed, to attain a balance among processing efficiency, material integrity, and desired product quality in PMMA manufacturing.

Keywords: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermal degradation, fiber laser, CO2 laser, metallurgical analysis, laser-induced degradation, heat-affected zone (HAZ), material processing, surface quality.

Get Full Access / pdf

Reducing the effect of pile driving on adjacent shallow foundations: an improved investigation

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (34-37)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01-/34-37

Research Article By:

Tarteel Abdullah Jabbar

Corresponding author E-mail: tarteel.abulla.cieng@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Deep foundations are often constructed using pile-driving techniques, which are inefficient in shallow foundation areas. However, this method creates ground vibrations that may affect surrounding structures, notably weaker ones, as they can develop fractures, experience irregular settlement, deform, or suffer issues related to the longevity of the building. This study comprehensively analyses vibration energy, its possible structural effects, and many mitigation options. The study integrates real measurement data, simulations, and other illustrative examples to make recommendations to reduce construction vibrations effectively.

Keywords: Vibration mitigation, structural damage, fracture settlement, bounding techniques, shallow structures, vibration recommendations, vibrations moderation, piles driven.

Get Full Access / pdf

Flexural behavior of composite concrete deck slab-steel beams: a review

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (27-33)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01-/27-33

Research Article By:

Enas Sami Sabbar and Haider Al-Jelawy

Corresponding author E-mail: eng.post.civil8@qu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

One of the most important structures in modern civil engineering is composite beams, which refer to beams that consist of different materials whereby the most common are concrete slabs and steel beams. This paper aims at presenting the state of research on the behavior and performance of composite beams emphasis has been put on the Shear connections. Some of the commonly used shear connectors include headed steel studs, channel connectors, and angle connectors, which improve the load bearing of steel and concrete structures. Literature review shows that important parameters such as connection type, concrete strength, and connection layout have been found to affect considerably the ultimate moment, the fatigue behavior, and the failure mode of the connection. In particular, it is important to mention that new materials, such as ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and connector designs offer the potential for increasing loads and durability of connections. It is within this context that this review underlines the need to identify and manage design parameters to guarantee the safe and efficient use of composites in beam structures.

Keywords: Composite beam; Steel beam; Shear connection; UHPC; Failure mode

Get Full Access / pdf

Flexural performance of FRP-strengthened concrete beams: a review

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (21-26)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01/21-26

Research Article By:

Tarteel Abdullah Jabbar

Corresponding author E-mail: tarteel.abulla.cieng@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

The flexural performance of FRP-strengthened beams has become a critical focus in concrete structural engineering, particularly for enhancing strength, ductility, and durability. This paper provides a critical review of recent advancements in the use of FRP materials for flexural strengthening of concrete beams, emphasizing experimental findings, theoretical models, and practical applications. Key parameters affecting flexural performance—such as FRP type (carbon, glass, aramid), bonding techniques, and failure mechanisms—are thoroughly examined. While FRP materials offer advantages like a high modulus-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, challenges such as delamination, environmental durability, and cost remain significant. Additionally, emerging trends in reinforced or hybrid FRP systems are discussed. This review aims to offer researchers, engineers, and professionals comprehensive insights to develop effective and innovative solutions for concrete beam strengthening.

Keywords: Failure, Reinforced concrete beams, Flexural behaviour, Fibre reinforced polymer.

Get Full Access / pdf

Effect of modulus of subgrade reaction on reinforced concrete deep beams

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (15-20)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01/15-20

Research Article By:

Nuha Abdulsada AL-Mayyahi

Corresponding author E-mail: nuhaabdulsada@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

Deep beams are one of the widest used members in construction due to their high rigidity and significant bending resistance. It used usually at high rise buildings, bridges, deck slabs and foundations. The beams may rest on soil in many cases like strap footing. Timoshenko beam theory and Fourier series were used for derivatizing the behavior of deep beams which rest on soil grade. Many parameters were investigated in the current study like modulus of subgrade reaction, beams dimensions and loading type. It was concluded that, the rigidity of deep beam is high in amounts that cancelling the effect of modulus of subgrade reaction. The beam width increases the bearing pressure of the soil and working on enhancing the stability of the beam and keeps it rest well on the soil so that increasing the width of beam led to minimizing sinking the beam into the soil so that reducing the deflection. Furthermore, increasing the height of the deep beam leads to minimizing the deflection of beam due to rising the shear resistance capacity of the beam which depends in the first degree on the beam thickness.

Keywords: Deep beams; modulus of subgrade reaction; Winkler model; concentrated and distributed loads.

Get Full Access / pdf

Best fitting probability distributions of monthly rainfall extremes in Nasiriyah city, southern Iraq

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (13), Issue (1), Year (30 June 2025), Pages (01-09)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2025-13-01-/01-09

Research Article By:

Abaas J. Ismaeel, Ahmed A. Dakheel and Basim M. Al-Zaidi

Corresponding author E-mail: msc_ahmed@utq.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Analysis of rainfall data is important in the design and planning of water projects in cities. Therefore, in this research, rainfall data recorded at the Nasiriyah station located in the center of Thi-Qar Governorate, southern Iraq, was used for 80 years for the period (1940-2020) to determine the best probability distribution fits this data. All tests and statistical analyzes were carried out using the (HYFRAN-PLUS version 1.2) software, and the method of maximum likelihood was applied to obtain the coefficients of theoretical distributions. Eight distributions were tested: GEV (Generalized Extreme Value), Gumbel, Weibull, Normal, Lognormal, Gamma, Pearson type 3, and Log-Pearson type 3, and adequacy test was conducted by (Chi-Square) test for these distributions, the results showed the GEV, Lognormal, Pearson type 3, and Log-Pearson type 3 distributions are suitable, for describing extreme monthly rainfall in this study area.

Keywords: Best fitting; Extremes monthly rainfall; Nasiriyah city; Probability analysis; Weibull distribution.

Get Full Access / pdf

Study of torsional response of modified reactive powder concrete beams containing coarse recycled aggregates, and reactive powder concrete beams at different cross-sections

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (136-145)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02-/136-145

Research Article By:

Salahuddin Qusay Imran and Abdulamir Atalla Karim

Corresponding author E-mail: salahaldinqusay@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

This paper examines the torsional behavior of Beams made from Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) at different cross-sections. It also examines the torsional behavior of modified reactive powder concrete (MRPC) beams that contain coarse aggregate and recycled coarse aggregate (at different replacements) with a maximum particle size of 9.5mm. The study examines the mechanical properties of modified reactive powder concrete in the fresh and hard states and the effect of replacement.

All modified reactive powder concrete beam mixes are cured in standard curing treatment conditions, and RPC beams are placed under a hot water curing bath with different cross sections (Solid Square, hollow, and deep rectangular). The modified reactive powder concrete group, modified reactive powder concrete beam at 30% replacement of coarse recycled aggregate, gives the highest torsion moment among the three replacements. A solid square beam gives better results than hollow cross-sections or beams with rectangular cross-sections, and the result shows that RPC beams under heat curing conditions provide better structural torsional strength than standard curing conditions.

Keywords: Modified reactive powder concrete, coarse recycled aggregate, torsion, ultra-high strength concrete, heat curing.

Get Full Access / pdf

Efficient lead remediation with Fenton oxidation in produced water

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (127-135)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/127-135

Research Article By:

Ali salih and H. A. Ibrahim

Corresponding author E-mail: hanan.ahmed.ibrahim@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Wastewater contains multiple pollutants in different forms that may be biodegradable or non-degradable. Therefore, it was necessary to find different methods and processes to remove these pollutants, as Fenton oxidation (FO) processes were commonly used for commercial and residential operations. In a glass batch reactor, a Fenton oxidation process was performed for the purpose of purifying the produced water (PW) and removing the contaminated lead metal. Depending on the batch system used, the effect of operational process variables such as pH (3-10), oxidation time (20=120) min, concentration of hydrogen peroxide (25-100) ppm and ferrous sulphate (5-25) ppm was tested. Through the results obtained, it was demonstrated that the possibility of applying Fenton oxidation technology in removing lead metal contaminants from the produced water (PW) was successful. Lead elimination of 94.18% was achieved when using the Fenton oxidation technique, where a time of 120 minutes was taken at a pH of 6.5, 62.5 and 25 ppm for hydrogen and ferrous sulphate concentrations, respectively.

Keywords: Produced water, Heavy Metal, Wastewater treatment, Fenton Oxidation processes.

Get Full Access / pdf

Studying the modification of asphalt binder by using sasobit additive

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (121-126)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/121-126

Research Article By:

Atheer Muhammed Ali

Corresponding author E-mail: atheer.muhammed@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) binders with varying amounts of Sasobit additive are made using two kinds of asphalt binders (PEN80-100 and 60-70). The Sasobit content was from 0.4% to 2.0%, with a range of 0.4 by mass of asphalt binder. Penetration, Rotational Viscosity (RV), and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests were performed. In addition, the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) tests were carried out to simulate the short-term and long-term aging of asphalt binder, respectively. Furthermore, for both asphalt binders, the complex shear modulus (G*) was determined in order to calculate the rutting factor (G*/Sinδ) and fatigue factor (G*. Sinδ). The results obtained reveal that, the asphalt performs better at higher temperatures and worse at lower ones. Because excessive amounts of Sasobit will negatively affect the asphalt binder, it should be added to the asphalt binder at a mass percentage of no more than 2%.

Keywords: Asphalt binders, Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Fatigue factor, Rolling Thin Film Oven, Warm mix asphalt.

Get Full Access / pdf

Methods to enhance compatibility in designing of campus facades

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (100-120)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/100-120

Research Article By:

Zeina Abdulhaq Hammoodi Al-jarah and Asmaa Hassan Al-Dabbagh

Corresponding author E-mail: ziena.22enp52@student.uomosul


ABSTRACT

Universities are experiencing a state of visual chaos that affects the campus environment, due to the diversity of design practices and the varying morphological and visual characteristics of their facades. This arises from the continuous need for universities to change in order to accommodate future developments. Achieving compatibility among the facades creates an integrated and cohesive environment. The study aims to identify the variables that designers focus on to achieve compatibility in the facades at the level of the aggregation (a part of the university’s master plan that includes at least three buildings and the space they contain) and to rank these characteristics according to their priority. The study proposes a theoretical framework that includes variables such as: finishing characteristics, relational characteristics, geometric characteristics, along with their secondary properties. To achieve this goal, four aggregations from the University of Mosul with cumulative construction were selected. The study employed quantitative measurement methods to assess the research variables, where the dimensions and areas of the facades were measured within the geometric characteristics variable using AutoCAD software, and the proportion and diversity were evaluated. Fractal3 software was also used to measure fractal symmetry within the relational characteristics variable. The research concluded that the facade characteristics encompass two levels of variables: some of which holistic and detailed. It was found that in aggregations where designers focus on specific facade detailed variables, the holistic variables are and less concentrated by the designers, and vice versa. Additionally, there are cases where designers are able to achieve of balance between focusing on both levels (detailed and. holistic), which is influenced by the area of the aggregation and the functional requirements of its buildings.

Keywords: Compatibility, Termination characteristics, Relationship characteristics, Geometric properties, Campus.

Get Full Access / pdf

Large deformation theory of thin steel cantilever beams under free end load cases

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (90-99)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/90-99

Research Article By:

Jaafar Salman Abdulsada, Enaam kareem jawad and Rami Alawi Rahim

Corresponding author E-mail: jaafars.abdulsada@gmail.com, enamkareem@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

In this research, the large deflection of a cantilever tested steel beam of linear elastic material under the action of an external vertical concentrated force at the free end was numerically investigated. The definition of large deflection behavior indicates the inherent nonlinearity found in the response analysis in these beam systems. The analysis pertains to the domain of geometric nonlinearity, often expressing the equilibrium equation in a deformed structure. Numerous authors have implemented various numerical methodologies to address these issues. This paper investigates Rang-kuta numerical techniques for the numerical simulation of the problem. To achieve this purpose, a cantilever beam of length 1 meter and an isotropic thin steel plate with a rectangular cross-section were used. Assuming the beam material is isotropic, with a modulus of elasticity E = 200 GPa and a Poisson’s ratio equal zero. The performance of the tested beam was assessed considering deflection and deflection angle. A parametric study is also included to investigate the effect of cross section dimensions (width x height) of steel plate on the bending and the deflection value of tested beams.  The assessments indicate that the proposed method can be widely applied to measure large deflections in thin steel plate materials under concentered load at the free end of cantilever beams.

Keywords: Cantilever beams; Large deflection; Thin material; Steel plate; Analytical solution; Bending.

Get Full Access / pdf

Strengthening concrete slabs rest on soil grade using steel fibers

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (80-89)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/80-89

Research Article By:

Ola Mazen Makki, Enaam kareem jawad and Jaafar Salman Abdulsada

Corresponding author E-mail: ola.mazen@qu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Concrete slabs are the most construction members which is in touch with soil. The applied load on concrete slab causes a deformation in slab and soil which making a relative movement between the two medias and that’s what named by soil-structure interaction. Improving concrete slab strength allows the designer to get the required strength without increasing slab thickness and necessary for safety purposes when the slab exposed to unexpected loads.  The study investigated this interaction by casting three concrete slabs and applied a static load on them to discuss their behavior and the soil response. Three plain square slabs of 600 mm sides and 40 mm thickness were casted and tested to investigate the concrete enhancement. The first slab is conventional while the second was of 0.5% percentage of steel fiber and the third specimen was of 1% of steel fiber. It was concluded that, the center of slab deflects downward, while the corners go upward then settles. Adding Steel fiber enhance the concrete compressive strength. The development in slabs bearing capacity were enhanced by 44.7% and 67.03% after adding 0.5% and 1% of fibers respectively.

Keywords: Slab, Foundation, Soil, Soil-Structure interaction, Steel Fiber.

Get Full Access / pdf

Isolation and damping of footing subjected to seismic loads: a review

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (73-79)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/73-79

Research Article By:

Ahmed H. Shubber and Basim Jabbar Abbas

Corresponding author E-mail: ahmed.h.abbas@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Seismic isolation achieves its purpose by making the structure functionally independent from the ground through seismic isolators, which are devices that mitigate the horizontal earthquake motion that can be transmitted to a building. The adoption of seismic isolation is not only limited to new structures but also included in many existing structures— major earthquakes demonstrated the effectiveness of these systems, so such is adopted. Most past research on seismic isolation techniques have been confined to regional studies; this paper proposes a historical review on evolution of isolations methods chronologically. Classification of seismic isolation techniques is done based on their mechanism with brief descriptions of their advantages and disadvantages and any recent innovations or alternative methods widely used under this category noted at the end of each classification provided within the study. Earthquakes are considered one of the most dangerous natural conditions, so they claim thousands of lives and property annually to reduce these damages to the facility, several studies and research have been conducted on the possibility of reducing the effects of seismic waves either by absorbing that energy or dissipating it using different techniques to isolate the foundations or to isolate the entire building, but the problem of these techniques needs a special work environment with a high material cost. The research aims to study the different methods of seismic isolation or damping for the design of foundations separately or multi-storey buildings as a whole with retarded waves according to the nature and strength of the seismic intensity as well as the materials available in the country and to find the best way to reduce the vibrations resulting from seismic movement.

Keywords: Seismic isolation, Seismic load, Damping, Isolation for footing, Earthquakes.

Get Full Access / pdf

Utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiple access technology to mitigate carrier and symbol interference in wireless communication networks

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (62-72)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/62-72

Research Article By:

Nabil Abdulwahab Abdulrazaq Baban

Corresponding author E-mail: nabilrazzak@yahoo.com


ABSTRACT

Wireless communication networks often face challenges from carrier and symbol interference, leading to degraded signal quality and reduced data transmission efficiency. This interference occurs due to overlapping signals and multipath propagation, creating challenges in maintaining reliable communication. To address this, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology can be utilized. By dividing the available spectrum into multiple orthogonal subcarriers, OFDMA reduces interference between symbols and carriers. However, current methods can be further improved through innovative techniques, such as dynamic subcarrier allocation, adaptive modulation, and advanced error correction algorithms, enhancing network performance and minimizing interference in diverse environments. OFDMA surpasses traditional techniques by reducing interference through orthogonal subcarriers, preventing signal overlap. Its dynamic resource allocation optimizes frequency usage, while adaptive modulation like Phase Shift Keying (PSK), and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) adjusts to varying channel conditions. These factors collectively enhance signal quality, improve spectral efficiency, and minimize interference compared to conventional methods like FDMA or Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). This paper introduces a novel approach to enhancing OFDMA by integrating advanced techniques like dynamic subcarrier allocation, adaptive modulation, and improved error correction. These innovations reduce carrier and symbol interference more effectively, optimize spectrum usage, and significantly improve signal quality and network efficiency in diverse wireless environments. Simulation and analysis results show the capacity of OFDMA over traditional techniques in reducing levels of interference and improving the quality of a signal. These findings underscore the great promise of OFDMA in redefining wireless communication systems further, OFDMA enables greater system performance with dynamic resource allocation under various interfering scenarios when contrasted with other methodologies like frequency reuse, adaptive filtering or adaptive power control.

Keywords: OFDMA, ICI, ISI, IoT, PSK, QAM, ECC, MIMO, SIR, BER, SNR, LTE, FDE, TDE, CP, AMC, FFT, IFFT.

Get Full Access / pdf

Landfill site selection using analytical hierarchy process and GIS: a case study in Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (50-61)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/50-61

Research Article By:

Qasim Mohammed Khudair Salman and Ahmed Naseh Ahmed Hamdan

Corresponding author E-mail: qasim.muhamad@sa-uc.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Al-Zubair district is located in the southwestern part of Basrah governorate and is considered the largest region administratively. Due to the rapid urbanization, rapid population growth, high waste productivity, and inexistence of landfills in Al-Zubair district, a sanitary landfill is needed to accommodate the produced solid waste and avoid any potential environmental problems. Hence, this study has been conducted to propose the best location for the sanitary landfill in Al-Zubair district and solve the waste problem scientifically, thus, a total of nine influencing criteria were adopted (water surface, agricultural lands, residential area, soil types, slope, roads, railways, power lines, and the oil fields) then processed using the Geographical Information System (GIS) to generate the map of suitability index and find the most candidate sites for the landfill based on the weights of criteria that derived from the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. This study expected that the cumulative volume of solid waste through (2025-2050) would be about 18658259 m3, requiring a landfill’s area of at least 9.33 km2 to accommodate this volume. The most suitable candidate site for landfill was identified in the middle of Al-Zubair district with an area of 124.63 km2 in a way safe enough from the restricted zones of all criteria reducing the aesthetic destruction, physical pollution, travel time, construction cost and demonstrating the ability to accommodate the cumulative solid waste even after 2050 sustainably. The prior advantages of the proposed landfill’s location would benefit the solid waste management in the study area effectively and efficiently.

Keywords: Al-Zubair district, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Geographic Information System (GIS), Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), Sanitary Landfill.

Get Full Access / pdf

Land use land cover change detection in Baghdad city for the years 2000 and 2024 using random forest algorithm

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (39-49)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/39-49

Research Article By:

Basheer S. Jasim

Corresponding author E-mail: basheer.jasim@atu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

Rapid population growth is one of the serious and common issues in Iraq, and parts of this country have been facing an increase in the number and density of the population in recent decades, putting much pressure on Iraq’s natural resources and sometimes economic activities. The growth of residential constructions and industrial zones has caused direct or indirect destruction of ecosystems and their natural lands. Landsat satellite imagery, TM sensors for 2000, and the OLI-TIRS sensor 2024 were used to detect land cover change. A supervised classification technique by Random Forest (RF) method was used for image classification, and the land cover map was obtained in two different years (2000 and 2024), with overall accuracy of 88.33% and 90.83%, respectively. The analysis results have shown that during 24 years, there has been an increase in urban areas: Urbanization increased significantly from 45.24% to 67.98%, indicating significant population and economic growth. Whereas there was a decrease in green spaces, the percentage of vegetated land decreased from 32.56% to 9.09%, which indicates the diminishment of agricultural and green spaces due to urban expansion.

Regarding the relative stability of water bodies, the percentage of water bodies decreased slightly from 3.08% to 2.53%. Finally, there was a slight increase in arid lands; the percentage of barren land increased from 19.12% to 20.40%, which may reflect land degradation and increasing desertification. Comparing land use and land cover changes over a long period shows the impact of human activities and climate change on the environment, allowing for a deeper assessment of environmental degradation and identifying the most affected areas.

Keywords: Machine Learning, Land Use Land Cover, Classification, Random Forest Algorithm.

Get Full Access / pdf

Behavior of structural members under oblique impact loads state‑of‑the‑art review

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (29-38)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/29-38

Research Article By:

Muna Gaber Arean and Alaa S. Al-Husainy

Corresponding author E-mail: muna.g.arean@mu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

During the life time of the structural members such as beams, columns and slabs, they are expected to be exposed to impact loads from falling objects, hit by cars, and ships with different weights, shapes and impact velocities. The previous studies were intensively studied the behavior of the structural members under lateral impact loadings. Yet very little attempts to understand the influence of the impact angle on the structural behavior of the members. Since failure of structural members can lead to the collapse of the entire structure, this study aims to understand how these members, behave and what causes them to fail under non-axial or lateral impact loads. Beams subjected to an inclined impact load are affected by several factors such as the speed and the mass of the impactor, the height of the dropped weight, the total impact energy, and the stiffness of the entire structure at the moment of impact.  Previous studies shown that when the reinforced concrete slabs subjected to an oblique impact load the local damage occurs at a greater rate when the impactor hit the slab with angle of 20 degrees. However, the effects of the oblique impact load are still under research and more studies are required to understand that behavior.

Keywords: Oblique impact, impact load, impact angle, impact velocity, critical load angle.

Get Full Access / pdf

Torsion behavior of self-compacting reinforced concrete beams produced from recycled aggregate: a numerical investigation

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (19-28)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/19-28

Research Article By:

Ahmed Fadhil Kadhim Alfuraiji and Jamal Abdulsamad Khudhair

Corresponding author E-mail: Ahmed.alnawrs7@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

In the study of reinforcement beams, the behavior of reinforcing beams under torsion is challenging. The use of numerical approaches has been extensive for this purpose, particularly in relation to experimental research, which is usually associated with costs as well as very significant difficulties. This study aims to investigate the torsional moment behavior of the properties of concrete beams, where beams are tested by subjection to torsional moments that come from the eccentricity of the applied load.

The experimental 12 self-compacted reinforcement beams models adopted for analysis in this study are tested, all beams are geometrically similar, have a rectangular cross-section with dimensions of (200×250) mm2 with 1000 mm length, within parameters considered include the recycled aggregate concrete (RCA) content, (0,25,50 and 75 %), The amount of longitudinal reinforcement and the number of stirrups.

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the convenience and efficacy of utilizing ANSYS software for modeling and performing nonlinear analysis on reinforced concrete beams subjected to pure torsion.  The fracture threshold of each specimen was reached by applying a monotonic force. The identical specimens were additionally examined utilizing the methodology proposed by ACI318 to determine their torsional capabilities.

Where the application of FEM analysis allows for the assessment of cracking and fracture torques with a high level of accuracy. The torsional capacity achieved with this method was superior in precision compared to the method described in ACI318. Also, the torsional cracking morphology and the crack propagation trend were properly predicted through to the point of the crack.

Keywords: Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), Finite Element Method (FEM), Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RCA), Torsion, Crack, Angles of twist, SOLID65, Longitudinal bars, Stirrups,Ultimate load.

Get Full Access / pdf

An optimization study on enhancing the vacuum distillation unit using MPC in comparison with PID controller

Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology

Volume (12), Issue (2), Year (30 December 2024), Pages (09-18)

DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2024-12-02/09-18

Research Article By:

Ashraf A. Salih, Thaer A. Abdulla and Ahmed S. Abdullah

Corresponding author E-mail: asraf.a.salih10479@st.tu.edu.iq


ABSTRACT

This research examines the process of choosing between the reliable proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and the recommended model predictive control (MPC) controller for the vacuum distillation unit (VDU) by analyzing its dynamic behavior. Aspen HYSYS V12.1 and MATLAB Simulink Environment (2021 A) software programs were used in this study to compare the performance of the PID and MPC controllers to analyze the overhead temperature response. The temperature response in the middle of the tower (stage No. 15) is both a basic factor in improving product quality and quantity through a set point (SP) step change in the mass flow rate of the feed stream, feeding temperature, and flow rate of stripping steam. In addition, to study the effect of a disturbance step change on the feed pump efficiency, as well as making a change in the overhead temperature and the temperature of stage No. 15 to clarify the performance difference between the (PID) and (MPC), The study result showed that MPC is better than PID in reaching the desired value and overcoming the turbulence effect, The overhead and (stage No.15) temperatures response time to reach steady state, it is found that the MPC response time shorter than the PID with respect to the efficiency disturbance by (81% and 293%), step change in feed flow rate by (43% and 47.2%), feed temperature by  (440% and 158%), low pressure steam (LPS) (81% and 290%) and set point (86.6% and 218%), In the overshot and raising time, the MPC shows better temperature overshoot and raising time in all step change cases taken than the PID except the overhead temperature in feed temperature step change shows that PID is better in small temperature difference, and steady state error percentage for the MPC shows that it is zero or approximately zero in the inputs step change but for the PID the steady state error is not zero like in step change in feed flow rate and temperature which are 0.01 and 0.02 respectively.

This study shows how the efficiency of the distillation separation process can be increased through the prediction disturbance, overcoming it and high response time to reach the desired value, which increases the production quality, and quantity and reduces the energy associated with the production process (steam, fuel, electricity, etc.).

Keywords: Vacuum distillation unit, model predictive control, proportional integral derivative, LPS, vacuum diesel oil, heavy vacuum gas oil, light vacuum gas oil.

Get Full Access / pdf