Experimental Studies on Green Concrete using Volcanic Ash and PVA/VE

This paper investigates the influence of volcanic ash (VA) and vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer powder (PVA/VE) as partial cement replacement on the engineering properties of blended binders concretes. The parameters studied included density, workability and compressive strength. A total number of 12 trial mixtures were prepared and tested by varying the proportions of binders. Firstly, VA was used to replace OPC at dosage levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 50% by weight of the binder. Secondly, PVA/VE was used to replace OPC at dosage levels of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.50% by weight of the binder. Finally, the optimum replacement levels of VA and PVA/VE were determined and used to prepare a new trial mix. The results show that cement replacement up to 15% volcanic ash and 1.5% PVE/VE leads to increase in workability and compressive strength for C30 grade compared with the control mixture. Keywords: Green concrete, Compressive strength, Workability, Volcanic ash, PVA/VE

Effect of Particle Sizes on Mechanical Properties of Concrete Containing Crumb Rubber

This paper investigates the mechanical properties of concrete containing different particle sizes of crumb rubber. This research have been conducted on 10% replacement of fine aggregates by three different particle sizes of crumb rubber which are 1 mm crumb rubber, 0.4–1 mm fine dust crumb rubber, and 0.2–0.6 mm powder crumb rubber. Laboratory tests include slump test, compressive test, flexural test, bulk density test, water absorption test, porosity test, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test were conducted on the concrete mixes. All concrete specimens were tested at the age of 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. The results from laboratory testing on concrete specimens were analyzed. It was found that in the inclusion of crumb rubber into concrete, it will reduce the strength of concrete. The usage of greater particle sizes of crumb rubber which is 1 mm crumb rubber gives better strength of concrete compared to the usage of smaller particle sizes of crumb rubber which is 0.2–0.6 mm powder crumb rubber. Therefore, the rubberized concrete can absorb the impact energy and suitable usage in roads and highways construction such as road divider, road pavement, and others because it can absorb impact from vehicles load, disaster and others. Keywords: Crumb rubber, Workability, Concrete strengt

A Comparative Study on the Strengthening of RC Beams with Steel Plates and Steel Angles

The techniques of strengthening reinforced concrete beams have been widely used in civil engineering. RC beams often need strengthening due to defective construction, having higher loads than those foreseen in the initial design of the structure, or as a result of material deterioration or accidental damage. The need for strengthening concrete structures has become a crucial problem all over the world. Rehabilitation of structures results in less construction waste materials, reserve natural resources, reduces the negative effects of the environment, saves time and cost, etc. The structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened by addition of steel plates or steel angles has been investigated in the undertaken research. The main aim of this research is to demonstrate the best method of the investigated strengthening techniques. The experimental work comprised of 18 RC beams divided into three groups; the first group consists of 6 normal RC beams, the second group contains 6 RC beams strengthened by addition of steel plates and the third group contains 6 RC beams strengthened by addition of steel angles. Keywords: Steel Plate, Steel Angle, RC Beam, Concret

An Assessment of the Impacts of Construction Projects on the Environment in the Gaza Strip

The aim of this study is to assess the most common impacts of construction projects on the environment in the Gaza Strip and propose the best solutions in curbing down the adverse impacts. To achieve this aim, a structured survey, in the form of a questionnaire was conducted to identify the most critical and important impacts of construction projects on the environment. Environmental impacts were categorized into three safeguard subjects: ecosystems, natural resources, and public impacts. The results showed that dust generation, noise pollution, operations with vegetation removal, and air pollution are the most significant environmental impacts of construction sites in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the public impacts are the most important category that affects the environment in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the necessity of taking measures to protect labors and residents who are living near to construction sites. It is recommended to enhance the knowledge and awareness of construction participants to the environmental impacts of construction projects and enact strict laws to curb down the adverse impacts of construction projects. In addition, the researchers should look for alternative methods for construction to mitigate the adverse impacts of construction projects on the environment. The results of this study can help decision makers to identify major construction impacts on the environment and make environmentally friendly construction plans in the early stages of construction. Keywords: Environment, Construction projects, EIA, Gaza Strip

Choice of material : the reuse of soil material

Grunden till detta arbete är att utveckla en förståelse för hur betong, tegel och natursten fungerar i våra utemiljöer och hur dessa kan återanvändas. För att kunna påverka materialvalen i våra offentliga miljöer behöver entreprenörer, beställare och projektörer som har möjligheten att påverka börja göra det och hitta lösningar för att få det att fungera hållbart och ekonomiskt. Projektörer, beställare och entreprenörer har makten att göra skillnad redan vid materialval. Studien som har utförts ska underlätta för ovanstående aktörer om hur de kan gå tillväga för att återanvända markmaterial på bästa möjliga sätt. Genom denna studie med intervjuer som gjorts har det tagits fram en checklista som ska underlätta hanteringen för val av markmaterial. Denna checklista är tänkt att användas som en lathund som innehåller alla råd och anvisningar. Checklistan ska kunna tillämpas vid de flesta nybyggen och renoveringar, med undantag för specialprojekt med annorlunda omständigheter. Checklistan ska gynna miljön och underlätta projekteringsprocessen. Beställarens miljökravställning blir lättare att uppfylla. Som entreprenör kan man påverka projektörer och beställare att ställa dessa krav. Materialinformationen som har tagits fram i studien visar att det är möjligt att återanvända material men att det är för kostsamt. Utifrån intervjuerna försöker aktörerna hitta mer skonsamma och ekonomiska lösningar genom att vända sig till företag som hanterar och forskar om återvinning av material som är hållbara att använda. Enligt studien och intervjuerna krävs det stora krafttag av både företagare och den offentliga sektorn för en miljövänligare byggbransch.The basis for this work is to develop an understanding of how concrete, bricks and natural stones work in our outdoor environments and how they materials can be reused. To be able to influence the choices of materials in our public environments, one must approach the builders and/or the contractors. Designers, clients and contractors have the power to make a difference when choosing materials. The study that has been carried out will facilitate for the above actors how to take steps to recycle soil material in the best possible way. Out of this study and the interviews that have been conducted, a checklist has been developed that will simplify the reuse of soil materials. This checklist is meant to be used as a crib that contains all the advice and instructions. The checklist is applicable to most new buildings and renovations, except for special projects with different circumstances. The checklist should benefit the environment and facilitate the design process. The customer's environmental requirements adjustment will be easier to fulfill. The entrepreneurs can influence projectors and clients to set these requirements. According to the material information presented in the study, it is possible to reuse the materials, but it is too expensive. Based on the interviews, the actors are trying to find more gentle and economical solutions by working with the companies that handle and research on recycling of materials that are sustainable to use. According to the study and the interviews, great efforts are needed by both entrepreneurs and authorities / municipalities for a more environmentally friendly construction industry

Immune Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy: A Rare Complication of Statin Therapy

Immune mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is part of the inflammatory myopathies group of diseases and presents with muscle weakness, myalgias and elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Statin-induced IMNM is a rare complication. We present a patient with IMNM secondary to simvastatin use. The patient presented with proximal myopathy, dysphagia, and elevated creatinine kinase levels, and was subsequently found to have anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) autoantibodies with a necrotizing process on muscle biopsy. This patient’s case was further complicated by sequelae of multiple disease processes, ultimately leading to deterioration of his health

Iran's Trade with Neighbors: Sanctions' Impact and the Alternatives

This article investigates whether sanctions have changed or influenced Iran's trade patterns, focusing on neighboring countries. The study concentrates first on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), considered Iran's main regional partner. We hypothesize that the sanctions should have had a negative impact on Iran's trade with the UAE, as the latter cooperated with US policies toward the Islamic Republic. By contrast, sanctions were likely to positively influence its trade with Qatar. Indeed, the research shows that Iranian trade with Qatar increased significantly after 2017, while its trade with the UAE declined as a result of the measures adopted toward Iranian businesses in Dubai. However, the results also indicate that despite the UAE's anti-Iranian stance, the country still constitutes a major trading partner for the Islamic Republic, which is trying to mitigate the paralyzing impact of sanctions by developing trade relations with Qatar and other countries, such as Turkey.Scopu