Abstract: This study investigates the differences in flexural behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) arising from variations in test methods and key experimental parameters. Flexural tensile tests were conducted on 51 specimens representing 17 combinations of test variables, including steel fiber length (13 mm and 19.5 mm), specimen cross-sectional dimensions (75×75 mm, 100×100 mm, and 150×150 mm), presence or absence of a notch, and loading configuration (three-point and four-point loading). The tests were performed in accordance with ASTM C1609 and EN 14651, and both deflection and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) were normalized by the span length to compare the influence of each parameter. The notched specimens demonstrated significantly improved reliability, exhibiting up to an 8.4-fold reduction in standard deviation due to the consistent initiation of cracking. Regarding size effects, the 75×75 mm specimens showed an overestimation of flexural performance due to the wall effect of fiber distribution, whereas the 100×100 mm and 150×150 mm specimens exhibited similar flexural responses. The comparison of loading configurations revealed that three-point loading produced up to 11.7% higher flexural tensile strength than four-point loading, attributable to concentrated moment–shear interaction and the combined effects of fiber bridging and shear resistance mechanisms. In addition, specimens with longer steel fibers (19.5 mm) exhibited 5.2–9.7% higher flexural performance than those with shorter fibers (13 mm), which is attributed to enhanced interfacial bonding and improved crack dispersion capacity.

Abstract: The rapid mobilization of sediment stored behind dams, in amounts that are large relative to mean annual sediment loads can jump start river restoration but can also adversely impact habitat, infrastructure, land, and water use upstream of, within, and downstream of the former impoundment. A wide range of geomorphic and engineering assessment tools were applied to help manage sediment-related risks associated with the removal of two dams from the Elwha River in Washington State and the release of roughly 21 million m3 of sediment. Each of these tools had their strengths and weaknesses, which are explored here. The processes of sediment erosion, transport and deposition were complex. No one model was able to fully simulate all these with the accuracy necessary for predicting the magnitude and timing of coarse and fine sediment release from the reservoir. Collectively, however, the model outputs provided enough information to guide the adaptive sediment management process during dam removal. When the complexity of the morphodynamic responses to dam removal and the associated risks exceeded the capacity of any one tool to adequately assess, synoptic forecasting proved useful. The lessons learned on the Elwha have provided insights into how to use a variety of modeling techniques to address sediment management issues such as dam removal scale, complexity and risk increase.

Abstract: The article deals with the issue of designing reverse curves in a railway track, i.e. a geometric system consisting of two circular arcs (usually with different radii), directed in opposite directions and directly connected to each other. It is also about being able to recreate (i.e. model) the existing geometric system with reverse arcs, so that it is then possible to correct the horizontal ordinates in the area where the circular arcs connect. An analytical method of designing track geometric systems was used, in which individual elements of these systems are described using mathematical equations. The design itself is carried out in the appropriate local Cartesian coordinate system, which is based on symmetrically arranged adjacent main directions of the route. The origin of this system is located at the point of intersection of adjacent main directions, whose coordinates in the global system are known. In the case of reverse curves, a third main direction appears, which significantly complicates the design procedure. The initial values ​​of the radii of the reverse arcs must correspond to the existing system of main directions. The introduction of transition curves causes these radii to decrease; their values ​​are determined iteratively. A set of formulas for creating a geometric system of reverse curves is presented. These formulas were used in the calculation example. A graph of the horizontal curvature of the track axis and a method for determining the possible train speed without the use of cant on an arc and with the use of cant are shown. The presented procedure is universal and can be applied to other geometric situations involving the design of reverse curves.

Abstract: This study investigates the behaviour of Compressed Earth Cylinders (CECs) and Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) during direct compression tests and examines the influence of aspect ratio and the effects of platen restraint. The experimental investigation utilises two soil types and examines the impact of jute fibre reinforcement on the failure mechanism of CECs with aspect ratios ranging from 0.50 to 2.00. Through experimental analysis and numerical modelling, the effects of platen restraint are examined, and a novel hypothesis of intersecting cones is presented. The results show that specimens with a lower aspect ratio exhibited higher compressive strength due to confinement caused by platen restraint. Moreover, this research has derived new aspect ratio correction factors which enable conversion from Apparent Compressive Strength (ACS) to Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of unstabilised and fibre-reinforced CECs. A theoretical relationship between CECs and CEBs was also determined, with an accuracy of 2.7 %. The outcome of this research recommends a standard approach to the application of aspect ratio correction factors when interpreting and reporting the compressive strength of CECs and CEBs.

Abstract: With respect to safety-critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants, offshore wind turbine platforms, and cross-sea bridges, the coupled effects of carbonation, corrosion, and fatigue may lead to catastrophic failures. In this study, an experiment involving 14 reinforced concrete beams was conducted to investigate the indirect coupling effect of fatigue damage and a carbonation environment. On the basis of the results of the fatigue damage tests, porosity was selected as the damage variable. Finally, based on the electrochemical principles of reinforcement corrosion and considering the impact of fatigue damage on oxygen diffusion, a corrosion-based electrochemical model for reinforced concrete under the coupled effects of fatigue damage and carbonation was established, along with a numerical simulation. The key factors influencing the reinforcement corrosion behavior were also analyzed. (1) The oxygen concentration distribution at any position on the steel reinforcement surface within the concrete increased with increasing damage, whereas the lowest oxygen concentration occurred at the interface between the anode and cathode. The corrosion current density on the steel reinforcement surface reached its maximum value at the anode–cathode interface, and the average corrosion rate increased with increasing damage. The corrosion rate of steel reinforcement in concrete with 82.5% damage was up to 18% higher than that observed in undamaged concrete. (2) When the saturation rate s < 0.7, the corrosion of the reinforcing steel in concrete was mainly controlled by its resistivity, and the corrosion current density increased with increasing saturation; when the saturation rate S > 0.7, the corrosion process was controlled by cathodic oxygen diffusion, and the corrosion current density decreased with increasing saturation. (3) Compared with the effect of temperature, the influence of fatigue damage on the corrosion potential was weaker. The average corrosion current density increased with both temperature and fatigue damage. For concrete with 82.5% damage, the average corrosion current density was 0.00265 A/m² at a certain temperature and increased to 0.00315 A/m² at a higher temperature, representing an increase of approximately 20%. (4) When the concrete was undamaged, the average corrosion current density of the reinforcing steel anode continuously decreased as the thickness of the concrete cover increased. However, after the damage level increased, the average corrosion current density of the anode initially increased but then decreased with increasing cover thickness. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and a reference for the safe operation and maintenance of major engineering projects.

Abstract: Wind design aims to ensure the stability, safety, and durability of a structure exposed to wind forces. Therefore, a comparative study using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was conducted to evaluate the effects of surrounding structures in wind building design. Two scenarios were analyzed: the first, in which the building was exposed to an open field, and the second, in which the building was surrounded by other buildings of equal or lower height. A CFD model, previously calibrated with experimental data, was used to simulate wind behavior. The results obtained showed significant differences between the two scenarios, confirming that nearby structures have a considerable impact on the distribution of wind pressures on the building. Therefore, the importance of considering surrounding buildings is highlighted. It is suggested that CFD can be a useful complementary tool for obtaining pressure coefficients and for the detailed analysis of wind behavior, which could improve the design and safety of buildings under wind loads.

Abstract: Asymmetric V-shaped tunnels are commonly found in newly built urban underground road tunnels. During a fire, the smoke flow in such kind of tunnels is complex, and effective smoke control under longitudinal ventilation is challenging. The critical ventilation speed under different slope combinations and fire heat release rate (HRR) in asymmetric V-shaped tunnel with the fire source located at the slope change point were studied by experiments through a 1:20 scaled model tunnel. The research results indicate that the critical ventilation speed increases with the increase of the fire HRR. Under the same fire heat release rate, when longitudinal ventilation is implemented on the side with small slope, the critical ventilation speed decreases as the slope difference between the two sides of the slope change point increases. Conversely, when longitudinal ventilation is implemented from the large slope side, the critical ventilation speed increases with the slope difference increasing. For practical engineering applications, based on the critical ventilation speed of the single-slope tunnel, combining with the experimental results, slope corrections were applied to the critical ventilation velocity of V-shaped tunnels. Calculation models for the critical ventilation velocity under longitudinal ventilation from the large or small slope sides were obtained respectively. The research findings can provide technical support for the design and operation of smoke control systems in V-shaped tunnels during fire incidents.

Abstract:

A comprehensive diagnosis of the railway line aims to control its actual structure and geometric arrangement. Such railway inspections can help detect potential track deformation caused by operational loads and climatic effects. Geodetic monitoring appears to be a beneficial component of such diagnostics, particularly when modern terrestrial or aerial laser-scanning techniques are employed. The reliable determination of track deformation using geodetic contactless methods relies on precise measurements, high-quality instruments, and point cloud processing, which is based on specific numerical procedures that help reveal possible track displacements or deformations. At the same time, the used geodetic methods should reflect the required minimal resolution depending on the size and type of the measured track geometric parameter. The paper presents a brief description of a comprehensive diagnostic conducted on the Tatra Electric Railway, a single-track, narrow-gauge line in the mountain tourist resort of northern Slovakia, with a closer focus on point cloud processing acquired using geodetic methods.

Abstract: Cost estimation is a core function of construction planning, yet it remains one of the most time-consuming and fragmented tasks in the industry. Even with better tools and more data, estimators deal with recurring challenges like inconsistent quantity formats, scattered historical data, and manual subcontractor reviews. These challenges slow down the process and increase the risk of errors, especially early in a project when decisions matter most. This study maps how estimation is actually done in practice, pinpoints where the main burdens occur, and proposes a generative AI-based framework to help streamline and support the process. Using a qualitative approach, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry experts, including estimators, BIM/VDC managers, data analysts, and project managers. Thematic analysis of these interviews led to the identification of key burden areas, which were grouped into three categories: conceptual estimation, subcontractor evaluation, and change management. The results show that current workflows are heavily dependent on manual data handling, subjective judgment, and disconnected tools. In response, the study proposes a targeted LLMs-enabled framework designed to assist with quantity standardization, historical cost referencing, subcontractor bid evaluation, and version control.

Abstract: The ongoing concern about sustainable infrastructure has driven the development of cement-based adhesives (CBAs) for fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofitting of con-crete structures. Nevertheless, traditional CBAs usually have low bond strength, low crack resistance, and low long-term durability that undermine the performance of FRP-concrete systems. To overcome these shortcomings, this review focuses on the po-tential of nanomaterial-modified CBAs to improve interfacial bonding and mechanical integrity. A systematic literature review assessment was used to analyze recent experimental studies on CBAs with nanosilica, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and other nanomaterials. Their functions in enhancing adhesion, load transfer efficiency, environmental stressor resistance, and the overall structural performance have been emphasized in the review. It also contrasts the performance of neat and nano-modified CBAs in the FRP-based retrofitting systems, highlighting their ad-vantages and shortcomings. Particular emphasis is put on new high-strength self-compacting cementitious adhesives (IHSSC-CAs), which have a high level of me-chanical performance and environmental friendliness in relation to traditional bonding systems. The paper concludes with the identification of research gaps, a discussion of the practical implementation issues, and an explanation of the future perspectives of the next-generation sustainable and resilient concrete retrofitting technologies development.

Abstract: This paper presents a study focused on ensuring acoustic comfort in rooms intended for educational purposes. In educational environments, students can concentrate more effectively when sound disturbances that may distract from the learning process are minimized. Enhancing the acoustic conditions leads to improved performance and allows students to complete their activities in a calmer environment. The importance of determining the reverberation time is emphasized, as it is a key criterion in assessing the acoustic quality of enclosed spaces. The measured values were adjusted according to the standards STAS 9783/0-84 and Normative C125-2013. Three commercially available solutions were proposed to optimize the acoustic comfort of the studied room, and the most suitable solution was selected. The chosen option complies with the requirements of STAS 9783/0-84 and Normative C125-2013, thus ensuring a high level of acoustic comfort. From an interior design perspective, this solution also harmonizes best with the existing environment, particularly with the color tones of the existing HPL panels.

Abstract: Hydraulic structures, particularly water intake systems, are often affected by unwanted bedload depositions, which can significantly reduce their operational efficiency and lifespan. This numerical study presents the potential of using oblique vertical underflow baffles in redistributing the bedload and mitigating bedload accumulations at desired locations. In this study, a straight rectangular channel containing an underflow baffle submerged up to 20% of the water depth was analyzed in a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model while varying the discharge, baffle alignment, and channel width coverage. The specific flow conditions induced by the oblique underflow baffles generates a vortex on one side of the channel following the trailing edge of the baffle, where a bedload free zone is created, unlike the case with an orthogonal baffle. This phenomenon offers a potential strategy for managing bedload movement in channels and sluices, providing a means to prevent undesirable bedload depositions and to help operating hydraulic structures efficiently. Furthermore, increasing discharge expands the bedload free zone, and the oblique baffle remains significantly effective even for channel width coverage of just 25%, which indicates the potential of cost-effective designs with limited structural supports. Moreover, this study demonstrates that oblique underflow baffles can effectively guide bedload transport within the channel cross-section, presenting a practical and efficient approach for bedload management and safeguarding intake and similar hydraulic structures.

Abstract:

The paper investigates the impact of processing and mix design factors that determine the effectiveness of adding crushed and sieved concrete rubble (hereafter – recycled concrete fines, RCF) into cement-based concrete. The set of factors includes the dosage and specific surface area of RCF, cement content, superplasticizer dosage, temperature of thermal treatment of RCF, and dosage of accelerating admixture. The compressive strength of the concrete from which the rubble was obtained was preliminarily established based on its correlation with mass loss during crushing. XRD, SEM, and EDS tests were used to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of RCF and the morphology of the particles. There were specific surface areas of RCF, pozzolanic activity, and correlations with fineness and thermal treatment temperature. Using the experimental design, experiments were carried out by varying six factors: RCF specific surface area, RCF content, thermal treatment temperature of RCF, cement content, superplasticizer dosage, and hardening accelerator (Na₂SiF₆) content in concrete containing RCF. Statistical processing of the experimental data provided adequate polynomial regression models for the water demand of the fresh concrete and the compressive strength of hardened concrete at 7 and 28 days. Analysis of the models made it possible to quantitatively assess the influence of the studied factors on the output parameters and rank them by their degree of influence. The greatest increase in water demand was attributed to cement content, especially above 400 kg/m³, and to RCF content. It was established that the addition of a superplasticizer allows for compensating additional water demand and the reduction of compressive strength caused by increased RCF dosage. The influence of different RCF activation methods on compressive strength was ambiguous. Increasing the specific surface area up to a specific surface area of 250 m²/kg of RCF improved strength, but further grinding caused strength reduction due to increased water demand. The positive effect of the superplasticizer on RCF-modified concrete strength was enhanced by the introduction of a chemical activator (hardening accelerator) and thermal treatment of RCF. The obtained models of water demand and compressive strength of concrete with RCF can, under certain conditions, be applied for the optimisation of mix design. The paper proposes a method of mix design and provides an example of calculation.

Abstract: The dynamic development of electromobility and tightening emission regulations are making electric light commercial vehicles an increasingly important element of modern urban transport. The purpose of this article is to analyze and compare selected models of electric light commercial vehicles available on the market in terms of four key operating parameters: range, charging time, payload, and energy consumption. These parameters directly influence the efficiency of vehicle use in real-world conditions, especially in last-mile transport. The article presents the interdependencies between these factors, emphasizing the need to find a compromise between maximum range and useful payload, as well as the impact of charging time on vehicle operational availability. The analysis aims to identify design and technological solutions that contribute most to improving the efficiency of electric light commercial vehicles in urban and suburban applications.

Abstract:

This study presents a sustainable and eco-friendly methodology to enhance the physico-mechanical properties of fine-grained soils through the incorporation of biosolid ashes (BA) derived from the San Blas Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tarija. Currently, this approach provides an alternative for the reuse of more than 3,500 tons of sludge per year, a figure expected to increase significantly with the planned operation of the plant on the left bank of the Río Guadalquivir. The methodology not only improves the mechanical performance of local silt-clay soils but also promotes the valorization of residual sludge, aligning with circular economic principles and reducing the environmental impacts associated with conventional waste disposal. The biosolids were subjected to controlled incineration at 900–1000 °C, generating ashes with a specific gravity of up to 2.52, which were then incorporated into soils at dosages ranging from 5% to 30%. Comprehensive laboratory testing included Atterberg limits, moisture content, specific gravity, modified Proctor tests for maximum and optimum dry density, consolidation, direct shear, and CBR tests on both natural soils and treated mixtures. Results demonstrated reductions in plasticity index of up to 9.5%, substantial increases in shear strength and bearing capacity, and compressibility reductions of up to 45%. CBR strength improved by more than 100% for mixtures containing 30% BA, with optimal performance observed at 10–15% BA content (average specific gravity 2.40). These findings confirm that biosolid ashes are an effective and environmentally responsible additive for geotechnical soil stabilization, offering a sustainable solution that simultaneously addresses construction requirements and promotes ecological waste management in Tarija.

Abstract: For the past few decades, promising results from various research conducted on alkali-activated binders to progressively increase their potential use in the construction industry as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for concrete production has emerged. However, due to the high corrosiveness of liquid materials used in the preparation of these binders, which requires extreme handling precautions, a development of a one-part mixing system is needed for replacement of the used conventional two-part system. This paper establishes a parallelism between one-part and two-part mixing system of alkali-activated mortars (AAM). One-part mortars produced using only solid particles, were made of the same mixtures’ proportions used to produce the conventional two-part AAM, which normally made using solid precursor and liquid activators. Both one-part and two-part mortar specimens were mixed, cured and tested under the same conditions. The fresh and hardened properties as well as the microstructure development were compared for both one-part and two-mortar mixes. Setting time results demonstrated that one-part mortars set faster than corresponding two-part mortar mixes; while their workability were relatively the same. In terms of strength development, at early ages of eight hours, the compressive strength of one-part mortar mixes were equivalent to only 3% of corresponding two-part mixes. However, it increased up to 50% of that in two-part mortars specimens after 24 hours of oven curing. Microstructural analysis demonstrated presence of hydrogarnet crystal phases in one-part mortar mixes which was responsible for the faster setting properties of these mortars. But also factors such as low pH, lack of solubility of solid activator played a significant role in lowering the strength of AAM at different ages compared to conventional two-part mixes.

Abstract: Bridges are critical components of transportation networks, yet limited budgets and aging infrastructure make it challenging for agencies to prioritize inspections and maintenance. This study investigates whether machine learning models trained on publicly available inspection data can reliably predict bridge condition ratings and support data-driven asset management. Using the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory (NBI), we compiled a dataset of bridges in Washington, D.C. from 2019 to 2024 and defined the Lowest Condition Rating (range 3-8) as the target variable, representing the minimum of deck, superstructure, substructure, and culvert ratings. A compact, interpretable feature set was derived from NBI fields, including bridge age, current and projected average daily traffic, structural type, and scour criticality. After data cleaning, normalization, and removal of incomplete records, we trained Random Forest and XGBoost classifiers under a 60/20/20 train-validation-test split repeated across 10 random seeds, with hyperparameters optimized via Optuna. Both models achieved strong and stable performance, but XGBoost consistently outperformed Random Forest, with a mean F1-score of 0.733 and ROC-AUC values for all condition classes exceeded 0.98, indicating near-perfect discriminative ability. Confusion matrices showed that misclassifications were mostly between adjacent rating levels, and XGBoost produced fewer errors for the most deteriorated bridges. Feature importance analysis highlighted bridge age, scour criticality, and traffic loading as the dominant predictors, aligning with established deterioration mechanisms. These results demonstrate that ensemble learning applied to standard NBI data can provide interpretable, high-performing models that help agencies identify vulnerable structures, prioritize inspections, and move toward more proactive bridge management.

Abstract: Conventional structural analysis of hinged precast frame beams (HPFB) often relies on a simplified load distribution method that may not fully account for deformation compatibility, potentially affecting result accuracy. To address this limitation, this paper develops a rigorous analytical framework based on the Winkler foundation model. The framework explicitly incorporates soil-structure interaction (SSI) and enforces static equilibrium and deformation compatibility at all structural nodes and hinges, thereby enabling a mechanically consistent prediction of structural responses. A comprehensive comparative analysis with a traditional frame beam (TFB) reveals the unique mechanical behavior of the HPFB system. Key findings demonstrate the HPFB configuration achieves a drastic reduction in maximum negative bending moment (63.5–83.5%) and shear force (7.8–22.8%), while increasing the maximum positive bending moment by 46–62%. This fundamental shift in internal forces occurs in conjunction with a characteristic segmented deflection profile. Sensitivity analysis further indicates that while the subgrade reaction coefficient significantly influences deflection patterns, its effect on bending moments and shear forces remains marginal. The proposed framework provides designers with a robust and theoretically sound tool for the analysis and design of HPFB structures, ensuring performance reliability while addressing limitations observed in current analytical approaches.

Abstract: To address the energy-saving requirements of ultra-low energy consumption buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions, high-performance foam concrete(FC)was developed using fly ash(FA) as the sole silico-aluminous raw material using alkali-activation technology. A mix proportion calculation model was established based on the volume method to accomplish the preliminary design of the material system, and orthogonal tests were employed to achieve the synergistic enhancement of thermal, mechanical, and other relevant properties. Innovatively, the introduction of the 2.5 wt% SiO₂ aerogel reduced the thermal conductivity to 0.1107 W/(m·K). To mitigate the high water absorption of FC, internal mixing with a sodium methyl silicate solution (at a concentration of 8%) controlled the mass water absorption by 3.87%. Test results confirmed that the optimized FC exhibited a dry density of 576.34 kg/m³, compressive and flexural strengths of 5.83 MPa and 1.41 MPa respectively, a dry shrinkage rate of only 0.614 mm/m, and strength and mass loss rates below 10.5% and 1.8% after freeze-thaw cycling. This material integrates ultralow thermal conductivity, excellent hydrophobicity, and structural stability, thereby providing a novel solution for the envelope structures of low-energy consumption buildings.

Abstract: This study develops and characterizes a patented eco-friendly engineered cementitious composite (ECC) that incorporates waste glass powder (WGP) and silica fume (SF) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and recycled glass aggregate (WGA) as an alternative aggregate. Four stages of experimental design produced 14 concrete mixtures tested at 7, 28, 56, 90, and 120 days. Fresh and hardened properties were evaluated, and the optimal mixture, S8-1, A, achieved the requirements of strength class C60/75 and workability with slump class/ consistency class S3. Microstructural analyses using X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy confirmed the formation of secondary hydration products, particularly C-S-H and A-S-H, which contributed to matrix densification and improved performance. To complement the experimental program, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to predict compressive strength based on mixture proportions and curing age. Each strength measurement was treated as an independent data point, resulting in 70 samples for model training and testing. A shallow feedforward ANN with three hidden layers was implemented, trained using the Adam optimizer and validated with 10-fold cross-validation. The model achieved high predictive accuracy with R² of about 0.968, mean absolute error of 1.94 MPa, and root mean square error of 2.52 MPa. The results confirm that recycled WGP and SF can be effectively incorporated into ECC while ANN modeling provides a reliable tool for predicting compressive strength and supporting sustainable concrete mix design.