Journal of Engineering

This study experimentally investigated Free-Fall Gravity Drainage (FFGD) under
combination-drive conditions in a two-dimensional Hele-Shaw model representing a water
drive reservoir. An initially high gravity potential from the oil column enabled early oil
drainage before aquifer support became dominant. Three water-drive strengths were tested,
demonstrating that a stronger aquifer (1.15 psig) accelerated oil recovery to approximately
75% of the original oil in place (OOIP) within 60 minutes, resulting in a final recovery of
79.5%. However, this was accompanied by rapid water breakthrough after 2.5 minutes and
high-water cuts exceeding 90%. In contrast, a weaker aquifer (0.725 psig) stabilized the oil
water contact, delaying water encroachment and maintaining zero water cut throughout 240
minutes, albeit with a lower ultimate recovery of 70.2%. Visual observations confirmed that
a stable water crest and oil bank were preserved longer under moderate to weak aquifer
pressures, extending the gravity-dominated recovery and reducing water handling
requirements. Residual oil saturation was higher under weak aquifer support (27.9%) than
stronger water drive (16.8%) due to a loss of gravity potential as the oil column declined
and limited aquifer support. A comparative experiment in a heterogeneous system revealed
approximately 22% lower ultimate recovery and water breakthrough within 5 minutes,
attributed to heterogeneity promoting preferential flow, poor sweep efficiency, and early
breakthrough. In contrast, the homogeneous system sustained production with no water
breakthrough for 300 minutes. These insights strengthen the understanding of gravity
drainage and can help guide enhanced oil recovery strategies in water-drive reservoirs.

Despite the visual and structural integration that characterizes Islamic architecture,
reflecting religious and cultural values, the expressive relationship between form and
structure has not yet been systematically studied in a comprehensive manner that reveals
its symbolic, functional, and aesthetic dimensions. Hence, a research problem arose in the
absence of a theoretical framework that interprets this relationship as a single unit that
conveys meaning and embodies identity. Therefore, this is research aiming to analyze the
expressive relationship between form and structure in Islamic architecture, using the Al
Mustansiriya School as a model to uncover the mechanisms that enable form and structure
to work in tandem to produce an authentic aesthetic-symbolic discourse. The research
hypothesis is based on the premise that architectural expressiveness in Islamic architecture
arises from an inseparable integration between form and structure, such that aesthetic
performance is linked to the effectiveness of the structural system. The research relied on
the dual analytical approach between descriptive-theoretical and structural analysis using
the ETABS program to evaluate the efficiency of the structural elements and their
consistency with the architectural expression. The results concluded that Al-Mustansiriya
School embodies an organic integration between beauty and structure, where structural
elements, such as arches and walls, show both a functional and aesthetic role. Some elements
were emptied of their structural function and transformed into symbolic.

Polyethylene (PE) waste is both an environmental threat and a chance for innovation in
pavement engineering. This review examines low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE)
PE as asphalt modifiers, outlining their influence on binder performance, mixture properties,
environmental gains, and economic viability. Drawing on laboratory studies and field trials,
it compares PE types, dosages, and mixing methods. PE raises the binder’s softening point,
viscosity, and elasticity, while reducing penetration and ductility. In mixtures, it can lift
Marshall stability by up to 167%, cut rut depth by about 70%, and raise tensile strength
by 30%. HDPE usually delivers the bigger mechanical boost thanks to its higher crystallinity,
whereas LDPE offers better workability and cold-weather flexibility. Environmentally, PE
modified asphalt can divert up to 2 t of plastic per kilometer, save up to 8% bitumen, and
trim greenhouse-gas emissions by 4–7%. Life-cycle analyses indicate 5–15% cost savings
through longer service life and lower maintenance. However, key research gaps remain in
long-term performance, storage stability, low-temperature cracking, and microplastic risk.
Addressing these challenges requires standardized testing and field validation. PE-modified
asphalt thus emerges as a practical, scalable, and sustainable option—turning plastic waste
into a resilient and cost-effective infrastructure solution.

In this study presents a numerical investigation of natural convection heat transfer in an
annular enclosure partially filled with metal foam. The inner cylinder is maintained at a
constant temperature, while the outer cylinder is subjected to a uniform heat flux; both
vertical sidewalls are thermally insulated. The fluid flow is modeled using the Navier–Stokes
equations under the Boussinesq approximation, and the porous medium is described by the
Brinkman–Forchheimer Darcy model, assuming local thermal equilibrium. Simulations are
conducted using ANSYS FLUENT to examine the effects of pore density (10 PPI and 40 PPI),
inclination angle (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°) and Rayleigh number (10⁴ ≤ Ra ≤ 10⁶) on thermal
performance. Results indicate that the presence of metal foam significantly enhances heat
transfer compared to the clear fluid case. The Nusselt number increases with both Rayleigh
number and the inclination angle. Notably, the 10 PPI foam increases the average Nusselt
number by approximately 50%, while the 40 PPI foam shows a 33% improvement compared
to the clear fluid case. In all cases, temperature rises with increasing Rayleigh number,
indicating stronger natural convection. Moreover, increasing the inclination angle from the
horizontal configuration enhances heat transfer, with the most significant improvement
between 60° to 90°.

This research demonstrates an efficient method for the synthesis and storage of
molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) using bulk polymerization of Pregabalin (PGB),
which is carried out at room temperature. This method has the advantages of high
sensitivity, low cost, increased stability, and longer lifetime of the polymers. The research
used specific ratios between template, monomer, and cross-linking agents to ensure suitable
adsorption capacity. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was used as an initiator for the functional
monomer styrene and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) cross-linking to create the
MIP of Pregabalin (PGB-MIP). The molecularly imprinted polymer was studied using
ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) at 205 nm, a technique used for the detection of
pharmaceutical drugs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) were also used to study the structure of the polymer. The elution
process applied to the template (PGB) of PGB-MIP showed cavities caused by porous mixture
solvents such as methanol, chloroform, and acetic acid. The maximum adsorption capacity
of the molecularly imprinted polymer was measured to be 117941.6 (μg/g) when 0.1 g of
PGB-MIP was used, which is consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model. The optimal ratio
of template to monomer was shown to be 1:1. For practical application, a solid phase
extraction (SPE) syringe packed with molecularly imprinted polymers was used to
selectively separate and concentrate Pregabalin in multiple source pharmaceutical drugs.

Earth dams in regions with moderate to high seismic activity are crucial for protecting
downstream communities. Iraq and its neighboring areas have seen recurrent seismic
activity, notably the 2017 Halabja Earthquake, which potentially compromised the integrity
of the existing earth dam. The Darbandikhan Dam, affected by an earthquake, has
inadequacies in its crest and downstream slope, presenting a greater danger of significant
earthquake-induced damage compared to cyclic shocks. Consequently, evaluating the dam's
safety is essential for safeguarding downstream residents and identifying optimal ways to
avert slope stability failure amid recurrent seismic activity. Iraq's seismicity map is being
updated to reflect earthquake magnitude, highlighting the need for immediate action. Stone
columns are a ground improvement technique that utilizes compacted stone columns to
enhance soil strength by increasing shear strength and reducing excess pore water pressure
in non-cohesive soils. The behavior of prop stone columns on slopes under static and
dynamic loads has not been extensively investigated. This study examines the influence of
stone columns on the stability of the downstream slope of the Al-Adhaim Earth Dam in Diyala
Governorate, Iraq, under static and dynamic loads induced by four earthquakes with a peak
ground acceleration of 0.2 g for durations of 15 and 30 seconds, using Geo Studio software
for various scenarios. The findings indicated that the stone column resulted in a very slight
improvement in the safety factor of the downstream slope under static load conditions. The
presence of the stone column significantly improved the safety factor during all seismic
occurrences relative to its absence.

This study evaluates the performance of Self-Compacting Engineered Cementitious
Composites (SCC-ECC) under standard 28-day water curing, aiming to develop a mixture
with optimal flowability, high mechanical strength, and enhanced durability. Twenty-seven
SCC-ECC mortar mixtures (without coarse aggregate) were prepared and tested according
to EFNARC (2002) guidelines for self-compacting mortars. Fresh results (slump flow 240
260 mm, V-funnel 6–12 s, L-box >0.80) confirmed adequate flowability. In addition, direct
tensile tests on dog-bone specimens demonstrated strain-hardening with multiple fine
cracks and strain capacity exceeding 2%, verifying the ECC behavior. The mixtures were
prepared with varying fly ash contents (20%, 25%, 30%), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers
(1.5%–2.0%), and a high-range water-reducing admixture. The optimal mixture (R2) was
identified based on superior results in compressive strength, flexural strength, impact
resistance, water permeability, and elastic modulus. The selected mixture achieved
compressive strength exceeding 70 MPa, flexural strength above 14 MPa, and impact energy
absorption over 17,000 J, with very low chloride permeability (<750 Coulombs). Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed a dense matrix and strong fiber–matrix
bonding. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing SCC-ECC with excellent fresh
and hardened properties using industrial by-products and performance-enhancing
additives, supporting the development of sustainable, high-performance composites for
structural applications in aggressive environments.

The relationship between cinema and architecture has witnessed an increasing presence in
contemporary studies, as both converge at a common point: shaping human experience
within a specific temporal and spatial space. Cinema uses the principles of rhythm, sound,
and memory to shape visual and auditory narratives, while architecture seeks to embody
these principles in tangible spaces that organize human movement and influence sensory
and emotional perception. This relationship demonstrates that cinematic expression tools
can enrich architectural experience. However, the challenge lies in the limited theoretical
frameworks that explain how to translate these principles into design strategies, particularly
in cultural architecture. Based on this gap, this research aims to explore the principles of
rhythm, sound, and memory as tools capable of reshaping the architectural experience and
enhancing the user's perception of space. To achieve this, the research relied on a qualitative
analysis of international case studies that included the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Paris
Philharmonic Hall, and the Teshima Art Museum, tracing the roles of the three principles:
rhythm in organizing movement, sound in shaping spatial atmosphere, and memory in
building emotional connections within architectural narratives. The results reveal that
integrating these principles contributes to enriching sensory perception and deepening
emotional responses. They also demonstrate that aligning cinematic logic with architectural
design provides a multidisciplinary framework for rethinking the narrative of space. Thus,
the research presents an innovative approach to employing cinematic tools in cultural
architecture, creating immersive spaces that stimulate the senses, evoke memory, and
enhance human presence.

Traditional concrete has gained several uses in recent decades; yet, it poses some concerns
in the building business. The weight of the product is a limitation when it is used in
applications that are more specialized. As a result, the building and construction sectors
were the ones to introduce the idea of lightweight concrete. In this study, five different
pumice lightweight mixtures were utilized (a reference mix that did not include any fiber, a
mix that contained 1% glass fiber, a mix that contained one layer of fiber glass mesh, a mix
that contained three layers of fiber glass mesh, and a hybrid mix that had both glass fiber
and three layers of fiber glass mesh). Every single one of the mixtures that were used
underwent tests to determine their compressive strength, center point flexural strength, and
splitting tensile strength. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural
strength all increased by (20.39%, 138%, and 60.68 %), respectively, as a consequence of
the inclusion of fibers into lightweight concrete, according to the findings. There was also a
significant improvement in the material's overall mechanical characteristics.

The growing intricacy and financial risk of residential complex projects in emerging nations
require dependable decision-support tools for early investment evaluation. This research
presents the design and implementation of the Residential Investment Decision Support
System (RIDSS), a specialized platform based on Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). RIDSS
facilitates stakeholders to assess financial feasibility by employing economic indicators such
as Return on Investment (ROI) and Profitability Index (PI), while also integrating sensitivity
analysis (±10% or ±20% change in cost) and dynamic cost adjustment mechanisms. Through
the application of a real case study in Iraq, the system demonstrated its capability to simulate
both financial success and failure, thereby enabling users to explore various investment
conditions. Projects with an ROI below 15% or PI values below 1.0 were flagged as non
viable projects; in such cases, users were able to perform sensitivity testing and cost
adjustments efficiently (±10% or ±20% change in cost and revenue) . The results confirm
RIDSS as a practical and interactive tool for early-stage decision-making in residential
development, with promising potential for future expansion into multi-criteria frameworks
and real-time data inputs

Smart emergency hospitals represent an emerging transformative model that responds to
persistent challenges within traditional healthcare systems, including slow emergency
response, high medical error rates, and inefficient resource management. By integrating
advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT),
automation, and medical robotics, these hospitals redefine both operational performance
and spatial design requirements. Despite increasing research on the clinical and
administrative advantages of smart healthcare, limited attention has been given to its
architectural and spatial implications. This study aims to examine how smart technologies
influence the architectural configuration of emergency hospitals, focusing on spatial
organization, circulation patterns, environmental quality, flexibility, and adaptability. Using
a descriptive–analytical methodology supported by benchmark case studies, including the
Beijing Medical Innovation Hospital and the Shanghai Smart Hospital, the research evaluates
performance indicators within a comparative framework against traditional hospitals of
similar scale and function. Key findings indicate that smart emergency hospitals have
achieved a 75% reduction in average emergency response time (from 20 to 5 minutes), a
25% improvement in diagnostic accuracy through AI-assisted imaging, and a 20%
enhancement in resource allocation efficiency due to automated logistics and storage
systems. Additionally, operational costs were reduced by approximately 33% as a result of
automation and digital optimization. The study concludes that the integration of smart
technologies significantly improves operational performance, enhances user satisfaction,
and requires a rethinking of emergency hospital design to support adaptive, data-driven, and
technology-responsive spaces. This highlights the need for aligning architectural design with
digital transformation strategies and ensuring continuous staff training for long-term
sustainability.

The process of drilling wells has become more complex today due to greater depths and
advanced drilling techniques. Therefore, obtaining ideal specifications for drilling fluids has
become of great importance to overcome drilling problems and reduce costs. Therefore,
studies have begun to investigate the effect of nanomaterials on drilling fluids. This study is
an investigation into the effect of nano-iron oxide on drilling fluid specifications. Saturated
salt mud was used, and different physical properties such as viscosity, density, and filtrate
loss were measured at different temperatures (30 ˚C, 50 ˚C, and 70 ˚C), and adding different
proportions of nano iron oxide (0.75 and 1.5 gm). This study is characterized by the
combination of field and laboratory work. The addition of nano iron oxide leads to an
increase in gel strength while the other rheological properties remained relatively constant,
and the change in filtration and mud cake is small except at high temperature. Rising
temperature leads to a decrease in rheological properties, except for gel strength. But at 70
C˚, the addition of nano iron oxide reduced the effect of rising temperature, especially on the
yield point, and this is an important property when drilling a salt section.