Journal of Engineering

Human activities such as mining, industrial operations and waste management can lead to
soil pollution by heavy metals including chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic.
These contaminants cause harm both to humans and the ecosystems where they are found.
Of all the previously used techniques, phytoremediation is the most promising one for
cleaning up heavy metal-contaminated soils. Phytoremediation refers to a technique where
plants use roots for absorbing, storing and immobilizing soil contaminants while also
removing them. Bioleaching is a method which uses microorganisms to dissolve metals that
have been shown to facilitate phytoextraction in increasing the availability of metals. It is
anticipated that research advancements and technological innovations will make it more
efficient and appropriate. Root absorption is increased by bioleaching through modification
of rhizosphere thus making it more bioavailable for plant uptake. Plant-bacterial interactions
are proven to speed up the remediation rates. Both processes can help clear off pollutants
from the soil environment. However, further research is needed to find and improve the best
strains of microorganisms, assess long-term soil impacts and control massive influxes of
bacteria. The combination of bioleaching and phytoextraction offers a reliable and efficient
system for removing metals from polluted soils.

In the current study, the impacts of various curing states on some properties of reactive powder concrete (compressive strength, flexural strength, and dry bulk density) are being experimentally studied. The curing conditions include four different methods: immersion in normal water temperature (considered the reference curing state), immersion in warm water at 35ºC, immersion in boiling water, and curing with steam. For every combination, the water/binder ratio stayed unchanged at 0.2. Each reactive concrete mix was cast into three different configurations: 50mm only for cubes and 50×50×250 mm for prisms. Based on the improvement of RPC mechanical characteristics, the optimum curing method, as determined by the results, is immersion in warm water at 35ºC for all mixtures containing quartz powder of 20% by mass of cement and fly ash as a filler. The outcomes exhibited that using a warm water curing regime increased the RPC's compressive strength by 22.1%, flexural strength using 18.3% and dry density by 0.62% at 28 days following the comparison of the test grades to the reference curing regime.

This research aimed to assess the effect of immersing heat-cured acrylic resin in tea tree oil solution as a long-term disinfectant. The effect of immersing heat-cured acrylic resin in tea tree oil denture cleanser 180 times on its hardness, UV absorption, water sorption, and solubility was investigated in this study. Ninety heat-cured acrylic resin specimens were prepared and divided into three sets, each consisting of 30 specimens. The specimens were placed in different solutions: distilled water, a solution containing 0.75% tea tree oil, and a solution containing 1% tea tree oil. Each group comprised 10 specimens, and each specimen was submerged for 10 min in accordance with its group. This process was repeated 180 times. After 180 times of immersion, tea tree oil solutions showed non-significant differences (P > 0.05) in surface hardness and statistically significant changes in UV absorption, water sorption, and solubility (P < 0.05). The heat-cured acrylic resin immersed 180 times showed that 0.75% tea tree oil concentration improved solubility and water absorption but not surface hardness and UV absorption. Moreover, 1% tea tree oil concentration enhanced water sorption and solubility. It also decreased UV absorption, but it did not influence hardness. Thus, a 0.75% tea tree oil disinfectant solution is intended to be a long-term denture cleanser.

As stuck pipe holds on to be a prime contributor to non-productive time (NPT) in drilling industry operations, efforts to restrict its incidence cannot be over-emphasized. Historically, stuck-pipe events have been shown to cost the industry several hundred million dollars annually and over 25% of non-productive time. British Petroleum Company's stuck pipe costs exceed $30 million annually. Industry-stuck pipe costs are estimated to be above $250 million annually. Major causes of this issue involve wellbore instability, differential sticking forces, improper hole cleaning, and the forming of drill-cutting beds, especially in high-angle wells. One strategy for avoiding stuck pipe issues is to predict by using the available drilling data, which can be utilized to adjust drilling parameters. Preventing stuck pipes requires close monitoring of early warning signs, such as increases in torque and drag, excessive cuttings loading, tight spots while tripping, and loss of circulation while drilling. A machine learning (ML) approach was employed to identify warning signals and anticipate stuck pipe events due to its ability to handle complex parameter relationships. This article proposes an extensive comprehensive review of challenges associated with pipe-sticking issues to detect warning signs and early indicators of a stuck pipe during drilling to prevent it and provide operational recommendations for avoiding or freeing stuck pipes. Finally, this research paper analyzes and consolidates the idea of the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods for predicting the condition of stuck pipes during well drilling.

This paper presents a techno-economic evaluation of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) for the University of Baghdad College of Engineering. The objectives include improving reliability and mitigating grid demand. The design of a customized grid-connected HRES for the university, incorporating solar PV and a diesel generator (DG). The optimal hybrid configuration is determined through a complete assessment of economic, technical, and environmental factors using Homer-Pro software. Besides it addresses critical challenges in provides valuable insights into sustainable energy solutions for educational institutions. Additionally, the study extends its scope by presenting a comprehensive analysis of four different proposed hybrid energy systems. The College of Engineering is anticipated to have an estimated daily load of 1110.48 kWh and a peak load of 494.56 kW. The optimal cost for a system comprising PV, DG, and grid is determined to be net present cost (NPC) is 288,348,027IQD and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is 57.2896IQD/kWh. The analysis emphasizes the integration of both renewable and conventional sources to create a sustainable and efficient energy solution.

Marine ship hulls' corrosion resistance behavior under static and flowing conditions was investigated. The metal of the hull panels of marine ships was chemically and mechanically examined and analyzed, revealing that carbon steel type DIN 1.0501 C35 is employed in constructing the hull of ships in the port of Basrah in Iraq. A corrosion resistance test for this metal was carried out in laboratory-prepared seawater under static and flowing conditions at a flow rate of 1500 liter/hour and various immersion times (12, 24, 48, 120, 168, 336) hours. The temperature was kept constant at 30°C, and a fixed salt concentration of (3.5% sodium chloride). The corrosion rate of C35 carbon steel was calculated using the weight loss method is an effective method for calculating the corrosion rate of carbon steel. The samples were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for corrosion analysis. Conclusions from this research indicate that an increase in the flow rate resulted in an elevation of the corrosion rate, doubling the corrosion rate compared to samples under static conditions. The corrosion rate exhibited a significant increase during the first 24 hours, followed by a gradual decrease with increasing immersion time. The corrosion rate increased by 682.9%. The speed of corrosion was fast initially, but the weight loss slowed after 24 hours of immersion. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination revealed that the flow environment was aggressive for carbon steel. It was much more severe, and the pits and grooves were more significant than the static condition.

The comfort and safety of drivers greatly depend on the design of the suspension system in road cars. The study presents modeling and control of an Active Suspension System (ASS) for a ¼ car with two degrees of freedom, considering unknown masses, time delay, and various types of road disturbances using the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The study examines the performance of the Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme. Numerous controllers are utilized in literature, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), fuzzy logic controllers, Linear Quadratic Regulators (LQR), and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers. An MPC setup for the ASS model was presented in this paper. MPC is an optimal control strategy that predicts future output using a plant model. The performance of MPC was compared with that of an LQR control method. The results indicate The MPC can produce better road holding, and handling and ride quality are greatly improved by the LQR. The MPC control is 87% faster at eliminating oscillations compared to LQR which is 30%, The conclusion emphasizes that the effectiveness of the MPC scheme is far superior to LQR in all aspects. Despite certain challenges, such as reduced effectiveness under severe overload and increased energy consumption with larger loads.

The use of information transfer is a major reason for the spread of information piracy, especially digital information that includes audio or other information, to preserve data. Encrypting voice messages is considered one of the most secure ways to protect information due to the difficulty of disclosing it. Our algorithm is robust, effective, efficient, and has security capabilities due to the different key lengths and block sizes (128 bits, 192 bits, or 256 bits). The Rijndael algorithm is an effective tool for encoding audio files and has won many awards. The Rijndael algorithm is compatible with many different audio formats. We will use it to encrypt WAVE files. The first step is to generate keys using the proposed method consisting of key lengths and block sizes (128 bits, 192 bits, or 256 bits). We convert the audio data into a 256 sample. After that, the cipher text will be generated for us. Once we encrypt the audio file, we will have several audio files. We will then use a proactive approach to evaluate the success of this initiative through a brute force attack to break the code. The Rijndael algorithm plays a role in this study by demonstrating the effectiveness of encryption, Reijndeal encryption, is designed to withstand brute force attacks, employs a strong key, proper encryption algorithm, secure hardware, and software to prevent side-channel attacks, and thwart cryptanalysis attempts. It also offers a cutting-edge perspective. Its primary goal is to protect data across the digital landscape during transmission, storage, and protection processes.

One category of challenging soils is collapsible soils, which show a significant quantity of strength when dried but undergo a sufficient solidity reduction while soaking, leading to illegal settlement. One of the most collapsing soils is gypseous soil, which is affected by geotechnical components such as loading, hydration, soil density, and immersion conditions. In Iraq and many other regions, collapsible soils like gypsum frequently dry and get hard. This soil collapses noticeably when it becomes moist. The work attempts to provide an overview of the meaning of collapsed soil, categorization, footing construction, perfection, and collapse attenuation. Collapse occurs quicker by increasing the void ratio or gypsum content, although it is negligible at a pressure less than the pre-consolidation stress of saturated soil. Several types of soil enhancement procedures exist, including densification, reinforcement, removal and replacement, and physicochemical changes. Every category has a unique application whereby it outperforms the others. The most popular approach is often densification as it is generally less expensive than alternative methods, particularly when a sizable portion of a structure needs to be upgraded. Ultimately, by achieving all requirements, the goal is to reach an ideal design criterion resulting from the presence of gypsum. Also, can enhance the stabilizing qualities of gypseous soil by adding materials such as kaolin, lime, and calcium chloride, which are best suited for treating them in the subgrade layer. This knowledge is essential for the geotechnical characterization of soils to construct cost-effective, safe infrastructure that also considers long-term serviceability.

Carbon emissions and expensive raw building materials with a high risk of being scarce in the future would expose both the global nature and sustainability of construction to danger. In response, many countries are drawing modern strategies for a greener environment by adopting recycled and eco-friendly materials in construction including waste, used wood or sawdust wastes. The present article brings the most distinctive studies and promising methods related to sawdust presence in concrete and bricks. Both physical and mechanical properties were covered. Sawdust waste was successfully found to partially replace cementitious materials or natural aggregates without adverse deterioration. Most studies suggest a 5 to 20% volume or weight content to be the optimum and safe sawdust replacement level. However, maintaining desirable strength with a high sawdust content (≥20%) requires extra treatment to the sawdust including but not limited to boiling, washing, adding sodium silicate, and curing with sodium sulphate bath. Aside from that, adding sawdust was profoundly effective at reducing density, and improving thermal and sound insulation in buildings. The findings herein promote the utilization of sawdust in structural elements such as interior and exterior walls, ceilings, partition blocks, and non-load-bearing panels. This scope offers an opportunity to create a greener environment, affordable construction, and proficient investment in natural resources.

The variation in the seepage under hydraulic structures significantly impacts their stability and effective water management, especially considering recent water scarcity challenges. This paper aims to calculate seepage and investigate the hydraulic performance of the Al-Hilla canal regulator's foundation. The methodology involves constructing a model (SEEP/W) and comparing its results with one-site piezometer readings. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates software modelling and statistical analysis techniques. This study integrates software modelling and statistical analysis techniques. The Geo-studio program facilities modelling of seepage flow, while JASP software is used for statistical analysis and predictive equation development. The methodology consists of data collection, Geo-Studio modelling, JASP analysis, and validation of equation accuracy. After verifying the models’ efficiency, the data for the seepage equation was established under various upstream and downstream conditions, incorporating artificial intelligence algorithms. This data was analyzed to drive a predictive equation for seepage with a high coefficient of determination (R2) OF 97%. Additionally, another equation was formulated to determine the total water pressure head, achieving an R2 value of 95 %. These equations are invaluable tools for predicting the total water pressure head and seepage and enhancing the management of hydraulic structure.

Enhancing the properties of reactive powder concrete (RPC) by developing the internal structure or making replacements or additions to the aggregates is becoming a prevalent method to obtain RPC with desired properties, which it can be used in numerous applications in the construction industry. Pozzolanic active constituents are used in large quantities to reach the desired properties, but on the other hand, these methods are still not sustainable and could be expensive. This study explores methods of curing RPC that affect compressive strength and other mechanical properties. This study briefly describes how RPC's internal structure and mechanical properties are enhanced. The core objective of this study is to review the methods for curing RPC such as normal, hot water, steam, hot air, and autoclave curing. Curing methods significantly impact the strength of concrete. High-temperature methods, especially autoclave curing, accelerate hydration and produce superior concrete properties.