SCOPE OF PUBLICATION MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING (MJCE) is an international peer-reviewed journal published triannually by the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The journal publishes original papers, reviews, short notes, technical notes, and commentaries dealing with all aspects of Civil Engineering disciplines which include structures, materials, construction management and IT, water supply and resources, hydraulics and hydrology, transportation and highways, geotechnique and soil mechanics, environmental engineering, engineering education and reliability engineering. MJCE is published online with a frequency of three (3) issues per year (April, August and December). Besides that, special issues of MJCE will be published non-periodically from time to time. Indexed by: UDLedge Science Citation Index (SciCL), Focus (Journals and Conference Proceedings), MyCite, Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC), MyJurnal, Google Scholar HISTORY OF MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING It has been published since 1989 and is regarded as the longest-running scientific journal for Civil Engineering discipline in Malaysia.
IDENTIFYING KEY COST DRIVERS IN SEISMIC DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES IN MALAYSIA
The increasing awareness of seismic hazards in Malaysia has highlighted the urgent need for earthquake-resistant design in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. While seismic provisions enhance structural resilience, they also raise construction costs, creating challenges for stakeholders. This study investigates the key cost factors influencing the adoption of seismic design in Malaysia using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews with experts were analysed through thematic and content analysis, providing new insights into cost drivers from professional practice. Six main themes emerged: geotechnical factors and stakeholder/regulatory requirements were the most significant (23.91% each), followed by standards and codes (21.01%), feasibility costs (13.04%), structural and material detailing (9.42%), and innovative construction methods (8.70%). Results show that while innovative techniques were acknowledged, their adoption remained limited. This study provides practical insights in linking professional perspectives with coded frequency analysis, enabling a structured prioritization of seismic cost drivers. The findings highlight the need for early-stage geotechnical assessments, streamlined regulatory processes, and strategic integration of technology to balance safety and cost-efficiency. These insights provide practical guidance for policymakers, engineers, and contractors seeking sustainable approaches to seismic design in Malaysia
construction, cost analysis, seismic design, reinforced concrete
Copyright (c) 2025 Malaysian Journal of Civil Engineering
SHORT COMMUNICATION: EFFECT OF CURING TIME ON APPLICATION OF JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FORMULATION ON PEAT IN MALAYSIA
Working with peatland is very challenging due to its characteristics of low shear strength, high compressibility, and high-water content. Japanese traditional methods called tataki, an earthen floor with a formulation of soil with lime, bittern, and salt, and compact with beating, were well known for their ground enhancement for decades before the introduction of cement in construction industry. Therefore, the present study applied this tataki traditional method with some modification to peat soil in Malaysia. The effect of curing time on peat characteristics was observed up to 182 days. Kinetic models of Korsmeyer-Peppas, Higuchi, zero order, and first order for water-holding capacity flow were determined. The results showed that different curing time has not significantly affected soil shrinkage, pH values, or soil density (p>0.05). However, it has significantly affected the moisture content, soil strength, and strain at failure of soil (p<0.05). The kinetic study showed that the water-holding capacity inside the soil followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models (R2≤1). Based on the experimental results, it was evident that the Japanese traditional formulation also worked well with peat soil in Malaysia. The chemical reaction of calcium hydroxide with peat soil could help in better understanding factors that might influence the peat performance.
Peat, curing time, Japanese traditional formulation, tataki, characteristics
IMPLEMENTING BIM FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: EMPHASIZING ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIAL ASPECTS
Sustainable construction seeks to integrate social, economic, and environmental objectives throughout a project’s lifecycle. In developing countries, this process is hindered by limited technology, inefficient manpower, and resource mismanagement within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This study investigates the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to address these challenges and promote sustainable construction practices. A mixed-method research approach was adopted, combining an extensive literature review with a case study on sustainable building practices in Bangladesh. BIM-based tools such as ArchiCAD, Tekla, Solibri Model Checker, and Revit were utilized to evaluate building performance, energy efficiency, and cost optimization. The findings reveal that BIM integration can reduce construction waste, improve collaboration across project phases, and enhance energy efficiency through better material selection and lifecycle planning. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrated a potential reduction in construction and maintenance costs by 15–40%, with a high return on investment and shorter payback period compared to traditional methods. The study concludes that BIM offers a viable pathway to achieving economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the construction industry of developing countries, provided that adequate training, policy support, and technological infrastructure are implemented.
EFFICACY OF THE VETIVER GRASS SYSTEM IN TREATING TEXTILE INDUSTRY WASTEWATER IN GAZIPUR, BANGLADESH
Industrial wastewater, characterized by a complex mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants including heavy metals, nutrients, suspended solids, and high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), poses significant environmental and public health challenges. Undoubtedly, understanding the properties of industrial wastewater is crucial for designing effective treatment systems to mitigate environmental impacts and protect public health. The objective of this research is to investigate the efficacy of the Vetiver Grass System, a nature-based phytoremediation approach, for the treatment of textile dyeing industry effluents in Bangladesh. The study of industrial wastewater treatment using the Vetiver System encompasses a wide range of aspects, including ecological, engineering, economic, and social dimensions. The Vetiver System utilizes the unique properties of the Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) to treat wastewater effectively. The experiment included two systems: one with Vetiver plants placed in industrial wastewater and another without plants as a control. Over 90 days, both systems were kept under the same conditions while key water quality parameters, such as pH, turbidity, COD, BOD, TSS, TDS, heavy metals, nitrogen, phosphorus, and temperature, were tested every 10 days. The Vetiver roots grew by about 116.7%, showing strong absorption of pollutants. Results revealed that the treated water had much lower levels of BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, and nutrients, with no trace of heavy metals, and met the permissible limits set by the Department of Environment (Bangladesh). In contrast, the untreated water remained polluted. Overall, the Vetiver Grass System proved to be an effective, natural, and affordable method for treating industrial wastewater.
Vetiver grass system, wastewater, treated water, non-treated water, treatment
A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR FLOOD DISASTER PREVENTION ASSESSMENT IN MALAYSIA
Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters globally and Malaysia lacks a standardized and comprehensive framework for flood disaster prevention assessment. Existing guidelines focus mainly on emergency response and recovery with limited integration of proactive prevention measures. This study aims to address the gap by developing a conceptual framework for flood disaster prevention assessment tailored to the Malaysian context. A qualitative methodology was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with seven domain informants from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and the Public Works Department (JKR). Thematic analysis of the interview data identified five core components of flood disaster prevention such as risk assessment, early warning systems, floodplain management, structural and non-structural measures. Furthermore, critical variables influencing assessment effectiveness were identified including topography and hydrology, climate and weather patterns, infrastructure conditions and socioeconomic factors. These elements were systematically integrated into the proposed Flood Disaster Prevention Framework (FDPF), which was then validated through expert review. The framework is intended to enhance inter-agency coordination and strengthen national flood resilience. This research offers a strategic tool to support policy formulation and operational planning in flood disaster risk reduction across Malaysia
A NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF GROUND MOTIONS AND GAP DISTANCE DUE TO SEISMIC POUNDING WITH THE USE OF GAP ELEMENT BETWEEN REGULAR AND IRREGULAR ADJACENT STRUCTURES
Earthquakes with high magnitudes and strong ground motion have a more pronounced impact on structures that are positioned in close proximity to one another, as opposed to those that are more widely spaced. This proximity can lead to structural pounding, resulting in significant damage or even localized failure. The extent of pounding is influenced by both the insufficient separation distance between adjacent structures and the intensity of ground motion. Building codes worldwide stipulate a minimum separation distance to mitigate these effects. This study aims to evaluate the seismic pounding forces between adjacent reinforced concrete structures under varying ground motions, and to assess the influence of separation distance and structural irregularity on pounding behavior. Additionally, the effect of the structural mass on pounding force has also been discussed. Adjacent structures with differing floor levels were considered, and non-linear time history analyses were conducted using finite element-based software. Four real earthquake records with diverse characteristics and magnitudes were used to simulate ground motion effects. The results demonstrate that both Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and separation distance significantly affect the magnitude of pounding forces. Specifically, higher PGA values lead to substantial variations in pounding forces across different floors, while increased separation distance reduces the impact of pounding forces between adjacent structures. Moreover, structural irregularity and structural mass also contributes to differentiating the pounding forces.
A REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN ENHANCING CIVIL ENGINEERING OUTCOMES IN NIGERIA
Every nation, including Nigeria, needs civil engineering projects to grow and enhance its infrastructure. Unfortunately, insufficient project management in Nigeria severely compromises these initiatives, creating problems with finances and operations. Key issues include escalating costs, a shortage of skilled labor, poor quality of services, and underdeveloped infrastructure, which contribute to delays, cost overruns, compromised project integrity, and notably, building collapses. This paper aims to clarify how effective project management can improve project delivery by reviewing existing research and data from online sources. We focus on project managers’ roles in time and budget management, risk handling, sustainable building practices, and compliance with safety regulations. The analysis includes case studies and research findings from across Nigeria, highlighting the central role of project managers in ensuring projects are completed correctly, safely, and in line with planned objectives. This review indicates that strong project management contributes to better performance in construction firms and reduces errors. The integration of project management with technical acumen is presented as a necessary evolution for the civil engineering sector to meet contemporary demands and drive national growth. This will create a balanced approach that integrates comprehensive project management throughout the project lifecycle, tackling prevalent industry challenges and enhancing infrastructure development. In conclusion, this paper emphasizes that project management is key to improving civil engineering project outcomes. Hence, the urgent need for civil engineers in Nigeria to develop project management skills alongside their technical knowledge.
STUDY ON WASTE PCB FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE
The accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste) has become a significant global environmental challenge, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread use of electronic devices. Addressing this issue requires a sustainable approach to manage and repurpose e-waste effectively. One such solution involves using e-waste, particularly printed circuit board (PCB) fibers, as an additional material in concrete production. This innovative approach not only enhances the properties of conventional concrete but also reduces the volume of electronic waste discarded in the environment. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of utilizing e-waste fiber in concrete. It specifically investigates the mechanical properties of concrete containing PCB fibers in proportions of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% by weight of cement, with aspect ratios of 10, 20, 30, and 40. The findings, based on an extensive literature review, reveal that the size and adding percent distribution of e-waste fibers significantly influence the concrete properties.
Electronic waste (E-waste), Sustainable approach, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Aspect ratio, Concrete Properties.
EFFECT OF ADMIXTURE ON THE STRENGTH OF SELF-CURING CONCRETE
Curing plays an essential role in enhancing the strength and durability of widely used construction materials such as cement concrete. It is imperative for the curing of concrete to have an adequate amount of water to increase the hydration process. In recent years, a new technique for curing concrete that is known as self-curing has been developed, where concrete is capable of curing by itself to preserve the moisture content in it during the absence of proper curing maintenance. An investigation was carried out in this study to examine the impact of self-curing techniques on the strength characteristics of concrete. Using admixtures enables the production of self-curing concrete that can achieve the required strength even in regions where water resources for conventional curing are scarce. DThere were different percentages (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) in this Self-Curing concrete by weight of Cement. Specimens were assessed to analyze the hardened characteristics (compressive strength and splitting tensile strength) of self-curing concrete following 28 days. Compressive strength tests demonstrated peak values of 30.80 MPa and 27.60 MPa for mix ratios of 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4, respectively, at a 2% admixture level. In comparison to normal concrete, these results indicate a 46.67% and 44.81% increase in strength. Furthermore, the highest splitting tensile strengths were 13.91 MPa and 12.00 MPa for the same mix ratios and admixtures, representing improvements of 24.20% and 20.00% respectively in comparison to normal concrete. Compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of self-curing concrete were gradually increased with the use of admixtures up to 2%. The incorporation of poly carboxylate into self-curing concrete is demonstrated to significantly improve strength characteristics.
Self-curing, hydration, admixture, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength
ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL OF INCORPORATING EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH (EFB) INTO CEMENT BOARDS TREATED WITH HOT WATER AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AND SOAKING TIMES
Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) was incorporated into cement boards to evaluate its effect on thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR) and internal bonding (IB), using two different soaking durations; two and three hours at three temperatures: 75°C, 85°C, and 95°C. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of hot water treatment as a cost-effective alternative to chemical treatment, which typically incurs additional expenses. The testing conducted accordance to British Standard (BS) and European Norms (EN). The samples were fabricated with target density of 1300 kg/m3. At the 2-hour soaking, density recorded in ranges from 1231.54 kg/m³ to 1391.31 kg/m³, while at 3 hours, it ranges from 1015 kg/m³ to 1431.29 kg/m³. TS values remain relatively low overall, falling between 0.01% and 0.1%. However, TS rate decreased as soaking time increased, indicating that shorter soaking durations led to greater swelling of the EFB board. Prolonged soaking time able to increase IB at low temperature of 75°C compared to high temperature of pre-treatment in hot water. It has been demonstrated that hot water treatment is a viable method for treating EFB, as the incorporation of EFB able to enhance both the physical and mechanical properties of the material. This suggests its strong potential as a sustainable material for use in construction applications.
Empty fruit bunch cement board (EFBCB), hot water treatment, internal bonding (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR), thickness swelling (TS).
VALIDATION FOR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF FREE-SPANNING SUBSEA PIPELINE USING THEORETICAL FORMULA
Hydrocarbon products from offshore sources are primarily transported to onshore facilities using subsea pipelines, which typically rest on the seabed. To ensure safe operation and prevent failure, engineers must assess the reliability of these free-spanning pipelines, which are prone to structural risks due to uneven seabed conditions. The finite element method (FEM) is widely used for structural analysis due to its flexibility in modelling complex structures. Validation of FEM is essential for verifying its accuracy, typically against physical experiments or reliable theoretical data. This study validates a finite element (FE) model for the static analysis of free-spanning subsea pipelines by comparing FEM predictions with Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories. The pipeline model, developed in Abaqus, was evaluated across various length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios. Results show that for L/D < 140, FEM predictions align with beam theory, exhibiting errors below 2%. However, for L/D > 160, FEM deviations exceed 30%, indicating nonlinear effects beyond the range of beam models. These findings refine the applicability of DNV-RP-F105 guidelines, enhancing pipeline integrity assessment methodologies in offshore engineering. The validated FEM model offers confidence for further evaluation of pipeline integrity under combined loading or defects.
Free-spanning pipeline, Finite Element Method (FEM), FEM validation, beam theory, static analysis, deflection
SEDIMENT YIELD QUANTIFICATION IN UNGAUGED FLUVIAL WATERSHEDS USING MODIFIED UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION (MUSLE): A CASE STUDY OF WINDER RIVER BASIN, PAKISTAN
The non-availability of observed hydrologic data of watersheds poses a significant hindrance to monitor the runoff and sedimentation regime and to take appropriate watershed management measures, particularly in the less developed quarters of the world. This necessitates the search of a reliable alternative approach for ungauged watersheds to quantify the sediment yield. Based on the literature review, the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) has been found as a reliable approach for sediment yield computation. Therefore, this research was intended to determine the mean monthly and yearly sediment yield of Winder River Basin using MUSLE. The daily runoff and discharge of river was estimated using NRCS CN Method. Based on the analysis, the sediment yield of study area was found to be closely following the rainfall and runoff regime, where the highest mean monthly sediment yield was found in July (6.12 million tons), while lowest in October and November. Annually, the mean sediment yield of Winder River Basin was found to be 10.08 million tons. Conclusively, the study comprehensively explained the use of MUSLE to determine sediment yield in ungauged watersheds, where the outcomes can be employed to formulate effective watershed management and soil conservation practices.
INFLUENCE OF JOINT ORIENTATION ON BLAST-INDUCED FRACTURE PATTERNS IN GRANITE ROCK USING DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD
Blasting is widely used for rock fragmentation in quarries, but the presence of geological discontinuities (joints) disrupts the process, often resulting in uneconomic muck-piles and unstable post-blast surfaces. The primary objective of this study is to observe the effect of discontinuity orientation on development of fracture pattern in rock through numerical analysis. Discrete element method (DEM) was utilized to develop one solid and four discontinuous models of rock bench with variable joint orientations, using the Bonded Particle Model for rock material and Particle Blast Method for blast loading. The joint hinders fracture development, allowing the blast energy to dissipate through void. Dominant fractures develop within 20 ms in the solid model, whereas the discontinuous model with a larger dip and dip direction (70°, 174°) does not exhibit significant cracking within this timeframe. The angle between the dip direction and the normal axis of the free face influences fracture generation mostly; when these align, the risk of slab failure and the formation of large rock fragments intensifies. Overall, DEM can be utilized to simulate the blast operation, and the findings of this research can aid in deciding the right orientation and appropriate delay time for blast operation in rock quarries.
ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINANT BY CRUDE OIL SPILLAGE IN IBELEBIRI OF OGBIA, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA.
Crude oil spillage in the Niger Delta region has led to significant environmental degradation and health concerns. This study investigated the levels of heavy metal contaminants (lead, cadmium, chromium, Iron, and Cobalt) in top-soil, sub-soil, and groundwater at Ibelebiri, Ogbia, Bayelsa State, where there are indices of crude oil spillage. Samples were collected from three locations A, B, and C with C as the control. Collected samples from these locations at the topsoil, sub-soil, and water were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and results were then compared using WHO standards. To further verify the contaminate level and pathway into groundwater, pollution indices such as the metal contaminate index (MI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and leach pollution index (LPI) were used. The results showed elevated concentrations of heavy metals, exceeding WHO guidelines. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels ranged from 0.24 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L, across all locations and sampled media. Chromium (Cr) and Cobalt (Co) levels ranged from 1.5 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L, across all locations and sampled media. Iron (Fe) consistently shows elevated concentrations across all locations, particularly in Location B, which reaches 69.52 mg/L. Calculated values of MI and HPI revealed that water and soil samples are in pure conditions for all locations since MI values < 1, and HPI <100 at 0.077-0.027 and 0.154-5.27, suggesting minimal metal contaminations. The LPI is seen to be higher than the leach standard with higher values ranging from 1194.65-1032.245, indicating severe contamination in both areas. In contrast, the control point shows a much lower LPI value 608.665 when compared with the standard. The findings indicate the potential for serious health risks and environmental degradation in the contaminated areas in Ibelebiri. It also emphasizes the need for monitoring and remediation efforts to prevent further contamination.
Heavy metal contaminant, groundwater top-soil, sub-soil, crude oil spillage
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER QUALITY: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW (2010-2024)
This bibliometric analysis provides a detailed overview of global research on the impact of climate change on water quality from 2010 to 2024. With increasing concerns about how climate change exacerbates water pollution, this study highlights key research trends, influential authors, leading institutions, and significant research areas in the field. By using advanced bibliometric techniques such as co-authorship analysis, citation analysis, and trend topic analysis, the study systematically explores the evolution of research linking climate change with water quality. It sheds light on the research focus areas, such as the effects of extreme weather events, temperature shifts, and altered hydrological cycles on freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, this study identifies emerging contaminants and technological innovations related to climate-induced water quality changes. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of climate change's impact on water quality and offer guidance for future research efforts aimed at mitigating its detrimental effects on water resources and public health. This work contributes to forming strategies that help address challenges posed by changing climatic conditions and their effects on water systems globally
INDUCED NOISE DUE TO ACTIVITIES AT CONSTRUCTION SITE AND ITS IMPACT ON CONSTRUCTION WORKERS HEALTH
The construction process would generate a great deal of noise pollution, which is extremely harmful to the workers' health. This research developed a comprehensive evaluation framework for measuring the negative impact on health caused by induced noise due to construction activities. The study was conducted by selecting a group of workers from various sections of a construction site, including concrete mixing operation, reinforcement cutting, brick crushing operation, and formwork, and assessing their hearing capabilities at two intervals over a six-month period. At first, the hearing loss of workers was initially assessed through a Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) test to evaluate their hearing ability. Subsequently, the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) for the workers were calculated to quantify the impact of hearing loss on their overall health. The framework includes the establishment of standardized criteria for assessing noise exposure, the definition of health risks associated with construction work, and the quantification of the resulting health damage. Also, it outlined the improvement of workers' occupational health levels. Through field survey using a Digital Sound Level Meter (Model: SL-4001), it was found that noise generated by heavy machinery exceeds the limit of the standard noise level. Throughout the 4-year construction of the ILST project, the cumulative Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) for all workers is 1.875a, due to the Concrete mixing operation the highest amount of harm (DALY = 1.145a) occurred. An audiometrist performed a PTA test at an interval of 205 days and found a slight change in the capacity of hearing level. This study emphasized awareness of the harm caused to the workers involved by the noise pollution generated for the construction work.
DALY, Construction Noise, Safety measures, and Construction machinery.
PROBABILISTIC MODELLING USING EXPONENTIAL DISTRIBUTION FOR ENHANCED FATIGUE BEHAVIOUR UNDERSTANDING IN PLAIN CONCRETE
This paper presents an in-depth study combining exponential probabilistic distribution and finite element analysis (FEA) to accurately predict the fatigue life of plain concrete subjected to cyclic loading. Existing fatigue life prediction models do not adequately address the variability and uncertainties inherent in concrete properties under cyclic loading. This is due to the complex nature of concrete and the time-consuming and challenging laboratory fatigue testing. Hence, the finite element method (FEM) was adopted as an alternative method in fatigue testing and the implementation of the probabilistic approach can account for these uncertainties and enhance the reliability of predictions. The research follows three primary stages: constructing S-N (stress-number of cycles) curves derived from experimental data across varying loading conditions, developing and validating a FEM in ABAQUS, and refining these S-N curves using exponential probabilistic techniques to improve predictive accuracy. Initial S-N curves from the experimental data confirmed the expected inverse relationship between applied stress levels and cycles to failure, consistent with classical fatigue behaviour in plain concrete. The FEM, validated using an optimal mesh size of 12 mm, achieved a high correlation with experimental data, evidenced by a minimal percentage error of just 0.80%, indicating high model fidelity. The validated FEM produced additional data points, complementing the experimental dataset. These were subsequently integrated into a probabilistic model using an exponential distribution, which enhanced the statistical representation of fatigue life predictions. This probabilistic model, driven by the exponential distribution, enabled the estimation of fatigue life across multiple confidence levels, with failure probabilities ranging from 99% to 20%, offering insights into the reliability of concrete structures under cyclic loads. The analysis further demonstrated that higher stress levels directly correlate with shortened fatigue lives and elevated rate parameters, indicating an accelerated rate of material degradation and highlighting the need for conservative stress design in concrete structures. This study underscores the essential role of integrating experimental data, FEM, and probabilistic analysis in advancing fatigue prediction methodologies by offering a comprehensive framework for improving reliability and structural safety, particularly under variable cyclic loading conditions.
FORMULATIONS FOR USING ACTIVATED CARBON IN THE PRODUCTION OF CEMENT: A REVIEW
Activated carbon, distinguished for its exceptional adsorption characteristics, is progressively being investigated for novel applications that extend beyond its conventional functions in the purification of water and air. Within the domain of construction materials, activated carbon has demonstrated encouraging potential in cementitious composites. This paper reviews various applications of activated carbon in cement production and the benefits it brings, including enhanced durability and environmental sustainability. The review covers research articles from 2003 to 2023 indexed in ISI Web of Science and Scopus. Studies indicate that activated carbon is employed in cement composites primarily as an aggregate, additional binder, or additive. As an additional binder, it augments mechanical characteristics including tensile and flexural strength, attributable to its substantial surface area and pore architecture that facilitates enhanced interfacial adhesion with the cement matrix. The inherent porous attributes of activated carbon significantly augment its self-regenerative capabilities through the entrapment and degradation of organic contaminants, thereby extending the longevity of the material. Moreover, fiber-reinforced concrete's chemical endurance has been shown to be improved by activated carbon, which also reduces permeability and shrinkage in lightweight concrete formulations. This comprehensive review further investigates prospective future applications of activated carbon within the realms of cement and concrete technologies.
Activated Carbon; cement Formulations; mechanical properties; thermal efficiency; sustainability
HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF LANDSLIDES EVENTS IN MALAYSIA: IMPACT ON PHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC
Any earthly substance, including rock, soil, artificial fill, or debris, moving in large quantities down a slope is called a landslide. They may occur quickly or gradually over an extended length of time. A landslide occurs when the force of gravity exerted on a slope surpasses the forces that prevent it from failing. Malaysia is a tropical nation that receives a lot of rainfall and rich residual soil. Numerous landslide incidents that happened during Malaysia's rainy season are publicized in the media, and some landslides repeat themselves in the same spot over time. The aim of this research is to examine the past landslide incidents that occurred in Malaysia from 1961 to 2023 and their effects on the country's physical and socioeconomic circumstances. Data on past landslides were gathered from local news sources, earlier studies, and reports from local government agencies. There have been a significant number of fatalities, property damage, and both direct and indirect economic ramifications from the landslide tragedy. To reduce adverse environmental effects, it is advised that any development on high land areas be subject to additional restrictions. Additionally, during the planning and management phase, the public should be made aware of the risks associated with landslides. When designing, analyzing, and planning a development in a hilly area, susceptibility evaluations may also offer significant insights.
STRESS DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS ON THE SPILLWAY STRUCTURE
The stress distribution varies between different areas. This is caused by several main factors such as spillway height and the magnitude of the forces. The research objective is to analyze stress distribution on the spillway structure due to the acting forces and to generate graphs that can be used as a quick way to obtain its structural stress values. The method employs 12 models of ogee-crested spillways with varying heights. The loads acting include hydrostatic pressure, mud, uplift, and self-weight. Stress distribution is calculated using SAP2000 software. The stress results are illustrated against spillway height. Trendlines and polynomial equations are fitted to the graphs and tested with interpolation and extrapolation. Graph validation is performed against previous studies, showing reasonably good accuracy. In conclusion, stress distribution on the spillway structure due to hydrostatic pressure, mud, uplift, and self-weight varies in each area. This study successfully obtains graphs that can be used as a quick method to obtain its structural stress values.
Spillway, SAP2000, Stress Distribution Graph, Acting Loads
MORPHODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A SANDY BED MEANDERING CHANNEL AT DIFFERENT DISCHARGES
Transportation of sediment is a critical issue in riverine environments, particularly in meandering channels where flow dynamics are complex. However, information regarding erosion and deposition processes in meandering channels is still limited. Therefore, an experimental investigation on the influence of discharge variation on the morphodynamics of a meandering channel has been carried out. The experimental investigation was conducted at the Hydraulic and Hydrology Laboratory, UTM Johor Bahru. The study investigates the flow profiles and the morphological changes of inbank flow conditions represented by shallow and deep flow depths. The findings revealed that Manning’s n in a deep flow depth was 60.12% higher than a shallow flow depth. Moreover, velocity at the channel bend was increased by 8.3% to 14.6% compared to the crossover along the channel. This indicates that the geometrical planform plays a crucial part on the variability of velocity in the channel. Therefore, the outcomes of this study could provide more effective river management strategies to resolve erosion and deposition issues in river engineering studies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Malaysian Journal of Civil Engineering
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF CONCRETE AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF COARSE AGGREGATE BY SILICA SLAG
Aggregate is a key component of concrete, greatly impacting its volume and influencing its mechanical strength, durability, and serviceability. This study examines using silica slag, an industrial by-product waste, as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate (Recycled Brick Chips) in concrete. It assesses concrete properties with silica slag replacing recycled brick chips at 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%. The findings show that adding silica slag with recycled brick chips enhances both compressive and tensile strengths. Concrete mixes, prepared with superplasticizer (ASTM C-494: Type A & F), achieved improved workability while maintaining the required water-cement ratio. Various mechanical properties of silica slag, such as impact resistance, specific gravity, unit weight, void ratio, and water absorption, were thoroughly tested. The study reveals that a 40% replacement of coarse aggregate with silica slag results in optimal compressive strength, around 18 MPa. This indicates that concrete incorporating recycled brick chips and silica slag can achieve moderate compressive strength and meet structural requirements effectively to achieve sustainable development.
Silica Slag, Sustainable Development, Recycled Brick Chips, Superplasticizer, Moderate Strength
EXPLORING THE USE OF PALM KERNEL SHELL AND PALM FIBRE AS SUSTAINABLE AGGREGATES IN CONCRETE
Palm kernel shells and palm fibres are leftover materials from the palm oil industry. However, they are not fully utilized and encounter disposal issues, particularly in Malaysia where they are produced in large quantities. This research aims to enhance sustainability and reduce palm waste disposal in Malaysia by exploring the potential of substituting palm waste for conventional aggregates. Six experiments were carried out to assess both the physical properties (including density, UPV, and water absorption) and mechanical properties (such as compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and splitting tensile strength). The results indicate that a 35% palm kernel shell substitution is optimal, and it was able to produce a concrete specimen of 18 MPa cube strength, approximately 40% lower than the control specimen's 30 MPa. Despite this reduction, the strength is adequate for structures such as driveways, footings, and footpaths. The flexural and splitting tensile strength were the highest, at 4.99 MPa and 2.36 MPa, respectively. This batch also exhibited the best physical properties with a density of 2149 kg/m3, UPV of 3828 km/s, and water absorption of 9.31%. Additionally, the research also concludes that the addition of palm fibre in concrete tends to increase tensile strength by about 6%.
EFFECT OF INCORPORATING RAM-FAT AND OIL INTO THE BITUMEN GRADE 60/70
The ability of a pavement to resist fatigue cracking, rutting, and thermal cracking is mostly dependent on bitumen, which assists in minimizing the occurrence of pavement distress. The objective of the study is to determine the optimum ram fat and oil (RFO) content suitable for the application of bituminous mixtures. Saturated fats and oils consumption in excess can boost blood levels and may lead to bad low-density lipoproteins cholesterol, which raises the danger of heart failure and stroke. To minimize this problem, this study encourages the incorporation of RFO into bitumen to reduce the consumption of fats and oils in our society. The characteristics of the standard and RFO-modified binders were evaluated by penetration, softening point, and ductility tests. The RFO content (1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, and 5.0% by mass of the bitumen) was blended with the bitumen for 35 minutes with a mixing speed of 1000 rpm. The result of the optimum RFO content was discovered at 3.0% which improved the performance of the mixture. It was found that bitumen grade 60/70 documented a significant improvement with the addition of RFO content. The optimum RFO content can be raised with a smaller bitumen grade.
Ram, fat, oil, bitumen grade 60/70, construction materials.
WAVE SPECTRUM ANALYSIS FOR OPERATIONAL OFFSHORE PLATFORM IN MALAYSIA WATER
As an ageing platform has passed its design life of 20 to 30 years, it is crucial to identify wether it is still fit for operation based on the current environmental behaviour, particularly due to the wave impact. Hence, an analytical approach of wave spectrum analysis between the wave behaviour and offshore structural response will be conducted. The aim is to verify the stability and safety of ageing offshore platforms with the current wave behaviour based on identifying wave characteristics, developing a normalized wave energy spectral density, and analyzing the natural frequency of offshore structural response. The methodology includes data collection from structural dynamic monitoring assessments, wave spectrum development using empirical models, and evaluation of offshore platform stability. The results will provide insights into platform stability, resonance risks, and safety assessment of ageing offshore platforms in Malaysian waters. The findings will contribute to recommendations for modifications or improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of offshore platforms in the specific region.
INFLUENCE OF PEDESTRIAN ATTRIBUTES ON WALKING SPEED AT BOTTLENECK OF BUS TERMINAL WALKWAY
Walking speed, a fundamental aspect of transportation, varies across individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and environmental conditions. This study focuses on pedestrian behavior, particularly walking speed, at bottlenecks in Larkin Sentral bus terminal in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The country's lower average walking speed compared to other Asian nations underscores the need for efficient urban transportation planning. The objectives are to determine pedestrian walking speeds and explore the relationship between pedestrian attributes and walking speed. Data was collected using video recording at selected walkways during peak and non-peak hours. The analysis, conducted using Minitab software, reveals a mean walking speed of 0.80 m/s, influenced by factors such as age, gender, carrying bags, using phones, attire, and time. Correlation analysis indicates that time and phone usage significantly affect walking speed. This study contributes valuable insights for enhancing urban planning, emphasizing the impact of technology and time on pedestrian experiences at bus terminals. The implications for urban transportation planning are substantial, advocating for custom interventions in pedestrian-friendly designs at bus terminals. The study challenges assumptions, highlighting the need for nuanced understanding and further research to comprehend the complex dynamics shaping pedestrian behavior.
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A FIXED OFFSHORE OTEC PLANT FOR COST-EFFECTIVE POWER GENERATION IN MALAYSIA
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy technology that harnesses the temperature differential between warm surface water and cold deep ocean water to generate electricity and freshwater. Technological advancements have made OTEC increasingly viable, positioning it as a potential solution for sustainable energy generation in Malaysia. Despite its promise, OTEC development in Malaysia is challenged by the need for suitable sites and the high capital costs associated with traditional floating OTEC platforms. Additionally, efforts to attract anchor partners for OTEC projects have been met with limited success, slowing progress in implementation. This study assessed the feasibility of OTEC plant development in Malaysia through the analysis of sea temperature profiles, identifying five potential sites. A multi-criteria analysis was conducted considering factors such as cold water intake pipe length, proximity to power transmission lines, and environmental impact. The study also proposes a fixed offshore OTEC platform with a single-legged caisson structure, incorporating a braced substructure and dual-level production decks to optimize space for equipment and reduce CAPEX. Kuala Baram (Location C) was identified as the most favorable site due to its optimal conditions for cold water intake and proximity to transmission infrastructure. The proposed fixed platform design offers significant CAPEX reductions compared to floating alternatives, enhancing OTEC’s economic potential. The study’s findings support the immediate application of OTEC in Malaysia, particularly in ongoing projects off the coast of Sabah. Further research, including modeling and testing of the platform design, is necessary to advance commercialization and establish OTEC as a key component of Malaysia's renewable energy strategy.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PREDICTION FOR SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
This study investigates the relationship between concrete constituent materials, slump values, density, strain and compressive strength. The database was set in the laboratory by performing a quality assurance test on the constituent materials to ascertain their suitability for concrete work. For material procurement and selection, the British Standard Department of Environment DOE technique of concrete trial mix designs was used. In this study, twelve concrete mixes were utilized. Two simplified models were developed using the feedback network Artificial Neural Networks architecture (ANNs) with R version 4.0.5 and R studio version 1.2.5033. In the two models, an independent layer comprising six nodes and a dependent layer comprising two nodes were taken. Having carried out the sensitivity analysis, the capacity of the developed equation was evaluated in terms of error metrics MSE and RMSE. The grading envelope for river sand showed that the graph fell perfectly into grading envelope zone 2 while other constituent materials tested were all confirmed suitable for concrete works. The results of compressive strength were obtained from varied water-cement ratios used for the concrete trial mix design which ranges between 0.45 to 0.6. The compressive strength results showed that the results increased consistently for each design mix. It is worthy of note that the strength of the mix fell between grades 15, 20, 25 and 35 respectively for both the 7-day and 28-day strength accordingly. Conversely, the ANN models predicted both 7-day and 28-day strength close to the laboratory value. It is concluded that this research has demonstrated economic viability which would enhance overall construction planning efficiency for future researchers, consultants and contractors in the building industries.
PRECIPITATION DATA FROM GOOGLE EARTH ENGINE (GEE) IN REVETMENT DRAINAGE EVALUATION IN KALIANDA
Floods can occur frequently if there are no organized and constant changes in land use. Flood issues in Waymuli, South Lampung, has been occurring due to changes in land use in the area. Prior studies regarding drainage of coastal revetments may have been done before. However, the analysis was done using precipitation data from GEE and therefore, new findings as the solution for the flood problems in the region were necessary. The main objective of this research is to assess the extent of success of drainage system management using rainfall information obtained via GEE. The method used was by evaluating the capability of the drainage system using data from GEE, which involve identifying and measuring the drainage capacity with the HEC-RAS application. This study conclude that the use of GEE can be accurately used to evaluate revetment drainage. Rainfall in the last two years were 54.0340 mm, 81.8905 mm in the last five years, and 104.0784 mm in the last ten years. However, GEE results show that the highest rainfall recorded in September 2022 was 46.857 mm. Based on the HEC-RAS evaluation, it was also found that the drainage system does not have the capacity to drain rain within a 2-year period. It can be concluded that the function of the drainage system in this area is to support the coastal revetment system, not as the main drainage system.
Land use, flood, drainage, GEE, coastal revetment
EVALUATING THE STRUCTURAL EFFICACY OF ANGLE AND CHANNEL SHEAR CONNECTORS IN BRICK AGGREGATE CONCRETE AND STONE AGGREGATE CONCRETE AND COMPARISON
Composite structure is becoming prominent for its economy, less time consumption, and higher stiffness-mass ratio. Composite action of the steel-concrete composite structure mainly depends on the connector's geometry and materials. Proper choice of shear connector could make steel beam and concrete slab cross-section minimal. This study carries out push-out tests to evaluate the structural efficiency of channel and angle shear connectors in brick aggregate concrete and stone aggregate concrete. It specifically looks at the failure mode, ductility, load-slip behavior, and energy absorption capacity. In brick aggregate concrete, results show that under monotonic loading, channel connectors have been found to have 15.27% more shear capacity & 28.38% more slip than angle connectors. Similarly, in stone aggregate concrete, channel connectors have been found to have 14% more shear capacity & 12.97% higher slip than angle connectors. On average, stone aggregate concrete has been found to have 34.84% higher shear capacity and 6.7% greater slip than brick aggregate concrete. Strain energy and plastic energy were found 78% and 17.6% less in brick aggregate specimens than those in stone aggregate specimens, respectively. Experimental results were slightly lower for both shear connectors than the empirical values.