Construction Technologies and Architecture

Preface

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23

Comparative Impact of Melamine Formaldehyde and Polyurethane Microencapsulated PCMs on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Farah Naz, Zain Ul Hassan, Shiraz Baloch, Umer Shahzad
The escalating global demand for energy efficient infrastructure has intensified interest in Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for thermal regulation in buildings. PCMs, owing to their high latent heat storage capacity, can significantly reduce operational energy demands when integrated into construction materials. However, for structural applications, the mechanical integrity of concrete remains paramount, requiring careful evaluation of how PCM incorporation affects its strength characteristics over time. In concrete technology, the introduction of secondary functional materials often alters the internal microstructure, influencing both load bearing capacity and durability. For PCMs, this balance between thermal enhancement and mechanical performance remains a pertinent research frontier in sustainable construction. However, in recent past, focus of the research in construction sector has not brought this aspect to the limelight for practical integration of these materials into concrete especially in Pakistan. Therefore, this study has attempted to instroduce this technology in construction sector of Pakistan by investigating the influence of two distinct microencapsulation shell materials, Melamine Formaldehyde (MF) and Polyurethane (PU), on the compressive strength of PCM modified concrete. Fine aggregates were partially substituted with microencapsulated n-octadecane paraffin PCMs by mass to observe performance trends. Experimental results demonstrated a consistent and progressive reduction in compressive strength with increasing PCM content, with MFPCM mixtures exhibiting comparatively lower strength loss than PUPCM mixtures throughout the curing period. The observed deviations ranged from 7.73% at the lowest replacement level to a maximum of 24% at the highest level, emphasizing the decisive role of shell material stiffness and composition in preserving structural performance while enabling thermal benefits. Through these results, this research has paved a way for construction sector in Pakistan to incorporate the PCM technology in concrete by conducting more research on PCM properties.

Utilization of Rice Husk Ash and Fly Ash for Sustainable Concrete Development in Pakistan

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Hoorab Shoaib
Pakistan’s construction industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to rapid urbanization, rising CO₂ emissions, and resource depletion. Rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA)—agricultural and industrial by-products—present significant potential as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for sustainable concrete. This paper reviews global research on the physical, chemical, and microstructural properties of RHA and FA, emphasizing their combined use in enhancing strength, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation. To align with the theme of Nano-Driven Material Innovation, the study highlights the importance of particle size distribution analysis, SEM/TEM imaging, and other nano-scale characterizations for understanding pozzolanic reactivity and microstructural improvements. The work also explores the potential integration of these materials into Pakistan’s construction industry, considering local availability, cost implications, and environmental benefits. By replacing a portion of Portland cement with these waste materials, Pakistan can reduce its carbon footprint, mitigate waste disposal issues, and promote a circular economy in construction. The paper concludes with a proposed framework for pilot-scale implementation and further experimental validation tailored to Pakistan’s conditions. In the long term, such research can support the establishment of dedicated organizations or firms in Pakistan that pioneer sustainable construction practices, translating academic innovation into real-world application.

Experimental Evaluation of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Bentonite Clay and Marble Dust as Sustainable Additives

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Muhammad Talha, Muhammad Yaqub
This study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) incorporating bentonite clay and marble dust as partial cement replacements. Bentonite clay, a natural pozzolanic material sourced from Jehengirah (Swabi district), was evaluated for its physical properties, including specific gravity, setting time, and soundness. Results indicate that bentonite has a lower specific gravity and shorter initial setting time compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), though the final setting time remains similar. A total of nine SCC mix designs were prepared, replacing cement with up to 20% marble dust and 20% bentonite clay by weight. The study focuses on assessing compressive strength, split tensile strength, and durability characteristics compared to conventional SCC. Findings reveal that exceeding 20% cement replacement with pozzolanic materials leads to a notable reduction in compressive strength. However, while the modulus of rupture at 28 days is lower than conventional concrete, the flexural strength relative to compressive strength shows improvement.

Evaluating the Properties of Concrete by Incorporating Bentonite and Crumb Rubber

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Raja Shujahat Zahoor Khan, Ayub Elahi, Raja Wajahat Zahoor Khan
Use of Waste materials and pozzolanic materials in concrete offer a solution to solve environmental problems arising due to the production of cement and discarded rubber tyres worldwide. The use of crumb rubber in concrete decreases the formation of cracks which helps to withstand greater tensile loads. Several Studies have been conducted to use pozzolanic materials in concrete, like Fly ash, Silica Fumes and GGBS. Very limited research has been done on the use of naturally occurring clay, which is rich in silicain, which provide pozzolanic properties in bentonite. The present study is conducted to evaluate the properties of concrete by partially replacing sand by 5%, 10% and 15% crumb rubber, and bentonite is used to replace cement by 10%, 20% and 30%. Several tests, slump test, compressive tests, were performed at 28 days to evaluate the properties of concrete. The test results showed that the strength decreases with the increase in crumb rubber percentage. This effect was minimized by the use of bentonite which filled the voids generated by rubber particles up to 10% use of bentonite replacement level, and beyond that the strength decreases due to poor bond formation between particles due to increased replacement of cement.

Effects of Micro and Nano Scale Sugarcane Bagasse Cellulose Fibers on Cement Based Materials

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Alina Fatima, Wasiullah Jagirani, Farnaz Batool, Ayman Asghar, Sadia Mehmood
With a growing global focus on sustainability, the construction industry is steadily replacing conventional materials with environmentally friendly alternatives. Plant-based fibers, particularly cellulose fibers, are increasingly considered as reinforcement in cement-based materials due to their favorable mechanical properties and renewable origin. Cement-based materials, despite their strength, are prone to porosity and moisture absorption, which compromise long-term durability. To address these challenges while promoting sustainable material use, this study investigates the effects of micro and nanoscale cellulose fibers extracted from sugarcane bagasse on the performance of cement-based materials. Cellulose fibers were obtained through a chemo-mechanical process and surface-modified to achieve hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. The produced fibers were characterized using SEM and XRD, confirming predominantly amorphous structures and smooth, rod-like morphologies Mortar samples with hydrophobic cellulose microfibers (0.5% and 1%) and cement paste samples with hydrophilic cellulose nanofibers (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%) were prepared and tested for fresh and hardened properties. Results demonstrated that hydrophobic cellulose microfibers improved mortar workability by up to 13.6% and reduced water absorption by 31.5%, while also enhancing compressive strength (4.7% increase) and density (3.8% increase) at 0.5% dosage. However, higher fiber content (1%) led to entrapped air voids, reducing strength and density. In cement paste, hydrophilic cellulose nanofibers exhibited dual behavior: small dosages had negligible effect, 0.5% significantly improved density (4.9% increase) and compressive strength (38–40 MPa at 7–14 days), while higher dosages caused strength reduction and increased absorption due to fiber agglomeration. Overall, 0.5% fiber incorporation at both scales provided the optimal balance of strength, durability, and workability.

Optimizing Acid Resistance of Concrete Due to the Synergistic Effect of Bentonite and Fly Ash Dosages: Mass Loss Kinetics and Microstructural Analysis under HCL

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Raja Wajahat Zahoor Khan, Raja Shujahat Zahoor Khan, Muhammad Yaqub
This study evaluates the effect of acid attack on the behavior of concrete containing bentonite and fly ash. The concrete mixes contain varying dosages of bentonite mixed with a constant ratio of 10% fly ash. The concrete mixes include A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, which contain 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% bentonite, respectively. Experimental results reveal that the addition of 10% fly ash along with 10% bentonite can show significant resistance toward acid attack. The concrete mix A1, containing 10% fly ash and 10% bentonite, loses only 1.1% of its mass as compared to the controlled mix of concrete, which shows a significant loss of its mass up to 8.4%. Microstructural analysis of concrete specimens reveals significant changes in hydration products using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of 10% bentonite along with fly ash creates a denser microstructure due to the formation of calcium silicate hydrate gel and refines the internal pores of the concrete, which provides a significant resistance towards acid attack. In addition, higher dosages of bentonite lead to a porous and loose microstructure, which becomes susceptible to microcracking and spalling.

Discrete vs Smeared Modelling Strategies for TRM – Strengthened Beams: A Benchmark Study

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Fawwad Masood, Syed Salman Mobeen
Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM) is increasingly used for strengthening reinforced concrete structures, yet the selection of an appropriate finite element modeling strategy remains ambiguous. While simplified smeared models are often employed for their computational efficiency, their accuracy for complex multi-layer TRM applications is not well-established. This study presents a critical evaluation of three distinct modeling approaches in ATENA3D—discrete fiber modeling with perfect bond, a smeared reinforcement model, and discrete modeling with a bond-slip interface—for simulating the flexural behavior of full-scale RC beams strengthened with TRM. Validated against experimental data, the results reveal a stark divergence in predictive capability. The smeared approach severely underestimated the capacity of beams with four TRM plies by up to 48%, demonstrating its fundamental inadequacy for modeling layered composites. In contrast, both discrete modeling approaches accurately captured the structural response, with deviations below 21% for all multi-ply scenarios. It is concluded that discrete modeling is essential for the reliable simulation of multi-ply TRM systems, whereas smeared models are only acceptable for preliminary single-ply analysis. This work provides crucial guidance for researchers and practitioners, steering the numerical analysis of TRM-strengthened members toward more reliable and defensible modeling practices.

Physics-Informed Neural Networks Fusion with Deep Learning for Structural Health Monitoring and Prognostics - A Review

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Muhammad Luqman, Muhammad Arif
Physics-based neural networks and data-driven models for health monitoring of structures, remaining useful life, and prognostics have expanded over the past decade. This includes applications like computer vision and interpreting natural phenomena. Challenges mainly arise from limitations in applicability, such as the incomplete representation of complex industrial phenomena and data availability. The framework typically begins with damage detection, followed by classification and assessment to determine prognosis. Developing simulators for this process involves complex nonlinear parameters obtained from design space exploration of modular data, coupled with finite element models to predict damage and support decisions for preventive maintenance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements, challenges, potential solutions, and future research needs in the integration of deep learning with physics-informed neural networks for prognostics and structural health management.

Development of a Data-Driven Predictive Model for GFRP-Concrete Bond Strength Using the XGBoost Algorithm

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Muhammad Saad Ifrahim, Abdul Jabbar Sangi, Fawwad Masood, Muhammad Umer Bin Abid Bhatti
In harsh and aggressive environments, steel reinforcement corrodes, leading to a loss of rebar strength and spalling of concrete due to internal stresses caused by the swelling of corrosion products. Therefore, in order to increase the lifespan of a structure, noncorrosive reinforcement is recommended, which includes Glass Fibre Reinforcing Polymer (GFRP) bars. These bars also offer several other advantages over steel, which include higher tensile strength, low weight and cost-effectiveness. These bars exhibit a distinct bond with concrete due to linearly elastic behaviour and different surface deformation patterns. Several empirical equations have been established to analytically predict the bond strength of these bars. This study finds out that even though these empirical models provide useful insights, they may have limitations in predicting bond strength with significant accuracy; therefore, it is imperative to come up with more rigorous data-driven prediction models. This study presents the application of an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)-based machine learning model which predicts the bond strength with significant accuracy, exhibiting a 0.876 coefficient of determination and a 2.319 root mean square error on the full set of data, which concludes improved predictive capability compared to traditional empirical equations.

Influence of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Concrete on the Nonlinear Seismic Response of Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Abdul Qudoos, Bisma Latif, Tajik Mustafa Shah, Dhanesh Kumar
Reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are fundamental lateral load–resisting components in high-rise structures, where their seismic performance is critical to ensuring structural safety. This study presents a nonlinear seismic performance evaluation of an RC shear wall using modal pushover analysis in SAP2000, with advanced material models calibrated from experimental stress–strain data. Four concrete mixes were investigated: plain concrete (PC), 2% nano-silica doped concrete (NS), 2% nano-calcium carbonate doped concrete (NC), and a 1% nano-silica + 1% nano-calcium carbonate doped concrete (NSC). The wall geometry and layered cross-section were modeled in accordance with established experimental benchmarks, while nonlinear constitutive properties were directly assigned from reported experimental curves. Pushover capacity curves (base shear–displacement) were analyzed to assess stiffness, strength, ductility, and energy dissipation. Results indicate that PC exhibited the lowest seismic capacity. NS enhanced stiffness but showed lowest ductility. The NC model provided highest ductility with balanced strength and NSC delivered the most balanced and superior performance, achieving synergistic gains in both strength and ductility. These findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-modified concrete to significantly enhance the seismic resilience of RC shear walls, offering valuable insights for advancing performance-based seismic design in high-rise construction.

Comparative Seismic Behavior of RC Structures with Fiber-Reinforced and Nanocomposite Elastomeric Isolators

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Bisma Latif, Abdul Qudoos, Dhanesh Kumar
This paper presents a comparative seismic performance evaluation of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings Fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolator (FREI), and fiber-reinforced nanocomposite elastomeric isolator (FRNEI) configurations using Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA) in ETABS, following ASCE 7‑22 provisions. A regular G+8 RC moment-resisting frame was analyzed under Site Class D conditions, with isolator properties corresponding to a 67 kN axial load case derived from experimental data. Response parameters such as maximum lateral displacement and story shear in both principal directions were examined to quantify the influence of isolation stiffness on seismic demands. Results indicate that both FREI and FRNEI systems substantially reduce story shear compared to the fixed base, with FREI producing larger base displacements and FRNEI achieving additional reductions in both displacement and shear due to its higher lateral stiffness and improved damping, as nano clay is used as a nanocomposite material. The findings confirm that FRNEI offers a more balanced performance, effectively limiting deformation while maintaining isolation benefits, thereby enhancing the seismic resilience of mid-rise RC buildings.

Orientation-Driven Enhancement of Fluid Viscous Dampers for High-Rise Resilience

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Muhammad Adil Javaid, Ahmed Saboor, Umer Shahzad, Tamjeed Attaullah, Muhammad Ali, Usama Afzal
This study evaluates hybrid fluid viscous damper (FVD) layouts for seismic control of a 20-storey reinforced-concrete tower. Two retrofit configurations (C1, C2), each employing 120 FVDs with a combined damping capacity of approximately 60,000 kN·s/m per configuration, were modelled in ETABS as nonlinear link elements and subjected to nonlinear time-history analyses using representative ground motions. Device constitutive behavior was represented by a velocity-dependent law and model verification included explicit link spring/area settings to prevent silent unit-scaling of damper properties. Both hybrid layouts substantially reduce peak inter-story drifts and increase system energy dissipation, though performance varies by direction: relative to the undamped frame, C1 reduced peak drift by ≈28.7% in X and ≈44.6% in Y, while C2 reduced peak drift by ≈26.2% in X and ≈53.9% in Y. Damper contribution to seismic energy dissipation reached ≈47.3% for C1 and ≈45.6% for C2, with total (structural plus device) dissipation of ≈52.4% and ≈55.6%, respectively. Directional asymmetry is attributed to modal shapes and damper distribution. The results indicate that carefully arranged hybrid FVD systems can deliver significant, orientation-aware improvements to seismic resilience.

The Influence of Foundation Systems on the Performance of Base-Isolated Structures: A Critical Review

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Syed Abbas Gillani, Ahmad Ibrahim Alam, Muhammad Umair Babar, Majid Ali
Seismic base isolation has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for mitigating vibrations induced by seismic excitations in structures. However, its efficiency can be compromised if the foundation system is incompatible with the isolator type or soil conditions, leading to undesirable structural responses during seismic events. While extensive research exists on isolator mechanisms and damping performance, comparatively fewer studies address the influence of foundation systems on the overall efficiency of base-isolated structures. This paper reviews the influence of foundation type and soil conditions on the performance of base isolation systems, emphasizing the importance of soil–structure interaction (SSI) and energy dissipation capacity. A comprehensive literature review of studies published over the last decade is presented, focusing on the comparative performance of shallow, deep, and hybrid foundations in supporting passive base-isolation systems. Findings indicate that shallow foundations, such as mat and spread footings, are effective for low to mid-rise structures on stiff soils, whereas deep and hybrid foundations offer superior stability and isolation efficiency in soft or liquefiable soil conditions. The study concludes that integrating foundation design with base-isolation mechanisms is essential for optimizing seismic performance.

BIM Applications in 3D Modeling, Scheduling, and Real-Time Risk Identification for Projects in Quetta City

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Zarak Khan, Emaad Durrani, Muhammad Ameen, Muhammad Ali Mohsin, Shujja Ahmed, Muhammad Mubashar, Umer Abbas, Sher Muhammad
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries worldwide by enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and safety. Despite its proven benefits, BIM adoption remains minimal in third-world countries like Pakistan, primarily due to infrastructure limitations, high implementation costs, and a lack of skilled professionals. This study focuses on leveraging BIM's potential in the local context through three dimensions: 3D modeling using Revit, 4D scheduling with Primavera, and 8D health and safety analysis in Quetta City. The study aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, and 12, aiming to demonstrate BIM's utility in promoting sustainable construction practices, reducing costs, and improving project outcomes. By addressing barriers to BIM adoption, this research aspires to lay the foundation for a transition from traditional workflows to BIM-based methodologies, setting a precedent for enhanced infrastructure development in emerging economies.

Comparison of Conventional Survey Techniques with Modern GIS Tools

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Sikandar Ali, Muhammad Shahnez, Ahmed Nawaz, Hamid Maqbool, Flavian Abeel, Arian Khan
In this study, survey data from distinct sources includes Total Station measurements, ArcGIS, and Global Mapper at a planned dam location at Qila Abdullah district in Balochistan are compared. Because of the study area's complicated topography, a precise elevation assessment is essential to the feasibility of the project. Elevation information from open-source NASA SRTM models integrated using ArcGIS and Global Mapper was contrasted with high-precision Total Station data, which served as the reference benchmark. In the field, 146 survey points were gathered, and AutoCAD Civil 3D was used to process all of the datasets for a thorough analysis. Significant elevation differences between the datasets were observed in the results, with SRTM-based models demonstrating large deviations from ground-truth observations. The analysis between total station and ArcGIS Pro reports a mean error of 15.647917m and standard deviation of 3.894677m. The results between total station and Global Mapper give similar results reporting a mean error of 14.870448m and standard deviation of 3.960269m. These differences directly affect feasibility studies, especially when it comes to cost estimation, design precision, and possible overestimation of material requirements. Because relying on broad open-source data might result in significant errors in project planning and execution, the findings point out the significance of accurate survey methodologies for infrastructure projects in rough terrains.

Identification of Major Risks in the Public Sector Construction Projects of Quetta City: A Quantitative Survey

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Muhammad Nawab Anwar, Muhammad Salman Nazar, Zarak Khan, Hasnat Khan, Muhammad Masood, Fareed Ahmed
Risk management is essential for the successful execution of public sector construction projects (PSCPs), especially in developing cities like Quetta, Pakistan. This research aimed to identify and rank the major risks affecting public sector construction projects in Quetta City using a quantitative survey approach. A total of 49 risk factors were identified through literature review and expert input, classified into ten major risk categories. Data were collected from 62 construction professionals and stakeholders through a structured questionnaire. It was analyzed using MS Excel and risks were ranked through Relative Importance Index (RII) method. The results show that political risks, market risks, financial risks, safety risks, and construction risks are the top five risk categories based on both their average RII values and the presence of their factors in the top 10 rankings. Considering risks with same RII as similar rank, the top five ranked individual risks that affect public sector construction projects success the most are political instability, fluctuation in material prices, security issues, lack of safety equipment, market competition, financial/payment delays, and corruption and bribery. These findings highlight the most critical threats to public sector construction projects in Quetta. Based on the results, the study provides actionable recommendations to strengthen risk mitigation and improve the successful delivery of public sector construction projects.

Flow Behavior over Mixed-Height Vegetation Patches under Submerged Conditions

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Saad Anwar, Naveed Anjum, Ahmad Ali, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Shah
The resistance created by vegetation against flow in open channels should be taken into account in projects focused on watercourse management and river restoration. Staggered patches of vegetation in an open channel significantly influence flow structure and river geomorphology. This study numerically examines flow characteristics through longitudinal discontinuous vegetation patches using three-dimensional software FLUENT, with a Reynolds stress turbulent model applied. ANSYS FLUENT Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques were utilized to analyze variations in mean stream velocity within the model domain. This study presents different distributions and profiles of mean stream velocities. It was observed that velocity decreases in the vegetation zones due to resistance. To monitor their effects on flow velocity, experimental vegetation patches should be installed along riverbanks, wetlands, or in stormwater channels.

Numerical Modeling of Nature-Based Flow Regulation in Floodplain Canals during High Discharge Events

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Syed Muhammad Ahmad Bukhari, Naveed Anjum, Muhammad Asghar
This study investigates riparian vegetation as a mitigation measure for overflow and bank erosion in the Jumman Shah Canal, Pakistan, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method for free-surface flow simulation. Three cases were modeled: bare floodplain (existing condition), submerged vegetation, and emergent vegetation. Vegetation was represented as uniformly spaced cylinders to maintain consistent porosity, with a 1:100 geometric scale replicating prototype peak-flow conditions. Field velocity measurements validated the model, showing strong agreement with simulations. Results showed submerged vegetation induced moderate backwater effects and broader low-velocity zones, while emergent vegetation produced greater upstream water level rise, higher momentum attenuation, and a delayed, confined high-velocity core. Both vegetation types increased hydraulic resistance and improved flow uniformity compared to the bare channel, with emergent vegetation offering the highest flood energy dissipation. The findings advocate vegetation-based stabilization as a sustainable, cost-effective approach for enhancing canal resilience.

Hydrological Study for AWS Standard Implementation in Landhi Industrial Area of Karachi

Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 1 May 2026
Source: Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 23
Author(s): Saad bin Tariq Ghouri, Haqqan Uddin, Hafiz Saad ur Rahman, Hamza Bilal Faridi
This study evaluates water resource management at the Artistic Milliners Unit 5 (AM-5) factory in Landhi, Karachi, under Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standards through a WWF-commissioned assessment (Contract No: 137/Freshwater/24-25). It analyzed catchment delineation, aquifer characteristics, and rainfall trends from 1960–2023, highlighting increasing extreme weather events and vulnerabilities in local water infrastructure, with findings revealing an annual water shortfall of 6.49 MCM alongside challenges such as groundwater depletion, high salinity, and unreliable municipal supply. Despite these constraints, AM-5 adopts a hybrid water strategy integrating recycled water and reverse osmosis treatment to reduce freshwater dependency, while recommended mitigation measures include expanding wastewater recycling, adopting advanced treatment systems, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration to improve resilience. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated water stewardship in industrial zones and provides scalable recommendations to enhance urban water security amid climate variability and rising demand.