Engineering Innovations Vol. 10

Abstract: The crack initiation and propagation in an aluminium alloy in a corrosive environment are complex because of the loading parameters and material properties, which may result in a sudden failure in real-time applications. This paper investigates the fracture toughness of aluminium alloy under varying environmental and corrosion conditions. The main objective of the work is to link the interdependencies of humidity and temperature for an AL6082-T651 alloy in a corrosive environment. This study investigates AL6082-T651alloy's fracture behaviour and mechanism through microstructure and fractographic studies. The results show that a non-corroded sample, at room conditions, provided more load-carrying capacity than a corroded sample. Additionally, an increase in temperature improves fracture toughness, while an increase in humidity results in a decrease in fracture toughness.

Abstract: Fatigue life prediction of a welded structure is a complex phenomenon due to the nature of fatigue and the welding process. Additionally, Finite Element Method (FEM) results are extremely sensitive to the size of elements. Therefore, it is difficult to adopt a method to estimate the fatigue life, especially for welded structures. Besides, mesh size independence is a critical issue to perform fatigue life prediction methods that eliminates the need for excessive element numbers in the mesh. This paper investigates the Master S-N Curve Approach (MCA) using the output parameters of the mesh insensitive Structural Stress Method (SSM). MCA based on SSM employs structural stresses recovered from nodal forces and nodal moments. To recover these inputs, FEM model should be established properly. Thus, boundary conditions and applied loads were prepared for the model according to the BS EN 13749:2021. The submodeling technique in ANSYS software was used to analyze the bogie structure. To justify the mesh independence for the model, different mesh sizes were tested. In a specific range for shell bodies, SSM was shown to provide sufficient mesh independence feature. Furthermore, MCA was compared with Hot Spot Stress Method and Nominal Stress Method based on their fatigue life estimations.

Abstract: The performance of added 50% reclaimed asphalt (RAP) mixtures was investigated by four-point bending fatigue tests (FPBT). Mixtures with 50% RAP were modified with SBS polymer, diatomite (D) and hydrated lime (HL). Ten specimens were produced and fatigue of specimens was evaluated with FPBT. Some samples give the fatigue breaking cycle compatible with each other. In some samples, the number of cycles is much higher than the average breaking load. Some samples may deteriorate in a short time before the end of test. Although the briquettes are mixed homogeneously for longer mixing times and produced with great care, inconsistent results can be obtained. If water damage is applied to briquettes due to the presence of HL, more compatible results can be obtained. The use of SBS-HL and rejuvenating oil at high RAP ratios will provide more compatible results. As a result of 50% stiffness reduction, the difference in the remaining stiffness values is usually 2-3 times, while there are huge differences between the cycle numbers that cause this. In terms of sustainable and long-term performance, the homogeneity of the pavement composition appears to be essential, having a much more pronounced effect than the number of loadings.

Abstract: Industry 4.0 has created models of thinking in education, which focus on developing skills through digital creative learning. This is increasingly being applied to the solution of multidisciplinary problems of great importance to societies. The preservation of Bulgaria's cultural heritage is a task that requires such approach. This paper proposes to combine technical experience with technological advancements and, as a result, to cater for elements of the life cycle of heritage buildings and cultural monuments that are at risk.

Abstract: Architecture deals with solving problems through building design, including environmental issues. This study focuses on and analyses the architectural illusion design to save the environment. Therefore, applying this illusion approach manipulates the area of the environment, which directly affects the user's living. The purpose of architectural illusion in the design is to impact the environment significantly. This study method reviews the relevant literature that provides solution strategies for a design without using illusions. These solutions are then compared using illusions to determine the differences in environmental saving. The result is that designs that apply architectural illusions will benefit the environment and not threaten the environment.

Abstract: Material management is a crucial factor that needs to be considered in any construction project. Poor material management can significantly impact the construction's quality, time, and cost. In Indonesia, the implementation of technology in construction, particularly in the field of materials management, is still not developing rapidly. Therefore, this study aims to identify the issues with the precast material management system in Indonesia and the benefits of implementing RFID technology to improve it. The methods employed include quantitative surveys with expert validation, pilot surveys, questionnaire surveys, data testing, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. The quantitative survey involved 50 respondents, selected based on specific criteria. The primary issue arising from the absence of RFID technology in precast material management in Indonesia is the inconsistency between the quantity and quality of precast materials arriving at the construction site. The lack of an automated tracking and data collection system is a contributing factor to these issues. Meanwhile, the main benefit of implementing RFID technology in improving precast material management systems in Indonesia is the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory records of precast materials. RFID technology enables real-time storage of comprehensive information, thereby minimizing material data recording errors.