Engineering Innovations Vol. 16

Abstract: This study proposes a novel braced corrugated shear panel (BCSP) system aimed at enhancing the seismic resilience of steel structures. In contrast to conventional flat shear panels, the BCSP incorporates stiffening ribs and corrugated geometry to improve deformability, delay local and global buckling, and increase lateral load-carrying capacity under cyclic loading. Metal shear panels are widely recognized for their stable hysteretic behavior, particularly in high seismic regions; nevertheless, their performance can be further improved through optimized geometry. This research examines the influence of corrugation orientation and angle on the behavior of BCSPs subjected to cyclic loading, demonstrating that replacing traditional thin ductile shear panels with a corrugated configuration significantly enhances structural response. The results show that horizontal corrugation provides superior strength, stiffness, and ductility compared to vertical or inclined corrugation, while the combined effect of bracing and corrugation increases lateral load-resisting capacity and facilitates easier post-earthquake replacement. Overall, BCSPs with horizontal corrugation exhibit optimal performance and high structural resilience in earthquake-prone regions, offering a promising advancement for future steel structure design.

Abstract: As the world shifts from a fossil-based to bio-based economy, energy production via the valorization of biomass residues is promising. However, raw biomass utilization for energy production proves to be challenging owing to their low bulk densities and hygroscopic nature. These problems are addressed through briquetting. This work focuses on the utilization of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) – an abundant agricultural residue in the Philippines – with lignin as a binder for solid fuel briquettes. The effects of SCB-to-lignin ratio and compaction pressure on the fuel characteristics and quality of the briquette were investigated. Briquetting experiments were carried out in a Carver press at a constant pressing temperature of 150°C and varying compaction pressures (CP = 5, 8 and 11 MPa) and binder content (BC = 4, 8 and 12%). Briquetting of SCB resulted in an increase in bulk density by 7 to 8 times (0.817 ± 0.006 - 0.974 ± 0.029 g/cm³) compared to loose SCB (0.110 ± 0.000 g/cm³). From ANOVA, it was found out that CP significantly affects bulk density (p < 0.05). The higher heating value (HHV) and compressive strength (CS) rose to as high as 19.7 ± 0.1 MJ/kg_db, and 113.14 ± 2.81 MPa, respectively. It was found out that BC significantly affects the HHV (p < 0.05) but has an insignificant effect on the CS (p > 0.05) while CP has insignificant effects on both HHV and CS (p > 0.05). Overall, SCB-lignin briquettes are able to overcome storage and handling challenges through improved bulk density, stacking capability of up to ~550,000 briquettes at the lowest achieved CS, retarded moisture uptake rate (0.0611 ± 0.0017 wt% per hr) and an equilibrium moisture content of 8.02 ± 0.15 wt%, making this fuel viable for domestic usage as determined by current briquetting standards.

Abstract: Salinity gradient power (SGP), also known as blue energy, represents a promising renewable energy (RE) source that can diversify global RE portfolios and address energy security challenges. The Philippines, with its extensive network of estuaries where river outflows meet the sea, offers a strategic opportunity for deploying SGP technologies like the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). PRO utilizes the osmotic energy produced when freshwater diffuses through a semi-permeable membrane into seawater, generating pressurized flow that can drive turbines for electricity generation. This paper explores the energetic and economic feasibility of stand-alone PRO-based power generation in the Philippines, highlighting its potential to support the country’s transition to RE. The work employed a process simulation that integrates unit operation models with mass and energy streams. Key economic indicators were evaluated, including net present value (NPV) for total project feasibility, internal rate of return (IRR) for the annualized return rate, and discounted payback period (DPP) for the time needed to recover investments. The levelized cost of PRO energy (LCOE), reflecting the lifetime cost per kWh produced, was compared against benchmarks from other RE sources. Results indicate the viability of PRO, demonstrating a positive NPV at a 10% discount rate, with a 7-year DPP and an IRR of 12.16%. The study found that the LCOE value of $0.17 per kWh, using cellulose triacetate membranes with approximately 90% efficiency, is cost-competitive with other RE sources. However, advancements in membrane properties, particularly durability and water permeability, are essential to improving both cost-effectiveness and scalability of PRO power plants. This investigation emphasizes the potential of blue energy as a RE source uniquely suited to archipelagic countries like the Philippines. By prioritizing innovation in membrane technology, PRO can transition from an emerging technology to a cornerstone of sustainable energy strategies, aligning with global carbonization efforts.

Abstract: Semarang is located in the northern part of Java Island where two tectonic plates meet, making it seismically active and causing the formation of faults. Kaligarang river valley is estimated to be an active fault. The research used FHD and SVD derivative methods, and FFD as a gravity continuation method in the Semarang City area to determine the structure of the Kaligarang fault based on GGMplus satellite data. The derivative analysis was obtained from the residual anomaly. CBA contour map is performed to obtain regional and residual anomaly contour map with moving average method. Furthermore, 2D forward modeling was carried out to describe the layers of geological structures by determining the depth using spectrum analysis. The subsurface structure in the study area consists of 2 types of formations in each of the Line 1, 2 and 3 models, namely the Kaligetas Formation which has an average density of 1.92-2.40 gr/cm³. Then in the second layer is the Kalibeng Formation with an average density range of 2.00-2.21 gr/cm³. Meanwhile, the line 4 modeling is dominated by the Kerek Formation with an average density of 2.21-2.55 gr/cm³. The fault structure boundaries identified based on FHD analysis are located around coordinates 9215536.4 UTM Y on Line 1, 9217402.4 UTM Y on Line 2, 9220103.6 UTM Y on Line 3, and 9221429.6 UTM Y on Line 4. Based on the SVD analysis, the type of faults that can be identified along Kaligarang River is a thrust fault.

Abstract: The development of low-cost, autonomous scientific instrumentation is crucial for enhancing environmental education and research, particularly in settings with limited resources. This paper presents METEORO v2, a low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) weather station designed to address the need for accessible scientific instrumentation in educational settings. The system overcomes common durability and energy autonomy challenges by integrating a robust physical structure with an optimized power management system. Architected around an ESP32 microcontroller utilizing a deep-sleep strategy and a 6W solar panel, the station provides continuous monitoring of precipitation, wind speed, UV radiation, air quality, temperature, humidity, and pressure. Data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to a Firebase cloud database and visualized through a responsive web interface. This work provides a replicable and affordable model for a sensing platform that serves as both an effective pedagogical tool and a reliable scientific instrument.

Abstract: Rising demands for precise and efficient water quality monitoring have accelerated the adoption of IoT technologies, particularly in aquaculture environments. This article discusses the development of Internet of Things (IoT)-based water quality monitoring devices. This device enables real-time monitoring of water quality parameters, including temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), resistivity, and salinity. The device involves the use of several water-quality sensors connected to a microcontroller that serves as the central processing unit. Sensor data is transmitted wirelessly to a cloud platform for analysis. The results are then presented through a user-friendly visualization on a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) device or Android application. The main advantage of this device is its ability to provide real-time data that allows quick response to changes in water conditions. The system was tested on various water samples, demonstrating stable measurements when compared to the Hanna Instrument HI98194 standard device. Further calibration of the TDS sensor is necessary to improve the accuracy of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), resistivity, and salinity measurements

Abstract: The Internet of Things is one of the most revolutionary technologies since the past few years that has brought to humans unprecedented levels of connectivity, providing functionality and appliances in different industries across the world. However, as with everything that has connection to the internet, IoT is also not exempted from security attacks and risks. This technology faces various privacy and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and if these vulnerabilities are taken advantage of by attackers it can bring severe consequences and threats to homes and industries. Conventional security methods seem to be not achievable for IoT devices, that is why this work presents an introduction on what is an IoT device, what is the magnitude of the risk in security they are exposed. The three pillars on security of IoT devices are discussed to understand the importance and how the security methods work to maintain all the three pillars. After introducing the topic, different mitigation solutions by multiple authors are discussed in this work to help us have a clear view on the landscape of the risk and vulnerabilities on IoT devices that can affect the usage and confidence on them.

Abstract: Given the growing importance of simulation in engineering and its increasing adoption by SMEs, it's crucial to find ways for these smaller enterprises to use simulation tools efficiently, despite having fewer experts than larger organizations. After reviewing literature on how knowledge-based engineering can involve non-expert users and examining simulation workflows. A system has been proposed that will allow non users to conduct certain FEA analysis. This system enables non-expert users to adjust parameters within templates created by a simulation expert. It was found that the system could produce results that were very similar to the results of the expert users initial analysis.

Abstract: The main goal of this study is to improve the game-theoretical approach for making the best structural design choices in situations where we are not sure what the external loads will be. The game formulation is used to improve games with different control functions. A game on a unit square needs at least two levels because of the basic need for optimization. In a stratified game, the levels are called the substratum and superstratum levels. At the basic level, the way to improve something is like the payoff function, with "ordinal players" trying to make the respective payoff functions as small or as big as possible. The strategies used by these "ordinal players" are limited by their resources, and the value of the substratum game on the unit square is reflected in these strategies. At the upper level of the game, its value depends on the design parameters. The "designer," or the main player, controls these design parameters. If there are multiple players with different goals, the game decides how to handle that. On the other hand, if there is only one cardinal player, finding the maximum value of the superstratum game is the same as a regular optimization. The following text will give you all the information you need. The text presents the exact solutions for two different types of quadratic game formulations: the matrix game and the game on the unit square