Publications
The role of interior design elements in enhancing privacy in the traditional Arab house (the traditional Mosul house as a model)
Dec 7, 2025Journal Journal of Planner and Development
Publisher Center of Urban & Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies University of Baghdad
Issue 3
Volume 30
The traditional house reflects significant social and cultural significance. It represents a reflection of Arab heritage and family values, highlighting the continuity of heritage in the face of natural challenges, as it is influenced by environmental, heritage, and social factors. As a result of adherence to Islamic principles and consideration of the local climate, customs, and traditions, private spaces are designed for families, with an emphasis on privacy for women, especially in traditional residential design. Residential units constitute the largest amount of the total construction production in the Arab city, and are considered one of the strong influences on the internal environmental data that contradict with the external environment of the house. Therefore, the current study aims to highlight the importance of the architectural elements in the traditional heritage house that affect privacy and distinguish it with a special identity represented by the use of architectural elements that are appropriate to the environmental and social requirements of Arab society. The research methodology relied on designing a special questionnaire and the study samples were residents of traditional houses in the old city of Mosul. The method of observation and formal analysis of selected samples was adopted to explore the design characteristics that enhance visual privacy. It was found that privacy is of great importance when residents choose their homes, followed by the residential region, then the residential area and type, and finally its spatial organization. The elements of the interior design of Mosul houses are affected by (92.5%) the value of privacy, which contributes to creating a unique residential environment and a distinctive architectural identity for the region. This is achieved by using architectural elements, the most prominent of which are (the indirect entrance, the mashrabiya, the iwan, the corridors, the private rooms, and the high roof curtain). A multiple linear regression was also carried out using the SPSS program, and its results showed that the design of the entrances in the heritage houses has a significant positive impact on privacy, while the internal spaces showed a negative impact. As for the openings (windows and internal doors), their impact was slightly positive, and finally, the furniture had a somewhat negative impact.
Comparative study on mechanical properties and structural performance of RC beams strengthened with near-surface mounted carbon and Basalt FRP
Oct 6, 2025Journal Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation
Publisher Springer
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s41024-025-00712-7
Issue 33
Volume 11
This study presents comprehensive mechanical properties and structural evaluation of RC beams strengthened with near-surface mounted (NSM) Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) bars. A range of specimens with varying reinforcement configurations were tested to assess ultimate load capacity, strain distribution, deflection, and failure modes under flexural loading. The beam reinforced with two Ø12 mm steel bars and two Ø12 mm CFRP bars (2S12-2C12) achieved the highest ultimate load capacity of 96 kN, a compressive strain of 2650 µε, tensile strain of 1550 µε, and a midspan deflection of 9.2 mm, demonstrating superior stiffness and crack control. Beams strengthened with NSM BFRP bars exhibited up to 56% increase in load capacity and 38% reduction in deflection compared to steel-only control specimens, indicating notable performance gains despite lower tensile strength than CFRP. Failure modes transitioned from ductile steel yielding in control beams to FRP debonding and rupture in strengthened beams, emphasizing the importance of proper anchorage. Numerical results showed strong correlation with experiments and revealed that ACI 440.2R-08 design predictions, with an environmental reduction factor of 0.75, conservatively estimate flexural capacity with ACI-to-numerical ratios ranging from 0.94 to 0.98. The findings affirm that NSM CFRP bars provide the most effective enhancement of RC beam flexural performance, while BFRP offers a cost-effective alternative for moderate strengthening, guiding engineers toward optimized retrofit solutions balancing durability, cost, and sustainability demands.
The Effect of Filler Types and Superplastizier on the Workability and Splitting Tensile Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete
Apr 28, 2012Journal Al-Rafidain Engineering Journal
Issue 2
Volume 20
AbstraAbstract Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a special type of concrete that can flow through intricate geometrical configurations under its own mass without external or internal vibration or segregation. The objectives of the research work were to evaluate the effects of filler types (silica fume and limestone dust) and high- range water- reducing agent, (HRWRA, superplastizier-type Sikament -163) on the workability and splitting tensile strength of SCC. The experimental results showed the using silica fume and limestone dust in Self-compacting concrete led to a considerable improvement in splitting tensile strength. As the percentage of limestone powder and silica fume increases, the workability properties of SCC slightly decreased with increases in splitting tensile strength. The workability properties of SCC for all the replacements satisfy the recommended values given by specifications. Keywords: self-compacting concrete, silica fume, limestone dust, fillers, strengths, splitting, super plasticizers
Preparing a Lightweight Aggregate from Local Row Materials and Studying the Properties of the Concrete Made from this Aggregate
Mar 8, 2011Journal المؤتمر العلمي الثاني عشر لهيئة التعليم التقني
Publisher هيئة التعليم التقني
The current paper tackles preparing a lightweight aggregate from local row materials. Clay soils were selected from Al-fatha formation at Hay Al-Arabi in Mosul. In order to improve the properties of these clay soils, window glass wastes were added to these soils, since glass contains a high percentage of silica. The mixtures were prepared manually after adding 5% organic materials (peanut peels). Then, the mixtures were exposed to high temperatures (1050, 1100, and 1150) oC for long periods, and then they were cooled immediately to the room temperature. Common physical tests which are conducted on natural coarse aggregate were applied to the mixtures, where density, specific gravity, absorption and grading were measured. The results were compared with these of the natural coarse aggregate tests; hence, the prepared lightweight aggregate was classified as a construction aggregate. A group of standard testing cubes of (10x10x10) cm were prepared from a concrete containing the lightweight aggregate and were tested after 7 and 28 days. The results showed that, according to standard specifications, the resulted concrete is a lightweight concrete with a very good insulation.