Ali Imad Mansour Ahmed

A laboratory study was conducted in the Hashimiya region in mid-Iraq, in which collapsible silty clay soil was subjected to control mechanical energy. Three random soil samples were spatially selected and carefully mixed for later testing. Each test was repeated three times and the results average was taken. The conditions included soil wetting up to 50% saturation (S) and dynamic power loads up to 300 kJ. The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of geotextile reinforcement in resisting soil collapse due to soil wetting. Tests were conducted using a test box and a specific amount of dynamic energy, various experiments were performed. The geotextile layers were placed within the soil column, in multiples of 10 cm apart. Remarkably, under conditions of dynamic energy of 200 kJ and S= 0.35, the soil collapse potential (Ie) was reduced to less than 5% with the implementation of geotextile layers spaced 10 cm apart. Subsidence reduction percentages (SR%) varied depending on the saturation levels and number of geotextile layers, with higher saturation levels and larger distances between layers leading to lower SR% and vice versa. It is found SR is 3.95, 19.78, and 40.58% in the case of 1, 2, and 3 layers of geotextile reinforcement, degree of saturation of S= 0.25, and 300 kJ dynamic energy, whereas, SR is 2.16, 14.79, and 30.44% in the case of 1, 2, and 3 layers of geotextile reinforcement, degree of saturation of S=0.5 and 300 kJ dynamic load. This research emphasizes the critical role of geotextile reinforcement in mitigating collapsible silty clay soil instability and provides insights into effective for enhancing soil stability in areas exposed to such geological challenges.

Side friction refers to combined variables indicating the degree of interaction between the activities and the traffic stream. The condition worsens when the transport demand and road-side activities increase, leading to inefficient traffic performance. This study has been focused on evaluating side friction impacts in terms of capacity and speed. Four links divided and undivided streets in Al-Najaf City, Iraq, were selected and on-street parking, pedestrian activities, entry-exit maneuvers, and temporary parking vehicles are considered as side friction elements. The results show about a 47% reduction in speed and about a 49% reduction in the capacity at a very high side friction level. Finally, a speed-predicting model has been developed for predicting the speed under side friction impacts.

This study conducted measurements in a selected urban-road network in Al-Najaf city in Iraq that witnessed a high traffic flow index to measure vehicle emissions and study the correlation between the traffic flow and emissions in this network during peak hours. Priority parameters were measured such as: “Carbon dioxide,” “Carbon monoxide,” “Nitrogen dioxide,” “Nitrogen monoxide,” “Sulfur dioxide,” and other parameters also monitored, including temperature, the direction of the wind, the velocity of wind, and the traffic parameters. It shows that the high heterogeneous traffic flow increases pollutants produced by vehicles. At the same time, it decreases substantially with the decrease in flow and speed

Congestion has a significant impact on the environment. It's the predominant source of pollution, as noise and air pollution. The sound produced by vehicles as well as horns creates the worst possible environment. High motorized traffic flow nowadays is the major contributor to rising externalities, vehicle emissions, and other pollutants that impact the environment and the atmosphere, which result in negative atmospheric phenomena, global warming, and climate change. Vehicle emissions cause numerous vulnerabilities, so a serious consequence may arise in the long term, both regional and global. This study investigated Noise and pollution for different roads in the different cities based on field data at peak periods of traffic flow, shows that the major pollutants that are emitted from engines are: nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (СхНу), sulfur oxides (SOX), solid particles, including aerosols, as well as carbon dioxide (СО2).

The College of Engineering concluded the AutoCAD program course on real-world engineering applications, which it organized in cooperation with the Center for Continuing Education at University of Kufa, with the participation of a number of university staff members. This initiative was part of its ongoing efforts to develop technical skills and enhance professional competence in the engineering field. The course aimed to strengthen participants’ practical skills in using AutoCAD and applying it to various engineering applications, contributing to improved performance and greater capability in preparing engineering drawings and designs in accordance with approved standards. The course was delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Hazem Jassim Jaber, Assistant Professor Dr. Zainab Shakir Redif, and Assistant Lecturer Ali Imad Mansour. They presented both theoretical lectures and practical applications that focused on the fundamental and advanced aspects of the program. At the conclusion of the course, participants were assessed through an examination to evaluate the extent of their learning. They were then awarded certificates of participation in recognition of their commitment and dedication to developing their skills. The College of Engineering expressed its appreciation and thanks to the lecturers and all participants, wishing them continued success in their academic and professional careers.