i-manager's Journal on Civil Engineering (JCE)


Volume 14 Issue 1 January - March 2024

Research Paper

Harnessing Waste Glass Powder for Soil Modification

Vikash Singh* , Sumit Kumar Chaudhary**, Rajat Verma***, Mohd Riyaz****, Md. Sajid*****, Syed Aqeel Ahmad******
*-****** Department of Civil Engineering at Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Singh, V., Chaudhary, S. K., Verma, R., Riyaz, M., Sajid, Md., and Ahmad, S. A. (2024). Harnessing Waste Glass Powder for Soil Modification. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 14(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.14.1.20553

Abstract

The challenge posed by weak soil, characterized by low bearing capacity and shear strength, is significant in civil engineering, impacting road construction, structural foundations, and irrigation systems. Recycling non-biodegradable waste, especially glass waste, presents a promising solution for environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness in construction. This study aims to improve the geotechnical properties of weak soils by stabilizing them with Waste Glass Powder (WGP) and exploring novel construction applications. The experimental investigations determined the optimal incorporation of glass powder into soil samples, ranging from 2% to 10% by dry weight. Geotechnical tests, including sieving analysis, Atterberg limits determination, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) assessments, were conducted to assess the effect of glass powder addition. At a 10% glass powder content, the Plasticity Limit (PL), Liquid Limit (LL), and Plasticity Index (PI) were 18.4%, 33.9%, and 15.5%, respectively. The addition of glass powder significantly improved CBR values, reaching peaks of 10.5% (soaked CBR) and 22.3% (unsoaked CBR). Moreover, UCS increased to 135.6 kN/m2 with 8% glass powder, decreasing slightly to 120.8 kN/m2 with 10% glass powder. These findings highlight waste glass as a viable additive for enhancing the engineering properties of weak soils, promoting sustainable construction practices.

Research Paper

Replacement of Cement in Concrete by Fly Ash and Waste Brick Powder

Mohammed Azaz* , Tushali Joge**, Ashish Kharole***, Sanyog Sankale****, Suhail Alam*****
*-***** Department of Civil Engineering, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Maharashtra, India.
Azaz, M., Joge, T., Kharole, A., Sankale, S., and Alam, S. (2024). Replacement of Cement in Concrete by Fly Ash and Waste Brick Powder. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 14(1), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.14.1.20589

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of utilizing Waste Brick Powder (WBP) and fly ash as substitutes for cement in concrete, addressing growing environmental concerns and waste accumulation from demolition activities in India. The partial replacements of cement with 10%, 15%, and 12.5% fly ash, alongside 10%, 15%, and 12.5% WBP in M25-grade concrete, are investigated over a 7-day curing period. The compressive strength is evaluated as the primary parameter, while specific gravity tests are conducted to analyze material properties. The study aims to assess the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of incorporating fly ash and WBP in concrete production. The results reveal the influence of varying fly ash and WBP proportions on concrete strength, with the optimized mix of 12.5% fly ash and 12.5% waste brick powder demonstrating superior strength properties compared to conventional concrete. This blend demonstrates practical feasibility and potential for widespread adoption in construction applications. This study underscores the sustainable utilization of industrial by-products, aligning with eco-conscious construction practices and contributing to reduced carbon emissions. This paper provides insights for the construction industry in India, offering a solution to waste management challenges while enhancing the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of concrete production.

Research Paper

Investigating the Seismic Behavior of Multi-Story Buildings across Diverse Plan Areas and Heights using ETABS Software

Akshay Kumar Jain*
Department of Civil Engineering, NRI Institute of Information, Science and Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Jain, A. K. (2024). Investigating the Seismic Behavior of Multi-Story Buildings across Diverse Plan Areas and Heights using ETABS Software. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 14(1), 18-22. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.14.1.20573

Abstract

The understanding of the behavior of buildings during seismic events is paramount, particularly in regions susceptible to intense earthquakes. Through seismic analysis facilitated by tools like ETABS, engineers can craft structures capable of withstanding seismic forces. ETABS stands out as a versatile solution, accommodating a spectrum of structures ranging from elementary to intricate skyscrapers, whether static or dynamic. Its widespread adoption stems from its ability to cater to diverse building typologies. The engineers leverage ETABS to evaluate the structural integrity of buildings situated in earthquake-prone zones. This entails computing parameters such as sway, displacement patterns, and the magnitude of force the building's foundation must withstand. These analyses are instrumental in guaranteeing the structural resilience of buildings against seismic and wind-induced stresses.

Research Paper

Building Bridges: Strengthening Oral Communication Skills for Rural Civil Engineering Students

Lakshmilavanya P.* , Sreenivasulu A.**
* Department of English, Prasad V. Potluri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, India.
** Department of Civil Engineering, Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Lakshmilavanya, P., and Sreenivasulu, A. (2024). Building Bridges: Strengthening Oral Communication Skills for Rural Civil Engineering Students. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 14(1), 23-28. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.14.1.20844

Abstract

Effective communication is pivotal to professional success in civil engineering. However, rural students often face unique challenges in mastering oral communication, especially in English. This study seeks to examine the challenges faced by engineering students from rural backgrounds when speaking English and the underlying reasons for these difficulties. This paper implemented specific tasks inspired by task-based language teaching methodology in the study of participants to analyze their speaking challenges and their root causes. The findings revealed that speaking English posed challenges primarily due to fear of errors, anxiety, shyness and low confidence levels. This paper proposes solutions, such as creating a supportive environment and promoting regular English communication, to address these issues. The research highlights the transformative impact of effective communication and calls for further studies to refine and expand these educational strategies.

Review Paper

Sewage Sludge: Potential Use and Various Testing on Concrete

Ashwini L. K.*
Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Ashwini, L. K. (2024). Sewage Sludge: Potential Use and Various Testing on Concrete. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 14(1), 29-35. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.14.1.20857

Abstract

The mitigation of sewage sludge is quite challenging, as the general method of disposal of sludge after being treated at the waste water treatment plant is landfilling, which makes land unfit for either agricultural or commercial growth. The disposal of sewage sludge in India presents significant environmental challenges due to increasing urbanization and limited land availability. Understanding the potential use of sewage sludge as a construction material has been verified to be the best method of recycling and environmental protection. The possible use of sewage sludge in civil engineering firms is discussed in this paper, along with the various testing methods. Carefully treated sewage sludge is proven to be an effective material, either as a replacement for cement or aggregates in construction. This paper indicates that sewage sludge can be effectively utilized as a raw material in concrete, contributing to resource conservation and environmental sustainability. It supports the feasibility of using sewage sludge in various construction applications, such as eco-cement, bricks, and lightweight aggregates, offering an eco-friendly solution to sewage sludge disposal.