Fattah, Mohammed Y.
Unknown Affiliation

Published : 5 Documents Claim Missing Document
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 5 Documents
Search

Performance of Treated Date Palm Leaf Fiber as a Sustainable Reinforcement for Different Soil Al-Hassnawi, Noor S.; Azmi, Mastura; Fattah, Mohammed Y.; Ahmad, Fauziah
Civil Engineering Journal Vol 10, No 10 (2024): October
Publisher : Salehan Institute of Higher Education

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-10-018

Abstract

The use of sustainable materials in geotechnical applications has increased in recent years due to their positive impacts on geo-environmental and future generations. This paper contributes to existing knowledge on geocell reinforcement of soil by proposing a new inexpensive product: cells made from natural materials, Date Palm Leaf fiber coated with Bitumen (DPLB), to improve its durability, as an alternative to commercially available high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geocells. A physical laboratory model was designed to examine the performance of the DPLB cell and HDPE cell reinforced base layer under repeated loading. The study tested different infill materials gravel, sand, and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in DPLB cells and HDPLE geocell-reinforced granular layers and compared them to unreinforced layers. The reinforcement's performance was assessed using elastic deformation, permanent deformation, traffic benefit ratio, and rut depth reduction. Results showed that both DPLB cell and geocell reinforced sand decreased the cumulative permanent deformations compared to the unreinforced layer. DPLB reinforcement cells improved the permanent deformation behavior by 30% due to the lateral restriction provided by the DPLB pockets on the infill materials, while the geocell improved it by 7%. The traffic benefit ratio (TBR) of geocell-reinforced RAP is 26% greater than that of the DPLB cell-reinforced RAP section, although both geocell and DPLB cell exhibited similar TBR values in the case of gravel infill materials. The experimental results showed that DPLB cells are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitute for commercially available HDPE geocells in soil reinforcement applications. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-10-018 Full Text: PDF
Enhancement of Expansive Soil Properties by Water Treatment Sludge Ash in Landfill Liners Al-Soudany, Kawther Y. H.; Fattah, Mohammed Y.; Rahil, Falah H.
Civil Engineering Journal Vol 10, No 11 (2024): November
Publisher : Salehan Institute of Higher Education

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-11-04

Abstract

This study aims to enhance the suitability of expansive clayey soils for use as landfill liners by incorporating water treatment sludge ash (WTSA). Expansive soils, prone to swelling and desiccation cracking, compromise landfill liner integrity, increasing the risk of groundwater contamination. Local soils often do not meet the requirements for hydraulic conductivity and stability, prompting the use of additives like bentonite. However, bentonite-treated soils still face challenges in tropical regions due to moisture loss and cracking. This research investigates the effects of adding WTSA to bentonite-treated soils to mitigate swelling and shrinkage issues. Several geotechnical tests were conducted, including hydraulic conductivity, free swell percentage, swelling pressure, volumetric shrinkage, and desiccation cracking. Results show that WTSA significantly reduces hydraulic conductivity, free swell percentage, and swelling pressure, meeting the standard requirements for liners (hydraulic conductivity of at least 1×10-9m/s and volumetric shrinkage of at least 4%). Moreover, WTSA addition reduces desiccation cracking to acceptable levels, demonstrating its potential as an effective reinforcement material. This study introduces an innovative approach to using WTSA, a waste product, as a sustainable alternative to conventional liner materials, reducing environmental impact and enhancing landfill liner performance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-11-04 Full Text: PDF
Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Base Course Binder Incorporating GGBFS and Spent FCC Catalyst Rasheed, Sajjad E.; Hassan, Waqed H.; Fattah, Mohammed Y.
Civil Engineering Journal Vol 11, No 3 (2025): March
Publisher : Salehan Institute of Higher Education

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-03-012

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst as partial cement replacements in pavement base course materials. Various blends of GGBFS and FCC catalyst were evaluated as binders for unbound granular base (UGB) material, with total binder content fixed at 10% by weight. Mechanical properties were assessed through unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and splitting tensile strength tests at 3, 7, 28, and 56 days. Microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicate that an optimal blend of 60% FCC and 40% GGBS achieved the highest UCS of 9.6 MPa at 56 days, exceeding typical requirements for cement-treated base materials. All investigated mix proportions surpassed the minimum 28-day strength requirement of 4 MPa for pavement base applications. Splitting tensile strength results corroborated compressive strength trends, with enhanced tensile-to-compressive strength ratios suggesting improved crack resistance potential. Microstructural analysis revealed a dense, well-reacted cementitious system supporting the observed mechanical performance. These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and potential environmental benefits of incorporating high volumes of GGBS and spent FCC catalyst in pavement base materials, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional cement-based binders. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-03-012 Full Text: PDF
Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on Asphalt Binder Rheology and Wearing Course Mixes Shams, Mohammed K.; Hilal, Miami M.; Fattah, Mohammed Y.; Hafez, Mohamed
Civil Engineering Journal Vol. 11 No. 9 (2025): September
Publisher : Salehan Institute of Higher Education

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-09-020

Abstract

This study explores the influence of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) on the rheological and mechanical performance of asphalt binders and mixtures, with the objective of determining an optimal CNT content for enhanced pavement durability. CNTs were incorporated into asphalt binders at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2.0% by weight, and the modified binders were subjected to a comprehensive testing program. Rheological behavior was assessed using Rotational Viscosity (RV), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests. Mechanical properties were evaluated through Marshall stability and Wheel Tracking tests, while microstructural characteristics were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that CNT modification enhanced binder viscosity, high-temperature stiffness, and rutting resistance, with optimal performance observed at 1.5% CNT content. At this dosage, rutting depth was reduced from 15.0 mm to 6.2 mm, and Marshall stability increased from 11.7 kN to 17.4 kN. Additionally, tensile strength peaked at 1290 kPa, and moisture resistance (TSR > 86%) was significantly improved. However, higher CNT concentrations (>1.5%) resulted in particle agglomeration, adversely affecting workability and fatigue resistance. The findings identify 1.5% CNT as the optimal dosage, offering a balanced enhancement in performance without compromising binder flexibility.
Leaching-Permeability Behavior of Collapsible Gypseous Soils Treated with Nano-Titanium Dioxide Jassim, Najwa W.; Azmi, Mastura; Fattah, Mohammed Y.
Civil Engineering Journal Vol. 11 No. 10 (2025): October
Publisher : Salehan Institute of Higher Education

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-10-06

Abstract

As a result of the limited studies that have been conducted on the utilization of nano titanium dioxide as a nanomaterial for stabilizing gypseous soils in geotechnical works, this study is directed to predict the changes in the coefficient of permeability k, the leaching strain, the total dissolved salts TDS, and the pH values with the changes in the percentages of nano titanium dioxide NTD. The gypseous soil samples were obtained from three sites located north of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, with different gypsum contents of about 34%, 50%, and 60%. Tests have identified the mechanical and physical characteristics of the studied gypseous soils. In addition, oedometer permeability leaching tests were conducted using an oedometer cell apparatus. The results of the tested gypseous soils presented a significant effect of NTD on reducing the coefficient of permeability k and cost-effectively, especially at 0.3 and 0.5% for the three tested soils. For S1 tested soil, the reduction percentages of the k values were 79.02% and 80.0% when treated with 0.3% and 0.5% of NTD, respectively. While for S2 tested gypseous soil, the reduction percentages were 75.9% and 79.1%, and 66.04% and 73.6% for S3 tested gypseous soil when treated with 0.3% and 0.5% of NTD, respectively. The treated gypseous soils are exposed to less gypsum dissolution, as the NTD material forms an impermeable layer to prevent direct contact between water and gypsum. This reduces gypsum dissolution and, thus, reduces leaching strain. For S1 tested soil, the percentage of reduction of the leaching strain was 90.5%, while for S2 and S3 tested soils, it was 91.2% and 89.9%, respectively, when 0.3% of NTD was applied. As the percentage of the NTD increased for S1, S2, and S3, the pH values decreased due to decreased TDS in the leached water, and it is clear that 0.3% of NTD gives a reliable pH value for the three tested soils. Considering these results, it appears that even small amounts of nano titanium dioxide have the potential to be an effective agent for reducing permeability and stabilizing collapsible gypseous soils in civil engineering projects, compared with other nano or traditional materials.