Journal of Smart Science and Technology

Rheological Behaviour and Rutting Resistance of Asphalt Modified with SBS and Nano-silica

Ali Pirhadi Tavandashti — 2024-09-30

This study is conducted to enhance the performance of bitumen at high temperatures. To do so, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and Nano-silica polymer additives were used. Initially, pure bitumen versus bitumen 60/70 samples with 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5%, and 5.5% SBS polymer, and modified bitumen samples with 4.5% SBS polymer and 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% Nano-silica were prepared using a high shear mixer. Polymer separation tests, rolling thin film oven tests, dynamic shear rheometer tests, and rotational viscosity tests were performed on the modified bitumen samples. Preliminary results of the dynamic shear rheometer test showed that SBS polymer improved the high-temperature performance of bitumen and increased its resistance to permanent deformation. However, Nano-silica had a more significant effect than SBS in improving the high-temperature performance of bitumen. The combination of 4.5% SBS and 4% Nano-silica enhanced the high-temperature performance of bitumen. Additionally, the results of the bitumen separation test showed that combining bitumen with SBS polymer caused the polymer to separate from the bitumen. Nevertheless, adding 1% Nano-silica resolved this issue. Asphalt mixture samples for the above compounds were then prepared based on the Superpave mix design method, and a dynamic creep test was performed. The results of this test showed that the combination of SBS and Nano-silica polymers significantly increases the resistance of the mixture at high temperatures. The combination of 4.5% SBS polymer and 4% Nano-silica, compared to the control sample with pure bitumen at 50 °C and 60 °C, reduces the cumulative strain by 51% and 41%, respectively, demonstrating the best performance. Therefore, the combination of Nano-silica with SBS polymer can be widely used in places with hot weather.

Architectural Overreach: Investigating the Absence of Structural Engineers in Building Design – A Case Study in Herat, Afghanistan

Arif Alkozay — 2024-09-30

In the realm of architectural design and construction, collaboration between architects and structural engineers is fundamental for ensuring the safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of built environments. However, in regions like Afghanistan's Herat province, such collaboration is notably absent, with developers predominantly engaging solely with architects, sidelining the crucial role of structural engineers. This paper investigates the factors contributing to this lack of collaboration, focusing on developers' tendencies to exclude structural engineers from construction projects. Through a quantitative survey targeting developers and architects across Herat province, key drivers such as limited awareness, financial constraints, and seismic risk concerns were identified. The results reveal a concerning lack of awareness among respondents, with a majority indicating no prior knowledge of the role of structural engineers in building design. Additionally, a significant proportion of developers admitted to foregoing structural engineering scrutiny for most of their projects, highlighting a pervasive disregard for structural integrity. Financial considerations emerged as a predominant factor influencing developers' decisions, with cost cited as a primary reason for excluding structural engineers from construction projects. Furthermore, concerns about seismic risks, particularly earthquakes, were identified as another significant determinant. The findings underscore the urgent need for educational initiatives to enhance awareness about the importance of structural engineering and foster collaboration between architects and structural engineers. Addressing these factors is critical for mitigating risks associated with structural failure and ensuring the resilience of built environments in earthquake-prone regions like Herat province.

Renewable Energy in Ecotourism: A Case Study of Trinidad and Tobago’s Implementation Challenges

Malaika Dedier — 2024-09-30

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are highly vulnerable to climate change effects, resulting in the urgent need to mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Globally, countries that have diversified their energy sector, and incorporated Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) have simultaneously reduced their GHG emissions. As such, it is critical for TT to integrate RETs into their energy mix. One key sector where this is important is ecotourism, where historically, there is a slow uptake of RETs. This paper aims to identify the deterrents and critical success factors (CSFs) for renewable energy (RE) implementation in the ecotourism sector of TT. A thorough literature search was conducted to identify the gaps and unique factors for TT and these were utilised to develop and validate a survey. The survey was administered to key stakeholders in the ecotourism sector of TT. The collected data was analysed to determine the deterrents to RETs implementation in the ecotourism sector of TT and to identify the CSFs. The deterrents identified include the high cost of installing RE systems, lack of awareness, absence of infrastructure to facilitate the RE systems installation, lack of policies and regulations, inadequate technical know-how and training to implement RE systems, and the heavily subsidised electricity rate. Further analysis indicated that the respondents are willing to implement RETs in their companies if there are better financial incentives and options, opportunities for capacity building and collaboration with academia for innovation, research and development of RETs. The most popular RET of choice for implementation in this sector was identified as solar energy. Therefore, CSFs for RE implementation in TT include capacity building, infrastructure development, financial programs and opportunities, and policy development. These findings are crucial and play a vital role in policy development for RET implementation in the ecotourism sector in TT.

The Sorption Studies of Waste Cooking Oil using Raw and Treated Pineapple Crown Leaf

Rabuyah Ni — 2024-09-30

The unregulated discharge of pollutants into water bodies has become an issue that led to pollution. Fiber derived from various forms of agricultural wastes as the sorbent is widely used as it has a high sorption capacity and efficiency. It is environmentally friendly and could be cost-effective as it only utilizes the unwanted parts of plants, which usually would otherwise be discarded. The pineapple crown leaf (PCL) and other plants with high cellulose content have potential for environmental applications. Oil pollutants, particularly waste cooking oil (WCO) from the food and beverage industry, often contaminate water bodies due to poor waste management. Using cellulose-rich plants like PCL could offer an effective solution for absorbing these pollutants. This study examines the characteristics and sorption capacities of raw, NaOH treatment PCL, and carbonized PCL to develop an effective, eco-friendly method for oil spill remediation. The methodology involves washing, drying, grinding, and sieving PCL to obtain a powdered PCL. Then, raw PCL (RPCL) undergoes chemical treatment with 10% sodium hydroxide, NaOH and thermal treatment at 300 °C. The raw and treated PCL were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The elimination of some non-cellulosic components in NaOH-treatment PCL (CPCL) and carbonized PCL (TPCL) observed in the FTIR spectrum would contribute to higher sorption efficiency and capacity of WCO. In agreement with the results from FTIR analysis, the highest sorption efficiency in pure oil was shown by TPCL at 33% and CPCL in slick oil at 16.33%. The highest value for pure and slick oil recorded for sorption capacity was 9.23 g g−1 from TPCL samples and 4.3 g g−1 from CPCL samples. This study supports sustainable waste management and green technology for environmental remediation, highlighting PCL's potential in mitigating oil pollution and the value of agricultural waste in creating eco-friendly solutions for oil disposal challenges.

Effect of Using Tithonia diversifolia Green Manure and Trichoderma sp. Secondary Metabolites on the Growth and Yield of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on Alluvial Soil

Agus Suyanto — 2024-09-30

The primary challenge in utilising alluvial land for tomato cultivation was the low soil fertility. Tithonia diversifolia can be used as an ameliorant to address this issue. Additionally, secondary metabolites from Trichoderma sp. can be employed to control plant diseases. This research aimed to assess the impact of using Tithonia diversifolia green manure and Trichoderma sp. secondary metabolites on the growth and yield of tomato plants in alluvial soil. The research was conducted in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Panca Bhakti University Pontianak, from December 2023 to March 2024. A factorial completely randomised design (CRD) was implemented, involving two factors: the first factor was T. diversifolia green manure (p) with three treatment levels: p1 = 200 g per polybag, p2 = 250 g per polybag, p3 = 300 g per polybag. The second factor was Trichoderma sp. secondary metabolites (m) with three treatment levels: m1 = 100 mL per plant, m2 = 150 mL per plant, m3 = 200 mL per plant. Observations focused on plant growth and yield. Data were analysed using the F-test and Tukey test at the 5% significance level. The application of 300 g of Tithonia diversifolia green manure and 200 mL of Trichoderma sp. secondary metabolites can enhance the growth and yield of tomato plants optimally in alluvial soil, although no significant interaction was observed (p > 0.05). Further research is needed to identify other factors that influenced the interaction so that the use of Tithonia diversifolia green manure and Trichoderma sp. could be recommended to increase tomato productivity in alluvial soil.