Dynamic modulus (|E*|) measurements of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are critical for understanding material behavior but present significant challenges due to the complex testing procedures and precision required. While substantial efforts have focused on developing predictive models for |E*|, the critical role of experimental data preprocessing has been largely overlooked in the existing literature. This study addresses this gap by proposing a novel, comprehensive framework for both preprocessing and post-processing of dynamic modulus data. Leveraging the well-established ASU |E*| database and the NCHRP 1–40D Witczak prediction model as benchmarks, we introduce advanced empirical techniques, including probability distribution analysis, scatter and box plots, correlation coefficients, and mutual information metrics, to refine data quality and enhance the interpretability of predictive models. Our approach reveals new insights into the interaction of various input factors and |E*| values, leading to improved model robustness and reliability. The post-processing techniques further substantiate the predictive power of the Witczak model, yielding significant enhancements in accuracy and reliability. This research pioneers a standardized data preparation methodology that sets a new precedent in asphalt material engineering, offering a robust foundation for future |E*| modeling and analysis.

Columns are critical components resisting the collapse of a reinforced concrete frame structure subjected to high sustained loads., previous works have been focused on studying the structural behavior of pin-ended RC columns when subjected to sustained loads. The structural behavior of the slender column is the result of geometric nonlinearity as well as the material strength and deformability. This paper sheds a new light on the effects of different influential parameters on the axial and lateral deformational behavior of slender RC columns with different degrees of end restraint, subjected to nonlinear strain distributions produced by a time-dependent loading history. A rigorous and efficient numerical model is developed and the long-term structural and deformational behavior of uniaxially and biaxially loaded slender RC columns is investigated. The numerical method uses the sectional analysis technique and incorporates the nonlinear behavior of cross-section as well as the nonlinear responses of slender columns. Iteration techniques are used to find the strain distribution on the cross-section and the equilibrium deflection profile of the column. Time dependent effects due to creep, shrinkage and aging of concrete are included in the analysis. Comparisons of predicted columns behavior with those observed in laboratory tests show good agreement for both capacity and deformation that validate the numerical model approach. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of key parameters including loading and section properties on the column responses.

This research aims to evaluate the impact of pounding on seismic demands for neighboring irregular buildings with collinear alignment eccentricity and provide valuable recommendations for seismic design. To achieve this, a numerical simulation is conducted to calculate the effects of pounding on the seismic response requirements in different scenarios where two irregular adjacent buildings with eccentric center of mass are considered, plan irregularity is reflected with eccentricities between the rigidity center and mass center of the building’s superstructure. Adjacent buildings with three different heights involve four-, eight-, and twelve-story buildings with moment-resisting frame (MRF) structural system. To ensure reliable estimation of engineering seismic demands, three different ground motions, which are fully compatible with the design spectrum, are applied to different adjacent building configurations. A nonlinear time history analysis is performed to determine the response demands for different adjacent buildings with collinear alignment eccentricity, such as displacement, inter-story drift, story shear force, impact force, and acceleration responses. The Engineering Design Parameters (EDP) are thoroughly examined to gain a comprehensive understanding of the structural behavior and performance of the adjacent irregular buildings. The findings hold for all these scenarios, suggest that the colinear eccentricity of the irregular building in the closing/convergence direction, promotes the pounding and increases the number of impacts, while the eccentricity in the opening/divergence direction, reduces the pounding probability and the number of impacts between adjacent buildings. Moreover, the findings highlight the impact of eccentricity on peak acceleration responses and emphasize the importance of considering eccentricity in assessing the dynamic response of adjacent buildings with insufficient separation.

The world’s demand for fossil fuels has recently increased significantly for both transportation and electric power generating sectors. Using these resources not only results in high costs and depletion of them but also increases greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. The electric vehicle (EV) market is growing globally, aiming to face climate change due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, the long charging time of EVs and the shortage of charging outlets limits the global adoption of EVs, especially on highways where the problem of accessibility to the electricity distribution grid appears. These issues can be faced by the good planning of charging infrastructure. However, this planning is a multidisciplinary field that includes electricity generation, transportation networks, EVs’ characteristics, and driver behavior. A methodology to provide the optimal locations and sizing of electric vehicle charging stations with their own electricity generation and storage using photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems on highways considering different factors is proposed in this paper. This paper takes a section of the western desert highway in Egypt connecting Assiut and Cairo cities as a case study. Four scenarios are proposed for the design of EV charging stations’ locations and sizing which are centralized charging stations, two-way charging stations, utilizing oil stations’ locations, and distributed fixed sizing charging points with a comparison between them. The work also discusses the potential effects of highway slope, wind speed, and number of passengers on the location problem. The results can be used to optimize the design of EV charging stations along highways for a completely sustainable system.