The prediction of the magnitude and impact of forthcoming earthquakes remains an elusive challenge in the field of science. Consequently, extensive research efforts have been directed toward the development of earthquake-resistant design strategies aimed at mitigating building vibrations. This study focuses on the efficacy of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) in augmenting the seismic response of a low-rise residential reinforced-concrete building, which is base-isolated, using high–damping rubber bearings (HDRBs). The structural analysis employs a non-linear approach, employing ETABS v16 software for building modeling and conducting non-linear dynamic analysis using artificial accelerograms specific to Algeria. Three distinct connection configurations to the building’s base are investigated: (1) a fixed-base structure; (2) a structure isolated by HDRBs; and (3) a structure isolated utilizing a novel parallel arrangement of HDRBs in conjunction with FVDs. Comparative evaluation of these configurations reveals noteworthy findings; the results demonstrate that the base isolation system, comprising HDRBs and FVDs, significantly diminishes the base shear force by over 80% and reduces acceleration by 54% while concurrently increasing displacement by 47%. These findings underscore the effectiveness of incorporating FVDs in conjunction with HDRBs as a means to enhance the seismic response of reinforced concrete buildings. This study showcases the potential of such structural analyses to contribute to the development of earthquake-resistant design approaches, providing valuable insights for architects and engineers involved in constructing resilient buildings in seismically active regions.

Acknowledging the growing impact of nanotechnologies across various fields, this engaging research paper focuses on harnessing the potential of nano-sized materials as enhancers for concretes. The paper emphasizes the strategic integration of these entities to comprehensively improve the strength and performance of concrete matrixes. To achieve this, an analytical study is conducted to investigate the static behavior of concrete beams infused with different types of clay nano-platelets (NC’s), employing quasi-3D beam theory. The study leverages the effective Eshelby’s homogenization model to determine the equivalent elastic characteristics of the nanocomposite. The intricate interactions of the soil medium are captured through the use of a Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation. By employing virtual work principles, the study derives equations of motion and proposes analytical solutions based on Navier’s theory to unravel the equilibrium equations of simply supported concrete beams. The results shed light on influential factors, such as the clay nano-platelet type, volume percentage, geometric parameters, and soil medium, providing insights into the static behavior of the beams. Moreover, this research presents previously unreported referential results, highlighting the potential of clay nano-platelets as reinforcements for enhancing structural mechanical resistance.

This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the thermomechanical analysis of glass powder as an additive in concrete. The efficient Eshelby's model is utilized to determine the relevant composite properties, considering the spherical shape of the glass powder. A higher-order shear deformation plate theory is employed to theoretically simulate the reinforced concrete panel, ensuring accuracy and simplicity. Equilibrium equations are derived using the virtual work concept, and energy equations are derived using Hamilton's principle. Navier's analytical techniques are applied to obtain closed-form solutions for simply supported plates. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted, analyzing the impact of factors such as glass powder volume, geometric parameters, and thermal loading on the thermomechanical behavior of the panel. The findings highlight the challenges associated with using glass powder in concrete for thermomechanical applications and suggest the need for alternative approaches to optimize its effectiveness in such scenarios, also the study provides first-time numerical results that serve as guidelines for further research on reinforced concrete.

Given their considerable specific surface area and amorphous characteristics, nanoparticles exhibit excellent pozzolanic activity, and when undergoing a reaction with calcium hydroxide, this leads to the generation of a denser matrix by promoting the formation of a greater amount of C-S-H gel, thereby enhancing the strength and durability of the concrete and fortifying the overall structure. Indeed, the present study investigates a comparative study of the buckling and free vibration analyses of concrete beams reinforced with various types of nanoparticles. For its simplicity and accuracy, a higher-order shear deformation theory will be used to analytically model the reinforced concrete beam. Furthermore, the powerful Eshelby’s model is used to derive the equivalent nanocomposite properties. The soil medium is simulated with Pasternak elastic foundation, including a shear layer, and Winkler’s spring, interlinked with a Kerr foundation. The motion equations are derived using Hamilton’s principle. Moreover, based on Navier’s analytical methods, the closed-form solutions of simply supported beams have been obtained. Different parameters, such as type and volume percent of nanoparticles, geometrical parameters, choice of theory and soil medium, on the buckling and dynamic behavior of the beam, are exercised and shown. The major findings of this work indicate that the use of nanoparticles in concretes increases better mechanical resistance and amplifies the natural frequencies. In addition, the elastic foundation has a significant impact on the buckling and vibration performances of concrete beams.

In Algeria, the rapid increase in population and urbanization, evolving comfort needs, subsidized electricity prices, and climate change has significantly contributed to higher energy consumption for heating and cooling as well as greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in southern regions characterized by hot and arid climates. Most recent constructions in Algeria are highly energy-intensive, unlike traditional Saharan architecture, which is far more environmentally friendly. This paper presents eco-friendly and cost-effective design methods and solutions inspired by Saharan architecture to guide architects and project owners during the design phase of buildings in hot climate regions. A numerical simulation was performed using EnergyPlus 9.2 to compare the energy consumption of a semi-collective residential building in Béni Abbès with four design alternatives inspired by vernacular architecture, “O”, “L”, “U”, and rectangular configurations. The findings showed that the O-shape configuration achieved the highest cooling energy savings (38.55% on the ground floor, 27.68% on the first floor), followed by the L-shape (31% and 32%), U-shape (28% and 29%), and rectangular shape (26% and 25%), highlighting the effectiveness of form optimization in enhancing energy efficiency. The results obtained demonstrate the energy efficiency of the four variants compared with the initial cases, with a reduction in cooling needs while using the same materials. This reduction could reach up to 39% during the hot season. The pay-back period for the investment was estimated at approximately six years for the city of Béni Abbès and around five years for the city of Adrar. By incorporating full insulation into all four variants, a maximum reduction in air conditioning consumption of approximately 53% was observed for the “O” variant in Béni Abbès compared with the initial case without insulation. In Adrar, this reduction reached around 48% for the same variant. Passive design elements, such as shape optimization, compact urban fabric, patio integration, and window shading, offer moderate energy savings with a shorter payback period, whereas complete insulation achieves higher energy savings but requires a longer time to offset the investment costs.

Expansive or soft soils cause significant geotechnical issues for foundations and subgrades because they show swell–shrink behaviour under wet and dry conditions. These volume changes can result in cracking, heaving, uneven settlement, and structural or pavement damage, ultimately increasing maintenance and repair costs. While traditional Portland cement and lime stabilisers effectively enhance soil strength and reduce swell–shrink behaviour, the cement production process is responsible for only approximately 7%–8% of global CO₂ emissions, prompting a transition toward sustainable alternatives. This comprehensive review consolidates recent advancements in soil stabilisation using industrial by-products, such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), steel slag, cement kiln dust, silica fume, bottom ash, red mud, waste foundry sand, brick dust, calcium carbide residue, water treatment sludge, etc. These materials leverage pozzolanic and latent hydraulic properties to form C-A-H, C-S-H, and N-A-S-H gels, thereby densifying the soil microstructure, improving CBR (%), UCS, and reducing plasticity and swelling potential. Optimisation studies indicate that industrial waste stabilisers often match or exceed conventional binder performance, GGBS-steel slag combinations yielding 105% higher UCS than ordinary Portland cement, and silica fume enhances cement-stabilised soils by 22% at reduced dosages. However, inherent compositional variability, long-term durability concerns including sulfate attack and freeze–thaw degradation, and the absence of standardised design guidelines restrict large-scale implementation. This review integrates mechanistic, microstructural, and sustainability insights, highlighting the need for durability research, standardised methods, and large-scale field validation to advance industrial waste-based stabilisation within circular construction practices in geotechnical engineering.