This research aimed to evaluate the impact of using brick waste powder (BWP) and varying lengths of polyester fibers (PFs) on the performance properties of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures. BWP was utilized as a replacement for traditional limestone powder (LS) filler, while PFs of three lengths (3 mm, 8 mm, and 15 mm) were introduced. The study employed the response surface methodology (RSM) for experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the influence of BWP and PF on the selected performance indicators. These indicators included bulk density, air voids, voids in the mineral aggregate, voids filled with asphalt, Marshall stability, Marshall flow, Marshall quotient, indirect tensile strength, wet tensile strength, and the tensile strength ratio. The findings demonstrated that BWP improved moisture resistance and the mechanical performance of AC mixes. Moreover, incorporating PF alongside BWP further enhanced these properties, resulting in superior overall performance. Using multi-objective optimization through RSM-based empirical models, the study identified the optimal PF length of 5 mm in combination with BWP for achieving the best AC properties. Validation experiments confirmed the accuracy of the predicted results, with an error margin of less than 8%. The study emphasizes the intriguing prospect of BWP and PF as sustainable alternatives for improving the durability, mechanical characteristics, and cost-efficiency of asphalt pavements.

During earthquakes, structural elements like columns can fail by loss of strength but also by geometric instability such as buckling. The aim of this work is to analyse the experimental carrying capacity of such elements. Buckling experiments on solid wood, laminated veneer lumber and glulam specimens are carried on. Monotonous buckling tests are first carried out, in order to determine loads and displacements at instability point. They are followed by cyclic tests in the post-buckling domain (after peak). The cyclic protocol is precisely defined from displacement values obtained in monotonous tests. A damage parameter is determined based on the evolution of the extreme compression or tension apparent stresses but also on the analysis of stiffness degradation and of variation of dissipated energy during cyclic tests.

This paper investigates the effects of burnt sawdust as an additive in asphaltic concrete, aiming to enhance the material's properties. The study sourced redwood sawdust from a carpentry workshop in Djelfa state, Algeria, and obtained bitumen, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates, and mineral filler from the Public Works Laboratory for the South in Ghardaïa state, Algeria. The sawdust was burned at 200°C in a furnace, cooled, and sieved through an 80 µm sieve. Standard procedures were employed to determine the material properties. Asphaltic concrete samples were then prepared with burnt sawdust at varying weight percentages of 0, 5, 15, 20, and 25% of the filler. The Marshall Stability test was conducted to assess the mixtures' stability, flow, density, voids filled with bitumen (VFB), air voids (AV), and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA). The results indicated an optimal sawdust content of 15%, showcasing improved properties when burnt sawdust was added to asphaltic concrete. Additionally, this utilization of sawdust contributes to preserving nonrenewable materials and reduces pollution from mineral filler manufacturing. Furthermore, the use of fine sawdust, typically considered waste, proves an environmentally responsible alternative to disposal.

Collapse of timber constructions can appear under the effect of load that exceeds the resistance of a carrying element or under the effect of a geometrical instability like buckling. In addition, loading can be constant or varying for example loads due to wind or earthquakes. The aim of this paper is to study the behaviour and the lifetime of columns in wood or based-wood material such as glulam (GL) or laminated veneer lumber (LVL) under repeated loading leading to buckling.