In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to assess the flexural tensile strength and crack-closing performance of mortar beams containing short shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers, randomly distributed only on the tensile side. The SMA fibers were mainly composed of titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), and niobium (Nb). In addition, the effect of tensile steel wires on the flexural strength and crack-closing performance was evaluated. A four-point bending test was performed to evaluate the post-cracking tensile strength. This study also suggested a proper model to calculate the ultimate flexural moment of the SMA fiber–embedded beams. Subsequently, a heating plate that could be installed at the bottom of the beam was used to induce the shape memory effect and measure the closed crack width. This study assessed the crack-closing performance induced by the SMA fibers at the bottom side of the beams and the resistance of the tensile wires in the beams.

This study presents a cutting-edge framework for assessing earthquake vulnerability and risk in residential areas of Al-Seeb, Muscat Governorate (Sultanate of Oman). Drawing upon a rich dataset encompassing seismic, geotechnical, structural, environmental, and socioeconomic parameters, thematic vulnerability maps were developed using a GIS-based analytic hierarchy process (GIS-AHP). These were systematically integrated to produce comprehensive risk matrices. It has been noted that the Rusayl industrial estate emerged as a critical hotspot due to the clustering of industrial facilities and fuel stations near densely populated zones, amplifying hazard proximity. Physical vulnerability patterns largely mirrored geotechnical characteristics but were further shaped by urban density and infrastructure quality. A risk index was derived for each grid cell, enabling the formulation of a detailed microzonation map that categorizes Al-Seeb into five distinct risk zones. Central urban areas like Al-Hail North and segments of Old Al-Khoud plunged within the highest vulnerability category, while parts of Al-Mawaleh North exhibited a blend of high and very high risk, primarily due to aging infrastructure and insufficient retrofitting. Interestingly, Al-Maabilah showed signs of structural resilience, with 60% of buildings experiencing minor damage and only 20% sustaining major impacts. The robust database generated offers critical insights for policymakers, planners, and stakeholders, serving as a strategic tool for informed decision-making. The study’s outcomes align well with Oman Vision 2040 and contribute directly to the goals of sustainable and disaster-resilient urban development outlined in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (UN-SDG) 11. By embedding these insights into national urban planning and construction policies, the study supports risk-informed development and financial risk reduction for any futuristic projects in the Sultanate of Oman. In response to the shortcomings and delays of previous research, the present study is the first of its kind in the Arabian region, significantly contributing to the establishment of a sustainable and resilient Omani society.

This paper leverages data from February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaras (Turkiye) Earthquake (M_w 7.8) to evaluate seismic risk and assess bridge damage through a fuzzy synthetic approach (FSA). A novel hierarchical damage classification framework is introduced, integrating critical factors such as ground conditions, structural characteristics, and seismic intensity. By analyzing data from 331 bridges affected by eight major historical earthquakes, the study underscored the influence of foundation depth, construction quality, and distance to fault rupture on structural resilience. Notably, 65% of damaged bridges were within 40 km of the distance to fault rupture, with oblique span orientations (45° to 65°) showing heightened susceptibility to seismic forces. To enhance resilience against earthquakes, the findings advocated for the adoption of deep foundations, advanced materials, and optimized structural designs. Consistent with field observations, the study reinforces the utility of FSA in enabling informed decision-making for disaster risk mitigation and is also beneficial for future seismic resilience design of bridges.

The level of benzene exposure in the petrochemical industry during regular operation has been well established, but not in turnaround (TA), where high exposure may occur. In this study, the characteristics of occupational exposure to benzene during TA in the petrochemical companies were investigated in order to determine the best management strategies and improve the working environment. This was accomplished by evaluating the exposure level for the workers working in environments where benzene was being produced or used as an ingredient during the unit process. From 2003 to 2008, a total of 705 workers in three petrochemical companies in Korea were studied. Long- and short-term (< 1 hr) samples were taken during TAs. TA was classified into three stages: shut-down, maintenance and start-up. All works were classified into 12 occupation categories. The long-term geometric mean (GM) benzene exposure level was 0.025 (5.82) ppm (0.005-42.120 ppm) and the short-term exposure concentration during TA was 0.020 (17.42) ppm (0.005-61.855 ppm). The proportions of TA samples exceeding the time-weighted average, occupational exposure level (TWA-OEL in Korea, 1 ppm) and the short-term exposure limit (STEL-OEL, 5 ppm) were 4.1% (20 samples of 488) and 6.0% (13 samples of 217), respectively. The results for the benzene exposure levels and the rates of exceeding the OEL were both statistically significant (p < 0.05). Among the 12 job categories of petrochemical workers, mechanical engineers, plumbers, welders, fieldman and scaffolding workers exhibited long-term samples that exceeded the OEL of benzene, and the rate of exceeding the OEL was statistically significant for the first two occupations (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the periodic work environment must be assessed during non-routine works such as TA.

In recent years, advanced materials have attracted considerable interest in the field of temperature detection and sensing. This study examined the thermochromic properties of inorganic manganese violet (MV) with increasing temperature. According to the thermochromic test, the material was found to have reversible and irreversible color change properties. The MV pigment was then applied to cementitious material at ratios of 1%, 3%, and 5%. The mixed cement samples with MV pigment were heated in a furnace, and digital images were captured at each temperature interval to evaluate the changes in the color information on the surface of the specimen. The mixed samples exhibited an irreversible thermochromic change from dark violet to grayish green above 400 °C. At the critical temperature of 440 °C, the RGB values increased by approximately 22%–55%, 28%–68%, and 7%–25%, depending on the content of MV pigment. In Lab space, the L value increased by approximately 23%–60% at 440 °C. The a value completely changed from positive to negative, and the b value changed from negative to positive. All the values differed according to the content of MV pigment at room temperature but approached similar ranges at the critical temperature, irrespective of the amount of MV pigment. To assess the changes in their microstructure and composition, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed on the samples exposed to temperatures ranging from room temperature to 450 °C.

Concrete edge failure of a single anchor in concrete is strongly dependent on the tensile performance of the concrete, which can be greatly improved by the addition of steel fibers. This study investigated the effect of steel fibers on the shear failure mode and edge breakout resistance of anchors installed in steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) with fiber volume percentages of 0.33, 0.67, and 1.00%. The anchor used in the study was 30 mm in diameter, with an edge distance of 75 mm and embedment depth of 240 mm. In addition to the anchor specimens, beam specimens were prepared to assess the relationship between the tensile performance of SFRC beams and the shear resistance of SFRC anchors. The ultimate flexural strength of the beam and the breakout shear resistance of the anchor increased almost linearly with increasing volume fractions of fiber. Therefore, based on the ACI 318 design equation, a term was proposed using the ultimate flexural strength of concrete instead of the compressive strength to determine the concrete breakout shear resistance of an anchor in the SFRC. The calculated shear resistance of anchors in both the plain concrete and SFRC were in good agreement with the measurements. In addition to the load capacity of the SFRC anchors, the energy absorption capacity showed a linear increase with that of the SFRC beam.