Suranaree Journal of Science and Technology

OPTIMIZATION OF MANURE LEVELS AND APPLICATION DEPTH FOR ENHANCING SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS

2026-04-08T15:22:07+07:00

A field experiment was conducted in 2015 at the Al-Hartha Research Station, Iraq, to evaluate the effects of animal manure application rate, placement depth, and application method on soil salinity and physico-chemical properties in a silty loam soil under drip irrigation. The field was plowed perpendicularly, and the experiment was arranged in a split–split plot design within a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments included three manure application rates (0, 20, and 40 t ha⁻¹), three application depths (10, 20, and 30 cm), and two application methods (mixing and manure placement depth ). Corn (Zea mays L.) was used as the test crop, and all plots received equal amounts of NPK fertilizers. At the end of the growing season, soil samples from the 0-30 cm depth were collected to determine EC, soil pH, BD, and soil water content. The application of 40 t ha⁻¹ manure combined with manure placement depth from 10-30 cm reduced soil EC 4.63 to 5.87 dS m⁻¹ and pH 7.97 and 8.08 , respectively, compared with the control (6.81 dS m⁻¹ and 8.12) and soil bulk density was found to reduce from 1.23 to 1.20 Mg m^-3 while soil water content was increased from 26.33 to 30.23% when depth of addition was raised from 10 to 30 cm. The manure application 40 t ha⁻¹ combined with manure placement depth from 10-30 cm was more effective than mixing in reducing soil pH, soil salinity, and EC, BD and improved soil water content, particularly at deeper soil layers, resulting in improved soil physical conditions.

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE COST FORECASTING AND WARRANTY BUDGET PLANNING FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

2026-04-02T10:19:26+07:00

This study evaluates the adequacy of current warranty budget allocations in residential developments and proposes differentiated, data-driven percentages based on long-term maintenance cost projections and project characteristics. Empirical defect data from five condominium projects in Bangkok, varying in unit type, scale, and market positioning, were collected between 2019 and 2023 and used to model 30-year cost projections through linear regression. The findings show that maintenance costs consistently increase over time, with annual cost slopes ranging from USD 10,162 to USD 30,857 and R² values between 0.90 and 0.99, while projected lifetime maintenance costs represent 5.56% to 11.26% of total project values. The widely adopted 2% warranty allocation was found to be inadequate, depleting as early as year 11 in high-density or lower-cost projects. Based on cumulative cost behavior and project conditions, differentiated warranty budgets of 6% to 11% are recommended to ensure financial sustainability. While the analysis is limited to five projects in Bangkok and linear forecasting methods, the results underscore the importance of empirical, context-sensitive approaches to warranty planning. By integrating real defect data with long-term cost modeling, this research provides a practical framework for improving financial foresight, construction quality, and asset management in rapidly urbanizing regions.

EFFECTS ON PROPERTIES OF EFUHPC MADE BY SUGARCANE BAGASSE ASH

2026-04-21T13:12:45+07:00

In this work we examine about sugarcane bagasse ash which satisfactory for producing Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Concrete (EFUHPC) and improving mechanical properties of EFUHPC. In UHPC more amount cement and other materials used which produce hug amount of CO₂, there are major problem for environment. Very less study found on use of SBA in EFUHPC hence we studied for effect of sugarcane bagasse ash on UHPC and futuristic use for EFUHPC. In this work Sugarcane Bagasse Ash by weight of cement used to 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% and workability, flexural strength, compressive strength and water absorption are investigated. The result show that mixture using 10% amount of SBA has optimum mechanical strength and water absorption decreased when SBA increased.

OPTIMIZATION OF PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF IC ENGINE POWERED BY BLENDED KARANJA BIODIESELS WITH DISTINCT INJECTORS USING TAGUCHI-BASED HYBRID APPROACHES

2026-04-08T20:52:24+07:00

Performance characteristics and emissions parameters of a Kirloskar diesel engine having single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) with direct injection (DI), water-cooled, running at 1500 rpm with variable load were tested in the blending percentage of Karanja methyl esters (KME) B10, B20, and B30 with diesel, the biodiesel made from Karanja oil, along with pure diesel. An experimental Taguchi L16 matrix is prepared for the analysis of performance, combustion, and emissions characteristics of the engine mentioned above with 3-hole, 4-hole, 5-hole, and 6-hole injection systems. Two hybrid methods are used for the optimization of engine parameters first one is the combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Utility method, and the other one is the combination of Criteria Importance through Criteria Inter-Correlation (CRITIC) and Utility method. The optimal factor level for higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE), lower brake-specific fuel consumption, and lower engine emission in blending conditions is achieved by having a fuel injector with a 6-hole nozzle in combination with a B20 blending condition at 60% loading condition. This optimal level condition provides higher BTE, lower SFC, and lower engine emissions compared to other conditions.

MODELING SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE BEHAVIOR USING FOUNDRY SAND, GENE EXPRESSION PROGRAMMING, AND MACHINE LEARNING METHODS

2026-06-16T09:53:32+07:00

Sustainable materials are increasingly used in the construction industry to reduce the environmental impact. One promising approach is the use of residual foundry sand (RFS), an industrial byproduct, as a partial replacement of natural sand in concrete. This helps to divert industrial waste away from landfills, conserve natural resources and encourage environmentally sustainable construction. The mechanical properties of RFS based concrete were predicted using advanced computational techniques like Genetic Programming (GP) and Machine Learning (ML). Predictive models for compressive strength (f’c), elastic modulus (Ec) and split tensile strength (fst) have been developed based on material properties, mix proportions and environmental factors. Four mathematical models were established on the basis of experimental data. Linear Model #1 gave an excellent prediction of the compressive strength, R2 = 0.99. Exponential Model #3 yielded R2 = 0.985. The linear model #2 was found to fit the elastic modulus very well (R² = 1.00) and the nonlinear model #4 was the most accurate (R² = 0.998). The predicted ranges were 20-50 MPa, 15-30 GPa and 2-5 MPa for the compressive strength, elastic modulus and split tensile strength respectively. The results indicate that GP and ML can successfully describe the complex behavior of RFS concrete, allowing for reliable property prediction and supporting sustainable concrete design and increased use of recycled industrial materials.

A STUDY ON NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE USING MARINE SAND

2026-04-27T10:41:48+07:00

Developing countries like India are investing heavily in infrastructure, highway projects, metro projects, and smart cities as part of their plans to boost their economy. This growing building sector requires a substitute for river sand. This study advocates for the use of washed marine sand (MS) as a fine aggregate to partially or fully substitute M-Sand, aiming to minimize the exploitation of natural aggregates. This approach contributes to river conservation efforts and helps mitigate erosion and flooding. The objective of this experimental research is to analyze the mechanical characteristics of concrete and conduct Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) on concrete that incorporates washed marine sand as a partial substitute for M-Sand. The study evaluates concrete strength characteristics in line with the guidelines of IS 516-1959, focusing on crushing strength, split tensile strength and bending strength. Six concrete mixtures are tested, with washed marine sand replacing M-Sand at varying levels of 20% to 100%, labeled as M100, MS20, MS40, MS60, MS80, and MS100. From this experimental investigation, 60% of partial replacement of marine sand meets the required strength properties. Also, from this study a comparison is made between theoretical predictions and experimental findings.

STRUCTURAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SBS POLYMER-MODIFIED ASPHALT UNDER HEAVY TRAFFIC LOAD

2026-04-03T15:46:01+07:00

This study investigates the structural and economic performance of SBS polymer-modified asphalt under heavy traffic loading, emphasizing polymer interaction, rutting resistance, and moisture durability. XRD analysis revealed enhanced polymer–bitumen interaction, indicating effective integration of SBS into the asphalt matrix. Laboratory evaluations of Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and Bituminous Concrete (BC) demonstrated substantial improvements compared with conventional mixes. At the optimum SBS content of 4%, the Marshall Stability increased by 22.49% for DBM and 30.31% for BC, while the Marshall Quotient (MQ) rose by 31.96% and 10.32% respectively. Percentage improvement was calculated with respect to the control mix values, indicating superior resistance to permanent deformation under traffic loading. Moisture susceptibility assessed using Retained Marshall Stability (RMS), showed significant improvement, indicating enhanced durability under wet conditions. Furthermore, life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) highlighted the economic benefits of SBS modification, including potential reductions in maintenance costs over the pavement lifespan. Overall, the findings demonstrate that SBS-modified asphalt provides enhanced structural performance, durability, and cost efficiency, making it highly suitable for high-traffic highways.