Journal of Architectural and Engineering Research

Regression Modelling of Service Life Prediction of External Wall Painting of Algiers Building

2025-06-15T13:09:22+04:00

Paint coatings, as a protective layer of external wall building envelopes, are mainly exposed to several degradation agents, including environmental and climate factors. In the case of North African countries, there are no studies about the estimation of the performance of this coating exposed under the conditions of these regions during its service life. For this purpose, this paper presents a statistical study on the evolution of service life (SL) prediction for external wall painting, based on the inspection of the degradation state of 45 building facades located in Algiers, Algeria. The selection of different investigated external wall paintings is mainly focused on considering their age, the distance from the coastal zone, and the facade orientations. The degradation severity of selected coatings was also estimated in this work using the calculation of a numerical index (Sw). Simple regression analysis (graphical method) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) are used for the development of a mathematical model. The main results of this work indicate clearly a high correlation between the values predicted by the mathematical model, which corresponds to a high value of coefficient of determination of 0.95. A comparison study is also conducted in this investigation work between the performance of the obtained model and the MLR model developed by previous research about the SL prediction of paint coating. As a result, the obtained model during this study gives good precision despite the moderate quantity of considered external wall painting.

Cultural Influences on Architectural Design in Rwanda's Urban Centers

2025-05-01T08:44:29+04:00

Rwanda's architectural identity reflects a dynamic blend, for example, the circular forms of inzu huts, colonial influences, for example, Belgian rectangular forms, and contemporary urban aspirations as current as Kigali Vision 2050. This integration of ancient features, e.g., nyakatsi (thatched houses), into modern designs demonstrates a dynamic interaction between past and present life. This paper analyzes the cultural influences on architectural design in urban contexts such as the City of Kigali, concerning how local traditions, building materials, and community requirements influence building activities. The study uses qualitative methods, such as interviews with architects, urban planners, and the community, as well as case studies of exemplary works. Results show a high preference for sustainable materials and designs that tie into Rwandan culture and a strong focus on the engagement of the community in the planning stage. The work further reveals issues of rapid urbanization and modernity vs. traditional tension. Suggestions involve the establishment of policies that protect cultural heritage and accommodate urbanization. This study contributes to the knowledge of the role of cultural representations guiding architectural practices in Rwanda and provides some implications for urban development.

Application of Basalt Fibers and Cement Through FDR Technology in the km 93+880 Section of the M2 Yerevan–Goris–Meghri Highway

2025-10-06T20:46:08+04:00

The maintenance and rehabilitation of road networks remain among the most critical challenges in the global road construction sector, as increasing traffic volumes and pavement deterioration demand efficient solutions. Road repair and maintenance are essential not only for ensuring traffic safety but also for optimizing economic expenditures. Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) is a pavement rehabilitation method in which the existing pavement—comprising the asphalt concrete surface, the base layer, and in some cases, additional base and subbase layers—is uniformly pulverized and blended to a predetermined depth, producing an improved, homogeneous base material. FDR is carried out entirely on-site without the application of heat. The treatment depth depends on the structure of the existing pavement and typically ranges from 100 to 300 mm. Compared to other technologies for rehabilitating flexible pavements, FDR significantly reduces the need for importing new materials, lowers energy consumption, and decreases harmful atmospheric emissions. The implementation of FDR in road construction began several decades ago, initially involving various mechanisms for pavement treatment, including pulverizers, scarifiers, mixers, and a range of additives. However, the adoption of high-powered self-propelled reclaimers provided significant momentum to the use of FDR, enabling deeper processing, higher productivity, and more reliable control of the stabilization process when additives are introduced. This article examines the impact of applying Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology with cement and basalt fibers as additives on the strength and crack resistance of road pavements. The km 93+880 section of the M2 Yerevan–Goris–Meghri highway in the Republic of Armenia was selected as the experimental test site.