Papers by Prof. Magdi Zumrawi
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Sep 3, 2017
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, Oct 31, 2022
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, Aug 20, 2020
Khartoum airport plays a vital role in air traffic and national economy. The airport has experien... more Khartoum airport plays a vital role in air traffic and national economy. The airport has experienced poor performance and lack of services. Serious congestion, delay and cancellation problems in flights becoming a daily habits. The study aims to evaluate the existing airport facilities and services and their ability to meet future demand. The literature concerning airport capacity and performance related issues were reviewed. The research depend on documents information, site inspection, and interviews for evaluation. The historical data of travelers at the Airport were analysed to estimate the forecasted demand. The study has identified challenges facing the increasing travel demand in the airport. Facilities that are unable to accommodate the increase in travel demand were identified for improvement. Thus, the improvement has to be done by expansion of terminal building, extending apron area for more aircraft parking spaces, additional runway length, increasing taxiways width as well as optimizing the operational processes by introducing flexibility and using technology.
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, Jun 12, 2017
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, Apr 19, 2017
The study aims to investigate the effect of dewatering technique on retained ground and adjacent ... more The study aims to investigate the effect of dewatering technique on retained ground and adjacent existing structures in order to avoid any damages that may occur. The paper presents three cases of potential structure failure caused by ground settlement as a result of dewatering. Two current construction projects in Khartoum North were selected as a case study. The two projects are located near Blue Nile River where ground water table exists at shallow depths. Dewatering to reduce the groundwater level was carried out in the two sites to facilitate excavation works. The buildings and road pavements around the two sites suffered serious damages due to excessive differential settlements of the retained ground. The study results showed that there are numerous sources of risks associated with performing dewatering. Therefore, developing appropriate plan for dewatering before construction is essential to mitigate any adverse impacts and avoid risks.
This paper aims to identify the factors that cause damages to buildings constructed on expansive ... more This paper aims to identify the factors that cause damages to buildings constructed on expansive soils and suggests practical solutions to avoid swelling problems. Literature of buildings failures associated with expansive soils and techniques experienced to prevent the swelling damages were intensively reviewed. Three regions in Khartoum state, famous expansive soil areas were selected for this study. Ten cases of damaged buildings were randomly selected for investigation. A field survey of damages was conducted to diagnosis and point out the causes, extent and type of damage that was observed in the buildings. It was observed that eight lightweight buildings suffered heavy damages and only two other buildings were slightly damaged. Common failures observed were cracks in walls and floors, foundation movements, column buckling, sagging of beams and slabs in typical damage cases. It was found that poor surface drainage, gardens watering close to buildings, source of water leakage an...
This paper aims to assess the efficiency of using geogrid reinforcement for subgrade stabilizatio... more This paper aims to assess the efficiency of using geogrid reinforcement for subgrade stabilization. The literature of applying geogrid reinforcement technique for pavements built on soft subgrades and the previous experiences were reviewed. Laboratory tests were conducted on soil reinforced with geogrids in one or several layers. The soil specimens were compacted in four layers with or without geogrid sheets. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, in soaking condition, was performed on natural soil and soil-geogrid specimens. The test results revealed that the CBR value is much affected by the geogrid sheet location and the number of sheets used in the soil specimen. When a geogrid sheet was placed at the 1<sup>st</sup> layer of the soil, there was an increment of 26% in the CBR value. Moreover, the CBR value was significantly increased by 62% when geogrid sheets were placed at all four layers. The high CBR value is attributed to interface friction and interlock involv...
The inconsistencies and variations in design of pavements arising from using different methods ha... more The inconsistencies and variations in design of pavements arising from using different methods has become a critical issue in Sudan. This paper is aimed to develop a structural design procedure for flexible pavements in order to simplify the design process by using a software program and provide a uniform structural design result. The literature of the conventional design methods commonly experienced in Sudan was intensively reviewed. In fact, these design methods were not designed to cater for the current needs and conditions of Sudan. Thus, an attempt was made to establish a simplified design procedure to accommodate the ever increasing traffic loads, available pavement materials and significant change in climate conditions in Sudan. Based on previous experiences, a design chart for a particular set of traffic loading and CBR values of subgrade soils and granular materials was developed. A software program using Visual Basic language of the Microsoft was created to facilitate the ...
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, 2016
Shear strength of cohesive soils is great essential in determining the bearing capacity of founda... more Shear strength of cohesive soils is great essential in determining the bearing capacity of foundations, slope stability of embankments, and lateral earth pressures on retaining structures. This study mainly deals with the factors affecting the shear strength of compacted cohesive soils. A comprehensive literature review relevant to the shear strength characteristics and influencing factors was presented. Intensive laboratory investigation was undertaken on two clay soils selected from different regions in Khartoum state. Unconfined compression tests were performed on soil samples compacted at a wide range of moisture content and varied dry densities to measure the shear strength. The results reveal that the placement conditions (moisture content and dry density) and the soil intrinsic properties (plasticity and liquidity indices) have significant effects on the shear strength measured values. These parameters of simple and easy measured soil index properties were combined in a facto...
This paper aims to identify the factors that cause damages to buildings constructed on expansive ... more This paper aims to identify the factors that cause damages to buildings constructed on expansive soils and suggests practical solutions to avoid swelling problems. Literature of buildings failures associated with expansive soils and techniques experienced to prevent the swelling damages were intensively reviewed. Three regions in Khartoum state, famous expansive soil areas were selected for this study. Ten cases of damaged buildings were randomly selected for investigation. A field survey of damages was conducted to diagnosis and point out the causes, extent and type of damage that was observed in the buildings. It was observed that eight lightweight buildings suffered heavy damages and only two other buildings were slightly damaged. Common failures observed were cracks in walls and floors, foundation movements, column buckling, sagging of beams and slabs in typical damage cases. It was found that poor surface drainage, gardens watering close to buildings, source of water leakage an...
International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 2017
The use of Crumb Rubber Modifiers (CRM) in flexible pavements to improve characteristics of aspha... more The use of Crumb Rubber Modifiers (CRM) in flexible pavements to improve characteristics of asphalt binders has become a technique of great potential in recent years. In this regard an experimental program was undertaken to study the influence of CRM on the physical properties of asphalt binder. Asphalt cement modified with varying percentages of CRM, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 percent were studied. Penetration, ductility, viscosity, softening point, flash and fire points, and specific gravity tests were performed on base and modified asphalts. The tests results show that addition of CRM to base asphalt has significant influence on its properties. Comparing the tests results, the viscosity, softening point, flash and fire points of the modified asphalts increased significantly, coupled with reduction in penetration and ductility as the CRM content increased. Addition of 15% CRM resulted in 200% and 15% increment in viscosity and softening point of base asphalt respectively, while the ...
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, 2017
This paper discusses the effect of Fly ash on the engineering properties of expansive soils. As r... more This paper discusses the effect of Fly ash on the engineering properties of expansive soils. As reviewed in literature, many previous investigations have shown promising results for improvement of expansive soil after stabilization with Fly ash. Laboratory tests have been conducted on expansive soils obtained from three different regions in Khartoum state. Various percentages of Fly ash such as 0%, 10%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by weight of soil were added to the three soils and their influence on the soil plasticity, swell characteristics and unconfined compression strength are discussed. Additions of Fly ash to the three soils resulted in significant improvement in the strength and reduction in plasticity and swell properties of soils. The unconfined compression strength of soils treated with 10% Fly ash showed almost 2 times improvement compared with untreated soils. For the addition of 10% fly ash, the reduction in free swell, swell pressure and swell potential is in the range 50% to 7...
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal, Jan 23, 2020
The success of a bridge relies on proper design and construction of its foundations. A Literature... more The success of a bridge relies on proper design and construction of its foundations. A Literature concerning water scouring at bridge foundation and some cases of bridge failure were intensively reviewed. Two global cases and a local case of foundation failure caused collapse of the bridge structure were selected for this study. The study was concentrated on Manshia Bridge in Khartoum. The investigation involved field survey and laboratory testing on this project to examine the existing foundation conditions. The eastern abutment investigated experienced sever failures in forms of excessive scouring and settlement in the embankment and the foundation piles surrounded by water. The causes of these failures were found mainly linked to the high scouring rate of water lead to washout the soil from the embankment of the abutment and the foundation piles. The foundation design mistakes, poor construction, inadequate abutment protection and lack of maintenance were detected as the main cause of the bridge failure. To protect abutment against scouring problem, it is recommended to use rock protection for the embankment and river bed around the abutment.
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal
Because of limited knowledge on experience on deep excavation analysis in Sudan, this study aimed... more Because of limited knowledge on experience on deep excavation analysis in Sudan, this study aimed to study numerical models for modeling deep excavation and adjacent buildings or public facilities near by the excavation. A series of parametric studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of wall stiffness and strut stiffness. The numerical analysis results showed that the increase of retaining wall stiffness or strut stiffness to reduce wall deformation is certainly effective, however does not have linear relationship. Last, based on the numerical results, the evaluation of adjacent building damage related to settlement induced by excavation and suggestions protection of adjacent buildings before and during excavation were discussed.
University of Khartoum Engineering Journal
This paper focuses on the influences of geotextile on bearing strength and permeability propertie... more This paper focuses on the influences of geotextile on bearing strength and permeability properties of cohesive soils. Experimental investigation was conducted on three soils reinforced with geotextile sheets in one or more layers. The soil samples are compacted at optimum moisture content and maximum dry density in five layers with or without geotextile sheets. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and the permeability tests have been carried out on natural soils and soils with geotextile sheets. The experiments results have showed a significant decrease in the CBR and the permeability values of the three soils with the inclusion of geotextile sheets. The CBR values of geotextile reinforced soils have decreased by 70% for 4 layers of geotextile sheets. Also, the average reduction in the permeability of the three soils reinforced with 1-layer geotextile sheet is about 60% of the natural soils. Hence, it is concluded that provision of geotextile sheet with an activator such as lime or fl...
Journal of Building Materials and Structures, 2019
Storey extensions are an increasingly popular way to crowded cities. Lack experience and knowledg... more Storey extensions are an increasingly popular way to crowded cities. Lack experience and knowledge concerning strengthening of structures are major challenges for engineers. This paper presents strengthening practice adopted for foundations of existing building when storey extension is needed. Literature concerning strengthening techniques commonly adopted and some historical cases were reviewed. A complex hall building in university of Khartoum which was rehabilitated in 2009 by strengthening the structural members of the existing building to accommodate additional floors was undertaken as a case study. The records and reports of the original design and last rehabilitation of the building were reviewed. Field inspection of the building condition before rehabilitation was carried out. The study results showed that the appropriate design, the strengthening materials used and the procedure followed are the key factors for economical and successful strengthening.
Recently many researchers used industrial waste in soil stabilization as low cost materials and t... more Recently many researchers used industrial waste in soil stabilization as low cost materials and to save the environment. In this regard, an attempt is made to evaluate the use of Marble Waste Powder (MWP) to stabilize expansive clay. Soil samples were mixed with varying proportions of MWP (0%, 10%, 15 % and 20% by dry weight). Laboratory experiments include sieve analysis, Atterberg's limits, Standard Proctor, Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) and Free Swell were performed on treated and untreated soils. The results revealed that addition of 20% MWP to the soil significantly reduced the soil plasticity and free swell index by almost 12%, while the UCS greatly increased by almost 3.5 times of the initial value. It’s concluded that the use of MWP will improve the expansive soil properties and it is beneficial for economical and environmental considerations.
Crossing culverts are essential element of rural roads. The paper aims to investigate failures of... more Crossing culverts are essential element of rural roads. The paper aims to investigate failures of recently constructed wadi-crossing pipe culverts in Sennar state and provide necessary remedial measures. The investigation is conducted to provide an extensive diagnosis study in order to find out the main structural and hydrological weaknesses of the culverts. Literature of steel pipe culverts related to construction practices and common types of culvert failures and their appropriate mitigation measures were reviewed. A detailed field survey was conducted to detect failures and defects appeared on the existing culverts. The results revealed that seepage of water through the embankment and foundation of the culverts leads to excessive erosion and scouring causing sever failures and damages. The design mistakes and poor construction were detected as the main causes of culverts failures. For sustainability of the culverts, various remedial measures are recommended to be considered in ur...
This paper discusses a serious problem of traffic congestion in Khartoum in order to identify its... more This paper discusses a serious problem of traffic congestion in Khartoum in order to identify its causes and impacts on society and economy. The literature relating to the problem of traffic congestion were intensively reviewed. The research methodology have been adopted includes questionnaire, interviews and site visits. The data collected were statistically analyzed. The results indicated that the traffic congestion contributing to insufficient road capacity, lack of public transport and parking problems. It was found that traffic congestion has adverse effects such as time consuming, decrease in productivity and fuel consumption. Finally, some major measures were provided to reduce traffic congestion in Khartoum by expansion of roads, managing parking and adopting Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
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Papers by Prof. Magdi Zumrawi