Economical and Structural Feasibility of Concrete Cellular and Solid Blocks in Kurdistan Region

Dilan M. Rostam; Taghreed K.M. Ali; Dawood S.S. Atrushi

doi:10.14500/aro.10113

Dilan M. Rostam Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Koya University, University Park, Danielle Mitterrand Boulevard, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1187-311X
Taghreed K.M. Ali Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Koya University, University Park, Danielle Mitterrand Boulevard, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8462-2744
Dawood S.S. Atrushi Department of Civil Engineering, Duhok University, Kurdistan Region http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0609-9964

Keywords: Building standard codes, cellular concrete block, eurocode, structural feasibility.

Abstract

Cellular concrete blocks are the major building materials in Kurdistan Region in Iraq. This study is carried out to check the economical and structural feasibility. The integrity of the blocks as well as its industrial production process compared with local and international standards. Recommendations for the concrete block production have been given in this paper. Samples from 10 local factories of total 60 blocks have been collected and tested at Koya University Laboratory. The carried out tests covered the dimensions, compression strength and water absorption of the samples. The results of this research study were compared with the requirements of the Iraqi and European specifications. They showed that the products of all factories do not fulfil the specified requirements. The dimensions of specimens exhibited relatively high deviations with no recommended tolerances for dimensions of the blocks. The results analysis showed that the weight of the 400x200x200mm block size was about 20-23 kg and the size of the represented voids was about 60% of the volume. This study made some regulatory recommendations to standardise the concrete block production in the region.

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Author Biographies

Dilan M. Rostam, Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Koya University, University Park, Danielle Mitterrand Boulevard, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region

Dilan M. Rostam (Roshani) is a lecturer at the Department of Architectural Engineering at Koya University since 2012. He has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Civil Engineering/Structural design using computer application from Chalmers University in Sweden. He also has a Ph.D. in Civil /Structural Engineering using virtual collaborative design from University of Nottingham, UK. Dr Rostam has long industrial experience in e.Management and applied computer in design work with several published articles. Dr. Rostam's expertise include virtual collaboration and IT strategy in Higher Education, promoting student centered green, paperless university in an e-Smart academic community. As a lecturer Dr. Rostam laid the foundation for a new novel course module "Vernacular Architecture in Kurdistan" which is unique in the region exploring native building habits in Kurdistan. He was member of Executive Editorial of the first Kurdish Scientific eJournal ZANÍN published by Kurdish Scientists and MDs in United Kingdom (KMSF) as well as Aro the Scientific Journal of Koya University.

Taghreed K.M. Ali, Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Koya University, University Park, Danielle Mitterrand Boulevard, Koya KOY45, Kurdistan Region

Taghreed Kh. Mohammed Ali is a lecturer at the Department of Architectural Engineering at Koya University, since 2011. She has a B.Sc. degree in Building and construction Engineering, M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree in Structural Engineering (civil engineering). Her main research area is concrete structure design and analysis, high performance concrete, building construction, and simulation of structural element by using finite element methods. Dr. Taghreed is a Consultant Civil Engineer at the Kurdistan Engineering Union and she has an experience in this field.

Dawood S.S. Atrushi, Department of Civil Engineering, Duhok University, Kurdistan Region

Dawood S.S. Atrushi is a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Duhok where he has been a faculty member since 2004. Dr. Atrushi completed his PhD and undergraduate study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His research interests lie in the area of mechanical properties of young concert, ranging from theory to design to testing. The core of his research area has been creep. In recent years, his focus has been directed to Eurocods in addition to Fiber Reinforced Polymers. He has a long international experience from industry and in teaching. In addition, he has many year experience in higher education management.

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