Scopus Research — Mohammed Lateef Hussein

Assessing the compressive strength of existing concrete structures is paramount for ensuring their safety and durability. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, while valuable, often have limitations in accurately predicting strength. The construction industry faces the challenge of evaluating the condition of existing concrete structures to determine the need for repairs or modifications. Accurate estimation of compressive strength is essential for informed decision-making. This study employed gene expression programming (GEP) to develop predictive models for estimating concrete compressive strength based on NDT measurements (Schmidt rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity). The dataset was divided into training and testing sets, and three GEP models were developed: GEP-I (rebound hammer), GEP-II (ultrasonic pulse velocity), and GEP-III (combined). The GEP models demonstrated superior performance compared to existing equations. GEP-I and GEP-III, which incorporated rebound hammer and/or ultrasonic pulse velocity, achieved higher accuracy, as evidenced by Pearson correlation coefficients (0.975 and 0.977), coefficients of determination (0.950 and 0.954), mean square errors (5.645 and 5.253), and mean absolute errors (1.772 and 1.802). The Taylor diagram further confirmed the superiority of the GEP models. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Foamed concrete (FC) is distinguished by its unique properties and complex mixture design, which often necessitates extensive experimental trials to achieve target characteristics such as compressive strength (CS). Despite these challenges, numerical regression techniques have proven effective in predicting concrete properties. This research introduces the stepwise regression (SR) model as a dependable technique for forecasting the CS of FC at 28 days. The data needed for training and testing was sourced from a trustworthy database. During model training, 75% of the experimental data was utilized, with the remainder used for model validation. The model’s robustness was confirmed through sensitivity and stability analyses performed on a simulated dataset. The accuracy of the model’s predictions for the CS of FC was evaluated using metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean squared error (RMSE). The model achieved a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 97.59%, a low mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.45, and a low root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.74. The study findings indicated that the proposed model demonstrated high precision in predicting the CS of FC. The prediction equation derived from the stepwise regression model emphasizes its significance and can be confidently utilized to predict the CS of FC. © The Author(s) 2025.

The beam-column joint is a critical structural element in reinforced concrete structures, especially under lateral loading conditions. These joints are prone to failure due to high shear stress concentrations, making their accurate design and assessment essential for structural safety.This study aims to assess the accuracy of existing building code provisions for predicting joint shear strength of interior beam-column joints and to develop an advanced predictive model that addresses the code provisions limitations. By analyzing a database consist of 158 tested specimens, a significant discrepancy was observed between code provisions and experimental joint shear strengths, highlighting the unreliability of existing code provisions. To address this, an artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed to create a model considering key factors influencing joint behavior. Statistical analysis demonstrated the ANN model’s exceptional accuracy in predicting joint shear strength of interior beam-column joints, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.98 with experimental data. This performance significantly outperformed the 0.66–0.73 range observed for code-based predictions. The model's parameters are presented in a user-friendly format for easy implementation using spreadsheet software, making it a valuable tool for enhancing shear strength predictions in future building codes. © The Author(s) 2025.; This study evaluates the accuracy of building code provisions for predicting joint shear strength in interior beam-column joints. A comprehensive database with wide range of variables consist o of 158 tested specimens was analyzed, revealing significant discrepancies in code-based predictions. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to improve prediction accuracy using key influencing parameters. The ANN model achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.98, significantly outperforming traditional code-based models (R = 0.66–0.73). © The Author(s) 2025.

Twenty-eight piles were divided into four groups. Two groups were made of natural aggregate, while the other two were made of full replacement of recycled aggregate. In each group, the cement was replaced with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% of silica fume. Two groups were stored for 270 days under normal water conditions, while the other two were stored underground water conditions. Tests results have shown that it’s possible to improve the strength and the structural behavior of piles under sulfate attack considerably by using 20% of silica fume, while 15% is sufficient when the piles are under normal conditions. However, high levels of silica fume 25–30% in recycled aggregate concretes piles and 20–30% in normal aggregate concretes piles gave a clear decrease in ultimate load capacity. © 2024 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.

Waste glass in combination with recycled aggregate used in concrete under effect of sulfate attack is not yet explored. This research studies the possibility of using the wastes materials in two types of concrete applications, i.e., normal and aggressive environmental conditions for specimens of mechanical properties and RC beam models for shear behavior studies. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of concrete did not change when replacing recycled aggregate with recycled bricks with 50% gravel. While strength deterioration becomes evident at high rates of 100% thermestone, since non-structural concrete weakens the overall structure due to high porosity and water absorption. Also, the research investigates the effect of glass powder is used as a replacement of cement weight percentages: 0%, 10%, and 20%. Beams containing 20% glass powder showed good resistance and satisfactory shear performance under aggressive conditions. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

This study aims to predict and model the compressive strength of self-compacting concrete (SCC) across various fly ash content ranges. The research utilized two approaches: hierarchical regression (HR) and artificial neural networks (ANN) for modeling six variables influencing the process (cement content, fly ash content, water-to-binder ratio (W/B), coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and superplasticizer). The fly ash content varied from 0 to 60% of the total weight of cement. The findings emphasize that the compressive strength of SCC is significantly affected by all the independent variables studied, except for superplasticizer. The statistical evaluation using the Pearson correlation (R), determination coefficient (R2), Adjusted R2, Predicted R2, root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) demonstrate that both ANN and HR are robust tools for predicting compressive strength of SCC. Additionally, the ANN and HR models show strong correlations with experimental data, with the ANN model displaying superior accuracy. As the performance indices showed, the ANN model had a higher predictive accuracy than HR. The ANN model had a higher determination coefficient (R2) of 98.51%, compared to 95.25% for HR, indicating a higher accuracy. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

This present study focuses on forecasting the compressive strength (CS) of high-performance concrete (HPC), which is mixed with fly ash and slag, using machine learning techniques with hierarchical quadratic regression (HQ) and multiple linear regression (ML). The study is based on 528 experimental results collected from literature, with variables including cement, blast furnace slag, fly ash, water, super plasticizer, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate. The primary objective of this study is to develop a model for predicting the CS of HPC. The proposed hierarchical equation outperforms the multiple linear regression model in terms of prediction accuracy. It achieves lower values for mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute relative error (MARE), while attaining a higher coefficient of determination (with an R2 of 97.12%, adjusted R2 of 96.81%, and predicted R2 of 96.43%) compared to the ML model (which has an R2 of 91.56%, adjusted R2 of 91.4%, and predicted R2 of 91.17%). A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of the independent variables on the CS. The results of sensitivity analysis prove that the content of cement significantly impacts the CS of HPC, with a sensitivity analysis parameter of approximately 30%. This is followed by BFS, fly ash, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water, and superplasticizer. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

This study investigates the compressive strength (CS-28d) of high-performance self-compacting concrete. To accurately estimate the CS-28d, the study employed regression techniques (linear regression (LR) and stepwise polynomial regression (SPR)) as well as machine learning techniques (M5Prime, Random Forest, Random Tree and REP Tree). The study was based on 600 experimental results were collected from literature, with the rebound number (R), and ultrasonic pulse velocity (Vp) used to predict the CS-28d. The results indicate that the M5Prime model performed the best, with the highest coefficient of determination (Pearson R of 95.06 %) and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE of 4.84516 %). Among the tested regression models, the SPR model demonstrated the best performance and an empirical equation was introduced to estimate the CS-28d of a high-performance self-compacting concrete with high accuracy. An in-depth exploration of the model's sensitivity to its input parameters was conducted to quantify their effect on the CS-28d outcome. The results showed that the rebound number (R) had the most significant impact, with a sensitivity analysis parameter of 95 %. This was followed by the ultrasonic pulse velocity (Vp) had a relatively insignificant effect of only 5 % on the CS-28d values. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd

This study investigates the discharge coefficient (Cd) of labyrinth sluice gates, a modern gate design with complex flow characteristics. To accurately estimate Cd, regression techniques (linear regression and stepwise polynomial regression) and machine learning methods (gene expression programming (GEP), decision table, KStar, and M5Prime) were employed. A dataset of 187 experimental results, incorporating dimensionless variables of internal angle (θ), cycle number (N), and water depth contraction ratio (H/G), was used to train and evaluate the models. The results demonstrate the superiority of GEP in predicting Cd, achieving a coefficient of determination (R2) of 97.07% and a mean absolute percentage error of 2.87%. To assess the relative importance of each variable, a sensitivity analysis was conducted. The results revealed that the H/G has the most significant impact on Cd, followed by the internal head angle (θ). The cycle number (N) was found to have a relatively insignificant effect. These findings offer valuable insights into the design and operation of labyrinth sluice gates, contributing to improved water resource management and flood control. © 2024 The Authors.

Non-destructive testing methods, such as the ultrasonic pulse velocity and Schmidt rebound hammer tests, are essential in determining the compressive strength of concrete. These methods have several benefits, including not needing sampling, being easy to execute, and delivering quick and efficient results. However, it’s crucial to understand that these methods can occasionally produce estimates that significantly deviate from the actual experimental values of compressive strength, resulting in a broader dispersion of results. Current research is centered on analyzing existing equations and formulating a new, improved model for predicting concrete’s compressive strength. Hierarchical stepwise regression is used to predict concrete compressive strength using experimental data from ultrasonic pulse velocity and Schmidt rebound hammer tests. The results showed that the accuracy of the new equation surpasses that of the existing equations in the literature, achieving an coefficient of determination R2 value of 95.53%. Additionally, the new model outperforms the available equations by exhibiting lower errors (1.68, 5.00 and 2.23)% across various metrics such as (MAE, MSE and RMSE) respectively. As a result, this new equation can serve as a reliable and robust method for estimating the compressive strength of concrete. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

The present study includes experimental and numerical investigations of the behavior and the load carrying capacity of RC two-hinged beams with radius corner arch at the bottom face subjected to static loading conditions. The experimental program included four specimens with the same volume of concrete and amount of steel reinforcement but, with a different span of the arch (1180 mm, 900 mm, 740 mm, and 600 mm). The goals were to evaluate the effect of a span of the arch and to find the optimum ratio of the arch length to beam span for the maximum load capacity as well as to validate the numerical results taken from the finite element model. From the results of this work, it was found that the best load carrying capacity for the beam with a radius corner arch is when the arch length/beam span ratio is equal (0.62). Also, the FEM result seems efficient and gives good accuracy through comparison with the experimental results. © 2024 The Authors.

The present research studies the effect of adding sugar factory waste sugarcane molasses as an alternative to chemical inhibitory additives manufactured on concrete cast during hot weather in the summer of Iraq. The current study includes a study of the setting time for cement paste and workability for fresh concrete and some mechanical properties of hardened concrete with sugarcane molasses using percentage 0–0.3% of cement weight. The study also included studying the value of pH of concrete to investigate the effect of sugarcane molasses on reinforced concrete. The results showed that the sugarcane molasses can be used by about 0.1% of cement weight for medium projects and between 0.1 and 0.2% for large projects. It was also found that the compression strength increased by about 11.5% and the indirect tensile strength increased by about 7.5 and 7.4% for splitting and flexural test, respectively for concrete mixtures containing 0.2% of sugarcane molasses. © 2023 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.

Using recycled steel fibers (RSF) from wastes of old car tires in combination with hybrid (steel and CFRP) dowel bars to improve the structural behavior of construction joints is the purpose of this study. The main objectives of this work were (i) to evaluate the effect of the shape and type of construction joints (vertical, inclined with 60°, key I, key II and fingers), (ii) to perform a comparison between joints with and without RSF (iii) to investigate the effect of adding hybrid deformed dowel (steel and/or CFRP) bars and the effect of their (number, diameter and length) on the performance of the jointed beam, and (iv) to study the effect of compressive strength class (normal, moderate and high) to highlight its influence on the structural behavior of RC beams. The results showed that each type of these joints has a different effect on the deflection-load response, cracking and ultimate capacity. The inclined joint has the most significant effect on the ultimate capacity (reduction is 20%), while the fingers and key joints have a slight effect (reduction is 8.4% and 9.58%), respectively. It was also found that the ultimate load of beams containing construction joints with RSF is greater than that of the monolithic beams without RSF by about 39.88–46.84%. Such beams also exhibited a higher stiffness and a change to a more ductile failure mode. Deformed steel one dowel bars with a length of eight diameter in RC jointed beams improves slightly all the load–deflection response with no significant increase in stiffness and ultimate load capacity. In using dowel bars in combination with RSF the enhancement becomes more obvious and may range between (1.6–1.9) times the failure load of the jointed beam specimens without RSF and dowel bar. It was also noted that the number, embedded length and the diameter of dowel bar have an effect on the structural behavior of jointed beams. Using CFRP dowel bars in construction joint, lead to a decrease in the ultimate load capacity by about 11.7% with a decrease in stiffness. Using hybrid (steel/CFRP) dowel bars gives better results of ultimate strength and stiffness compared with CFRP bars only. Concrete compressive strength also has an effect on the ultimate load and stiffness of beams containing construction joints, as it improves the load–deflection response. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

The limestone of the Nfayil Formation was studied in Diwaniya Governorate, west Euphrates River, southern Iraq. The analyses of the Geochemical and Geotechnical properties showed that the Nfayil Formation limestone is suitable for the Portland cement industry. The results indicated that the averages are 91% lime, 4.9% magnesia, and 0.4% alkalis. While, the average uniaxial compressive strength is 95 mega N/m², reflecting high toughness on average. These oxide percentages are expected to theoretically achieve the mineral phases of the produced clinker when using Bogue equations, which are compatible with international standards. This studied site contributes extra quantities to the reserves of limestone raw materials suitable for the cement industry. It opens prospects for establishing a new cement factory close to cities in central Iraq. © 2024, Union of Iraqi Geologists. All rights reserved.

This paper presents a theoretical method to analyze a two-hinged beam with elliptical arched bottom subjected to two concentrated loads. The two-hinged beam is a statically indeterminate structure to the first degree. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate the reactions and internal forces in the ordinary method by using equilibrium equations alone. Towards this end, the strain energy stored in the Hinged-hinged beam during deformation is given, considering the change of the cross-section along the length of the beam. The Gaussian Quadrature method was used to perform numerical integration to obtain the Horizontal Thrust for non-prismatic members. Also, a comparison was made between the proposed method and the experimental results that are shown by some authors. The comparison shows rather good agreement between the theoretical and experimental ultimate loads of the beams with an elliptical-arched bottom. The difference ratio of the ultimate load between theoretical data and experimental data was recorded from (1.13-1.29). © 2024 Author(s).

Building distortions due to some environmental factors refer to problems and diseases that lead to distortions and defects in buildings, which are caused by climatic causes and natural environmental factors. Understanding its causes and the imbalance resulting from it, and trying to measure it, enables preventive measures to be taken to avoid their occurrence, and enables to treatment. Through the field visits that took place in Babil Governorate, it was observed that a large number of buildings were distorted due to various environmental factors such as rain, humidity and heat, which led to distortion in the buildings from an aesthetic and the structural behavior. Sixty two buildings of different uses were monitored and were under the influence of a number of environmental factors. The monitoring method, follow up and some non-destructive tests were used to collect data, and then the data were analyzed using comparison tables. In this paper, it was concluded that the most important environmental factor affecting buildings is humidity, which is determined by more than 68% and is considered one of the most important problems that lead to building deformations and cracks, followed by the effect of soil. It was also found that the influence of other factors such as light, temperature and wind is very small compared to other factors. Also, some sources of moisture that affect building deformations in the city of Babylon have been identified, the most important of which are ground water and wastewater. Then, a number of proposals and recommendations that contribute to reducing these distortions were identified. © 2024 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.

The major oxides, trace elements, and heavy minerals in the dune fields and valley-filling sediments were described and carried out through fieldwork. Twenty-four samples were selected for the analyses from the north and west of the Muthanna Governorate, whereby 12 samples were selected for each of them. The major oxides (SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, SO3, and P2O5) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, Sr, Ni, and Cd) were determined by the XRF technique. SiO2 contained the highest content, while P2O5 contained the lowest content. The geochemical classification included sublitharenite, subarkose, and graywacke. Geochemical weathering was restricted to low and moderate. CaO, SiO2, Fe2O3, MgO, SO3, P2O5, and TiO2 were enriched, while Na2O and K2O were depleted. The concentrations of Sr and Ni were higher than the other elements. The clastic sediments were felsic to intermediate. The heavy minerals were separated from the light minerals and observed by polarized microscope: they were opaque, amphibole, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, biotite, chlorite, muscovite, staurolite, garnet, zircon, tourmaline, rutile, and epidote. The opaque was the major heavy mineral component, while the minor component was staurolite. The clasts were mature to submature sediments and the tectonic regime was referring to continental arc which was related to subduction setting. The minerals were relatively having metastable condition. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Groundwater is the main source of sustaining life in the Najaf Desert that helps sustain human and animals’ lives. The aquifer of the Dammam Formation is considered the main source of groundwater in the study area. The isotope elements have been used as a geochemical indicator to determine the age, direction of flow and the effect of rainwater of this area. The values of stable isotopes δ18O and δ2H range between -2.56‰ to -1.99‰, and between 7.12‰ to -4.84‰ with an average of -2.32‰ and -6.20‰ in rainfall respectively. Their values range from -3.26‰ to -2.01‰ for δ18O, and from -27.00‰ to -16.21‰ for δ2H with an average of -2.70‰ and - 22.27‰ in the Dammam groundwater respectively. The groundwater is old and does not mix with new water, because tritium has not been not detected. Furthermore, the δ18O and δ2H values show that the rainwater, which feeds the aquifer does not come from the continental lands. They represent a humid and cold climate, as well as a considerable amount of rainfall in the past. Analyses of 14C indicate that the groundwater dates back to approximately 4176 years ago. The groundwater is moving from the west and southwest directions to the north and northeast directions. © 2023 University of Kuwait. All rights reserved.

The Euphrates River is considered a famous one among the rivers in the world. The current study is an attempt to give information about the bed sediments from Hilla to Shatt Al-Arab at Basrah, through sedimentological investigations. Forty-two samples were subjected to grain size analysis, representing twelve core sampling sites. The sand fractions (fine-very fine) decrease from Hilla to Basrah cities, beside the interval depths from top to bottom, whereas the silt fractions increase in the same direction and the depth interval, because the water current declined. The light minerals are examined by a polarized transmitted microscope as well as scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer techniques. The light minerals consist of 95.7%, and the heavy minerals of 4.3% among the total counted grains. The rock fragments, particularly carbonate and chert are the predominant constituents and increase from Hilla to Basrah cities, followed by quartz reduced in the same pattern. In addition, the lowest abundance of feldspar minerals where recognize in lower values also decreases to the southern orientation. Monocrystalline quartz is higher than polycrystalline. However, plagioclase is lesser in proportion than potash feldspar (orthoclase and microcline). The river bed sands are litharenite classification, and petrogenically, are transition recycled to transition arc referring to orogenic recycled derivation. © 2023, Union of Iraqi Geologists. All rights reserved.

The Shiranish Formation is cropped out in several areas in northern Iraq. A stratigraphic and facies study was conducted within the Duhok region to determine the sedimentary environment. Three microfacies, reflecting the various subenvironments within different shelf parts of the deep sea, have been identified within the Shiranish Formation. Four depositional environments are identified: slope, the toe of slope, deep shelf, and deep-sea or cratonic deep basin. The Shiranish Formation in the Duhok region, Northern Iraq, was deposited in an open shelf carbonate platform. The Shiranish Formation sequence is divided into six third-order cycles in the study area. These asymmetrical cycles reflect an imbalance between the relative level of the sea and the production of carbonate, and each one reflects a rise in the sea level following a period of standstill. There is a two-sequence boundary type SB-2 that defines the surface. The Shiranish sequence developed in a high-subsidence area that played the main role in the evolution of the formation. It was deposited on a carbonate platform with high subsidence due to major transgression, wherever the successive sea-level rise and stillstand episodes persist. © 2022 University of Baghdad-College of Science. All rights reserved.

The Gypseous soils are soils that cause major engineering problems such as collapse or settlement in several cities in Iraq, and the world. For these reasons, several methods were used to get rid of these engineering problems, including, using additives. This study utilized cement dust waste as an additive in the form of cement dust to improve some of the physical and engineering properties of gypseous soils collected from two sites in Al-Najaf city, with various content of gypsum. Cement dust waste was used in different percentages of %5, 10%, and 15%. Results showed a slight improvement in some properties, where the percentage of the liquid limit increased with the increase in the percentage of additives. Values of the specific gravity decreased in all the added percentages of cement dust. The values of the maximal weight were little decreased, while the optimal moisture percentage increased by increasing the percentage of the additive. Results of the direct shear tests, utilized a percentage of 15 % of cement dust waste, were used in two cases for dry soil and soaked soil for curing 1 day and 7 days. The results showed increasing the quantity of additives by 15% increased the cohesion value which is due to the action of cement dust particles forming bonding bonds with gypseous soil grains. The internal friction angle of cement dust was lower than the internal friction angle of gypseous soil, resulting in a small decrease in the internal friction angle. © 2022, Union of Iraqi Geologists. All rights reserved.

The geophysical method (Cross-Hole Survey) was used to assess the bearing capacity of the soil in the study area to build a water treatment plant. It was noted, that the velocities of the primary and secondary waves decrease at the depths of 4 and 5 meters compared to the depths above and down, so, the lithology or physical properties of this specific soil have changed. It was also observed that seismic wave velocities are low in general due to the medium density and hardness of the soils in the study area. Furthermore, the elasticity modulus values were shown to decrease at depths of 4 and 5 meters. It is further evidence of the soil's weakness at these depths. When the type of layer changed, the elastic modulus changed as well. The geotechnical properties between the wells were evaluated based on the velocities of seismic waves (S-waves and P-waves) for classifying the load capacity values with the stiffness. The bearing capability of the soil was found to be medium-stiff at depths of 2 and 3 meters, but soft at depths of 4 and 5 meters. At depths of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 meters, the bearing capacity is stiff to very stiff. © 2022, Union of Iraqi Geologists. All rights reserved.

Injana Formation is extensively exposed in Iraq. Three sections have been chosen from Zawita, Tikrit and Tar Al-Najaf areas. Systematic sampling has been performed and 32 samples for petrographic investigation were collected from the outcrops of selected areas. The megascopic description in precise details is also attained. Petrographic investigation using polarized transmitted light microscopy reveals an intense effect of the Zagros-Taurus provenance on Injana sediments. Zawita and Tikrit sections are closer to the source area from the Tar Al-Najaf section. The mineralogical component, size and shape of sand grains confirmed this result. Injana sediments in Tar Al-Najaf subjected to long transportation because the source rock is far away and long distance from this area. © 2022 IEEE.

Detecting the weathering zone is one of the required data correction steps to process reflection seismic data collected at the Majnoon oil field, south of Iraq. Two subsurface layers represent the weathering zone in this field. Those two layers were inferred by primary seismic waves utilizing the down-hole seismic method. Five wells in the studied area were drilled and named DH-1, DH-2, DH-3, DH-4 and DH-5. The collected seismic data was analyzed to determine the depths, thicknesses and lithology of the subsurface layers. The primary seismic wave velocities were calculated and applied to eliminate two sub-surface layers. The average primary wave velocities and thicknesses of the first layer were 374, 240, 211, 277, 370 m/s, and 2.8, 2, 2, 2, 4.9 m, respectively. In the second layer, the primary waves velocities were 1125, 1284, 1201, 1395 and 1008 m/s, and the thicknesses were 13.2, 11, 13, 11.5, 21.4 m. The first weathered layer represented on the five wells is clay. The second layer has different geometry on different wells, which is represented by a sandy clay layer on DH-1, and muddy clay on DH-2. Then, it is changed to be a silt layer in DH-3, sandy clay in DH-4 and DH-5. © 2022, Union of Iraqi Geologists. All rights reserved.

This study is concerned with the geochemical analysis of major oxides; SiO2, CaO, MgO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, and MnO. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Ultra Violet Spectrophotometer tools were used to examine ten samples that represented the detritus sediments of the Injana Formation in Iraq in two sites from Dohuk and Al-Najaf Governorates; where five samples for each site were collected. The chemical results emphasize that Injana sandstone is classified as litharenite to slightly sublitharenite and greywacke referring to immature clasts. Arid paleoclimtic conditions predominated during deposition of the formation which coincides with low to relatively, moderate chemical weathering. Tectonically, the studied areas represent active continental margin with a slight trend to passive margin and island arc dominated by mafic to intermediate source rocks. The provenance of the Injana Formation that had been deduced is the Tourus-Complex Zagros Mountains that are characterized by the ophiolitic-radiolaritic and complex igneous rocks. © 2021, Union of Iraqi Geoogists. All rights reserved.

Sedimentological properties of the dunes and valley terrigenous sediments in Al-Muthanna Governorate, southern Iraq were carried out. Ten samples were collected, where five samples from both sand dunes, and valley sediments. Grain size analysis revealed that sand, silt and clay fractions are the constituents of these sediments. Sand fractions predominant in the dunes and the texture is classified as silty sand, whereas clay fractions dominate in the valley sediments, with sandy clay texture. The mineralogy is determined by X-ray diffraction, which revealed that quartz is the main mineral in both study areas, followed by calcite, feldspars in lesser amount and evaporates (gypsum) in minor component of the light minerals. Petrographically, monocrystalline quartz dominates over polycrystalline quartz in both areas. Rock fragments in the valley sediments are higher than in the sand dunes, which are comprised of carbonate, chert, igneous, metamorphic, evaporate, and mudstone rock fragments. Feldspars are approximately similar in the study areas and comprised mainly alkali feldspar (potash feldspar) and plagioclase. Petrogenically, the sand dunes occupy the quartzose-recycled field, while the valley sediments fall in transitional recycled fields represented recycled orogeny. © 2021, Union of Iraqi Geoogists. All rights reserved.

The major oxides of the terrigenousbed sediments in the Euphrates River described in the present paper, was carried out through the field work during 2018; thus about 25 core samples from eight river bed sediment sites (from S1 to S12) along the course of the river to the Shatt Al-Arab River from Hilla to Basrah cities. The coordinate number of these sites are between 38°41°32.48″N-38°14′24.10″N latitude and 39°56′4.59″E-39°8°13.41′′E longitude. Ten of major oxides were determined by XRF technique, these are SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, SO3 and P2O5 in addition to LOI. SiO2is the highest abundance, whileP2O5is the lowest; however SiO2, and TiO2 decrease from Hilla to Basrah cities, whereas CaO, and MgO increase in the same direction. The mean abundance of the major oxides of the Euphrates River bed sediments may order as following; SiO2 >CaO>Al2O3>Fe2O3>MgO>K2O >Na2O >TiO2> SO3> P2O5. The source rocks of these sediments is mafic, and its geochemical classification is Fe-sand extends to Fe-shale. The geochemical weathering restricted between moderate to low degree. According to the elemental ratio, CaO, SiO2, Fe2O3, MgO, and TiO2are enrichment, whereas Al2O3, K2O, P2O5, and SO3 are depletion. The paleoclimatic condition of the clastic bed sediments is arid coincide with low to moderate chemical maturity. the tectonic setting of clasts sediment fall in the island arc field. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

One of Iraq's most significant groundwater-bearing limestone aquifers is the Dammam Formation. The aquifer groundwater has been studied hydrogeochemically. It is suitable for irrigation, as indicated by sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and total dissolved solids (TDS), which are 4.15 and 1971 ppm (in average) respectively. Through the vision of the Stiff diagram, the predominant ions are Cl-, SO42+ and Na+ while the HCO-3 and Mg2+ are relatively poor. There is plenty of flowing wells in the study area in Najaf Governorate producing groundwater from the Dammam aquifer. In recent years, many wells have been drilled in an irregular pattern for forming fish breeding lakes. These lakes' water drains 4.715 m3/s into the Najaf depression by Wadi Al- Khur and artificial channels, where it mixes with brine water, rendering it useless. This lead to the exhaustion huge amount of precious groundwater resource. Many signs that confirm the Piezometric pressure drop and groundwater levels descent in the Dammam aquifer in the region. The groundwater flow has been halted in several flowing wells in the study area especially in Wadi Al-Khur due to the exhaustion of the reserve and a decrease in the level of the hydrostatic pressure of the aquifer. A significant decline in values transmissivity and specific capacity of the Dammam aquifer when compared with previous studies in the years 1996 and 2009. Through observation of the monitoring well (W/7), a decrease in groundwater levels of flowing wells in the study area. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

The Portland cement industry is one of the strategic industries in any country. The basis of an industry success is the availability of raw materials and, the low extraction in addition to transportation costs. The Bahr Al-Najaf region is abundant with limestone rocks but lacks primary gypsum. An investigation had been carried out to identify the source of secondary gypsum as an alternative to primary gypsum. Twelve boreholes were drilled for a depth of 2 m, as the thickness of suitable secondary gypsum layer ranges from 1 to 1.5 m. The mineralogical study revealed the predominance of gypsum followed by quartz and calcite, with an average of 62.9%, 19.6% and 14.35%, respectively. The geochemical analysis revealed that the content of SO3 is appropriate and ranging from 41.92% to 32.89% with an average of 37.73%. The SO3 content is within an acceptable range. The mean abundance of the major oxides of the study area may be arranged as SO3 > CaO> SiO2 > MgO> Al2 O> Fe2 O3. The insoluble residue was at an acceptable rate. The laboratory experiments for milling secondary gypsum with clinker has successfully proven the production of Portland cement that matches the limits of the Iraqi Quality Standard (IQS) No. 5 of 1984. Great care must be taken when using secondary gypsum; secondary gypsum must be mixed well to maintain the chemical properties before blending with clinker and utilizing in the cement mill in the cement plant. © 2021 by the Author(s).

The research was conducted on nine pits for selected soils in Babylon, in the Al-Kifl region in particular. It aims to find the relationship between the physical and chemical properties of the studied soil and its suitability in the cement industry. Nine samples of different depths were taken with a simple description of the soil in the fieldwork stage. As for the stage of laboratory tests, it included testing the grain size distribution to find the percentage of sand, silt, and clay, and Atterberg limits to find plasticity. It was found through these tests that the soil is silty clay and has low plasticity except for samples no. 5, and 6, which were clayey soil with low plasticity. The relationship between physical properties depends on the property of the grain size distribution, as it is the function of the rest of the properties. Chemical tests of the samples and comparing the ratios of their oxides with the standard specifications of the Kufa plant laboratory turned out to be suitable for the manufacture of ordinary Portland cement, as the study area is considered a good quarry for the clays used in such industries. © 2021, Union of Iraqi Geologists. All rights reserved.