Government Engineering College, Nawada

This study developed an integrated machine learning framework for predicting the factor of safety (FOS) of soil slopes using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) optimized with three metaheuristic algorithms: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Tiki Taka Optimization Algorithm (TTOA), and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). A dataset comprising six influential parameters, namely cohesion, unit weight, friction angle, slope angle, slope height, and pore pressure ratio, was employed for model development. The dataset was normalized and divided into training and independent testing subsets, while five-fold cross validation was adopted during model optimization to improve robustness and reduce overfitting. Model performance was assessed using multiple statistical indicators, scatter plots, Regression Error Characteristic curves, and Taylor diagrams. The results demonstrate that all optimized XGB models effectively captured the nonlinear relationship between the input parameters and FOS, while the proposed framework provides an accurate, interpretable, and computationally efficient tool. To improve model transparency, SHAP, LIME, and permutation feature importance analyses were incorporated. The explainability results identified slope angle, cohesion, and slope height as the dominant predictors, consistent with their governing roles in slope geometry and shear strength. The proposed framework provides an accurate, interpretable, and computationally efficient tool for data driven slope stability assessment.

Self-cleaning cementitious composites are one of the most functional building materials that have recently gained significant importance in order to enhance the aesthetic durability, environmental characteristics and service life of building and infrastructure. The materials are intended to prevent dust, organic impurities, dirt and airborne contaminants from settling on open surfaces by photocatalytic or superhydrophobic effect or by a combination of both effects. Recent developments have been based on the introduction of nanomaterials (titanium dioxide, silica-based modifier, and surface treatment) in cement-based matrices, which are not only mechanically strong but also active on the surface. Even with laboratory success, there are the challenges of durability, cost, dependence on weather conditions, compatibility with existing construction practices, as well as long-term maintenance performance that yet to be overcome in practice. The field is shifting from proof-of-concept research to optimization for real-world applications, notably in facades, pavements, tunnels and urban air-purifying structures. This paper summarizes the latest advances in SCCs, highlights the significant technical and practical challenges, and outlines potential future prospects for increased use. The development of materials, standard testing procedures, and life-cycle assessment will be essential to making these new composites a viable construction option, it's claimed.

Cellular lightweight concrete is a resourceful material that is made up of cement, fly ash, and protein-based foam. Its strength is lower than conventional concrete, so it is useful for a non-load-bearing structural element. Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) is a type of concrete that contains a high volume of tiny air bubbles or cells, which give it a lower density and lighter weight compared to traditional concrete. CLC is known for its insulating properties and is used in various construction applications where lightweight and insulating materials are required. As the research shows that the LWC has a lower modulus of elasticity, lower coefficient of thermal expansion, higher inelastic strains, more voids between particles, and a more continuous contact zone between the aggregates and paste, and so on. These properties act as factors of attraction for the using LWC over traditional concrete. Lightweight concrete holds its voids between the different admixtures and stops the development of laitance layers or cement film when placed on the walls. In this experimental study, the compressive strength of lightweight concrete (LWC), as well as the compressive strength of lightweight concrete with partial replacement of laterite soil, has been investigated. After partial replacement of fine aggregates with laterite soil, the structural strength after 7-14 days was less compared to conventional LWC. But at 28 days, LWC with laterite soil had obtained its complete strength. The average reduction in its weight was around 17% as compared to conventional lightweight concrete.