The Impact of Nanotechnology Applications on the Performance of Civil Engineering Projects: A Field Study in Iraq
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65204/djes.v3i2.700Keywords:
Nanotechnology applications; Civil engineering projects; Construction project perfor-mance; Cost and time performance; Quality and durability; Sustainability; Iraq.Abstract
The construction sector in Iraq continues to experience significant challenges related to cost overruns, schedule delays, quality deficiencies, safety risks, and weak sustainability performance, largely due to reliance on conventional materials and practices. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising innovation with the potential to enhance construction materials and improve overall project outcomes; however, empirical evidence from developing countries remains limited. This study examines the impact of nanotechnology applications on the performance of civil engineering projects in Iraq using a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 250 construction professionals, including engineers, project managers, consultants, and academics. The perceived effects of nanotechnology adoption were assessed across five performance dimensions: time, cost, quality and durability, safety and health, and sustainability. Statistical analysis using SPSS included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, the Relative Importance Index (RII), and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that cost and time performance are the most significant perceived benefits, followed by quality and durability, while safety, health, and sustainability also show substantial importance. The regression model demonstrates strong explanatory power (R² = 0.886, p < 0.001), with cost performance emerging as the strongest predictor of overall project performance. The findings suggest that nanotechnology is a strategic tool for enhancing efficiency and long-term value in civil engineering projects in developing-country contexts.
References
REFERENCES
Ghanam, S.A.; Mohammed Khuder, S.S.; Ibrahim, A.A.; Saeed Alghabsha, A.T.; Zeki, I.M. Evaluation of factors delaying the completion of schools projects by using neural network multi-layer perceptron model. Int. J. Intell. Eng. Syst. 2025, 18, 6.
Al-Attabi, A.M.A.N. Toward delay mitigation in Iraqi construction projects: Evaluating the causes and the implications. Ain Shams Eng. J. 2025, 16, 103598.
Han, B.; Zheng, Q.; Sun, S.; Dong, S.; Zhang, L.; Yu, X.; Ou, J. Enhancing mechanisms of multi-layer graphenes to cementitious composites. Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 2017, 101, 143–150.
Utsev, T.; Tiza, T.M.; Mogbo, O.; Singh, S.K.; Chakravarti, A.; Shaik, N.; Singh, S.P. Application of nanomaterials in civil engineering. Mater. Today Proc. 2022, 62, 5140–5146.
Senff, L.; Tobaldi, D.M.; Lucas, S.; Hotza, D.; Ferreira, V.M.; Labrincha, J.A. Formulation of mortars with nano-SiO₂ and nano-TiO₂ for degradation of pollutants in buildings. Compos. Part B Eng. 2013, 44, 40–47.
Patel, G.M.; Shah, V.; Bhaliya, J.; Mehta, K. Nanomaterials for construction building products designed to withstand natural disasters. In: Nanotechnology-Based Smart Remote Sensing Networks for Disaster Prevention; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2022; pp. 19–42.
Hanus, M.J.; Harris, A.T. Nanotechnology innovations for the construction industry. Prog. Mater. Sci. 2013, 58, 1056–1102.
Dheyaaldin, M.H.; Kianmehr, P. Sustainable utilization of nanomaterials in reactive powder composite: State of the art review. J. Build. Eng. 2024, 98, 111047.
[9] Patel, R.B.; Verma, A.K. Characterization of graphene-based membranes in concrete. IEEE Trans. Nanotechnol. 2016, 15, 1050–1058.
Liu, Y.; Zhong, X.; Mohammadian, H.R. Role carbon nanomaterials in reinforcement of concrete and cement: A new perspective in civil engineering. Alexandria Eng. J. 2023, 72, 649–656.
Loh, K.J.; Nagarajaiah, S. Introduction to advanced nanocomposites in civil, structural, and construction engineering. In: Innovative Developments of Advanced Multifunctional Nanocomposites in Civil and Structural Engineering; Woodhead Publishing: Cambridge, UK, 2016; pp. 1–5.
Khitab, A.; Abdin, Z.U.; Ahmed, I.; Karim, T. Thermal insulation of buildings through classical materials and nanomaterials. In: Recent Advances in Nano-Tailored Multi-Functional Cementitious Composites; Woodhead Publishing: Cambridge, UK, 2022; pp. 277–303.
Chen, M.; et al. Nano-engineering approaches in the development of high-performance building materials. IEEE Trans. Eng. Constr. 2018, 9, 765–773.
[14] Lopez, E.; Sanchez, F. Advances in nano-modified structural composites for seismic applications. IEEE Trans. Eng. Struct. 2019, 25, 514–522.
Firoozi, A.A.; Firoozi, A.A.; Maghami, M.R. Transformative impacts of nanotechnology on sustainable construction: A comprehensive review. Results Eng. 2025, 104973.
González-Ballesteros, N.; Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C. Seaweeds: A promising bionanofactory for ecofriendly synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles. In: Sustainable Seaweed Technologies; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2020; pp. 507–541.
Hubbs, A.; Porter, D.; Mercer, R.; Castranova, V.; Sargent, L.; Sriram, K. Nanoparticulates. In: Haschek and Rousseaux's Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2023.
[18] Sudha, P.N.; Sangeetha, K.; Vijayalakshmi, K.; Barhoum, A. Nanomaterials history, classification, unique properties, production and market. In: Emerging Applications of Nanoparticles and Architecture Nanostructures; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2018; pp. 341–384.
El Messaoudi, N.; Ciğeroğlu, Z.; Şenol, Z.M.; Bouich, A.; Kazan-Kaya, E.S.; Noureen, L.; Américo-Pinheiro, J.H.P. Green synthesis of nanoparticles for remediation organic pollutants in wastewater by adsorption. In: Advances in Chemical Pollution, Environmental Management and Protection; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2024; Vol. 10, pp. 305–345.
Bouwmeester, H.; Brandhoff, P.; Marvin, H.J.; Weigel, S.; Peters, R.J. State of the safety assessment and current use of nanomaterials in food and food production. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 2014, 40, 200–210.
Ramsden, J.J. What is nanotechnology? In: Applied Nanotechnology, 3rd ed.; Elsevier: Oxford, UK, 2018; pp. 47–57.
Stegmaier, T. Recent advances in textile manufacturing technology. In: The Global Textile and Clothing Industry; Woodhead Publishing: Cambridge, UK, 2012; pp. 113–130.
Ahmed, W.; Jackson, M.J. Emerging Nanotechnologies for Manufacturing; William Andrew: Oxford, UK, 2014.
Reddy, Y.R.; Nassar, A.H.; Kangda, M.Z.; Yashwanth, H.J.; Khan, M.A.; Asiri, A.N.M.; Algburi, S. Symbiotic impact of carbon quantum dots on microstructural development and mechanical behaviour of cement mortars. Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 2024, 20, e03042.
Althoey, F.; Zaid, O.; Martínez-García, R.; Alsharari, F.; Ahmed, M.; Arbili, M.M. Impact of nano-silica on hydration, strength, durability, and microstructural properties of concrete: A state-of-the-art review. Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 2023, 18, e01997.
Jameel, G.S.; İpek, S.; Güneyisi, E.; Güneyisi, E.M.; Ahmed, A.D. Analyzing the load-displacement behavior and determining fracture parameters and bond strength of high-strength SCC mixtures. J. Build. Eng. 2024, 85, 108744.
Grantham, M.; Mechtcherine, V.; Schneck, U., Eds. Concrete Solutions 2011; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2012.
Dawood, E.T.; Mahmood, M.S. Production of sustainable concrete brick units using nano-silica. Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 2021, 14, e00498.
Güneyisi, E.; Gesoglu, M.; Azez, O.A.; Öz, H.Ö. Effect of nano silica on the workability of self-compacting concretes. Constr. Build. Mater. 2016, 115, 371–380.
Alyasri, S.A.H.; Alkroosh, I.S.; Sarker, P.K. Feasibility of producing nano cement in a traditional cement factory in Iraq. Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 2017, 7, 91–101.
Alaskar, A.; Mahmood, M.S.; Zaid, O.; Althoey, F.; Arbili, M.M. Systematic review on geopolymer composites modified with nanomaterials and thin films. Constr. Build. Mater. 2023, 409, 133888.
Han, B.; Zhang, L.; Zeng, S.; Dong, S.; Yu, X.; Yang, R.; Ou, J. Nano-core effect in nano-engineered cementitious composites. Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 2017, 95, 100–109.
Chfat, A.H.Z.; Yaacob, H.; Kamaruddin, N.H.M.; Al-Saffar, Z.H.; Jaya, R.P. Effects of nano eggshell powder as sustainable bio-filler on bitumen. Results Eng. 2024, 22, 102061.
You, Z.; Mills-Beale, J.; Foley, J.M.; Roy, S.; Odegard, G.M.; Dai, Q.; Goh, S.W. Nanoclay-modified asphalt materials: Preparation and characterization. Constr. Build. Mater. 2011, 25, 1072–1078.
Pacheco-Torgal, F.; Jalali, S. Nanotechnology: Advantages and drawbacks in construction materials. Constr. Build. Mater. 2011, 25, 582–590.
Ganesh, V.K. Nanotechnology in civil engineering. Eur. Sci. J. 2012, 8(27).
Mohammed, A.M.A.; Al Saadi, H.K.H.; Fahad, A.R.M.; Ali, A.N.N.; Salim, A.W.N.; Said, A.M.N.; Bellum, R.R. Influence of nano CaCO₃ on pore structure and compressive strength in concrete bricks. J. Build. Eng. 2025, 105, 112520.
Chekravarty, D.S.V.S.M.R.K.; Alapati, M.; Sravana, P.; Rao, P.S. Experimental investigations on durability properties nano-silica based concrete. Mater. Today Proc. 2022, 51, 2176–2184.
Heikal, M.; Abd El Aleem, S.; Morsi, W.M. Characteristics of blended cements containing nano-silica. HBRC J. 2013, 9, 243–255.
Janković, K.; Stanković, S.; Bojović, D.; Stojanović, M.; Antić, L. Influence of nano-silica and barite aggregate on ultra-high-performance concrete. Constr. Build. Mater. 2016, 126, 147–156.
Li, L.G.; Huang, Z.H.; Zhu, J.; Kwan, A.K.H.; Chen, H.Y. Synergistic effects of micro-silica and nano-silica on mortar strength. Constr. Build. Mater. 2017, 140, 229–238.
Zhang, C.; Khorshidi, H.; Najafi, E.; Ghasemi, M. Properties of alkali-activated composites incorporating nanomaterials: A review. J. Clean. Prod. 2023, 384, 135390.
Firoozi, A.A.; Firoozi, A.A.; Maghami, M.R. Transforming civil engineering: Role of nanotechnology and AI in advancing durability and structural health monitoring. Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 2025, 23, e05063.
Gopalakrishnan, K.; Birgisson, B.; Taylor, P.; Attoh-Okine, N.O. Nanotechnology in Civil Infrastructure; Springer: Berlin, Germany, 2011.
Illston, J.M.; Domone, P. Construction Materials: Their Nature and Behaviour; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2001.
Sanchez, F.; Sobolev, K. Nanotechnology in concrete—A review. Constr. Build. Mater. 2010, 24, 2060–2071.
Torgal, F.P.; Jalali, S. Nanotechnology achievements. In: Eco-Efficient Construction and Building Materials; Springer: London, UK, 2011; pp. 213–230.
[World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Protecting Workers from Potential Risks of Manufactured Nanomaterials; WHO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2017.
Arora, S.K.; Foley, R.W.; Youtie, J.; Shapira, P.; Wiek, A. Drivers of technology adoption—The case of nanomaterials in building construction. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 2014, 87, 232–244.
Huseien, G.F. A review on concrete composites modified with nanoparticles. J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7, 67.
Porter, M.E. Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance; Simon & Schuster: New York, NY, USA, 2008.
Saaty, T.L. Analytic hierarchy process. In: Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science; Springer: Boston, MA, USA, 2013; pp. 52–64.
Cohen, J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences; Routledge: New York, NY, USA, 2013.
Hair, J.F.; Black, W.C.; Babin, B.J.; Anderson, R.E. Multivariate Data Analysis; Cengage: Boston, MA, USA, 2019.
Field, A. Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics; Sage: London, UK, 2024.
Giri, O.P. Perception-based assessment of factors causing delays in construction projects. Engineering 2023, 15, 431–445.
Doloi, H.; Sawhney, A.; Iyer, K.C.; Rentala, S. Analysing factors affecting delays in Indian construction projects. Int. J. Proj. Manag. 2012, 30, 479–489.
Hanus, M.J.; Harris, A.T. Nanotechnology innovations for the construction industry. Prog. Mater. Sci. 2013, 58, 1056–1102.
Hinze, J.; Thurman, S.; Wehle, A. Leading indicators of construction safety performance. Saf. Sci. 2013, 51, 23–28.
