This work presents an investigative study of the influence of adding chopped carbon fiber (C.C.F.) on the performance of two specified properties of cement mortar, namely; The flexural strength and density, for two (W/C) ratios (0.4 & 0.6). Four cement mortar mixtures were casted for this purpose, these mixtures were divided into two groups according to their (W/C) ratios (0.4 & 0.6), and each group was subdivided into two subgroups according to whether C.C.F. is used or not. It was found that, when C.C.F. is added, the flexural strength and density of the cement mortar mass are increased for both (W/C) ratios, and the percentages of these increases are slightly increased with the increase in (W/C) ratios. It was also found that, when (W/C) ratio is enlarged from (0.4) to (0.6), the flexural strength and density are reduced with and without the existence of C.C.F., and the percentage of this reduction is slightly decreased in the existence of C.C.F.

This research presents a study of using an additive for the objective of increasing the setting time of a material used in several aspects in the constructional field, this material is “Local-Gypsum” which is locally called “Joss”, and the additive used in this study is “Trees Glue Powder” denoted by “TGP”. Nine mixtures of Local-gypsum (joss) had been experimented in the current study to find their setting time, these mixes were divided into three groups according to their water-joss ratios (W/J) (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5), and each group was sub-divided into three sub-groups according to their TGP contents (0.0%, 0.3% and 0.6%). It was found that, when TGP is added with the two contents (0.3% and 0.6%), the setting time of local gypsum (joss) is increased, and the percentage of this increase at (TGP content = 0.6%) is doubly multiplied as compared to the percentage at (TGP content = 0.3%). Moreover, when TGP content is increased from (0.0% to 0.6%), the percentage of increase in the setting times of joss is reduced with the increase of (W/J) ratio from (0.3 to 0.5). It was also found that, when (W/J) ratio is increased, the setting time of joss is increased, and this behavior is applicable for all TGP contents (0.0%, 0.3% and 0.6%). While, when (W/J) is increased from (0.3 to 0.5), the percentage of increase in the setting times of joss is reduced with the increase in TGP contents from (0.0% to 0.6%).

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The need to find solutions based on sustainable methods for the transportation sector in Iraq has become an urgent necessity due to the ever-increasing volume of traffic congestion caused mainly by the increase in the number of vehicles and the total dependence on them for transportation in the absence of other alternatives. This increase in traffic congestion drains all of the fossil energy in addition to losses in time, health and comfort of users and those close to the roads. Also, it increases the costs in maintaining roads and vehicles, as well as the harmful effects on the environment. A number of literatures have been studied to explain the effects and causes of traffic congestion, especially in countries whose conditions are similar to Iraq. The roads and intersections in the city of Baghdad were monitored, and a number of experts were requested to discuss the causes. A sample questionnaire was conducted that included several levels and ages of Iraqi society to determine the sample's impression on a number of points affecting the local traffic congestion in Baghdad city. It was revealed through the questionnaire that there are four main causes for traffic congestion and there is a strong desire among Iraqis to own and drive vehicles, which led to a significant and continuous increase in their numbers, and this is one of the main causes of congestion.