http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/42 1st International Balkans Conference on Challenges of Civil Engineering Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:26:27 GMT 2026-06-08T17:26:27Z http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/1094 Condition Assessment of Existing Reinforced Concrete Bridges in Albania Yavuz, YARDIM Conditions of existing bridges are often problematic issue for many countries. The combination of a variety of local factors that cause deterioration raises the needs for local survey for bridges. Concrete bridges in Albania had been constructed with different standards in different periods and exposed traffic loads which have rapidly increased last two decades. Despite the fact that existing condition of these bridges has not been clearly defined yet. Therefore an attempt was made on this study to draw a general picture of Albanian’s reinforced bridges. The condition of Albanian bridges was presented in this paper based on visual inspection of 24 bridges (3.6 km of total bridges length) from different part of the country, concentrating on local causes of deteriorations. The main causes of the defects are figured out in the study as traffic load, nature force, aging, lack of maintenance and last but not least construction and design deficiencies. Study concludes that general physical state of the bridges are poor, therefore, the service provided by the bridges are in potential hazards. Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/1094 2011-05-19T00:00:00Z http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/1093 Structural Analysis of Tirana’s Clock Tower in Albania Hüseyin, Bilgin; Gloriant, Kokoli Preservation of the ancient heritage and old structures for future generations is considered as a fundamental issue in the cultural life of modern societies. The purpose of preserving old monuments is to protect them as enduring landmarks and as testimony of the Albanian’s unique, multi ethnic and rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, the repair and conservation of historical buildings and monuments is a complex and challenging discipline. Watch towers are common in Albania. In many cities these towers are often protected by law as part of the cultural heritage. The main focus of this paper is to investigate and to present a summary of the results of the structural response of the Clock tower of Tirana, including its response under gravity and seismic loads. The stress concentrations at the critical locations are investigated and the analysis results were discussed. Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/1093 2011-05-19T00:00:00Z http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/858 A New Formulation For The Fundamental Period Of Reinforced Concrete Planar Shear Walls Murat, Pala; Naci, Caglar; Zehra Sule, Garip; Cihan, Bayram; Hakan, Ozturk The reinforced concrete shear wall system has become a popular structural component for lateral resistance in buildings and base shear of these structures has a vital effect on the earthquake induced lateral forces. The fundamental period of structures is used in most building codes to determine the lateral forces. However, accurate computation of period is not an easy task at the design stage. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the empirical easy-to-use equation for the calculation of fundamental periods of concrete planar shear walls. Genetic programming has been used to generate the proposed formula. Finite element analysis, were carried out for various shear walls having a variety of height and length and the results were used to develop the proposed formula. The outcomes of formula are compared with the results from equations in the seismic codes and finite element analysis. The comparison results indicate good agreement with finite element analysis and show better performance than codes. Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/858 2011-05-19T00:00:00Z http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/1091 THE COVERING STRUCTURES OF THE MAIN PRAYER HALLS OF THE EXISTING MOSQUES BUILT DURING THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE PERIOD IN ALBANIA Edmond, Manahasa; Odeta, Manahasa This study examines the covering structures of the existing mosques built during Ottoman Empire period in Albania. The historical information and especially the plan schemes are taken from the existing sources. The buildings are also examined on the site and the relevant visual material has been provided, to explain the covering structures features of the main prayer halls. The study is organized according to a chronological order. Each building is explained by giving introductory information about the builder and the time of the mosques and then by examining the covering structures and their transitional elements. In conclusion the features of covering structures of the existing mosques built during Ottoman Empire period in Albania are compared between each other defining their typology and revealing the structural values of these buildings. Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/1091 2011-05-19T00:00:00Z