Construction and Infrastructure Engineering Conference at UBT Explores Climate Impact, Bio-Materials, and Artificial Intelligence in Construction

25/10/2025

As part of the International Conference on Construction and Infrastructure Engineering, local and international researchers presented scientific papers highlighting the latest developments in construction, structural engineering, materials, and environmental sustainability.

Conference topics included the impact of climate change on the construction sector, the thermal behavior of concrete using bio-derived materials, the design of prefabricated structures, and innovative approaches to improving urban sustainability and seismic safety. The conference served as a vital platform for sharing experiences and innovative ideas among academia, industry professionals, and the construction sector.

In the thematic sessions, participants discussed modern construction approaches, including optimization of concrete structures, bridge design, the impact of water and chlorides on concrete quality, the use of extended reality (EON-XR) for work safety, and applications of artificial intelligence in civil engineering and transport management. The presented work showcased concrete examples of advanced research contributing to safer, more sustainable, and European-standard-compliant infrastructure development.

Session I

Chair: Visar Krelani

Co–Chair: Bruno Dal Lago

The Impact of Climate Change on Kosovo’s Construction Sector in the Last Decade – Muhamet Ahmeti, Arberesha Kastrati
Thermal Behaviour of Concrete with Bio-Derived and PCM-Modified Aggregates: Insights from Experiments and FEM Simulations – Saulo Rocha Ferreira, Rodolfo Giacomim Mendes de Andrade, Leonardo Seibert Kuhn, Ignacio Peralta, Roberta Jacoby Cureau, Anna Laura Pisello, Antonio Caggiano
Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour of a Long-Span Precast Industrial Building – Marco Bizzozero, Francesco Daniele, Bruno Dal Lago
Precast Concrete Panels in Fire – Francesco Daniele, Bruno Dal Lago
Insight into Prefabricated Composite Wall Design Dissipating Blast Energy Through Confined Concrete Fracture Within Steel Enclosure – Niyazi Özgür Bezgin
Case Study of Strengthening an Existing Newly Constructed Reinforced Concrete Building in Prishtina – Rina Peja, Bledian Nela, Liron Morina
Resilient by Tradition: Structural Characterization of Vernacular Architecture in Kosovo – Bledian Nela, Feti Selmani
New Method of Proportional Prestress Tendon Line (MPPTL) for Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams with Non-Concordant Cables – Xhemshir Mulliqi
Analytical Design of Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams – Methodology, Example, and Comparison with a Simply Supported Beam – Xhemshir Mulliqi
Analysis of Monolithic and Prefabricated Systems to Determine Optimal Superstructure Solution for Railway Bridge – Arsim Rapuca, Jetmir Rragomaj
Optimization of Pre-stressed Prefabricated Elements: Main Beams of Industrial Halls – Type I – Rinor Salihu, Arsim Rapuca
Optimal Selection of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Superstructure – Monolithic System Case Study: Transit Bridge in Klina – Pajtim Gashi, Arsim Rapuca
Analysis, Design, and Optimization of RC Beams According to Eurocode 2 – Isak Idrizi, Agon Shaini
‘DASISedu’ Program for Seismic Response History Analysis of 2D Frame Structures with Different Seismic Protection Systems – Isak Idrizi
Integrating Seismic Survey Data with Zoning Maps for Enhanced Urban Safety and Structural Resilience – Shemsi Mustafa, Visar Krelani, Besian Sinani, Hazir Çadraku

Session II

Chair: Muhamet Ahmeti

Co–Chair: Anjeza Alaj

Design Guidelines for Epoxy-Modified Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Mixtures: A Performance-Based Approach – Mohammed Alamri
The Impact of Water on Concrete Quality – Ibush Luzha, Bujar Aliu, Dafina Luzha, Teodor Zguro
Concrete Strength Class and Its Impact on Beam Section Modulus: A Dual Experimental–Theoretical Approach – Butrint Kryeziu, Feti Selmani, Driton Kryeziu
Analysis of Fiber Orientation in Concrete Considering Variables Affecting Distribution – Diellza Vishi, Pedro Serna Ros, Visar Krelani
Analysing the Effect of Chloride Penetration on Corrosion – Leart Shabani, Pedro Serna Ros, Visar Krelani
A Novel Framework Design for Hybrid Research Methodologies in Engineering – Ylber Limani
Applicable Method for Revision of Unit Prices for Long-Term Construction Contracts – Ilir Hetemi, Ragip Behrami
Dimensional Stability and Hydric Behavior of Lime-Slag Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks – Ines Bouteldja, Khaled Grine, Said Kenai

Session III

Chair: Skender Bublaku

Co–Chair: Hazir Çadraku

Comprehensive Analysis of Springs in Central Kosovo – Hazir Çadraku
Hydrogeological Research on Groundwater in Nashec Spring – Blerte Retkoceri
Assessment of Water Losses Using ILI and ALI Indicators: Case Study from Urban and Rural DMAs in Prishtina Regional Water Company – Ilir Abdullahu
Reuse of Treated Wastewater – Skender Bublaku, Benit Avdyli, Mentor Bega
Building Performance Analysis – Thermal Insulation Factors – Afrim Syla
Modeling and Prediction of Soil Settlements under Load Effects – Hysen Ahmeti

Session IV

Chair: Nol Dedaj

Co–Chair: Bekim Selimi

Role of Transport Management in Workforce Wellbeing During Green and Digital Transition – Neli Lalkovska
Application of Pedestrian Overpasses in Urban Areas – Case of Road “B” (Sunny Hill) – Anilë Shkodra, Bleona Ajeti Jashari, Nita Kryeziu, Visar Baxhuku
Audit of Road Safety Elements: Interaction of Vehicles and Pedestrians at Tahir Zaimi Road – N9 National Road, Segment Prishtina – Fushë Kosovë – Alban Ramabaja, Nol Dedaj
Application of AI in Risk Assessment during Vehicle Movement – Visar Baxhuku, Jeton Rexhepi, Gezim Tola
Integration of EON-XR Extended Reality and AI in Civil Engineering: Innovative Approach to Work Safety – Zymer Veliu
Modern Trends in the Dimensions and Driving Factors of Smart Cities – Fahad K. Alqahtani
Implementation of Road Tax Payment System in Kosovo: Focus on Highways R6 and R7 – Bekim Selimi, Fitore Kurteshi Osmani