FINIBUS Scientific Journal - Engineering, Industry and Architecture

Analysis of welding-induced distortion and residual stress in steel plates and their effect on buckling resistance

Erick Salgado-Cedeño, Francisco Paredes-Mera — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Welding is a technology widely used in the shipbuilding industry to connect components. Because welding requires large heat input to the welded part, it causes deformation of the welded part, residual stress and deformation, affecting the geometry and strength of the component after welding. This research uses finite element analysis software to simulate the plate welding process and the resulting residual stress and weld deformation, and analyzes the buckling resistance of the plate after welding. By performing buckling resistance analysis using solid elements and plate elements respectively, we confirmed that the welding temperature will increase the post-weld deformation and widen the residual stress distribution range, thereby affecting the post-weld buckling resistance. Its behavior tends to decrease as the welding temperature increases and the buckling resistance decreases by 0.2%. to 0.4%.

Plant fibers in adobe blocks: systematization of technical characteristics and geographical contexts

Andrea Cristina Goyes-Balladares, Roberto Carlos Moya-Jiménez — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The use of plant fibers in the manufacture of adobe blocks represents a sustainable strategy for improving the mechanical and physical properties of this traditional material. With the aim of systematizing the documented technical characteristics, this study presents a case study based on fifteen experimental investigations on the incorporation of natural fibers into adobe blocks. The methodology employed consisted of the compilation and organization of variables such as block dimensions, dosage types and percentages, tests performed, and reported limitations. The results showed that the most commonly used fibers were straw, cabuya, agave, bamboo, palm, and hemp, highlighting improvements in compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption. Likewise, it was observed that properties such as thermal conductivity and durability against moisture were less explored. The geographical origin of the analyzed studies reflects the adaptation of these techniques to local contexts, taking advantage of resources available in regions of Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In conclusion, the systematization conducted provides a comprehensive view of the technical behavior of plant fiber-reinforced adobe, identifying both its potential for sustainable construction and its main associated limitations, particularly in relation to moisture and lack of standardization. This work provides a useful basis for future research aimed at optimizing the use of natural materials in construction, promoting efficient construction solutions adapted to local conditions.

Influence on costs of a ten-story concrete building with dual system by changing the thickness of the shear walls

Miguel Ángel Constante Castro, Erik Gabriel Villavicencio-Cedeño — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of the costs of six ten-story concrete buildings with a dual system by varying the thickness of the walls. To do this, several mathematical models of six buildings were developed, maintaining the same distribution of structural elements, and at the same time, it was considered to reach a maximum inelastic drift of approximately 1.80%, which was corroborated by a spectral dynamic analysis using the design codes: ACI 318-19 and NEC-15. The research has an applied typology with a level of descriptive and documentary depth that refers to the collection of theoretical data for the linear analysis of the structures and the behavior of the shear walls. Through a quantitative approach, the results are presented as a technical comparison, demonstrating that there are no significant differences in the structural behavior, but not in the economic term. It is evident that the reinforcing steel and the concrete significantly influence the building by increasing the thickness of the shear walls.

Port architecture and its impact on the urban development of Ecuadorian coastal cities. A narrative literature review

Diego Gregorio Zambrano-Arteaga, Adrián Eliceo Reyna-García — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines how port architecture influences urban development in Ecuador’s coastal cities. The introduction underlines the importance of port-city integration in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban growth. A narrative literature review was conducted, drawing on theoretical studies and four Ecuadorian port city cases (Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolívar, Esmeraldas) to synthesize current trends. Results: The study found that ports have historically driven urban economic growth and shaped the spatial configuration of these cities; however, their uncoordinated development has led to urban fragmentation, socio-environmental conflicts, and the loss of public access to waterfronts. Recent port-city reintegration strategies – such as waterfront revitalization and joint planning – are discussed, highlighting improvements in urban quality, although challenges persist. The study concludes that well-integrated port architecture is key to sustainable urban development, and it urges further development of integrated design guidelines and participatory policies.

Urban Infrastructure and Road Safety in Querétaro

Paulina Olguín-Ferruzca — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzed the relationship between road infrastructure, current visibility of symbols, and intelligibility restrictions at the intersection of Universidad and Tecnológico Avenues in Querétaro, based on the behavior of pedestrians and cyclists. Its objective was to identify critical elements that impair road safety and, based on the study results, provide practical solutions to mitigate these risks. A mixed approach was used, including a survey of 120 users, 55% of whom were pedestrians and the remainder cyclists. The survey was followed at various times at the intersection. Finally, a regulatory analysis of the Urban Code of the State of Querétaro and the General Law on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities was conducted. The results indicated that 72% of cyclists and 68% of pedestrians experienced difficulty recognizing the signs due to visual location and the symbology used. Thus, the average crossing time at the intersection was 3 minutes, more than the 20 seconds allotted by the existing traffic signals. The study highlights how the current urban infrastructure and inadequate signage are significantly affecting road safety. Therefore, recommendations are made to improve signage, maintain ramps, and redesign the bicycle lane, in addition to conducting follow-up studies to evaluate future interventions.

Influence of Urban Morphology on the Configuration of the Mobility System in Rocafuerte’s Central Core.

Yiradel Saltos-Montes , Andrea Bonilla-Ponce, Vania Mora-Albán — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Unplanned growth in Rocafuerte has produced a compact historic core and scattered outskirts that exacerbate accessibility gaps. This research is justified because urban form shapes mobility patterns and thus the attainment of SDG 11 on sustainable cities. The study analyses how the morphology of Rocafuerte’s central core affects daily mobility flows in order to inform spatial decisions. A mixed geo-analytical approach was applied: (i) space-syntax metrics, building density and block compactness assessed through Moran’s I; (ii) 5-10-15-minute isochrones modelled in GIS from traffic counts and origin–destination surveys; and (iii) strategic prioritisation via a Delphi panel and a multi-criteria weighting scheme consistent with the Urban Street Design Guide. Building-density yielded Moran I = 0.25 and service proximity 0.15, confirming a strong functional centrality that encourages short trips yet leaves peripheral voids; only 2.8 % of the urban fabric lies beyond the 5-minute isochrone and coincides with dirt roads (p < 0.001). The Delphi survey reached full consensus on upgrading the secondary network and deploying tactical urbanism. Rehabilitating three kilometres of unpaved corridors, establishing multifunctional sub-centres and piloting micro-superblocks is projected to cut average access times by 18 % and raise perceived safety. The findings demonstrate that coupling urban-form metrics with active-mobility measures and participatory governance is crucial to achieving a resilient, proximity-based and socially equitable city model.

Legal Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflicts

Luis Masterrena-Alcívar, Nathaly Montes-Mera, Manuel Barcia-Moreira — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyzes how armed conflicts have historically impacted cultural heritage, causing irreparable losses of both tangible and intangible assets. It addresses the evolution of international legal protection, from the 1954 Hague Convention to recent UNESCO strategies, highlighting the importance of International Humanitarian Law as a regulatory framework. Through a historical and normative review, the authors emphasize instruments, principles, and organizations such as the Blue Shield to prevent the destruction of cultural property. It concludes that the protection of heritage is inseparable from the defense of human dignity and requires international cooperation, educational policies, and the effective application of regulations that guarantee its preservation for future generations.

Analysis of the Context for Improving the Community Engagement Process in the Architecture Program at the Technical University of Manabí

Olga Briones-Ordoñez, Ciaddy Rodríguez-Borges — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

University-community engagement is a key component of the social role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), as it allows them to actively interact with the community, providing solutions to local problems and generating a positive impact on the environment. In this context, engagement not only promotes social development but also strengthens the internal structure of universities. The main objective of this research is to analyze the current context of the process of university-community engagement in the Architecture program at Technical University of Manabí (UTM), considering existing regulations, the perceptions of students and faculty, and institutional practices, in order to propose strategies that enhance the relevance, quality, and impact of engagement activities. The methodology employed was quantitative, descriptive, and propositional, with a non-experimental design. Structured surveys were used, targeting students and faculty, complemented by a documentary analysis of institutional regulations. The results revealed a general understanding of engagement processes, although there are areas for improvement in terms of active participation and institutional management. Suggestions include the need for greater coordination among the involved stakeholders and continuous evaluation of activities.

Comparative Analysis of Entrepreneurial Competencies by Gender among University Students in Engineering, Industry, and Construction Fields

Lindsay Rangel-Anchundia, Noemí Peña-Miguel, Lázaro Echegaray Eizaguirre — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study analyzes gender-based differences in six key entrepreneurial competencies among university students in Engineering, Industry, and Construction. Using a quantitative approach, a questionnaire based on the instrument developed by Universidad EAFIT (2017) was applied to 383 students, and non-parametric tests were used to compare average ranks between groups. The results show that female students scored higher in cognitive openness, environmental observation, idea generation, and risk tolerance, while male students stood out in adaptability to change and experience with failure. These findings reflect differentiated entrepreneurial profiles by gender, suggesting the need for tailored training programs that strengthen specific competencies according to the identified characteristics. The research contributes to the technical analysis of university-level entrepreneurship from a gender perspective, with practical implications for improving entrepreneurial education.

Development of an Infusion Based on Dehydrated Pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) Peel

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study presents an innovative proposal for the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, focusing on the peel of pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus), commonly regarded as waste. A functional beverage in the form of an infusion was developed using dehydrated pitahaya peel, complemented with dehydrated fruits and flowers, aiming to enhance its sensory and antioxidant properties. Three experimental blends were formulated by combining pitahaya peel with hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and dehydrated fruits such as lemon, mandarin, and pineapple. This initiative not only seeks the sustainable use of a by-product but also the creation of a healthy beverage with added value. The developed infusions were subjected to a sensory evaluation using a panel of untrained tasters. The results indicated that the blend composed of pitahaya peel, hibiscus flower, and lemon received the highest acceptance (50%), standing out for its balanced sensory profile, particularly its harmonious flavor and aroma. In parallel, antioxidant capacity was determined using the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) method, yielding a value of 1273 mg/kg in ascorbic acid equivalents. This result demonstrates a high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, supporting the functional potential of the infusions developed, with possible health benefits. The findings confirm the feasibility of using pitahaya peel as a functional ingredient in the formulation of healthy beverages, contributing to the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, environmental sustainability, and the adoption of circular economy models. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the stability of bioactive compounds during storage, their bioavailability in the human body, and the possibilities for industrial scaling with a view to future commercialization

Analysis of the Main Failures in Can Seaming Machines Used in the Fishing Industry

John Toala-Mera , Roberto Delgado-Delgado, Gissella Mariel García-Loor — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A twelve-month assessment of six Angelus 60 L seamers in three Ecuadorian tuna-processing plants revealed that 72 % of the 18 critical failures occurred in machines lacking a scheduled maintenance plan. Wear of seaming rolls accounted for 58 % of those incidents, while mechanical issues involving mandrels and misalignment constituted 42 %. Findings show that a preventive-predictive programmed—combining cleaning, lubrication and dimensional inspection supported by condition monitoring—can cut failure frequency by about 60 % and raise equipment availability above 95 %. The study confirms that adopting Reliability-Centered Maintenance criteria is essential for safeguarding double-seam integrity and maintaining uninterrupted production.

Improving the quality of vehicle maintenance using Industry 4.0 tools

Juan Carlos Anchundia, Ciaddy Rodriguez-Borges, Jesús Alberto Perez-Rodriguez — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Vehicle maintenance is an essential component to ensure operational efficiency in the services provided by local governments. However, many medium-sized institutions face limitations in preventive planning, traceability of interventions and the use of digital tools. In this context, the objective of the research is to analyze Industry 4.0 tools applicable to vehicle maintenance in the public sector, and to assess some viable tools for adoption in institutional environments with limited resources. The methodology used is descriptive, based on a documentary review and a comparative analysis of technologies, in addition to the analysis of surveys and interviews conducted on site. The results showed that while tools such as IoT, automation and artificial intelligence offer relevant benefits, they also require levels of infrastructure and budget that are beyond the capabilities of many local governments. In comparison, computer-aided maintenance system (CMMS) whose ease of implementation, low cost, scalability and high institutional adaptability is feasible in this environment. The adoption of these systems not only optimizes maintenance planning and improves operational efficiency, but also drives a transition to data-driven, sustainability-oriented public management. These findings reinforce the need to promote accessible digitalization strategies in the public sector to strengthen its operational capabilities.