Recently, the transformation of existing cities into smart cities has become an urgent necessity to solve urban problems by linking the dimensions of sustainability with information and communication technology to enhance the quality of life. The current research problem lies in the rapid increase in urban population growth, the increase in resource consumption over the past few decades, and the increase in migration rates from the countryside and neighboring villages to urban cities, which lead to an increase in the problem of solid waste management. Conventional waste management systems are not equipped to handle the excess waste generated by a growing population. To help bridge the gap, societies need to adopt smart waste management solutions that increase efficiency and reduce collection costs. Hence, transforming the solid waste management system into a Smart solid waste management system has become an urgent need for solid waste collection and treatment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in developing countries. Therefore, the study adopts examining the performance of East Mansoura city as a case study in the field of solid waste collection and treatment. To achieve the objective of this study, the key performance indicators for smart sustainable cities KPIs for SSC that were developed by the ITU and related to the collection and treatment of solid waste were adopted to measure and evaluate the current situation for the selected case study. Finally, an action plan was proposed to transform the waste management system in East Mansoura into a smart waste management system.
Read MoreDoi: https://doi.org/10.54216/IJBES.060101
Vol. 6 Issue. 1 PP. 08-21, (2023)
A series of laboratory experiments was performed in order to investigate momentum and kinetic energy correction coefficients in compound transitions of rectangular channel. Also, In this study, the influence of several independent factors on the kinetic energy and momentum correction coefficients that are connected to the characteristics of the channels transitions is investigated. The Reynolds number varied between 2145.8 and 14388.14. Kinetic energy and momentum correction coefficients, α and β, were computed for different models by using two methods. The first one was based on the calculation of ε and the second method was based on dividing the cross section into slides and using the corresponding velocity for each slides. The results of the present study show that the second one was found to be more accurate than the first method. This method of slides can be used to derive the relationship between both energy and momentum coefficients versus ε values. The values of α and β averaged 1.237 and 1.10, respectively. The energy and momentum coefficients exhibit higher values in the transition zone than the corresponding ones in the upstream section. This is mainly due to turbulence effect. The values of (α-1/β-1) ranges from 2.71 to 2.81, this range don't exceed 4% for different Reynolds number. The error of (α-1/β-1) for different discharges is less than 5% which could be accepted.
Read MoreDoi: https://doi.org/10.54216/IJBES.060102
Vol. 6 Issue. 1 PP. 22-33, (2023)
The emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has made a major development in the fields of engineering and construction and has provided a means for documentation and design management throughout the building's life cycle. Despite this, the construction sector suffers from a clear shortage of specialists equipped with work skills, and therefore there is a gap and lack of skills. In order to meet the future needs for the skills of using (BIM) technology in the labor market, it was necessary to take serious steps to introduce BIM in education programs in Syrian universities to prepare future specialists, so this study aimed to identify the current reality of teaching Building Information Modeling (BIM) and to identify obstacles and challenges that prevent the application of (BIM) and propose a framework for introducing the concept of engineering digitization to develop curricula at Tishreen University, Faculty of Civil Engineering. The study used the descriptive survey method, and to collect data, two questionnaires were developed, which were applied to a sample of (32) faculty members from all disciplines of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. The study also used the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program to analyze the results of the questionnaire. The study showed a positive awareness of the culture of building information modeling among the various disciplines of civil engineering, despite the presence of many challenges and obstacles facing the implementation of BIM, and the study provided a general framework for the integration of building information modeling (BIM) technology with curricula The most important recommendations indicate the need to enhance awareness of the BIM culture and its applications by offering specialized training courses for academics in the use of modern technological tools based on BIM as an effective educational tool that can be integrated into the teaching curricula.
Read MoreDoi: https://doi.org/10.54216/IJBES.060103
Vol. 6 Issue. 1 PP. 34-51, (2023)
Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) is widely adopted all over the world, it is still considered a new approach in Syria, and only a few educational institutions apply it. Therefore, it is important to publish academic studies on BIM models and to train new professionals who can implement BIM in the architecture, construction, and operation sector (AECO). This study aims to measure the maturity of BIM at the Syrian Virtual University (SVU) in order to evaluate and develop the Building Information Modeling and Management (BIMM) master's program. The research methodology is based on measuring maturity using a maturity measurement tool for higher education institutions (BIM maturity matrix for higher education institutions or BIM-HEI), in addition to distributing an electronic questionnaire to BIMM master's students, with a sample size of 93 students. Based on the results of the maturity measurement and respondents' answers, this study proposes recommendations and proposals to develop the master's program. Furthermore, it presents a new contribution by presenting a successful model for teaching BIM in universities, which can serve as an example for educational institutions in Syria to plan and adopt BIM in their curricula, while properly disseminating and adopting the BIM culture within their universities.
Read MoreDoi: https://doi.org/10.54216/IJBES.060104
Vol. 6 Issue. 1 PP. 52-73, (2023)
The Construction sector in Syria is adversely far beyond other industries in terms of economic growth rate and technological advancements, in what makes AEC projects less committed to schedule, cost, and quality. Yet, there aren’t binding criteria that stakeholders, such as contractors, and design and implementation firms might adhere to. This study explores the performance of implementing construction projects to establish a methodology to enhance schedule and cost performance through the use of Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). This research will be key in determining key mechanisms and approaches in regards to AEC project management to improve project performance and achieve optimal efficiency regarding cost, schedule, and scope of the projects. A case study will be conducted through stages, starting with redoing the project using BIM; then using EVMS to track the schedule of the project; and finally ending with a comparison between the traditional methodology. The study suggests new methodology to the AEC projects in Syria to enhance cost and schedule performance, in addition to quantity surveying, using the EVMS and BIM. This study will constitute a cornerstone for researchers to enhance construction project management practices by using EVMS and BIM, for it is a new field of research in Syria that will help decision makers in the AEC industry to adopt a new methodology that improves upon the construction sector situation. Finally, this study will pave the way to contribute in the establishment of BIM standards and EVMS guidelines.
Read MoreDoi: https://doi.org/10.54216/IJBES.060105
Vol. 6 Issue. 1 PP. 74-95, (2023)