Abstract

Sustainability in construction has recently become a major priority due to its diverse benefits, as the world as a whole is moving towards sustainability. Sustainable building, therefore, holds critical importance in the construction industry. Driven by environmental concerns, there is a global trend towards constructing buildings using sustainable materials, which helps reduce pollution and improve current environmental conditions. This article aims to propose an effective strategy for assessing the feasibility of applying sustainability standards in construction, while identifying challenges and opportunities to achieve sustainable buildings. The main objective is to explore how reconstruction can be integrated into development plans, contributing to improving reality, preserving history, heritage, and identity, while achieving sustainability elements in reconstruction projects. Any reconstruction strategy must be preventive and comprehensive, incorporated into general development plans, and aimed at achieving sustainable reconstruction. Such a strategy should be highly flexible to adapt to different circumstances and emergencies. Among its most important goals are implementing holistic reconstruction processes for all aspects of the urban environment, ensuring sustainable urban rebuilding that preserves national identity, history, and heritage, and encouraging active participation from all sectors of society throughout all phases. Keywords: Sustainability – Buildings – Reconstruction – Strategy – Sustainable.

Abstract

Architectural heritage encompasses ideas, beliefs, practices, and both individual and collective energies, reflecting the dialogue between humans and nature in all its dimensions. It embodies authenticity, ensures continuity, and forms the basis for modernity. The more human life is seen as an extension of the past, the more architectural heritage symbols gain significance in defining the identity of the present. This study highlights the role of traditional architecture in Libya, which is rich with distinctive elements such as inner courtyards, mashrabiyas, and skylights. These elements were designed with specific philosophies to address climatic challenges while also holding important social, religious, aesthetic, psychological, and health-related functions. The common feature among them is their ability to achieve thermal and environmental comfort, with natural ventilation being the most essential aspect. The research emphasizes how traditional local architecture serves as a model for modern construction and contributes to achieving sustainable architectural goals. Keywords: Architectural Heritage – Traditional Architecture – Natural Ventilation – Sustainability – Thermal Comfort.

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on the extent of applying sustainability in engineering planning management during the implementation of road and bridge projects in Benghazi City. The research examined planning factors affecting the duration of project implementation or delays. The study sample included four public and private engineering companies in Benghazi, involving directors, department heads, engineers, supervisors, and staff. Out of the targeted 90 participants, 51 engineers responded to the survey. The study mainly relied on a questionnaire survey and data analysis using the statistical software (SPSS). The findings revealed that some companies operate under their own internal systems for project implementation but lack a motivating environment and sufficient training for engineers. Other companies do not adopt sustainable planning strategies or policies and do not have dedicated human resources departments, resulting in the absence of formal systems for training and motivating engineers in road and bridge projects. Keywords: Sustainability – SPSS – Engineering Planning – Roads and Bridges.

Abstract

This research addresses two important issues both locally and globally: environmental pollution and the significant economic return resulting from recycling and reusing materials without the costs of raw materials. One of the major industrial pollutants is waste from automobile tires made of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). In this study, recycled SBR aggregates smaller than 4.75 mm were used as partial replacements for fine aggregate at ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30%. Cement was also replaced with SikaTop-122 at different percentages (3%, 6%, 9%) in concrete. The mechanical properties of concrete such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and density were investigated. Tests were conducted after 28 days. The experimental results indicated that replacing concrete with recycled SBR reduced compressive strength by 20.31%, 50.19%, and 58.9%, respectively, compared to control concrete, showing a negative impact. However, the replacement reduced concrete density, which contributes positively to producing lightweight concrete. Keywords: Concrete – SBR Rubber – Sustainability – Mechanical Properties – Recycling.

Abstract

The Libyan electricity network suffers from heavy burdens due to the continuous increase in loads, in addition to the environmental and economic impacts caused by the ongoing burning of oil and gas for power generation, without benefiting from their export as valuable resources. On the other hand, effective alternatives such as solar energy are available. This study aims to design a solar-powered lighting system to replace conventional street lighting in neighborhoods and areas damaged during the war on terrorism. The study included calculating the saved energy, avoided emissions, and the economic revenues generated by using solar energy. It also calculated the light distribution on road surfaces and the spacing between poles according to the standards adopted by the General Electricity Company of Libya. Furthermore, the payback period and investment lifetime of the project were estimated. The findings revealed that using a solar-powered lighting system for the streets of Benghazi is an economically and environmentally feasible solution that helps reduce the burdens on the national electricity grid. Keywords: Solar Energy – Street Lighting – Benghazi – Power Grid – Economic Feasibility.

Abstract

This study explores the concept of resilience and the resilient city as a modern approach in urban planning, particularly in light of the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, as well as economic crises and terrorism. The research reviews the development of resilience concepts and practices from their origins to the present day, analyzing various definitions of the resilient city, which emphasize its ability to adapt to both expected and unexpected challenges. The study also addresses the evolution of planning thought leading to urban resilience, with a special focus on the current conditions of urban development in Libya, especially in Benghazi. It highlights the importance of integrating resilience issues into spatial and urban planning processes for the reconstruction of Benghazi, through identifying indicators that can measure urban resilience. The findings emphasize that a resilient city must possess key characteristics such as inclusiveness, integration, optimal resource use, rapid responsiveness, and the ability to sustain its functions and thrive under chronic pressures, in addition to quick recovery after shocks and disasters. The research also reviews international initiatives and experiences in achieving urban resilience to provide insights for Libyan urban planning. Keywords: Urban Resilience – Resilient Cities – Urban Renewal – Reconstruction.