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

Despite the emergence of advanced and highly accurate technologies in many countries, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), there remains a significant gap in their application within institutional frameworks, consulting offices, and the private sector locally. This has resulted in the underutilization of the vast amount of archived data, leading to conflicting projects and delays in implementation schedules. In the absence of integrated management, projects become vulnerable to wasted time, effort, and financial resources, as well as poor decision-making, thereby hindering development goals. This paper aims to highlight the role of GIS technologies as effective tools for solving operational problems and supporting sound decision-making, particularly in the field of integrated management. The study focuses on applying these technologies and their software in the management of wastewater systems, which must be developed and modernized to align with comprehensive planning and the continuous population growth. Furthermore, the study seeks to contribute to advancing development and accelerating reconstruction and redevelopment, especially after the severe circumstances the country has faced, which damaged many completed and ongoing projects. This includes deteriorating infrastructure and encroachments on water authority lands that were designated for future agricultural and investment projects irrigated with treated wastewater. Keywords: Integrated Management – Remote Sensing – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Wastewater – Development.

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.