Hassan Al-Derham

Genetic algorithm-based multi-objective model for scheduling of linear construction projects

This paper presents a genetic algorithm-based multi-objective optimization model for the scheduling of linear construction projects. The model allows construction planners to generate and evaluate optimal/near-optimal construction scheduling plans that minimize both project time and cost. The computations in the present model are organized in three major modules. A scheduling module that develops practical schedules for linear construction projects. A cost module that computes the projects costs. A multi-objective module that searches for and identifies optimal/near-optimal tradeoffs between project time and cost. An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and to demonstrate its capabilities in optimizing the scheduling of linear construction projects.

Optimizing Postdisaster Reconstruction Planning for Damaged Transportation Networks

The limited availability of reconstruction resources is one of the main challenges that often confront postdisaster recovery of damaged transportation networks. This requires an effective and efficient deployment and utilization of these limited resources in order to minimize both the performance loss of the damaged transportation network and the reconstruction costs. This paper presents the development of a robust model for planning postdisaster reconstruction efforts that is capable of: (1) optimizing the allocation of limited reconstruction resources to competing recovery projects; (2) assessing and quantifying the overall functional loss of damaged transportation networks during the recovery efforts; (3) evaluating the impact of limited availability of resources on the reconstruction costs; and (4) minimizing the performance loss of transportation networks and reconstruction costs. The model utilizes the user equilibrium algorithm to enable the assessment of the transportation network performance losses and a multiobjective genetic algorithm to enable the generation of optimal tradeoffs between the two recovery planning objectives. An application example is analyzed to demonstrate the use and capabilities of the recovery planning model.

Optimizing Resource Utilization during the Recovery of Civil Infrastructure Systems

Postdisaster recovery efforts of damaged civil infrastructure systems need to be optimized in order to alleviate the adverse impacts of natural disasters on local societies and economies. This paper presents an innovative framework that integrates two newly developed models for resource utilization and multiobjective optimization that are designed to optimize these recovery efforts. The developed models provide new and unique capabilities, including (1) allocating limited reconstruction resources to competing recovery projects, (2) estimating the reconstruction duration and cost associated with implementing specific recovery plans, and (3) generating optimal trade-offs between minimizing the reconstruction duration and cost. An application example is analyzed to evaluate the performance of the developed models and demonstrate their capabilities in identifying a wide spectrum of optimal reconstruction plans, where each provides a unique and nondominated trade-off between minimizing the recovery duration and cost. This allows decision makers in emergency management agencies to select and implement reconstruction plans that address various societal and economical needs in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Utilization of life-cycle analysis to evaluate sustainability rating systems for construction projects with a case study on Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for assessing, in quantifiable terms, the reduction in environmental impacts achieved by applying different credits of sustainability rating systems in building construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – Sustainability rating systems are developed in various regions to evaluate construction projects with respect to their environmental performance. Although implementation of rating systems had a recognized effect on reducing environmental impact of construction projects, there is no objective and quantifiable evidence that the approaches recommended by these rating systems to achieve the required certification lead to optimum environmental results. This paper presents a methodology that utilizes life cycle analysis (LCA) as a powerful and objective tool to validate the way rating systems evaluate project performance. The Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS), recently developed in the State of Qatar by Gulf Organization for R...

Modeling of the sustainability goal and objective setting process in the predesign phase of green institutional building projects

AbstractThe process of constructing a sustainable green building presents a number of challenges compared with regular buildings. Additional work and documentation is needed in every stage of the project life cycle for the sustainable building to reach its goal of being certified according to one of the available sustainability rating systems. One of the most important steps toward achieving that goal is the eco-charrette process that takes place during the predesign phase of the project. The importance of this step stems from the fact that it sets the sustainability goals and objectives for the entire project. This necessitates the creation of an effective decision support methodology that will support project stakeholders in setting the sustainability goals and objectives of the project before committing valuable time and budget resources to the eco-charrette process. Therefore, this paper presents the development of an agent-based model for simulating the interactions between project stakeholders in th...

PLANNING POST-DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS OF DAMAGED TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS

Planning the reconstruction efforts of damaged transportation networks in the aftermath of natural disasters is a challenging task due to the limited availability of construction resources. The utilization of these limited resources can have a significant impact on the societal needs of minimizing the reconstruction costs and the performance loss of the damaged transportation network. These resources therefore need to be deployed and utilized in an effective and efficient manner that accomplishes these two critical objectives. This paper presents the development of a planning model for post-disaster reconstruction efforts for damaged transportation networks. The model is developed in four stages: (1) allocating the available reconstruction resources to competing recovery projects; (2) estimating the reconstruction costs; (3) measuring the performance loss during the recovery period; and (4) optimizing the reconstruction efforts to minimize reconstruction costs and performance loss. An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and demonstrate its capabilities in planning post-disaster reconstruction efforts.

Integrated performance assessment model for water distribution networks

Abstract The American infrastructure report card in 2013 rated the US water system infrastructure with grade of ‘D’. The Canadian infrastructure report card in 2012 stated that around 15.4% of Canada’s water infrastructure has a condition of fair to very poor. Thus, there is a critical need to develop efficient inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation plans for water distribution networks. However, such plans require an assessment tool to evaluate the performance and condition of water distribution networks. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated performance assessment model for water distribution networks. Two modules were developed to assess the performance of water pipelines and accessories, respectively. A third module was developed to assess the performance of water segments that includes pipelines and accessories. Moreover, a fourth module was built to assess the performance of each sub-network and the entire network based on the segments’ connection type using a reliability-based approach. To assess the performance of the water distribution network, the critical factors affecting its pipelines and accessories were identified and studied. The fuzzy analytic network process technique was used to obtain the importance weights of the identified factors.

Locating Leaks in Water Mains Using Noise Loggers

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) for this research project under Award No. QNRF-NPRP 4-529-2-193.

Organizational Behavior Attributes and Sustainable Construction Adoption: An Econometric Analysis Using Data from Qatar

AbstractDespite the efforts of governments to promote sustainable construction practices, the decision to adopt sustainability practices largely falls upon the firms involved in construction projects. This paper presents an econometric model that describes the relationship between the level of sustainability experience a firm possesses and its characteristics and behavioral attributes. Data for this research were collected in Qatar by means of a survey as part of a study that aimed to analyze the triggers of sustainability adoption in the Qatari construction market. The presented model showed that a number of behavioral attributes of firms, besides their origin and the average size of projects they undertake, determine the level of sustainability experience these firms might have. Examples include firms’ risk-taking tendencies, their claimed competitive advantages, and their previous history of introducing changes to their modus operandi. This research adds to the body of knowledge on sustainable construc...

Editorial: New reforms of research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the GCC countries

Research, innovation and entrepreneurship are cornerstones of a countrys economic growth. Nations which build knowledge, encourage innovation, and promote a culture of entrepreneurship could survive in this globally competitive era. Countries that have increased their investments in research and innovation have better prospects for their future. Recently, Gulf countries have started reforming their higher education systems and research institutions for transforming from national resources-based economies to knowledge- based economies. The manifestation of these endeavors can be seen from the restructuring of existing educational institutions and opening of new research and foreign universities and institutes in the GCC.In addition, there is a great research surge in the Gulf for establishing innovation centers, center of research excellences, research chairs, technology transfer offices, entrepreneurship programs which may help them transferring their knowledge and technology from universities to industries. It is evident that the patent filing ratio is also growing day-by-day and institutions are introducing lucrative financial incentives and rewards for the inventors and innovators. Besides, several spin-off companies have been established through universities, and faculty and students are encouraged to come forward with their innovations for commercialization.The major purpose of this special issue is to introduce the World to these new reforms in education, research and technology transfer of the Gulf countries. It also covers the newly introduced management practices and strategies for technology transfer, present a broad range of papers ranging from success stories, case studies, and comparative analyzes, etc. In addition, the adopted models for knowledge exchange and technology transfer by the GCC countries could provide good motivation and indications for other developing nations.The first paper of this special issue by Al-Sudairi and Bakry (2014, pp. 177-184) is concerned with exploring the state of Saudi Arabia with regards to the main knowledge issues of the Global Innovation Index (GII) in order to direct its future knowledge development. This paper considers the knowledge issues as the core of innovation; and it provides an approach for their integrated assessment. It uses the approach to assess the state of Saudi Arabia in these issues relative to the countries enjoying distinct development, e.g., Brazil, Russia, India, China, Malaysia, and South Korea.The second paper by Al-Khouri (2014, pp. 185-195) explores the role of a governmentinitiated digital identity management system in supporting the creation of a stronger digital economy in the world. The author gives an overview of the identity management infrastructure development initiatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and briefly examines their potential to revolutionize and transform existing economic models. The author argues that the new smart identity cards issued in these countries may serve as secure tokens that connect digital and physical identity, create trustworthy environments, and strengthen confidence in e-transactions critical to the growth of the digital economies.In the next paper, Erogul (2014, pp. 196-212) provides an overview of entrepreneurial activity and attitude in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the purpose of facilitating stakeholders to create new knowledge-based activities. The paper takes a multi-faceted nature of entrepreneurship to reveal the range of environmental conditions that affect the attitudes and activity of Emirati entrepreneurs. The paper concludes with a set of policy implications to help improve the external environment and promote entrepreneurship as a career choice.In the fourth paper, Tseng (2014, pp. 213-224) presents comprehensive research to investigate technological innovation, knowledge sources and collaboration innovation in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. …R innovation and entrepreneurship are cornerstones of a country’s economic growth. Nations which build knowledge, encourage innovation, and promote a culture of entrepreneurship could survive in this globally competitive era. Countries that have increased their investments in research and innovation have better prospects for their future. Recently, Gulf countries have started reforming their higher education systems and research institutions for transforming from national resources-based economies to knowledge-based economies. The manifestation of these endeavors can be seen from the restructuring of existing educational institutions and opening of new research and foreign universities and institutes in the GCC. In addition, there is a great research surge in the Gulf for establishing innovation centers, center of research excellences, research chairs, technology transfer offices, entrepreneurship programs which may help them transferring their knowledge and technology from universities to industries. It is evident that the patent filing ratio is also growing day-by-day and institutions are introducing lucrative financial incentives and rewards for the inventors and innovators. Besides, several spin-off companies have been established through universities, and faculty and students are encouraged to come forward with their innovations for commercialization. The major purpose of this special issue is to introduce the World to these new reforms in education, research and technology transfer of the Gulf countries. It also covers the newly introduced management practices and strategies for technology transfer, present a broad range of papers ranging from success stories, case studies, and comparative analyzes, etc. In addition, the adopted models for knowledge exchange and technology transfer by the GCC countries could provide good motivation and indications for other developing nations. The first paper of this special issue by Al-Sudairi and Bakry (2014, pp. 177–184) is concerned with exploring the state of Saudi Arabia with regards to the main knowledge issues of the Global Innovation Index (GII) in order to direct its future knowledge development. This paper considers the knowledge issues as the core of innovation; and it provides an approach for their integrated assessment. It uses the approach to assess the state of Saudi Arabia in these issues relative to the countries enjoying distinct development, e.g., Brazil, Russia, India, China, Malaysia, and South Korea. The second paper by Al-Khouri (2014, pp. 185–195) explores the role of a governmentinitiated digital identity management system in supporting the creation of a stronger digital economy in the world. The author gives an overview of the identity management infrastructure development initiatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and briefly examines their potential to revolutionize and transform existing economic models. The author argues that the new smart identity cards issued in these countries may serve as secure tokens that connect digital and physical identity, create trustworthy environments, and strengthen confidence in e-transactions critical to the growth of the digital economies. In the next paper, Erogul (2014, pp. 196–212) provides an overview of entrepreneurial activity and attitude in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Editorial