Saleh Abu Dabous

Archaeological Site Information Modelling and Management Based on Close-Range Photogrammetry and GIS

Abstract New challenges in management and restoration of archaeological sites require the utilization of advanced technologies and systems to assist in preserving the important legacy of human heritage. These challenges include monitoring and preserving of site landscapes, maintenance and rehabilitation of archaeological structures, and quality and safety management. In this research, an integrated methodology based on photogrammetry and Three-Dimensional (3D) Geographic Information System (GIS) is developed to capture and model essential details needed for the proper management of archaeological sites. Recent advances in digital imagery and modelling utilize photogrammetry as an efficient technique for 3D modelling of archaeological sites to derive accurate measurements of size, shape, position, and texture of objects using two-dimensional digital photographs. Spatial data that include aerial stereo photographs, satellite images, close-range photos, terrestrial surveying and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are integrated within the design of the proposed model. The approach is validated with a case study of Ajloun Castle, one of the ancient and important preserved structures located in Jordan. Various sequential levels of details have been developed for the castle: Orthophoto, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), structures geometry and site layout and 3D textured model. The suggested methodology is expected to be efficient in modelling and documenting archaeological structures. The developed model is utilized to assess the management of archaeological structures through feasibility analysis, rehabilitation decisions, and safety planning.

Quantitative analysis of sustainable housing energy systems based on Estidama pearl rating system

ABSTRACT The goal of this research is to perform comparative analysis between conventional energy systems (cooling, lighting, and water heating) typically utilized in housing construction and two sustainable models designed based on One Pearl and Two Pearls Estidama rating requirements with special focus on villa construction in the Emirate of Sharjah – United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is concluded that converting a standard villa to comply with the Estidama requirements produces a life cycle cost reduction of 15% (227 thousand dirhams) for One Pearl system and 33% (482 thousand dirhams) for Two Pearls system. Moreover, it is estimated that a total annual saving of 1.04 billion dirhams and around half million tons of CO2 emission can be achieved if all existing villas were to be modified to qualify to the One Pearl system and a yearly saving of 2.23 billion dirhams and 1.14 million tons of CO2 emissions for the Two Pearls system. Total annual energy consumption could be reduced by 20% and 43% for One Pearl and Two Pearls systems, respectively. This study contributes to quantitative evidence of the overall value that can be attained by implementing the emerging sustainable energy systems in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.

A Flexible Bridge Rating Method Based on Analytical Evidential Reasoning and Monte Carlo Simulation

Several bridge inspection standards and condition assessment practices have been developed around the globe. Some practices employ four linguistic expressions to rate bridge elements while other practices use five or six, or adopt numerical ratings such as 1 to 9. This research introduces a condition rating method that can operate under different condition assessment practices and account for uncertainties in condition assessment by means of the Evidential Reasoning (ER) theory. The method offers flexibility in terms of using default elements and their weights or selecting alternative set of elements and condition rating schemes. The implemented ER approach accounts for uncertainties in condition rating by treating the condition assessments as probabilistic grades rather than numerical values. The ER approach requires the assignment of initial basic beliefs or probabilities, and typically these initial beliefs are assigned by an expert. Alternatively, this research integrates the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) technique with the ER theory to quantitatively estimate the basic probabilities and to produce robust overall bridge condition ratings. The proposed method is novel to the literature and has the following features: (1) flexible and can be used with any number of bridge elements and any standard of condition grades; (2) intuitive and simple paired comparison technique is implemented to evaluate weights of the bridge elements; (3) the MCS technique is integrated with the ER approach to quantify uncertainties associated with the stochastic nature of the bridge deterioration process; (4) the method can function with limited data and can incorporate new evidence to update the condition rating; (5) the final rating consists of multiple condition grades and is produced as a distributed probabilistic assessment reflecting the condition of the bridge elements collectively. The proposed method is illustrated with a real case study, and potential future research work is identified.