The porous surface of lightweight aggregate is the main weakness property for producing lightweight concrete. Thus, the filling porous in lightweight aggregate and creating thin layer surrounds aggregate produce stronger lightweight concrete. Therefore, the influence of silica fume and Sika level 100T on the tensile and compressive strengths of lightweight concrete is highlighted in this investigation. For this reason, it was cast and tested 84 lightweight concrete cubes and prisms. It was found that the compressive strength improves up to 22.73% and 34.57% due to inclusion 7.23% of silica fume and 9.6% of Sika level 100T, respectively. While the flexural strength enhances up to 5.4% and 25.72% due to adding 7.23% of silica fume and 9.6% of Sika level 100T, respectively. In addition, the curve fitting software was used in the formulation of the proposed models to verify this improvement and it was found that the proposed model has a good agreement with the test results.

Delays are the major sources of disputes and adverse relationships between the stakeholders in construction industry. The existing delay analysis techniques (DATs), though helpful for decision-making, have not succeeded in properly addressing the high incidence of disputes associated with delay claims resolutions. This research has made a comparative study of limitation and capabilities of different ‘Prospective’ DATs i.e., Impacted as Planned method and Time Impact Analysis Method under the same baseline program and under similar circumstances of delay occurrence through the case study of under-Construction Hydroelectric Project and review of the relevant issues not addressed by the techniques. Oracle’s Primavera (P6) software has been used for delay analysis. The Contractor has not followed any of the DATs to raise the claim for extension of time. Though the contractor has submitted its revised construction schedule as per the FIDIC conditions of contract and ask for time extension of 721 days, the revised construction schedule has no any linkage with the original approved baseline Schedule. The Impacted as planned technique confined the delay to 621 days. The actual site condition and the progress were not considered in this method. The concurrent delays and pacing delays were also not addressed. According to the Time Impact analysis technique, the contractor’s caused delay was 101 days and the delay from Employer’s side was 529 days. The actual site condition and the progress were considered in this method. However, none of the Delay analysis techniques is found to address all the delay occurring events. The concurrent delays and pacing delayswere also not addressed. Time impact analysis technique is more accurate method as the site progress is incorporated in this method and is recommended to be followed

In the past few decades, cities and/or urban settlements have been experiencing growing population and environmental degradation. Environmental trends, such as biodiversity loss and global warming are increasing rapidly, as a result of the ecological footprints of cities. Gulf cities, for example, have been rapidly developed since the discovery of oil and under the influence of globalization as they transition from traditional settlements into modern metropolitan cities. With this fast modernization, green and agricultural spaces have been reduced and/or replaced by built-up areas and buildings, alien to the multilayered historical built form, changing the built environment of cities and causing environmental, social, and economic problems. Consequently, the planning of parks and open spaces have been neglected within the formulation of modern master planning of cities, resulting in the formation of areas mostly scattered in empty lots. Parks and open spaces, often disconnected from the existing built form of cities, do not fit into the neighborhood’s scale. Simply planned to fulfill the human need for recreation, these scattered open spaces lack connectivity between them and have weak accessibility/connectivity to their neighborhoods. Namely, this research study (1) investigates the accessibility and connectivity of Bahrain Fort and King Faisal Corniche in Bahrain with the surrounding neighborhoods, (2) reveals the factors affecting the connectivity of the two significant sites and accordingly (3) proposes the strategies to enhance it.

Cement most conform the minimum standard for use. The study is focused to assess minimum quality of cement maintained at field practice at Lokanthali Area. The quality of cement in use at site was examined by manual field test and lab test was conducted for the confirmation of physical properties of most preferred cement brand as per Indian Standard Specifications. Also, secondary data were used to collect the relevant data for the analysis of the results. Hetauda cement being the highest consumer choice brand was tested in the lab. The 28 day compressive strength was found to be 47.48Mpa and 49.56Mpa for old and fresh cement respectively while other physical properties were confirmed as per Indian Standard Specifications. The results of 28 day compressive strength test shows that cement have less than 53 grades and greater than 43 grades. Since, 43 grade is enough for the general construction of structural element below M25 concrete grade, Hetauda cement can be considered as quality brand cement for such uses. It is recommended that manufacturer of Hetauda cement should increase its production capacity to meet the demand of the consumer.

This research study aims at tracing the human-behavior relationship between current migrant-residents and the built fabric of Najada zone in Doha. It provides a useful insight into the urban reality of migrant communities in a selected neighborhood and suggests that foreseen plans for urban adaptation and revitalization should be considered in alignment with the ever-changing demographics of a city facing fast urban growth. Through various methodological tools embedded into human-behavior studies that support the analysis of spatial practice of communities such as (i) systematic observation, (ii) contemplating settings and (iii) walking tour assessment, the interaction of Najada’s users and the surrounding built environment is traced. The purpose of the research study is to provide the basic foundation of analytical data for urban design schemes that encourages preservation and conservation of neglected old neighborhoods, at national and regional scale.

Cities all over the world are currently facing many challenges and obstacles related to economy, society, and environment. These were the results of rapid economic developments, urban and population growth, and the accompanying increased needs and changing lifestyles. Several decades ago, Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, experienced significant changes in its urban form due to economic, cultural, and environmental factors. These changes appeared specifically after the discovery of oil in 1932, and the transformation of the economy from fishing and pearl trading to one based on oil. Currently, the Kingdom of Bahrain is investing in its capacity and solutions to these challenges, including creating major attractive developments to meet human needs and nourish the economy. Traditional urban neighborhoods across Bahrain, such as Kanoo, a traditional neighborhood located in Old Manama, were severely affected by modern developments. This research study investigates the urban design study of the Kanoo neighborhood, its features, the urban and historical significance in Manama and its surroundings. The study further investigates the role of rehabilitation projects in regenerating the old core of Manama, while rebuilding the vanishing identity of the city. The findings highlight the critical factors effecting the Kanoo neighborhood and contribute to develop strategies for a sustainable urban regeneration approach, enabling to protect the urban fabric of the neighborhood and its remaining historical areas, to revive the old city and preserve the neighborhood’s identity.