The Constructability of the Cheops Pyramid

Abstract The aim of this paper is to forecast the methodology by which Cheops Pyramid as a historic building was built, based on notions of modular patterns discovered within the following planar illustrations, starting at the apex and descending to its grand base. Some of Cheops’ heritage in terms of form and function has existed for millennia, as its mark was recapped with a front line that was constructed thousands of years before. Such a voyage through the missing captures of the building techniques wouldn’t have occurred without the incidental outcome that resulted from overlaying the various pixelated plans of block arrangements on the floor maps of Cheops. This building is believed to exhibit norms similar to those governing the balance between matter and void in the universe. By assessing this historical masonry structure of Giza, we have come to find some regulatory approaches concerning how to asses the construction of such a building by predicting their interiors, spatial definitions, customs, and layouts. As there are no major records of their plans, the best practice anticipated in this paper is to modularize the figurative appearance of such buildings, by imitating themes of the repetitive patterns of past regional Egyptian architecture seen as pixels. This led to the fundamental solution to such a dilemma in building construction. Keywords: Cheops, Pyramid, Balance, Historical Building

Factors Affecting Efficiency Of Railways In Terms Of Safety At Railway Level Crossings

Road traffic accidents are in the top ten of all deaths, with around 1.4 million fatalities and 50 million injuries per year worldwide. Regarding railways, in the EU there were 1666 serious accidents registered in 2018 and 442 of them involved Level Crossings (LCs). The number of accidents on level crossings in the EU in 2018 was approximately 27% of the total number of accidents on railways, but these accidents can be predictable and preventable. The current study investigated the efficiency of railways in terms of accident risk at LCs in 24 countries of the EU. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method has been applied to evaluate the efficiency of selected railways in terms of safety at LCs. After extensive study of the subject, the comprehensive list of influencing factors has been identified and seven of them have been selected for further analysis. To investigate the relationship between selected factors and efficiency score of railways in terms of accident risk at LCs, the IBM SPSS software package has been deployed. The results show that GDP per capita and density of population in the selected countries have a strong influence on the efficiency of railways in terms of safety at LCs. The expected outcome of this research may contribute to a better understanding of the factors that influence the efficiency score of railways in term of accident risk at LCs and may help to develop preventative measures

Rehabilitation of historical cities in the mediterranean using modular patterns – case study of Sidon

Over the Eastern Mediterranean Coast, a historical centre, well known as the port of the Phoenicians, stands facing the sea where ships sail across the blue horizon. There lie the oldest historical monuments of Sidon that remain undocumented. This paper’s aim is to study these buildings that have been damaged by urbanization by using methodological norms and predict their social practices that were inhabited with the lifestyle of fishermen and by which we came across many repetitive patterns that turned out to be modular. By envisaging the modular spatial practices of ruined buildings, their cores of which we had no previous information, we can restore those buildings to their original state

Findings of Patterns in Prehistoric Architecture- Case Study of the Pyramid of Cheops

There has been an increasing need to explain the geometric representation of the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. Some divergent approaches have been attempted, which need further exploration. The aim of this research paper is to unfold the mysteries behind one of the most notable notions of our universe, as it lies hidden in the dark configuration of space, the void. The space which incubates patterns depicted in the form of a pyramid can also nurse buried void. The approach used in this investigation is based on mathematical illustrations, which led to conclude that void versus matter is a constant strain for balance, and has been ever since the first formation of the apex of a pyramid. The main findings of this paper are that the manifest states, as shown in the schematic diagrams depicting the shape of the pyramid of Cheops, are in the form of balance between void and matter. The key conclusion is that there is a link between the graphical representation of the distributed building blocks in any horizontal layer of the pyramid of Cheops, and the general depiction of its form and angle derived from a geometric balance in the arrangement of its building blocks

Analysis of factors affecting construction and demolition waste reduction in Egypt

Construction projects are associated with construction and demolition waste (CDW) generated at different stages. In Egypt's case, the CDW problem has become a significant challenge, and the need to find sustainable solutions is overwhelming. Based on recent investigations in the literature, it was found that six main factors are affecting CDW reduction (CDWR) as follows: (1) waste-efficient materials procurement measures; (2) waste-efficient materials procurement models; (3) green materials procurement approach; (4) legislation; (5) culture & behaviour; and (6) awareness. In this study, a representative sample of Egyptian construction firms was screened to (1) investigate the applicability and effectiveness of CDWR factors in the Egyptian construction sector; and (2) examine the relationship between these factors and CDWR. The results revealed that (1) among different factors, “correct materials purchase” is the most applied item while “reducing overall material use by using prefabricated elements and highly durable materials” is the most effective item; and (2) there are statistically significant positive relationships between CDWR and different factors except “legislation”. The results demonstrate the necessity of developing a conceptual framework, as a next research initiative, consisting of these different factors for CDWR in Egypt

An Investigation into the Benefits and Constraints of Shifting Freight Traffic onto High-Speed Railways

The environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the continuing increase in the global freight transport have necessitated more than ever the need for a more effective and sustainable freight transport system. High Speed Railways (HSR) may provide the solution as they have the ability to move goods quickly, safely and economically which can sufficiently improve the trade links within vast regions such as the European Union and extend that to Asian countries. The major issues concerning freight transport are greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel which mean that railway freight transport particularly HSR freight would be the most competitive mode. Many countries have invested in developing HSR but at present, HSR is more regularly used for passengers than for freight although there are an increasing number of countries who operate HSR freight services. Some HSR systems are not profitable as the demand for travel is not sufficient and there is a significant larger haulage capacity available, and thus they need additional funding from governments. Shifting freight from roads onto railways will improve the economic performance of HSR, reduce the amount of fuel used by the transport industry and reduce the greenhouse gas emission. This research considers the future trends and possibilities of shifting freight from roads to HSR lines and analyses the operational and technological constrains concerning freight traffic and the corresponding capabilities of HSR. Most of the data and information used in the research are gathered from relevant online sources including in depth research of the HSR in selected countries, available railway statistics and European and Institutional publications. The expected outcome of this research may contribute to developing more suitable means to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of HSR particularly for freight transport

An investigation into the benefits and constraints of shifting freight traffic from roads onto high-speed railways

© 2019 WIT Press. The environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the continuing increase in the global freight transport has necessitated more than ever the need for a more effective and sustainable freight transport system. High Speed Railways (HSR) may provide the solution as they have the ability to move goods quickly, safely and economically which can sufficiently improve the trade links within vast regions such as the European Union and extend that to Asian countries. The major issues concerning freight transport are greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel which mean that railway freight transport particularly HSR freight would be the most competitive mode. Many countries have invested in developing HSR but at present, HSR is more regularly used for passengers than for freight although there are an increasing number of countries who operate HSR freight services. Some HSR systems are not profitable as the demand for travel is not sufficient and there is a significant larger haulage capacity available, and thus they need additional funding from governments. Shifting freight from roads onto railways will improve the economic performance of HSR, reduce the amount of fuel used by the transport industry and reduce the greenhouse gas emission. This research considers the future trends and possibilities of shifting freight from roads to HSR lines and analyses the operational and technological constrains concerning freight traffic and the corresponding capabilities of HSR. Most of the data and information used in the research are gathered from relevant online sources including in depth research of the HSR in selected countries, available railway statistics and European and Institutional publications. The expected outcome of this research may contribute to developing more suitable means to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of HSR particularly for freight transport

Freight Transport using High-Speed Railways

There has been an encouraging awareness of the need for more sustainable transportation particularly for freight transport that has resulted from the continuing increases in global trade and business internationalisation. This is mainly driven by the related issues concerning greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel. The expansion in the worldwide High-Speed Railway (HSR) systems has provided a reliable opportunity for freight transportation. The HSR has the ability to move goods in a more efficient, safe and cost-effective way, which can improve trade links in Europe and the rest of the world. Many countries have developed HSR systems but such systems are mostly used for passenger transport despite their haulage capacity. This research investigates the future possibility of shifting freight from airlines onto HSR, by analysing the operational and technical constraints associated with freight traffic. Most of the data was gathered from on-line sources and related research publications concerning a selected set of worldwide HSR systems. The outcome of this research may contribute to the development of suitable solutions that may improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of transport systems. © 2019 WIT Press All Rights Reserve

An investigation into solid waste problem in the Egyptian construction industry: A mini-review

Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the most critical global challenges nowadays. It has a severe negative effect on the triple bottom line of sustainability. Construction and demolition waste (CDW) contributes about 50% of the total global annual generated SW. In the particular case of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region including Egypt, the SW problem has become a major challenge, and the need to find sustainable solutions is overwhelming. However, the region faces several challenges that hinder the development of an effective and efficient SWM system. This has resulted in the predominance of unsustainable SWM practices such as indiscriminate disposals. The aim of this paper is to investigate the escalating problem of SW in the MENA region, while focusing on CDW in Egypt as a part of the total generated SW, by reviewing the most recent research papers, and technical and governmental reports on the SW problem. The main challenges towards effective and efficient SWM systems and recommendations for improvement are gathered in this study based on the explored literature. Findings from this study are expected to be beneficial to local and central governments, academics, construction industry practitioners, and policymakers contending with the problems of SW in the MENA region and especially CDW in Egypt

Achieving Sustainability in the UK Construction by Reducing Waste Generation

The construction industry in the United Kingdom has been the highest contributor to construction waste (62%) as compared to other sectors. Such waste has a direct impact on the environment and causes poor air quality, increases CO2 emissions, etc. The reduction of waste will play important part in achieving the environmental and economic sustainability in this important sector. According to Defra statistics, the UK is producing an average of 110 million tonnes of construction waste every year since 2010. While EU aims to reduce the construction, demolition and excavation waste (CD&E) by up to 70% by 2020. This paper will identify and discuss the key factors that contribute to the generation of construction waste. Relevant data was collected from different construction sites. The data was then analysed by assessing the site waste management, material procurement, material management, material usage and wastage, in addition to the average amount of waste transported and the volume of re-used materials. For economic and environmental perspectives, the reduction of the maximum amount of waste from any construction project will contribute to: • Decreased removal and landfill taxes, • Reduced labour cost for the transportation of waste, and • Minimising waste going to landfill will benefit the environment efficient waste disposal. The findings of this research project will help better understanding of the major factors that can reduce the construction waste within the forecasted targets and contribute towards achieving sustainability in construction waste management