This study investigated the structural behavior of a railway bridge that could be constructed in a seismically active zone. The definition of these bridges' primary components is discussed first. A three-span bridge with varying pier heights is proposed to cross a deep conduit in a proposed plate girder bridge. A detailed design is provided here, taking into account the train track's live load and following the AREMA specifications. A finite element model is provided, which uses the SAP2000 software program to simulate the behavior of the bridge under moving load in a quasi-static condition. Two methods are used to simulate the bridge's behavior during an earthquake, with the influence of soil type being investigated using response spectrum analysis. Furthermore, the bridge is subject to a recorded earthquake acceleration in the time domain (El Centro Earthquake). The stress and deformation limits are determined under all loading conditions. It was discovered that soil of Type C has the greatest influence on these limits, increasing stresses by approximately 27.40% and deformation by 40.73%. In addition, the bridge is earthquake-safe. Furthermore, the ballast layer may improve foundation performance by increasing load distribution and minimizing the danger of liquefaction, which happens when damp soil loses strength during shaking. The ballast layer improves drainage, reducing water gathering, which is critical for soil stability during an earthquake.
Urban development in Ghana has been characterized by economic expansion, rapid population growth and rural-urban migration. However, these changes have often outpaced effective urban planning, leading to significant challenges in the management of urban areas. This paper examines the key factors that contributes to urban sprawling in Ghana for the purpose of formulating sustainable urban planning strategies for the future. Using quantitative methods, structured questionnaires were distributed, retrieved and analysed using descriptive statistics. Analysis showed that factors with the highest mean and most negative skew such as increasing population growth, the desire for single- family accommodation, high cost of accommodation at urban centres and affordable land values in sub-urban areas are perceived as the most critical issues related to urban sprawl. There was a strong consensus due to negative skewness that lower-ranked challenges like safety and security, anticipated developmental services and job decentralization are still concerns although perceived as less urgent. The research provides actionable insights into how urban sprawl undermines sustainable development and offers strategies to mitigate its negative impacts. The practical implications of the research on the challenges posed by urban sprawl are crucial for city planners, policymakers, and local governments, particularly in a rapidly urbanizing countries like Ghana.
With the increase of traffic volumes in Jordan and high rate of growth for population and vehicles in the last 10 years, highway systems suffer from different problems like congestion high rate of accidents, delay and long travel time. Intersections and U-turns in the major highways consider from the hazard location in this system. Looking for solution for this problem depended on redesign the intersection in effective way without main changes in the infrastructure. Traffic accidents is one of the major health hazards in Jordan. They are considered the second leading cause of death. Therefore, maintaining safety and operational efficiency at on arterial highways remains a constant goal. This study provides a practical solution for solving U-turn problem and proposing a new design for improving safety and operational characteristics for an existing arterial segment of the Amman- Jerash highway. The study evaluated the current situation by conduction a survey. Results lead to the proposed design solution which eliminated the hazard of merging after the U-turn and provided safe maneuver of turning for highway users.
Architecture History at undergraduate level is taught through courses on both local and global architecture history. It broadly covers pre-historic architecture to Medieval and Gothic to Post-modern architecture and history of the local architecture heritage as well. These different styles of architecture however, did not come one after another. Rather they very often share overlapping timeline. History of Bengal Architecture is taught in Bangladesh as a separate course. It covers architecture history from Mauryan to Pala period; Buddhist period to Hindu Period; Mughal period to Colonial period in the Bengal region and so on. The time period covered is approximately from 400 BC to 1947 CE. Some of it overlaps with History of Indian Architecture course. But most of the Architecture History courses cover Western Architecture which might be due to the colonial influence on our education system. Due to more dominance of Western Architecture History in the education system, students very often fail to recognize the importance of Bengal Architecture, its characteristics and relevance. They think of it as an insignificant development in context of global architecture history [of the West mainly] and fail to establish Bengal Architecture’s co-relation with contemporary global architecture of that period. For example, students are merely aware of the facts that ‘Mahasthangarh’, Bogra was erected in late 4th Century CE even before Hagia Sofia, Istanbul (537 CE) or that ‘Kantajew’ Temple, Dinajpur and Palace of Versailles, France both were completed around 1720 CE –because of the existing segregation in teaching of architecture history courses in linear manner. This paper establishes the missing link that connects Architecture of Bengal with the Global Architecture scenario that persisted during that same time frame and also investigates the similarities and dissimilarities with each other. A corresponding timeline of significant architecture examples combining both Bengal Architecture and Global Architecture is presented for easy understanding and future studies.
The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the built environment industry has the capacity to completely transform the ways in which buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed, and managed. This research examined the present condition, challenges and future potential of AI implementation by built-environment professionals in Ghana. This paper uses the quantitative methods with data collected from built-environment professionals such as architects, engineers project managers and quantity surveyors. Using convenience sampling, 200 questionnaires were distributed using google forms with 182 received indicating a response rate of 91%. The analysis response was done using descriptive analysis. Even though respondents were aware of the vast benefits of AI tools, 51.6% indicated their awareness of the AI tools but only 19% claimed to have ever used an AI tool. The survey revealed a relatively low level of awareness of the use of AI tools in the built environment. The barriers to the smooth deployment of AI tools include opposition to change (traditionalization), challenges with integration with current system, availability, cost and challenges with consistency with data on Ghana Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the capability to optimise many phases of building and urban planning, ranging from design process to project management. Through the application of predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) has the capability to anticipate possible problems, enhance the allocation of resources, and minimise project delays, therefore resulting in more efficient and economically viable construction procedures. The novelty of this study resides in its analysis of the implementation of AI in a swiftly urbanising and emerging economy. Unlike research undertaken in more technologically mature locations, this study focusses on the initial phases of AI integration in Ghana, providing important insights into the obstacles and motivators of AI implementation in comparable settings throughout Africa and other emerging nations.