2024 Scientific Engineering Conference's recommendations

The Scientific Engineering Conference of 2024, themed Sustainability in Civil Engineering Facilities, and its accompanying exhibition were concluded on May 28, 2024, at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Damascus University. A large number of local, international, Arab, and foreign participants attended. Over the course of two days, the conference covered a wide range of topics and research papers presented by experts and researchers, faculty members and postgraduate students in the fields of civil engineering. The participants made a number of recommendations, covering all the topics presented in the conference.

Regarding the theme of contemporary technology in structural engineering, the participants suggested:

·       Localising the technology of reinforcing concrete columns using, carbon fibre particularly for building restoration.

·       Using carbon fibre insulating layers for high temperatures.

·       Using metal bonding technology to increase the seismic efficiency of metal and concrete frames.

·       Developing the Syrian Arabic Code to shed light on the findings of research conducted to raise seismic efficiency and seismic isolation.

·       Reusing and recycling construction debris in different building domains.

With regard to the theme of sustainable health and environmental engineering systems:

·       Using artificial intelligence technology in environmental engineering in general, and specifically in the management and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as the prediction of environmental disasters.

·       Treating household solid waste, especially anaerobic treatment, while studying the possibility of benefiting from the resulting biogas.

·       Purifying groundwater from nitrates in order to use it as a source of drinking water.

·       Developing methods and technologies to purify water associated with oil and gas, and purifying the soil from the resulting pollution.

·       Wastewater treatment that is technically and economically appropriate to reuse the treated water in irrigation.

Regarding the three-dimensional modeling of photogrammetry and laser scanning products and remote sensing technologies and their uses in sustainable development:

·       Developing a national map of the sources of construction wealth in order to invest in them and find a national alternative to imports.

·       Making the photogrammetry technology available for non-specialized youth with the aim of enhancing all components of the Syrian cultural heritage.

·       Establishing a joint geographical information bank and constantly updating it to ensure the sustainability of sound spatial decision-making.

With regard to the theme of modern technologies in geotechnical engineering:

·       Adopting geo-engineering seismic methods in engineering studies to support the decision of competent engineers.

·       Reusing demolition and construction waste in road geotechnical works.

·       Completing a geotechnical map of Syria.

·       Relying on underground facilities (underground tunnels) because they reduce the environmental impact and achieve sustainability.

·       Relying on modern numerical methods to reduce field and laboratory experiments.

·       Using eco-friendly materials to improve the properties of the soil.

As for the theme of the role of building materials in the sustainability of engineering facilities:

·       Using recycled glass waste as a substitute for silica fumes in reinforced concrete to achieve better results in terms ductility.

·       Introducing intelligent transportation systems into the design of modern residential suburbs.

·       Updating the public transportation plan for the city of Damascus in line with the current situation.

·       Using local materials such as basalt in road construction.

·       Creating social and economic development projects in the surrounding suburbs and countryside and providing them with appropriate means of transportation.

·       Improving public transportation by achieving standards of comfort, safety, reliability, and efficiency in order to reduce traffic congestion, waiting times, and delays.

·       Recycling construction materials and directing experimental scientific research to utilise them.

·       Participating in the development of the cement industry.

Regarding the themes of integrated water resources management and the role of measurement and monitoring systems in the sustainability of facilities:

·       Relying on rainwater as an economic resource that complements the construction of dams.

·       Increasing attention to irrigation water management to increase the efficiency of its use and reduce wasted water.

·       Improving groundwater management to mitigate the impact of climate change on it.

·       Promoting the establishment of groundwater monitoring and control networks, and determining safe withdrawal rates, especially in areas of water scarcity.

·       Focusing on the risks resulting from presumed dam collapses.

·       Enhancing methods for monitoring the technical condition of existing dams and their operating programs.

·       Launching a national campaign on the dangers of depleting available surface and ground resources.

·       Giving special attention to the issue of water measurements and data collection to benefit from it in the design, implementation and operation of water facilities.

As far as the theme of sustainability assessment systems in engineering facilities is concerned:

·       The necessity of adopting BIM technology and intelligence technologies in the design phase of buildings.

·       Increasing reliance on prefabricated construction as a method.

·       Choosing the right direction of buildings to make the best use of the sun rays.