The imperative of inclusivity in urban development is increasingly acknowledged worldwide. This study focuses on integrating accessibility into the Saudi Arabian construction industry, addressing a critical need in contemporary urban planning. Through quantitative analysis and stakeholder interviews, this research investigates priorities, knowledge gaps, and perceived barriers to accessibility among designers and end users. The methodology employed blends quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews. The study uncovers significant disparities in perspectives and priorities related to accessibility, highlighting the urgent need for tailored interventions. Notably, divergent views exist regarding financial constraints’ impact on accessibility efforts, the complexity of accessibility guidelines, and the social responsibilities of building owners. Key findings underscore the necessity for collaborative action among stakeholders to enhance awareness, address knowledge disparities, and prioritize accessibility in building design and construction endeavors. The study’s insights can guide stakeholders in creating more inclusive built environments, promoting social equity within Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape. The research further emphasizes the importance of integrating accessibility considerations early in the design and planning phases of construction projects. By doing so, stakeholders can proactively address accessibility challenges and foster inclusivity from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. Moreover, the study highlights the potential economic benefits of inclusive design practices. Creating accessible spaces not only meets regulatory requirements but also expands market reach by catering to diverse user needs. This aligns with global trends toward sustainable and inclusive urban development, positioning Saudi Arabia’s construction industry for long-term success and societal impact. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the landscape of accessibility integration within the Saudi Arabian construction industry. It calls for collaborative efforts, informed decision-making, and proactive measures to create built environments that prioritize inclusivity and social equity, aligning with global best practices in urban development.

Recent studies have led to the development of approaches for recycling plastic waste and using it as an alternative for natural aggregates in concrete. The studies mainly focused on the material properties and sustainability aspects of such implementation, with little focus on the financial implications and the technical feasibility. The purpose of this research is to investigate the different lifecycle costs associated with the use of green recycled plastic lightweight aggregates (GLACs) in concrete construction in different structural systems. For that purpose, the authors evaluated a concrete structure with several variable design systems and conducted structural design once using conventional concrete and once using concrete with recycled plastic aggregates, resulting in a total of 36 distinct scenarios. The lifetime cost analysis was performed on such scenarios. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine how structural characteristics and critical element costs influence cost-effectiveness. According to the findings, this approach can save up to 6% in life-cycle expenses. The findings of this research will contribute to the upcoming paradigm shift of using recycled plastic in concrete, which will reduce the environmental impacts of both the concrete and plastic industries while also assisting developers in lowering their life cycle costs.

Because changes in the structure's occupancy significantly affect the mass distribution and the structure's behavior, changing mass distribution might make the building more irregular and vulnerable to seismic ground motions. Many researchers tried to evaluate their seismic vulnerability. Most previous studies used simplified structural representations such as two-dimensional models that could not represent accurate seismic behavior from the coupling between lateral and torsional responses. For space structures with high irregularity, more realistic representations such as three-dimensional models are needed for the proper seismic assessment. To handle the computational challenge in deriving fragility curves, this research utilized a new structural reliability method that incorporates structural analysis and reliability analysis to efficiently and accurately calculate the failure probability with the first-order reliability method (FORM). This study investigates the seismic vulnerability of space-reinforced concrete frame structures with varying vertical irregularities. More representative seismic fragility curves are derived with their three-dimensional analytical models. The significant effect of the structure's vertical irregularity on seismic vulnerability is highlighted.