STBU at International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC)

Structures and Buildings

The International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC) took place recently in Saudi Arabia (6-7 May 2024).

As ICEP author and champion of the upcoming Qatar 2022 World Cup Stadia Themed Issue in preparation in our journal Structures and Buildings, Professor Mohammed Zein Elabidin Babiker Elshafie (Qatar University) was invited to speak about his work with the ICE, how it helped his career and the importance of engineering research to corporates and academic.

He had the opportunity to present the papers, discuss the challenges faced in the project and shared advice. He highlighted how the construction sector can benefit immensely from introspection and learning from their own experiences. Reflecting on past projects allows companies to identify and rectify mistakes to avoid failure. By documenting, analysing and studying past projects, engineers can identify not only what went wrong but also what went right and why. 

This deep understanding allows for the refinement and optimization of processes and methodologies, ultimately leading to increased efficiency in project delivery.

The diverse and ambitious nature of the stadiums combined with the specific particulars/constraints of construction in the Middle East provided a very rare opportunity to share knowledge and enhance best practices within the civil engineering profession worldwide. The upcoming Themed Issue “Structural Design and Construction Features of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Stadiums” on the Structures and Buildings ICE Proceedings, which will present the outcome of the Supreme Committee (SC) for Legacy and Delivery/Qatar University collaboration, is an excellent example of celebrating achievements and innovations alongside addressing challenges that are particularly relevant to the Middle East.

The themed issue is in progress and we are aiming at publishing it towards the end of 2024. It will be Open Access for everyone to read.

Professor Mohammed Zein Elabidin Babiker Elshafie during his speech at IGIC 2024Professor Mohammed Zein Elabidin Babiker Elshafie during his speech at IGIC 2024