Dr. Rasha A Waheeb

Dr. Rasha A. Waheeb, PhD, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering – Sustainability and Smart Cities, University of Baghdad, Iraq, PhD in Civil Engineering, NTNU – Faculty of Engineering, Norway

Research Interests: Sustainable Urban Development, Smart Cities, Post-War Reconstruction, AI-driven Decision Making, Urban Resilience.

EDUCATION

Rasha A Waheeb is a Doctor of civil engineering (general specialty) and Engineering projects management (specific Specialty) Granted from the Faculty of Engineering, NTNU (Norway)

Doctor Rasha has written over Eighty-five articles concerned with project management, civil engineering, and technology. Doctor Rasha’s current research is on the Emergency Reconstruction post-disaster areas.

Research focuses on new management methodology, changes in constructional industry, and understanding productivity change in the construction sector as putting solutions for problems, which face the building sector.

Rasha A Waheeb’s hobby is reading.

''Reading is brain food''

''When we build we build life''

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Management of Technology and Innovation, Civil and Structural Engineering, Management Information Systems, Urban Studies

Scopus Publications

Using ethical artificial intelligence (EAI) to achieve sustainable development in Iraq: A case study based on a novel model
Rasha A. Waheeb, Bjorn S. Andersen, Kusay A. Wheib
Sustainable Futures, 2026
• Developed an AI-based smart model integrated with sustainability indicators to support decision-making in sustainable development projects in Iraq. • Analyzed 60 developmental projects using SPSS and AI-driven tools to identify key success and failure factors affecting sustainability outcomes. • Addressed critical gaps in energy and water resource management within post-conflict development contexts. • Proposed a unified mathematical framework combining AI, risk assessment, and sustainability analysis for infrastructure planning. • Designed a bilingual (Arabic–English) digital decision-support application for policymakers and engineers to enhance planning efficiency. This study proposes a pioneering Ethical Artificial Intelligence (EAI) framework for advancing sustainable development in Iraq by integrating eight multidimensional sustainability indicators—administrative, technological, economic, environmental, social, legal, security, and governance. Utilizing data from 60 completed development projects, the framework combines SPSS statistical analysis, the SMART-AI model, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to identify key determinants of project success and failure. Results reveal a 37% project failure rate, with administrative and technological deficiencies emerging as the most influential predictors. The SMART-AI model achieved an accuracy of 91.3% using stratified k-fold cross-validation. A bilingual (Arabic–English) decision-support application was developed to operationalize the model, enabling scenario analysis, risk prediction, and project monitoring under crisis conditions. The findings highlight the potential of Ethical AI to enhance transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making in fragile and post-conflict environments, supporting national strategies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). Fig. A.
Pedogenesis of Calcite and Dolomite Content in Different Iraqi Soils
Haleema A. Abdulrahman, Kusay A. Wheib, Wejdan T. Kadhim, Rasha A. Waheeb
Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2025
Soil samples were tested for Calcite and Dolomite using XRD analysis. some Iraqi soils have low levels in Calcite that might approaches to zero, and that does not mean it has zero level of Carbonate because the decrease in a major compound of this group (carbonate) will be on the expense of the other compound. Besides, dolomitization is no less importance than Calcification in Iraqi soils where it was in recent or paleo occurrence of these minerals. There was a highly significant Pearson correlation between Calcite and Dolomite contents in soils (significant at 0.01 level) that shows that the increase of one component will be on the expense of the other component, and here is an evidence for the occurring of Dolomitization process in soil. Studied soils showed higher content of carbonate minerals, where some soils showed zero content of calcite minerals with higher content of dolomite 31%. Soil salinity showed varied range where the lowest value was 0.85 dS m-1, while the highest value was 95.12 dS m-1. Inceptisols which located to the north of Iraq, showed the highest content of calcite as compared to the other locations while Mollisols showed the least content of calcite.
Smart and sustainable city Baghdad
Rasha A. Waheeb, Bjorn S. Andersen, Kusay A. Wheib
Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 2025
Introduction The Smart Sustainable City Baghdad (SSCB-App) initiative advances a novel, multi-sectoral framework for urban transformation in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Conceived as both a technological innovation and a governance instrument, the SSCB-App operationalizes the principles of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity within a city marked by protracted conflict, infrastructural collapse, and institutional fragmentation. Through the integration of real-time data analytics, interactive dashboards, and scenario-based simulations, the application systematically engages critical urban domains—energy, water, transportation, healthcare, education, security, environment, and governance—while linking them to the global normative architecture of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods The contribution of this study is threefold. First, it redefines post-conflict urban recovery by embedding resilience thinking into practical decision-support systems that allow policymakers to anticipate risks, test alternative strategies, and align reconstruction efforts with long-term sustainability objectives. Second, it demonstrates how digital technologies, when strategically integrated with governance frameworks, can mediate the tension between immediate stabilization needs and structural reforms aimed at equity and accountability. Results Third, by situating Baghdad as a paradigmatic case, the SSCB-App underscores the epistemic value of fragile cities as laboratories of innovation, where the intersections of conflict, governance, and sustainability illuminate broader theoretical debates in urban studies and development research. Ultimately, the SSCB-App transcends conventional reconstruction by articulating a transferable model that is at once context-specific and globally relevant. Discussion It positions Baghdad not merely as a site of recovery but as a reference point for reimagining the role of smart technologies in enabling resilient, just, and sustainable urban futures. This analytical and model-based study provides an integrated framework for transforming Baghdad into a smart and sustainable city by combining urban planning, renewable energy, environmental protection, and intelligent governance systems.
Impact of Pandemic SARS COVID-19 on Different Construction Project Management: Problems and Solutions
Rasha A. Waheeb, Kusay A. Wheib, Bjørn S. Andersen, Rafea Al-Suhiili
Public Works Management and Policy, 2023
This study discusses risk management strategies caused by pandemic-related (Covid-19) suspensions in thirty-six engineering projects of different types and sizes selected from countries in the middle east and especially Iraq. The primary data collection method was a survey and questionnaire completed by selected project crew and laborers. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel to construct models to help decision-makers find solutions to the scheduling problems that may be expected to occur during a pandemic. A theoretical and practical concept for project risk management that addresses a range of global and local issues that affect schedule and cost is presented and results indicate that the most significant delays are due to a lack of good project risk management skills and remote project management capability which is exacerbated by shortfalls in technical development and information technology.
Causes of Problems in Post-Disaster Emergency Re-Construction Projects—Iraq as a Case Study
Rasha A. Waheeb, Bjørn S. Andersen
Public Works Management and Policy, 2022
This study examines the causes of time delays and cost overruns in a selection of thirty post-disaster reconstruction projects in Iraq. Although delay factors have been studied in many countries and contexts, little data exists from countries under the conditions characterizing Iraq during the last 10-15 years. A case study approach was used, with thirty construction projects of different types and sizes selected from the Baghdad region. Project data was gathered from a survey which was used to build statistical relationships between time and cost delay ratios and delay factors in post disaster projects. The most important delay factors identified were contractor failure, redesigning of designs/plans and change orders, security issues, selection of low-price bids, weather factors, and owner failures. Some of these are in line with findings from similar studies in other countries and regions, but some are unique to the Iraqi project sample, such as security issues and low-price bid selection. While many studies have examined factors causing delays and cost overruns, this study offers unique insights into factors that need to be considered when implementing projects for post disaster emergency reconstruction in areas impacted by wars and terrorism.
Using ANN in emergency reconstruction projects post disaster
Rasha A Waheeb, Bjørn S Andersen, Rafea AL Suhili
International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 2020
The purpose of this study is to avoid delays and cost changes that occur in emergency reconstruction projects especially in post disaster circumstances. This study is aimed to identify the factors that affect the real construction period and the real cost of a project against the estimated period of construction and the estimated cost of the project. The case study is related to the construction projects in Iraq. Thirty projects in different areas of construction in Iraq were selected as a sample for this study. Project participants from the projects authorities provided data about the projects through a data collection distributed survey made by the authors. Mathematical data analysis was used to construct a model to predict change in time and cost of the projects before the start of the construction. The artificial neural networks analysis was selected as a mathematical approach. The most important factors identified leading to schedule delays and cost increase were contractor failure, redesigning of designs/plans and change orders, security issues, selection of low-price bids, weather factors, and owner failures. The use of the ANN model for such a problem is expected to be an effective method for modeling this complicated phenomenon.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Using ethical artificial intelligence (EAI) to achieve sustainable development in Iraq: A case study based on a novel model
KAW Rasha A Waheeb, Bjorn S Andersen
2026
Using ethical artificial intelligence (EAI) to achieve sustainable development in Iraq: A case study based on a novel model
RAWBSAKA Wheib
Sustainable Futures 11 , 2026
2026
Using ethical artificial intelligence (EAI) to achieve sustainable development, Iraq as a case study
RA Waheeb, BS Andersen, KA Wheib
Frontiers in Sustainability 7, 1737050 , 2026
2026
Review Article: Soil Mechanics and Soil in Civil Engineering: Principles, Applications, Scientific techniques
RA Waheeb
https://zenodo.org/records/19004004 , 2026
2026
Review Article: Soil Mechanics and Soil in Civil Engineering: Principles, Applications, Scientific techniques
RA Waheeb
International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development 9 (2) , 2026
2026
Responsible AI for Justice, Sustainability, and Human-Centered Progress
RA Waheeb, KA Wheib
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18450769 , 2026
2026
Pedogenesis of Calcite and Dolomite Content in Different Iraqi Soils
HA Abdulrahman, KA Wheib, WT Kadhim, RA Waheeb
Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences 38 (2), 388-399 , 2025
2025
Artificial Intelligence: Our Smartest Tool or Our Dumbest Decision?
RA Waheeb
American Based Research Journal 14 (12) , 2025
2025
Smart and sustainable city Baghdad
RA Waheeb, BS Andersen, KA Wheib
Frontiers in Sustainable Cities 7, 1723083 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
Experience System to Solve Problems in Emergency Reconstruction Projects
RA Waheeb
Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management , 2025
2025
Citations: 2
Experience System to Solve Problems in Emergency Reconstruction Projects
RA Waheeb, KA Wheib, R Al-suhili, BS Andersen, HK Breesam, ...
Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management 10 (18s (2025 … , 2025
2025
Using Ethical Artificial Intelligence EAI to Improve the Management of Hospitals and Health Care Centers
RAWKA Wheib
Quality in Primary Care , 2025
2025
Using Ethical Artificial Intelligence EAI to Improve the Management of Hospitals and Health Care Centers
R Waheeb, K Wheib
Quality in Primary Care 33 (02), 054 , 2025
2025
Achieve Sustainable Development of Projects by Integrating Good Risk Management
RA Waheeb
Review of Economic Assessme 3 (4) , 2025
2025
Using Ethical Artificial Intelligence EAI to Eliminate the Strange and Suspicious Phenomena that have Spread ?Iraq Post Disaster as a Case Study
RA Waheeb
2025
Using Ethical Artificial Intelligence EAI to Eliminate the Strange and Suspicious Phenomena that have Spread “Iraq Post Disaster as a Case Study”
RA Waheeb
Journal of Research and Development 13 (1 No:1000286) , 2025
2025
Citations: 7
Smart City Management
R Waheeb, K Wheib
Available at SSRN 5073992 , 2024
2024
Improving the Performance of Smart Cities to achieve Sustainable Development & Stability
R Waheeb, K Wheib
Available at SSRN 5027898 , 2024
2024
The Concept of Sustainable Development
RA Waheeb
American Based Research Journal 13 (7) , 2024
2024
Achieve Sustainable Development of Projects by Integrating Good Risk Management and Performance Evaluation
RA Waheeb, G Cokins
International Journal of Management Research and Economics 4 (Issue 2, July … , 2024
2024

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Causes of problems in post-disaster emergency re-construction projects—Iraq as a case study
RA Waheeb, BS Andersen
Public Works Management & Policy 27 (1), 61-97 , 2022
2022
Citations: 57
Impact of pandemic SARS COVID-19 on different construction project management: Problems and solutions
RA Waheeb, KA Wheib, BS Andersen, R Al-Suhiili
Public Works Management & Policy 28 (3), 306-338 , 2023
2023
Citations: 47
Using ANN in emergency reconstruction projects post disaster
RA Waheeb, BS Andersen, RAL Suhili
International Journal of Engineering Business Management 12, 1847979020967835 , 2020
2020
Citations: 31
The prospective of Artificial Neural Network (ANN’s) model application to ameliorate management of post disaster engineering projects
R Waheeb, K Wheib, B Andersen, R Alsuhili
Available at SSRN 4208375 , 2022
2022
Citations: 21
Identification of Delay Causes in Construction Projects and Emergency Reconstruction''Iraq as a case study''
RA Waheeb
NTNU , 2018
2018
Citations: 20
APP innovation to Control Projects Risks Management during Crises https://publications.eai.eu/index.php/IoT/article/view/1122/958
RA Waheeb
EAI Endorsed Transactions on Internet of Things , 2022
2022
Citations: 19
Quality Control of Steel in Steel Iron Product Factory System
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4408235 , 2023
2023
Citations: 16
Diagnoses of Delay Causes in Construction Projects During Disaster
RA Waheeb
London Journal of Research in Management and Business 22 (8) , 2022
2022
Citations: 16
Building countries by eliminating corruption
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4475261 , 2023
2023
Citations: 15
Sustainable ENERGY by using AI
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4465582 , 2023
2023
Citations: 14
Strength & Conduct of Reinforced Concrete Corner Joint under Negative Moment Effect
RA Waheeb
Journal of Architectural Environment & Structural Engineering Research 4 (4 … , 2021
2021
Citations: 14
Ethical uses of artificial intelligence AI
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4507569 , 2023
2023
Citations: 13
The Concept of Urbanization in Developing Countries
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4468913 , 2023
2023
Citations: 13
Waste recycling to save energy by using ai
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4468539 , 2023
2023
Citations: 13
Design of earthquake-resistant buildings by using reinforced concrete or steel flexible corner joints
R Waheeb, K Wheib, B Andersen, R Alsuhili
BUILT ENVIRONMENT eJOURNAL 12 (28) , 2023
2023
Citations: 13
Successful Character of Project Manager (Presentation Slides)
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4386359 , 2018
2018
Citations: 13
Protect Oil Industry Sector in Iraq by Using AI
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4440154 , 2023
2023
Citations: 12
How to Build Your House?
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4432814 , 2023
2023
Citations: 12
Sustainability of Societies Using Artificial Intelligence in Green Buildings Baghdad
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4255832 , 2022
2022
Citations: 12
Using Digital Twin Technology to Improve Projects Management
R Waheeb
Available at SSRN 4255641 , 2022
2022
Citations: 12