Workshops and Conferences

Workshops

A Tour Around Asphalt Technologies, Raw Materials, Production, and Site Works [May 6, 2024]

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, in conjunction with the Industrial Outreach Committee, hosted an enlightening seminar titled “A Tour Around Asphalt Technologies: Raw Materials, Production, and Site Works”.

The presentation, led by Eng. Hassan Alyamani offered a comprehensive exploration of various facets of asphalt production and pavement technologies. With a background in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from Damascus University, Eng. Hassan Alyamani boasts extensive experience across diverse domains, including the design and construction of high-rise buildings, tieback walls, raft foundations, deep piles, soil nailing, and soil anchoring. His career trajectory began at the Damascus Municipality Laboratory, where he gained hands-on experience in testing soil, aggregates, asphalt, and concrete. Currently serving as the Technical Manager at Colas Qatar & KSA since 201S, Eng. Alyamani has played a pivotal role in numerous distinguished projects throughout Qatar and the GCC region.

Eng. Alyamani expertly navigated through topics ranging from raw materials to the intricacies of mix design, asphalt production processes, site works, and quality control procedures. Emphasizing practical insights, the seminar examined troubleshooting techniques for addressing common issues encountered both at the plant and on-site. Eng. Alyamani also showcased several notable projects, highlighting the innovative approaches and solutions implemented.

Overall, the seminar was a masterclass in asphalt technologies, offering a holistic view of the subject matter while also providing actionable insights and real-world examples. Attendees left the session not only with a deeper understanding of asphalt production but also with the confidence and knowledge needed to tackle challenges head-on in their professional endeavors.

ConstructionTech Roundup with Startups [April 23, 2024]

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering orchestrated a dynamic workshop titled “ConstructionTech Roundup with Startups” on April 23, 2024. In collaboration with prominent startups within the construction technology domain, our objective was to explore the latest advancements, trends, and opportunities reshaping the construction industry. The event served as a compelling platform for an in-depth exploration of the innovative intersection between construction technology and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Through a series of engaging presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants were immersed in a wealth of knowledge, gaining insights into several key areas:

The emergence of cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing construction practices.
Inspirational success stories from startups and their profound impact on industry dynamics.
Promising avenues for collaborative ventures in the realm of ConstructionTech.

The distinguished roster of speakers comprised industry luminaries, visionary entrepreneurs, and seasoned investors, all of whom are driving forces behind innovation in construction technology. Dr. Anil Sawhney, Director of the Infrastructure Sector at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), delivered a captivating presentation titled “The Evolution of ConstructionTech - Investment, Growth, and Outlook”. Dr. Sawhney spearheads the Institution’s strategic initiatives aimed at positioning RICS as a global leader in the commercial management of infrastructure projects.

The workshop facilitated an enriching environment for networking, knowledge exchange, and the cultivation of partnerships within the ConstructionTech ecosystem. Industry professionals from prominent companies and organizations across Qatar, involved in civil engineering, construction, and related sectors, actively participated in the event. Moreover, students, faculty members, and researchers from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering were integral contributors, further enriching the discourse with their insights and perspectives.

Linking Architectural Design Constraints to Structural Analysis and Design [April 23, 2024]

As part of the ongoing initiatives of the Industrial Outreach Committee, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Qatar University's College of Engineering proudly hosted a seminar titled: "Linking Architectural Design Constraints to Structural Analysis and Design" on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The seminar was conducted by the esteemed Architect Francisco Trujillo.

Arch. Francisco Trujillo is a distinguished professional, having earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and further enhancing his expertise with a Master’s in Critique and Architectural Design from the University of Navarra, Spain. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to architectural design, urban planning, and education. Currently serving as the Managing Director and Chief International Officer at AH Asociados since 2001, he has steered the firm to global recognition, expanding its footprint across various countries such as Spain, Poland, Ecuador, Qatar, Slovenia, and Mexico. His professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to innovative architectural practices and excellence in project management, particularly in the realms of housing, public facilities, and urban design.

The presentation delivered by Arch. Francisco Trujillo explored the crucial intersection of architectural design constraints and structural engineering. Emphasizing the imperative of harmonizing architectural imperatives with structural design, the session underscored the significance of this integration in optimizing building functionality and aesthetics. Through compelling case studies like the Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid Architects, the presentation showcased the transformative outcomes achieved through architect-engineer collaboration. It encouraged civil engineering students to embrace interdisciplinary approaches, fostering innovation and holistic problem-solving in building design. This synthesis endeavors to equip future engineers with the tools and insights needed to address the challenges inherent in creating structurally robust and visually captivating buildings.

Digital Twins in Civil Engineering: Transforming Design and Construction [April 21, 2024]

Dr. Anil Sawhney engaged with undergraduate students enrolled in the Civil Engineering program, shedding light on the transformative potential of Digital Twins within construction projects and facility management.

Dr. Anil Sawhney is the Director of the Infrastructure Sector for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). He leads the emerging initiative and strategy on placing and positioning the Institution within the field of commercial management of infrastructure projects globally. Through a captivating presentation, he elucidated the intricacies of Digital Twin technology, offering real-time access to a building's Digital Twin platform as a demonstration.

Dr. Sawhney delved into the fundamental concepts and underlying technologies that empower Digital Twins, dispelling common misconceptions surrounding this innovative approach. Moreover, he underscored the pivotal role of Digital Twins in overcoming challenges prevalent in the construction industry, emphasizing its capacity to revolutionize project management and operational efficiency.

During interactive sessions with students, Dr. Sawhney emphasized the indispensable role of Civil Engineering professionals in the ongoing development and implementation of Digital Twin technologies. He elucidated how their expertise and insights can drive innovation and shape the future of the industry.

As the seminar drew to a close, Dr. Sawhney provided invaluable guidance to aspiring civil engineering graduates, emphasizing the importance of readiness to embrace digital tools in the construction sector. His insights equipped students with a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of their field and underscored the significance of adapting to technological advancements for future success.

Implementation of Innovative Circular Economy and Recycling Strategies in Road Pavement [December 5, 2023]

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering was honored to host an enlightening seminar on December 5, 2023, titled: “Implementation of Innovative Circular Economy and Recycling Strategies in Road Pavement”.

The esteemed presenter, Dr. Ellie Fini, serves as an associate professor at Arizona State University. She is an invention ambassador at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fulbright scholar of Aalborg University in Denmark, and a senior sustainability and innovation director of the Innovation Network for Materials, Methods, and Management. Dr. Fini's research is dedicated to the production, characterization, and atomistic modeling of novel construction materials, with a particular focus on sustainable, low-carbon roofing and paving materials.

The seminar highlighted the imperative for both private and public agencies to embrace the principles of the circular economy in the design, construction, and maintenance of roadway infrastructures. This paradigm shift aims to enhance economic, environmental, and social well-being. Notably, the pavement industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainable practices, emphasizing the adoption of new materials and methods such as warm mix asphalt, half-warm mix asphalt, and cold mix asphalt. These innovations serve to mitigate carbon footprints, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize associated CO2 emissions.

As natural resources become increasingly depleted and regulatory standards grow more stringent, there is a growing emphasis on the utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavements, recycled asphalt shingles, and recycled aggregate concrete. These strategies not only contribute to sustainability efforts but also foster resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Inspection and Testing of Cracks at Repaired Reinforced Concrete Wall - A Case Study [November 27, 2023]

As part of the ongoing efforts of the Industrial Outreach Committee, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering proudly hosted a seminar titled: "Inspection and Testing of Cracks at Repaired Reinforced Concrete Wall - A Case Study" on Monday, November 27, 2023.

The distinguished presenter, Eng. Chadi Said brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Holding a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Lebanese American University and an MBA degree from the London Business School, he boasts over 20 years of industry experience. His specialized knowledge encompasses condition assessment and repair of aging infrastructure, concrete technology, fast-track project construction, and infrastructure management solutions.

Throughout the seminar, attendees were immersed in a comprehensive exploration of various testing methodologies aimed at evaluating both fresh and hardened concrete properties. These insights are crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of structural conditions and devising effective remedial measures.

Eng. Said’s presentation examined the intricacies of commonly used concrete testing methods within the industry. Moreover, it introduced novel testing techniques and concepts pertaining to non-destructive testing for both fresh and hardened concrete, along with essential principles for structure assessment.

The seminar fostered valuable discussions and exchanges, enriching participants with actionable insights to enhance their practices in civil engineering and infrastructure management. It served as a testament to our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and professional development within the field.

Conferences

2nd International Conference on Civil Infrastructure and Construction (CIC 2023)

International Conference on Civil Infrastructure and Construction (CIC 2023)