Keynote Speeches

Prof.Fabio Tosti

University of West London

Biography: Fabio Tosti received the MSc and Engineering degree cum laude in Road Transportation and Infrastructures from the Sciences of Civil Engineering Department of Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy, in 2010. In 2014, he has received his PhD with European Doctorate Label (excellent rating) in Civil Engineering from the same department, wherein he subsequently held a post-doctoral position. Since 2016 he is Lecturer (Research Fellow) in “Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)” at the School of Computing and Engineering of the University of West London.
His research work is focused on the development of GPR-based methods and the use of other non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques in Civil Engineering and Geosciences. During his PhD, he was hosted twice at the Delft University of Technology - Department of Geoscience & Engineering - for the development and validation of new GPR techniques, and for the electromagnetic characterization of typical road materials.
He has been involved in several European and Italian Research projects as a Research team member. He is the leader of Project 2.5 “Determination, by using GPR, of the volumetric water content in structures, sub-structures, foundations and soil”, within the framework of the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action TU1208 “Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar”. Since 2013, he is co-Convener at the EGU General Assembly for Session GI3.1 “Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar”. He has served as EGU Representative of Early Career Scientists (ECS) within the “Geosciences Instrumentation & Data Systems (GI)” Division for the year 2015-2016, and he is currently in charge for the year 2016-2017. He has served as Chairman in several International Conferences and Meetings on GPR and road safety issues. He has authored and co-authored about 60 publications in International journals, books, and conference proceedings, and served as guest editor in several international journals. He is the Assistant to Editors for the International journal “Advances in Transportation Studies” and a reviewer for many International ISI- and Scopus-listed journals.

Title: Emerging Technologies for Structural and Environmental Monitoring: Innovations from the UWL Faringdon Research Centre

Abstract: The resilience and sustainability of civil engineering structures and materials are increasingly challenged by climate change, urbanisation, and ageing infrastructure. In parallel, the preservation of natural and cultural environments demands integrated approaches to monitoring and asset management. Addressing these challenges requires advanced technologies capable of delivering accurate, non-invasive, and scalable solutions.
This keynote presents recent research developments from the Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing at the University of West London, focusing on innovative methods for observing and assessing the condition of civil structures, concrete materials, and heritage assets. The Centre's work leverages non-destructive testing (NDT), remote sensing, and immersive digital technologies to support early detection of structural deterioration, subsurface anomalies, and environmental changes.
Key technologies discussed include Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for subsurface diagnostics in concrete and urban park systems, remote sensing for large-scale infrastructure and green space monitoring, and augmented and virtual reality for enhanced data interpretation and stakeholder engagement. These tools contribute to more effective asset management and decision-making across the built and natural environment.
The talk will also explore current challenges in data integration, standardisation, and real-world implementation, outlining future research directions and opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.

Dr. Laden Husamaldin

University of West London

Biography: Dr Laden Husamaldin is an Associate Professor in Information Systems and Project Management with over 15 years of academic experience. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), which recognises her commitment to teaching and learning excellence. Dr. Husamaldin balances her academic career with practical expertise gained from consultancy projects in both the private and public sectors. She earned her PhD in Information Systems from Brunel University, where her research focused on business and software modelling and model-driven information systems development.
Dr Husamaldin is the Project Management Lead for the Faringdon Centre for Non-destructive Testing and Remote Sensing. Her current research interests include project management, digital innovation, business analytics, business modelling, smart education and cities, and research methods. She has an extensive publication record in conferences and journals and has been an active reviewer since 2008. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Dr Husamaldin supervises PhD students and is an external director of studies for PhD students. For those interested in pursuing a full-time or part-time PhD, please email Dr Husamaldin directly.

Title: Adaptive Project Management for Innovation in Heritage and Civil Engineering

Abstract: Technology-intensive projects are increasingly central to innovation but present considerable management challenges due to high levels of uncertainty, rapid technological change, and the need to balance creativity with structured execution. Effective project management frameworks are therefore essential to ensure that research outputs and engineering solutions progress efficiently from concept to application.
This study investigates the application of project management approaches to technology-driven, heritage and civil engineering projects, focusing on their role in enhancing innovation, mitigating risk, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Two dominant approaches are examined: Waterfall, which provides a structured methodology suitable for projects with stable objectives; Agile, which supports iterative experimentation and is particularly effective in domains such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hybrid approaches are also considered, offering flexibility for projects characterised by uncertainty and evolving requirements.
The research draws on a case study from the Faringdon Research Centre, where non-destructive testing and remote sensing were applied to assess masonry wall collapses in historic ruins. This case illustrates the value of project management in bridging research and practice, providing conservation strategies aligned with real-world heritage and civil engineering needs.
The findings highlight the importance of adaptive project management in transforming research into tangible innovations and underline future trends, including AI-driven project tools and collaborative models, that are likely to redefine technology and engineering project delivery.

Prof. Sudharshan N. Raman

Monash University Malaysia

Biography: Dr. Sudharshan N. Raman is a Professor of Civil Engineering, specialising in Structures and Materials, where his interests focuses on decarbonisation actions and efforts in the construction industry, with a focus on materials and construction systems, ultimately contributing and leading towards reduced carbon emission and healthy living of humans (low-carbon living). At present, he is the Head of Department, of the Department of Civil Engineering, in the School of Engineering of Monash University Malaysia. He also co-founded and leads the interdisciplinary Research Hub, the Monash Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Research Hub (M-CRInfra) at Monash University Malaysia. Dr. Raman completed his PhD at The University of Melbourne, Australia, with a focus in structural engineering and infrastructure protective technology. Dr. Raman was the President of the Malaysian Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (Malaysia Chapter - ACI) for the 2018-2020 session. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), UK; a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); a Member of American Concrete Institute (ACI); a Senior Member of RILEM; and a Committee Member of the Civil & Structural Engineering Technical Division of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM). He is also active in standards and specification development activities, both locally (in Malaysia), and internationally; such as the Technical Committee on Cement, and Working Group on Ultra-High-Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) Structures under the Department of Standards, Malaysia (DSM), as well as the ACI Subcommittee 239-0F - UHPC Sustainability of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the UHPC Committee of the Asian Concrete Federation (ACF).

Title: An Exploration of the Sustainability Potential of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)

Abstract: Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a type of special concrete developed to meet the demand for niche applications in the construction industry. It is considered a revolutionary material within the concrete family that has gained reputation and interest due to its excellent mechanical properties in compressive strength, enhanced tensile strength, ductility, and durability characteristics. While research on UHPC and the application of the system in practice have been progressing at an accelerated pace, the concepts of sustainability and resilience of UHPC, and the impact of the associated materials and systems on sustainability, resilience, and their interrelated issues are not understood in detail. One of the misconceptions is that “it is almost impossible to make UHPC as a carbon-neutral material due to the high amount of cementitious materials used in its production”. This misconception arises from two main reasons: the first is due to the approach of comparing the sustainability aspects of UHPC to the sustainability norms of conventional concrete; and the second is the consideration of only the materials' aspects of sustainability, or more broadly the construction phase. This work provides an overview of the efforts undertaken by the presenter to address this knowledge gap. The first part of this presentation will focus on the historical background of the UHPC technology, the fundamental science and engineering governing the synthesis and production of UHPC, and the current state-of-the-art of the technology. The second part of the presentation will then focus on selected state-of-the-art research work undertaken by the presenter in advancing the UHPC technology, as well as on the analysis undertaken to address the sustainability and lean construction potential of UHPC.

Invited Speeches

Prof. Ahmad Safuan A Rashid

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Biography: Professor Ahmad Safuan A Rashid obtained his PhD degree in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Sheffield in 2011, with a Malaysian Higher Education Scholarship. Now he is a Professor and Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Development for the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He used to be the Head of Geotechnical Research Group and is currently a Fellow of the Centre of Tropical Geoengineering, which provides research and consultation work on geological and geotechnical engineering for the tropical area. The major research area of Associate Professor Ahmad Safuan is the on-the-ground improvement technique. He has published 200 refereed journal papers. He hassuccessfully supervised 14 PhD students to their completion and is currently supervising 6 PhD students.

Title: Cement-Based Laterite Soil: Strength Changes in Wet and Dry Conditions

Abstract: Understanding the shear strength behaviour of unsaturated cement-stabilised laterite soil is essential for improving the performance and reliability of geotechnical structures in tropical regions where such soils are commonly found. This study investigates the mechanical response of both saturated (wet) and unsaturated (dry) laterite soils stabilised with varying cement dosages (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% by dry weight). Standard laboratory tests—including Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and triaxial shear tests under saturated (Consolidated Undrained test) and unsaturated (double-wall triaxial test) conditions are conducted to evaluate strength characteristics. The optimum cement dosage of 6% with a 7-day curing period is identified based on UCS results. Findings revealed that shear strength increased with higher cement dosage, longer curing, and elevated matric suction, especially under unsaturated conditions where suction contributes to apparent cohesion. Cement addition also enhanced soil structure by reducing porosity and improving inter-particle bonding, as evidenced by microstructural and chemical analyses. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of both cement content and moisture conditions in improving the shear strength of laterite soil, providing essential guidance for the design of foundations, slopes, and pavements in tropical regions subject to moisture fluctuations.

Dr. Atiyeh Ardakanian

University of West London

Biography: Atiyeh currently serves as a lecturer within the School of Computing and Engineering, specialising in Civil Engineering disciplines. She delivers undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Research Methods, Land Surveying and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Civil Engineers. Atiyeh's research interests focus on the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable and safe wastewater reuse.

Title: Urban Regeneration in the Digital Age: Applying Core Principles to Technology-Driven Evidence

Abstract: Urban regeneration in the digital age demands approaches that integrate technology-driven evidence with participatory research, particularly in the Global South where social and infrastructural challenges come hand in hand.
This talk examines how core principles of inclusivity, adaptability, and sustainability can be applied through digital tools and data-driven models to support decision-making in rapidly transforming urban contexts. Drawing on case studies from cities in the Global South, it highlights how participatory methods bridge gaps between stakeholders, ensuring that technological innovation also remains socially grounded.

Oral Presentations

 

Ming Zhao

CCCC Shanghai Third Harbor Engineering Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Title: Influence of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on the Compatibility between Cement and Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer

Abstract: The compatibility between cement and polycarboxylate superplasticizer in the presence of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) was evaluated through cement paste fluidity tests. The influence of SCM-induced incompatibility on concrete workability was assessed using slump tests. Results indicate that ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) enhances cement-PCE compatibility, leading to improved paste fluidity. The effect of fly ash on the compatibility between cement and polycarboxylate superplasticizer was associated with the type of fly ash and their substitution ratio. Air-classified fly ash (ACFA) was found to be compatible at replacement levels of 10%-20%, but higher contents (30%-40%) adversely affected compatibility. In contrast, ground fly ash (GFA) and silica fume (SF) significantly impaired compatibility, as evidenced by pronounced reductions in paste fluidity and concrete slump. These differences are primarily attributed to competitive adsorption between SCM and cement particles for PCE molecules, which alters the effective concentration of superplasticizers adsorbed onto cement surfaces.

 

Kunping Chen

Chongqing University

Title: Investigation on the Seepage-stress Field Evolution Mechanism and Failure Process of Karst Tunnels in Water-rich Area

Abstract: Water and mud inrush disasters are common disasters in tunnel engineering in karst areas. To study the evolution mechanism of seepage-stress field in tunnels when passing through karst caves, on-site investigation and numerical simulation methods are applied to analyze the evolution characteristics of water inflow, deformation of surrounding rock and lining mechanical performance during tunnel construction and operation. The results show that: As the excavation face of the tunnel approaches the karst area, the water inflow of the tunnel, the horizontal extrusion displacement of the excavation face and the range of the plastic zone rapidly increase, leading to a significant increase in the risk of water and mud inrush. Full section curtain grouting can effectively reduce the water inflow of karst tunnels and improve the stress environment of surrounding rock. As the thickness of the grouting circle increases, the deformation and plastic zone range of the surrounding rock decrease, the reduction ratio of the grouting circle to water pressure increases, and the tensile stress of the lining decreases. As the thick-ness of the waterproof rock slab in front of the excavation face gradually decreases, its waterproof effect gradually weakens,leading to an increase in water inflow, deformation and plastic zone. The maximum water inflow of the excavation face is 2.41m3/h and the maximum horizontal extrusion displacement is only 2.6 mm when the thickness of waterproof rock slab is 6 m,which can effectively prevent water and mud inrush disasters. Increasing the density of drainage blind pipes can effectively reduce the water pressure of the lining. Compared with the blind pipe spacing of 10 m, the average water pressure of the lining decreases by 39.3%, and the maximum tensile stress of the lining decreases by more than 30% when the blind pipe spacing is 2 m. The research results can not only provide support for the study of the mechanism of water and mud inrush disasters in tunnels, but also provide useful references for tunnel construction in karst areas.

 

Yu Shi

Chongqing Jiaotong University

Title: Photolithography-Patternable Thermo-Responsive·hydrogels for “temperature-Lock” and “time-Lock" Information Encryption

Abstract: The development of additional secure encryption techniques to prevent information leakage and combat counterfeiting is in high demand yet presents significant challenges. In this study, we propose a photolithography-based patterning strategy utilizing temperature-sensitive hydrogels for information camouflage and encryption. The PAM-L62 hydrogel was synthesized through random copolymerization, followed by the incorporation of the AM monomer into the hydrogel network via soaking. The AM monomer markedly increases the cloud point of L62. By varying the concentration of the AM monomer, the content of L62, and the duration of UV lithography, we can precisely control the development range and information contrast of the hydrogel. This approach enables information encryption and dynamic information identification within the temperature dimension. This work holds significant implications for the fields of information encryption, anti-counterfeiting, and smart responsive materials.