International Research Award on Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advanced cementitious composites are rapidly evolving beyond traditional load-bearing functions to incorporate multifunctional smart capabilities such as self-sensing and ambient energy harvesting. These next-generation materials are designed to support intelligent infrastructure systems capable of structural monitoring, data transmission, and autonomous energy supply. This study introduces triboelectric-functionalized cementitious composites reinforced with smart core–sheath braided yarns (APCY), aiming to enable large-scale deployment of energy-autonomous and self-powered civil infrastructure. Fabrication of Smart Core–Sheath Yarns via Braiding Technology The APCY yarns are manufactured using advanced braiding technology to produce a core–sheath configuration optimized for mechanical durability and functional performance. A surface roughening modification applied to the guide holes significantly enhances yarn hairiness, thereby increasing effective surface contact area for triboele...

Robot-aided inspection has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing safety, efficiency, and objectivity in infrastructure assessment. However, existing approaches often suffer from inconsistent mapping accuracy, unreliable defect measurements, and platform-specific system designs that limit scalability. This study investigates whether a SLAM-centric (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) framework can overcome these limitations and enable precise, repeatable, and platform-agnostic visual inspections across diverse infrastructure environments. Integrated Lidar–Camera–Inertial SLAM Architecture The proposed framework integrates lidar, camera, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data within a unified SLAM pipeline to ensure robust localization and mapping under real-world conditions. Multi-sensor fusion enhances pose estimation accuracy and resilience to environmental challenges such as lighting variation, occlusions, and geometric complexity. By centering the inspection workflow...

Sustainable water management has become a fundamental pillar of global environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Escalating water demand—driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth—has intensified pressure on existing water infrastructure systems. Civil engineering plays a decisive role in designing, upgrading, and managing water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability. This study provides a rigorous evaluation of how innovative engineering practices and emerging technologies are transforming water management toward more sustainable and equitable paradigms. Sustainable Water Supply Systems and Technological Innovations Modern water supply systems increasingly integrate advanced treatment technologies, smart monitoring networks, and decentralized distribution models to enhance efficiency and reduce resource losses. Innovations such as membrane filtration, smart metering, leak detection systems,...

Superhydrophobic coatings have gained increasing attention in structural engineering due to their ability to provide water repellency, anti-fouling performance, and surface protection against environmental degradation. However, achieving both high hydrophobicity and long-term durability remains a significant challenge. This study presents a novel fluorinated silane-modified organic polysilazane coating system designed to deliver superior water repellency, mechanical robustness, and environmental stability through a scalable and cost-effective fabrication approach. Synthesis of Fluorinated Silane Coupling Agent A fluorinated silane coupling agent was synthesized via hydrosilylation between 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl methacrylate and trimethoxysilane. The incorporation of perfluoroalkyl functional groups provides low surface energy, which is essential for achieving superhydrophobic behavior. This synthesized coupling agent was subsequently integrated into an organic polysilazane matrix, e...

  Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, durability, and serviceability of civil infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and transportation systems. Conventional monitoring systems often depend on external power supplies and wired data transmission, limiting their scalability and long-term reliability. This study introduces a Novel Self-Powered Sensor (NSPS) specifically designed for civil structures, integrating self-energy harvesting, low-power wireless communication, and intelligent sensing capabilities. The proposed system addresses the limitations of traditional SHM by enabling sustainable, long-term, and autonomous infrastructure monitoring. System Architecture and Core Technologies The NSPS integrates three major technological components: environmental energy harvesting, ultra-low-power wireless data transmission, and intelligent sensing modules. The energy harvesting unit captures ambient environmental energy—such as vibration...

Waterproofing remains a critical challenge in the durability and service life of concrete infrastructure, particularly in environments exposed to moisture ingress and shrinkage-induced cracking. Conventional bentonite-based systems, while effective, often require high material consumption and may exhibit limitations in performance consistency. This study explores the development of nano-Na-bentonite derived from Egyptian bentonitic clay through solvothermal (NBS) and precipitation (NBP) synthesis routes. By leveraging nano-scale engineering, the research aims to enhance swelling behavior, hydrophobicity, and crack-sealing efficiency, ultimately offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for waterproofing civil structures. Material Preparation and Nano-Modification Techniques The starting Egyptian bentonite was subjected to activation and purification processes to ensure the removal of impurities and optimization of montmorillonite content prior to nano-modification. Two s...