Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
This year, three graduates of the RUDN University Engineering Academy's postgraduate program successfully defended their dissertations, prepared in the Department of Construction Technologies and Structural Materials. They received PhD degrees in construction sciences from Al-Qadisiyah University (Iraq). This confirmed the high level of training of future scientists and higher education faculty at RUDN University.
Despite the obstacles
Al-Khafaji Wisam Hamzah Mohammed was the first to defend his dissertation. His dissertation was prepared under the joint supervision of Svetlana Shambinaya, PhD, Associate Professor (RUDN University), and Professor Haider Kadhim Ammash (Al-Qadisiya University). Svetlana Lvovna was the first to learn of Wisam's exciting moment. The graduate student continues to maintain close contact with his professor after graduation.
"Visam is a very serious, competent, and hardworking individual. Despite the challenges of his postgraduate program—a change in supervisor and research topic, as well as the fact that his primary research assignment and interaction with RUDN University occurred during the pandemic—he managed to overcome the challenges and prepare his dissertation on a new topic in less than four years. He published three articles on his dissertation topic in Scopus-listed journals ranked in the Q1 quartile. This, along with the active citation of his publications in the international scientific community, confirms the high standard of his research. It is important to note that he is not only an accomplished young scientist but also a successful civil servant," says Svetlana Shambin.
Concrete and reducing carbon footprint
Two more graduate students from the Engineering Academy, Al-Zayadi Sora Kadim Kidi and Albo Hassan Ali Sahib Shadhan, defended their dissertations at almost the same time at Al-Qadisiya University. Both graduates were supervised by Elsheikh Asser Mohamed, a PhD candidate in engineering. Sora worked on the production of environmentally friendly recycled concrete to achieve the highest levels of environmental sustainability, a topic of great scientific interest in Iraq and around the world. According to the graduate student, she encountered a number of unexpected challenges during her research.
"The most significant of these was the significant variability in the properties of recycled aggregate, due to differences in construction waste sources, cement type, concrete age, and service conditions. This heterogeneity significantly impacted the stability of the material's mechanical properties and durability, necessitating the development of a precise method for sorting and classifying aggregate, as well as a shift to designing mixtures based on performance criteria rather than traditional formulations. The most important discovery, however, was that the mechanical properties and durability of concrete with recycled aggregate can be significantly improved by treating the aggregate with nanomaterials or mild chemical solutions that reduce water absorption and enhance adhesion between the cement paste and the aggregate. This opens up new prospects for the use of this material in more demanding building structures and contributes to the sustainability of the construction industry, reducing the carbon footprint of concrete production," said Sora Kadim Kidi, Al-Zayadi.
Sora works as an engineer in the municipal government of Iraq's Diwaniyah province. She says she uses her knowledge of recycled, eco-friendly concrete to design local infrastructure projects, such as sidewalks, road surfaces, and small utility buildings, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
"On a practical level, I assess available construction waste, classify it according to the research standards developed in my dissertation, and develop suitable concrete mixes for use in municipal projects. I also participate in the preparation of technical recommendations that can be included in tender specifications, ensuring safety, efficiency, and contribution to waste and carbon footprint reduction. Thus, scientific research is directly linked to practical application and demonstrates the value of academic work in improving quality of life and infrastructure at the local level," says Sora Kadim Kidi, Al-Zayadi.
The goal is durability and efficiency
Albo Hassan Ali Sahib Shadhan also works as an engineer in the Diwaniyah Provincial Government. His research focused on developing a sustainable construction industry and improving the strength and reliability of recycled concrete structures in accordance with the current plan in Iraq.
"One of the main goals of my research was to develop recycled concrete that combines strength, environmental friendliness, and cost effectiveness. The solution lies in a balanced approach between the proportion of recycled aggregate, the use of technologically advanced additives, and the application of low-cost processing methods," says Albo Hassan Ali Sahib Shadhan.
According to Ali, this strategy has made it possible to create concrete with high compressive strength and wear resistance. It is environmentally friendly and reduces overall costs compared to traditional high-strength concrete. The solution is based on improving the properties of recycled aggregate using simple and energy-efficient methods, integrating additives such as nanomaterials or lightweight chemicals that enhance adhesion and rigidity without significantly increasing cost.
Thus, as the RUDN University graduate notes, companies and contractors in Iraq and similar countries can make greater profits by using sustainable and efficient materials while maintaining quality and durability.
"My current goal is to develop model projects that can serve as benchmarks for improving structural and economic efficiency, as well as reducing environmental construction costs. Research provides data and methodologies for accurately evaluating materials and mixtures, enabling engineering decisions to be based on reliable scientific evidence. This approach improves project quality and stimulates sustainable innovation in the local construction sector," says Albo Hassan Ali Sahib Shadhan.
According to Ali, a modern research engineer must possess a combination of technical, analytical, and managerial skills to be in demand in both science and public administration. Among the key qualities, he highlights strong analytical and communication skills, innovation and flexibility, project management skills, as well as attention to detail and discipline.
"The combination of these qualities enables the engineer to serve as a link between scientific research and practical application, making his or her contribution valuable for the advancement of knowledge, improvement of institutional effectiveness, and the sustainability of infrastructure projects and society as a whole," says Albo Hassan Ali Sahib Shadhan.
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