Rao Arsalan Khushnood – Concrete Materials – Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Rao Arsalan Khushnood - Concrete Materials - Best Researcher Award

Professor at Abasyn University, Pakistan

Rao Arsalan Khushnood serves as the Research Lead and Deputy Director at the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan, Islamabad. Currently an Adjunct Professor at Abasyn University, his professional journey encompasses structural engineering expertise and sustainable construction advocacy. As CEO of Structax Consultants Pvt Ltd, he brings academic depth and industry foresight. Over the years, he has led numerous research projects and industry collaborations with national and international institutions. Recognized for innovation and scientific contributions, he has received several honors. Rao Arsalan Khushnood’s leadership continues to shape infrastructure resilience, sustainability, and knowledge dissemination across academic, research, and professional platforms.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education

Rao Arsalan Khushnood holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Italy, where he developed innovative multifunctional concrete using nano carbonaceous inerts. His master's and bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering were both earned from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. His academic pursuits have consistently focused on sustainable materials and structural advancements, evidenced through thesis and project topics addressing green concrete and self-compacting concrete technologies. These academic foundations have significantly influenced his trajectory as a researcher and educator, particularly in the development of sustainable and high-performance construction materials for infrastructure applications.

Professional Experience

Currently serving in multiple leadership roles, Rao Arsalan Khushnood is an Adjunct Professor at Abasyn University and Deputy Director of Sustainability at the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan. His industry role as CEO of Structax Consultants complements his academic background. Formerly, he held prestigious positions at NUST, including Associate Professor, Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell, and Head of Structural Engineering. Throughout his career, he has bridged research with real-world applications, leading impactful collaborations. His extensive teaching experience, including international roles, reflects his commitment to knowledge-sharing, particularly in advanced structural mechanics and the application of sustainable materials.

Research Interest

Research interests of Rao Arsalan Khushnood span multi-scale characterization of cementitious composites, additive manufacturing of concrete, self-healing mechanisms, and AI-driven predictive modeling. His work emphasizes low-carbon construction, valorization of industrial waste, and life cycle assessment for infrastructure materials. A strong advocate for sustainability, he explores how microstructural evolution influences durability under aggressive environments. His computational-experimental approach bridges fundamental material behavior with performance forecasting, enabling advancements in structural resilience and smart infrastructure. Rao Arsalan Khushnood integrates engineering principles with innovative technologies, contributing significantly to civil engineering practices that are environmentally responsible and functionally optimized for modern challenges.

Award and Honor

Rao Arsalan Khushnood has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to civil engineering. Recognized as the Top Researcher in Pakistan by the AD Scientific Index, he secured a Gold Medal in 2025. He earned multiple awards for student project supervision, including positions in international competitions like the fib YMG and ACI Concrete Competition. NUST honored him with the Best Innovator Award and accolades for securing maximum grants. His research excellence was also acknowledged internationally through the Belt and Road Young Scientist Award in China. These honors underscore his impactful contributions to research, innovation, and academic leadership.

Research Skill

Expertise of Rao Arsalan Khushnood includes experimental testing, microstructural analysis, advanced material synthesis, and machine learning applications for infrastructure materials. His skills extend to forensic structural assessments, sustainable design, and performance evaluation of concrete under extreme conditions. He is adept in computational tools for service life prediction and has managed multidisciplinary projects involving AI integration and life cycle assessment. With over a decade of hands-on research experience, his technical command spans from nanoscale modification of materials to large-scale structural retrofitting. These competencies support his innovative solutions in developing high-performance, eco-efficient concrete technologies and infrastructure systems.

Publications

With 99 peer-reviewed journal articles and 22 conference publications, Rao Arsalan Khushnood has established a significant footprint in the field of sustainable construction materials. His work has garnered over 4,000 citations with an h-index of 37. His publications span topics including bio-inspired concrete, self-healing mechanisms, AI-based modeling, and durability enhancement of eco-concretes. Notable journals include Construction and Building Materials, Journal of Building Engineering, and Journal of Cleaner Production. His research is often collaborative, involving national and international scholars. In addition, he has contributed to four book chapters and delivered keynote speeches at global conferences on sustainability and civil engineering.

Title: Utilization of Pakistani bentonite as partial replacement of cement in concrete
Authors: SA Memon, R Arsalan, S Khan, TY Lo
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, 30, 237–242

Title: Comparative performance of different bacteria immobilized in natural fibers for self-healing in concrete
Authors: M Rauf, W Khaliq, RA Khushnood, I Ahmed
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, 258, 119578

Title: Durability of sustainable concrete subjected to elevated temperature–A review
Authors: SA Memon, SFA Shah, RA Khushnood, WL Baloch
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, 199, 435–455

Title: Bio-mineralized self-healing recycled aggregate concrete for sustainable infrastructure
Authors: RA Khushnood, ZA Qureshi, N Shaheen, S Ali
Journal: Science of The Total Environment, 703, 135007

Title: High performance self-consolidating cementitious composites by using micro carbonized bamboo particles
Authors: S Ahmad, RA Khushnood, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani, GA Ferro
Journal: Materials & Design, 76, 223–229

Conclusion

Rao Arsalan Khushnood exemplifies academic excellence, research innovation, and industry leadership in structural engineering. His multifaceted contributions—from pioneering eco-friendly materials to influencing engineering education—highlight his commitment to sustainable infrastructure. With a strong publication record, numerous awards, and active engagement in high-impact projects, he continues to inspire advancements in civil engineering. As a mentor, collaborator, and innovator, his work bridges scientific inquiry with real-world applications, ensuring durable and resilient structures for the future. Rao Arsalan Khushnood remains a vital force in shaping the evolution of sustainable construction practices within both academic and professional domains.

MANALI RATHEE | Geopolymer Concrete | Women Researcher Award

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Ms.MANALI RATHEE | Geopolymer Concrete | Women Researcher Award

PHD SCHOLAR at IIT JAMMU, India.

Manali Rathee 🎓 is a dedicated civil engineering researcher focused on sustainable construction materials. Born on 25 January 1997 in Sonipat, Haryana 🇮🇳, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Jammu, specializing in geopolymer concrete—a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement ♻️. Her work integrates advanced materials like MXenes and graphene to improve durability and reduce environmental impact 🌍. With global exposure from Japan’s SAKURA Science Program 🇯🇵 and numerous international conference presentations 🌐, Manali aims to contribute to India’s Net-Zero 2070 vision. She blends scientific rigor with practical innovation, contributing significantly to eco-conscious infrastructure solutions 🏗️📘.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Suitability For Women Research Award – Ms.MANALI RATHEE

Manali Rathee is a promising and impactful young woman researcher in the domain of sustainable civil engineering 🏗️🌍. Her contributions to geopolymer concrete technology—an eco-friendly alternative to Portland cement—are crucial in advancing green construction practices and addressing climate change challenges ♻️. She has proven research expertise through international publications, a filed patent, and participation in global platforms such as Japan’s SAKURA Science Program 🇯🇵. As a doctoral scholar at IIT Jammu, Manali blends innovation with environmental stewardship, making her an ideal candidate for the Women Researcher Award 👩‍🔬✨.

Education & Experience 

🎓 Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – IIT Jammu (2021–Present)
🔬 Research focus: Geopolymer concrete, durability, nano-materials
📚 M.Tech in Structural & Construction Management – NIT Jalandhar (2019–2021)
🧱 Thesis on low-cost paving blocks using waste materials (TEQIP-III funded)
📐 B.Tech in Civil Engineering – GL Bajaj Institute, Uttar Pradesh (2014–2018)
🚧 Final project: National Highway Design with NHAI
🛠️ Industry Experience – Internship at NTPC Netra Site & NBCC India
👩‍🏫 Teaching Assistant at IIT Jammu and NIT Jalandhar

Professional Development 

Manali Rathee consistently pursues professional growth through academic, industrial, and international avenues 📈. She participated in the prestigious SAKURA Science Exchange Program in Japan 🇯🇵, enhancing her global perspective on sustainable materials. She’s attended top-tier international conferences in the UK 🇬🇧 and India 🇮🇳, showcasing her work in low-carbon construction 🌿. As a Teaching Assistant at both NIT Jalandhar and IIT Jammu 👩‍🏫, she’s contributed to developing academic curricula and mentoring peers. Her analytical skills in XRD, SEM, FTIR 🔬, and her software fluency in STAAD Pro and AutoCAD 💻 equip her to drive innovation in structural materials research 🏗️.

Research Focus

Manali’s research lies in the realm of sustainable civil engineering 🏗️🌍, focusing on geopolymer concrete—a low-emission, high-performance alternative to Portland cement. Her work contributes to carbon-neutral infrastructure by utilizing industrial waste like copper slag, fly ash, and zinc slag ♻️. She studies durability mechanics, chloride penetration, carbonation resistance, and thermal performance under aggressive environmental conditions 🌡️🌊. By integrating nanomaterials such as MXene and functional graphene, she enhances structural strength and longevity 🔬💎. Her research is aligned with India’s Net-Zero 2070 goals and the global push for greener urban development 🌱🌆, combining innovation with sustainability.

Awards and Honors

🏅 Among Top 3 in M.Tech Structural Engineering at NIT Jalandhar
📚 TEQIP-III Sponsored Project Grant – ₹4.85 Lakhs
🎓 B.Tech Civil Engineering with Honors
🎯 GATE Qualified – 97th Percentile in 2018, 2019, and 2020
🧪 Patent Filed – Polymerized Novel Cementitious Binder (2024)
🌍 SAKURA Science Exchange Program Participant – Japan (2023)
📖 Multiple High-Impact Publications – ACS, Elsevier, Springer Journals
🌐 International Conference Presenter – UK, Scotland, IIT Madras, NITJ

Publication Top Notes

1. Durability Properties of Copper Slag and Coal Bottom Ash Based I-shaped Geopolymer Paver Blocks

Authors: M. Rathee, N. Singh
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 347, Article 128461
Citations: 20 | Year: 2022
Summary:
This paper investigates the use of industrial by-products—copper slag and coal bottom ash—in the production of geopolymer-based I-shaped paver blocks. The study evaluates mechanical and durability properties including water absorption, abrasion, and resistance to aggressive environments, indicating that the blocks have potential for sustainable paving applications.

2. Carbonation Resistance of Blended Mortars and Industrial By-products: A Brief Review

Authors: N. Singh, B. Sharma, M. Rathee
Journal: Cleaner Materials, Vol. 4, Article 100058
Citations: 20 | Year: 2022
Summary:
This review focuses on the carbonation resistance of mortars incorporating supplementary cementitious materials and industrial wastes. It summarizes key influencing parameters, performance of different blends, and highlights the role of material chemistry in resisting carbonation-induced degradation in concrete structures.

3. Study of Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Mortar Prepared with Fly Ash and GGBS

Authors: M. Rathee, A. Misra, J. Kolleboyina
Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings, Vol. 93, pp. 377–386
Citations: 13 | Year: 2023
Summary:
This study assesses the mechanical performance—including compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength—of geopolymer mortar made using fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The results demonstrate superior early-age and long-term strength development, making it a viable alternative to conventional cement mortar.

4. Reviewing Geopolymer Concrete: A Possible Sustainable Structural Material of Future

Authors: M. Rathee, N. Singh
Journal: Environment, Development and Sustainability
Citations: 5 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This comprehensive review explores geopolymer concrete as a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. It discusses environmental benefits, mechanical properties, material constituents, and application challenges, positioning it as a future-forward material for eco-friendly construction.

5. Interfacial Chemistry of Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene in Aluminosilicate Geopolymers for Enhanced Mechanical Strength

Authors: M. Rathee, H.K. Surendran, C. Narayana, R. Lo, A. Misra, K. Jayaramulu
Journal: ACS Applied Engineering Materials, Vol. 2(8), pp. 2027–2037
Citations: 3 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This paper presents the novel integration of MXene nanomaterials (Ti₃C₂Tₓ) into geopolymer matrices. By analyzing the interfacial interactions, it shows that MXenes significantly enhance mechanical strength and microstructural integrity, making them promising additives for next-gen construction materials.

6. Performance of Alkali-Activated Aluminosilicate Geopolymer Mortar Under Exposure to Acid, Sulfate and High Temperature

Authors: M. Rathee, A. Misra
Journal: Magazine of Concrete Research, Vol. 77(3–4), pp. 209–227
Citations: 1 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This experimental study examines how alkali-activated geopolymer mortars perform under chemical attacks (acid, sulfate) and thermal exposure. The paper concludes that such mortars demonstrate excellent resistance to harsh environments, validating their application in aggressive field conditions like sewage systems or thermal industries.

Conclusion

Manali Rathee exemplifies the spirit of the Women Researcher Award by not only advancing cutting-edge research in sustainable materials but also by contributing to the broader mission of climate-conscious engineering 🌱🌎. Her interdisciplinary approach, academic excellence, and societal relevance firmly establish her as a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition 👏🏽🏆.