Civil

Engineering at
Heriot-Watt
University-
Dubai Campus

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR GRADUATES NEWSLETTER

CIVIL ENGINEERING, BENG (HONS) PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

THE PROGRAMME COVERS THE MAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING THE BENG IS ACCREDITED AS PARTIALLY SATISFYING THE
DISCIPLINES OF STRUCTURES, GEOTECHNICS, WATER ENGINEERING EDUCATIONAL BASE FOR A CHARTERED ENGINEER (CENG). IN
AND TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING, AND PROVIDES STUDENTS COMMON WITH OTHER BENG ACCREDITED DEGREES, A
WITH THE KEY ANALYTICAL AND PRACTICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE PROGRAMME OF ACCREDITED FURTHER LEARNING WILL BE
REQUIRED TO BECOME CHARTERED CIVIL OR STRUCTURAL REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE EDUCATIONAL BASE FOR CENG.
ENGINEERS. AFTER GRADUATION, STUDENTS ARE EQUIPPED TO
WORK FOR CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR GOVERNMENT AT ACCREDITATION IS A MARK OF ASSURANCE THAT THE DEGREE
SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVEL. MEETS THE STANDARDS SET BY THE ENGINEERING COUNCIL IN
THE UK STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
THE CORE CURRICULUM INCLUDES INSTRUCTION IN ALL MAIN COMPETENCE (UK-SPEC). AN ACCREDITED DEGREE WILL
SUBJECT AREAS, CONCENTRATING ON ANALYSIS AND MATERIALS PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME OR ALL OF THE UNDERPINNING
BEHAVIOR WITH AN INCREASING FOCUS ON DESIGN AND KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND SKILLS FOR EVENTUAL
MANAGEMENT IN THE SPECIALIZATION YEARS. THROUGHOUT, REGISTRATION AS AN INCORPORATED (IENG) OR CHARTERED
THERE IS AN EMPHASIS ON THE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEER (CENG). SOME EMPLOYERS RECRUIT PREFERENTIALLY
STUDENTS WITHIN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT. FROM ACCREDITED DEGREES, AND AN ACCREDITED DEGREE IS
LIKELY TO BE RECOGNIZED BY OTHER COUNTRIES THAT ARE
CIVIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SIGNATORIES TO INTERNATIONAL ACCORDS.
MANAGEMENT, MSC / DIPLOMA
MODERN CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS OFTEN REQUIRE AN
EXTENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DUE
TO THE STRATEGIC BENEFITS IT CAN BRING TO BOTH INDIVIDUALS
AND PROJECT TEAMS. AS THE INDUSTRY BECOMES MORE
COMPETITIVE, ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR CLIENTS ARE
INCREASINGLY DEMANDING THE COMBINED TIME, COST AND
QUALITY ASSURANCES THAT GOOD PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PRACTICE PROVIDES. FURTHERMORE, THE INDUSTRY NOW THE MSC CIVIL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
RECOGNIZES THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR ENGINEERS TO GAIN MANAGEMENT DEGREE IS ACCREDITED AS MEETING THE
SPECIALIST TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE THAT COMPLEMENTS THEIR REQUIREMENTS FOR FURTHER LEARNING FOR A CHARTERED
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND. ENGINEER (CENG) FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ALREADY
ACQUIRED AN ACCREDITED CENG (PARTIAL) BENG (HONS) OR
THE MSC/POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND
AN ACCREDITED IENG (FULL) BENG/BSC (HONS)
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH A
UNDERGRADUATE FIRST DEGREE. SEE JBM FOR FURTHER
COMBINATION OF COURSES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THEIR
INFORMATION.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ADVANCED CIVIL
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

ENGINEERING AND MODERN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

THEORY AND PRACTICE.

Course Title: Civil Engineering Course Ref : 12467 CEng

Type Accredited by Intake Year Accredited By Section

4 years Full time BEng(Hons) 2009-2018 ICE,IStructE,IHE,CIHT CEng

Course Title Civil Engineering and Construction Management Course Ref 12469
Type Award Accredited by Intake Year Accredited By Section
1 years Full time MSc 2011-2018 ICE,IStructE,IHE,CIHT CEng
2 - 7 Part time MSc 2011-2018 ICE,IStructE,IHE,CIHT CEng

Spaghetti Structure competition

IN ORDER TO MAKE LEARNING INTERESTING AND EFFECTIVE
FOR STUDENTS FROM GRADES 1-8, THE CHAPTER AGREED
THAT A PRESENTATION SHOULD BE MADE TO HIGHLIGHT
DIFFERENT AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SUCH AS BRIDGES,
TUNNELS, DAMS, ETC. WITH AN INTERACTIVE QUIZ SESSION
THAT ENSURE THAT STUDENTS ARE ENGAGED WITH THE
PRESENTATION. THE CHAPTER ALSO AGREED UPON HAVING
A SPAGHETTI-MARSHMALLOW COMPETITION AT THE END
OF THE PRESENTATION TO KINESTHETICALLY ENGAGE
STUDENTS, WITH THE WINNERS BEING AWARDED WITH
TROPHIES. THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION WAS TO BUILD
THE TALLEST FREE-STANDING STRUCTURE WITH A WHOLE
MARSHMALLOW ON THE TOP.

I N KEEPING WITH THE CONSTITUTION AGREED UPON BY

THE STUDENT CHAPTER AND ACTING UPON OUR SET GOAL
OF VISITING SCHOOLS, THE ICE STUDENT CHAPTER AT
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, DUBAI WAS INVITED TO THE
DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING COLLEGE IN ORDER TO PROMOTE
STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND
MATHEMATICS) SUBJECTS TO STUDENTS, WITH A DEEPER
FOCUS ON CIVIL ENGINEERING.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

MINUTES TO WORK INDIVIDUALLY ON THEIR STRUCTURES WITH

MATERIALS GIVEN FOR THE COMPETITION INCLUDED TWENTY
STRANDS OF SPAGHETTI, TWO LARGE MARSHMALLOWS AND ONE
METER OF TAPE. THE RULES OF THE COMPETITION STIPULATED
THAT ONE MARSHMALLOW BE USED AS JOINTS WHEREAS THE
SECOND MARSHMALLOW HAD TO BE PLACED ON TOP OF THE
STRUCTURE AS A WHOLE. STUDENTS WERE ALLOWED TWENTY
SOME HELP FROM THE PRESENTERS.
IN THE END, THERE WERE EIGHT BLOCKS OF PRESENTATION
ALONG WITH EIGHT ROUNDS OF THE SPAGHETTI-MARSHMALLOW
COMPLETION WITH EIGHT WINNERS, EACH AWARDED WITH A
TROPHY.

Site Visits

S ITE VISITS FOR

CIVIL
ENGINEERING
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
AT HERIOT WATT-
DUBAI CAMPUS PLAYS
AN IMPORTANT ROLE
EVERY YEAR AS PART OF
THEIR FIRST SEMESTER
COURSES WHERE
VISITING REAL LIFE
CONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS ALLOWS
STUDENTS TO BOTH
DEVELOPED A BETTER
UNDERSTANDING
ENCOURAGE THEIR PATH
AND
TOWARD CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISCIPLINE. PARTICULARLY IN
DUBAI WHERE IT IS SUCH A
GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO
INTRODUCE UNIQUE
BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY OF DIFFERENT
INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES.
EVERY YEAR, DUBAI CAMPUS STAFF MANAGE TO VISIT
SEVERAL PROJECTS OF DIFFERENT CONSTRUCTION ASPECT
ALLOWING HW STUDENTS TO INTRODUCE PROJECT
MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY LOGISTICS
COMBINED
STRUCTURAL
WITH
AND
CONSTRUCTION
PRACTICE AND
ALSO DUBAI
WEATHER!
USUALLY STUDENTS
IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
PROGRAM ENROL
WITH NO CLEAR
BACKGROUND ABOUT
THE NATURE OF CE
DISCIPLINE.
HOWEVER, IN THE LAST
The fact that the course lets students get FEW YEARS STUDENTS
FEEDBACK HAS SHOWN A
out of their usual books and go work with GREAT IMPRESSION OF
real world examples and also open up their HOW SITE VISITS ALLOWED
creative thoughts and apply them to their A BETTER PERSPECTIVE OF
CIVIL ENGINEERING AND
work ENCOURAGE THEM TO
Students feedback, 2016 CONTINUE WITH IT SO FAR.
SITE VISITTYPICALLY
STARTS WITH A
PRESENTATION INTRODUCTORY FORM SITE TEAM ABOUT THE
PROJECT FOLLOWED BY AN INDUCTION OF HEALTH AND
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND A TOUR IN SITE ALLOWING
STUDENTS TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS DURING THE TOUR.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

The Dubai mall Bridge

it enabled me to understand the construction industry
and incorporation of state of the art technologies in
construction whilst in accord with local regulations.

Syeda Amena, 2016

The site visit was an unforgettable experience. It made
it possible to correlate the theoretical information from
the lectures with the real life application..

Inas Kamel, 2017

Sustainable Dubai world trade centre DWTC

We have so many information about
materials, cost, sustainability and
construction techniques now, making our
study in the future easier and better.
Ibrahim Al Soudany, 2016
We have so many information about materials,
cost, sustainability and construction techniques
now, making our study in the future easier and
better.

Vivek Jhaveri, 2017

The Dubai mall Expansion: Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall expansion is the best construction site
to visit not only for the great stylish experience but also
for outstanding engineering experience.

Sagir Gambo, 2016

The site visits for year 1 Civil Engineering prove to be an
opportunity for the students to get an idea of the real life
project, as well as an enjoyable experience for those who
are not too familiar with the construction sites.
Artem Gusamov, 2017

Jebel Ali Mina (Port)

I learned and noticed some details that cannot
be taught in class. The way the engineer deals with
the site sections and controls the workflow cannot
be taught in classes. Such things are gained with
time and experience. Seeing what we are learning
in real life is very important to remain in our
minds and make the studies easier. We are now
ready to study more complexed subjects as we
actually saw them and had some information from
Ali Yaseen, 2016
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

StudentS Research in Structural Engineering

H time
eriot-Watt
University has long-
experience
with research and innovative
partial replacement took place of cement, fine
aggregate and coarse aggregate. The replacement
reached

30% of the original ingredient. Figure2 shows the effect

ideas since the time it was
of 30% partial replacement of cement by Ceramic
established in 1821. REF
Waste Powder. Although this replacement presents a
2014 (Research Excellence
reduction in strength around 16% in compressive
Framework in UK) ranked
strength and 24% in tensile strength, but the last
Heriot-Watt University to be 1st in Scotland and 9th
column says that the required strength can be obtained
university in the UK for research impact. Today, Heriot-
with 5% saving in cost. However, the environmental
Watt is a wide global university since it has 3 campuses
impact wasn't under scope of this study where 30% of
around the world (UK, Dubai, Malaysia).
cement replacement can cause high impact factor on
Based on the important research message that Heriot- the environment by reducing of the CO2 emission by
Watt delivers to society, Staff at Civil Engineering cement production.
program are currently focusing on problems solutions
belong to UAE and Gulf country in general since they
have common problems (e.g. water resources, Solar
Energy, economic and sustainable construction). For
example, Dr Mustafa Batikha has been recently
conducting research activity through both
undergraduate students and M.Sc. students to deliver
sustainable, green and low-cost materials. Moreover,
his research has been expanded to cover the bridge
construction which has highly demand in UAE.
Following are Some important outcomes of these
researches.

1. RECYCLED MATERIAL RESEARCH Figure 1: Relative differences between 0% recycled

aggregate and 100% Beeah recycled aggregate.
Many researches have been conducted on using the (Chandail, 2017)
recycled material in construction from concrete. For
example, a recent research by Mr. Hardip Singh
Chandail, one of our UG students in 2017, was
conducted using the recycled aggregates for concrete
mix of 38MPa compressive strength. The research
concluded that using 100% Recycled Aggregate (RA)
can produce a concrete mix of the following results in
Fig.1. Figure 1 shows that using 100% of RA in the mix
provides a reduction of 7% in the compressive strength,
6% of the tensile strength and 67% in cost. Moreover,
the last column displays that the required compressive
strength can be achieved with cost saving of 38%. This
means that using RA can produce high quality
economic concrete. Figure 2: Relative differences between 0% cement
Another research about using the recycled ceramic in replacement and 30% cement replacement by Ceramic
Waste Powder (CWP). (Baskaran, 2016)
concrete mix was done by Mr. Poovarasan Baskaran,
one of our M.Sc. students in 2016. In this research,
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

2. USING COLD FORMED SECTION IN
BUILDINGS
The effect of using cold formed steel sections as low-
cost green material in buildings was one of the research
objectives within our CE program. For instance, Ms.
Loragayle Louise Doctolero, one of our undergraduate
students in 2017, did a comparative study among three
construction materials: Reinforced Concrete, Rolled
Steel Sections and Cold Formed Steel Sections.
(a): Total cost. (b): construction duration
composite bridge for 40m span. It is worth mentioning
that this work was one of the papers published
through the ASCMES-17 conference held in the
University of Sharjah from 18-20 April, 2017.
On another hand, Mr. Muhammad Asif Haidar, one of
our M.Sc. students in 2017, worked on the effect of
construction technique on the cost of long-span pre-
stressed box-girder bridges. Mr. Haider work dealt with
two types of techniques which are in use for bridge
construction: Cast in situ construction and precast
segmental construction. The most important point of
this work that the time of bridge construction was
converted to cost to be included within the overall cost
estimation. Figure 5 displays that the cast in Situ bridge
may reach 11% more in cost than the precast cost.
Furthermore, it may achieve 58% more in construction
duration time than the precast technique way.
Currently, a publication from this important work is
prepared to be sent to high ranked journal.

Figure 3: Relative differences

(Doctolero, 2017)

One of the advantages in Ms. Doctolero work that the

construction cost was in consideration together with
the material cost.

This important work concluded that concrete

buildings may cost 61% more than Cold formed steel,
whereas using rolled steel section may reach 35%
extra cost Figure 3(a). Moreover, Figure 3(b) explores Fig Figure 4: The relative differences in cost for both composite
that the duration time using Reinforced Concrete section and pre-stressed section. (Al Ani, 2016)
material may reach 164% more than Cold Formed
Sections use, while it is 38% more using Hot Rolled
section.

3. BRIDGE COST ANALYSIS

Many researches in CE program have been undertaken
to research low cost of bridges' construction. For
example, a recent work by Mr. Al Ani, one of our M.Sc.
students in 2016, was shown that the maintenance life
of the bridge affects the cost of bridges significantly.
Figure 4 demonstrates a very important outcome of
this research that using re-stressed bridge is always Figure 5: Cost Index of Cast in-situ and Precast box girder
deck. (Haidar, 2017)
cheaper than using composite bridge from the
maintenance view. It reaches 45% less than the steel
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Prizes of 2017

Emerging engineer competition by ICE I Institution of civil engineering

Mr. Ammar Khalouf, one of our undergraduate

students in 2017, won the 2nd prize of the UAE
ICE Emerging Engineers Award which is
organized by The Institution of Civil Engineers
(ICE) to encourage student, graduate and
trainee technician Members of the ICE in the
region to submit an innovative work related to
Civil Engineering area. Mr. Khalouf gained this
prize on his work entitled: Performance Based
Design a rational approach for seismic analysis
and design which was under the supervision of
Mr. Pouria Hafiz. Mr. Ammar Khalouf, one of our
undergraduate students in 2017, won the 2nd Ammar Khalouf won the 2nd prize of the UAE ICE
prize of the UAE ICE Emerging Engineers Award Emerging Engineers Award
which is organized by The Institution of Civil
Engineers (ICE) to encourage student, graduate and trainee technician Members of the ICE in the region to submit
an innovative work related to Civil Engineering area. Mr. Khalouf gained this prize on his work entitled:
Performance Based Design a rational approach for seismic analysis and design which was under the supervision
of Mr. Pouria Hafiz.

Undergraduate Research Competition by Abu Dhabi University

Ms Chrizanne Cuotto, one of our undergraduate

students in 2017, won the first prize (5000DHS) of
The Fifth Undergraduate Research Competition
which was organized by Abu Dhabi University to
encourage universities in the UAE to enhance
scientific research in the undergraduate stage to
be an integral part of university education. It is
worth mentioning that this competition is in
direct support of the UAE governments drive
toward fostering innovation. The experimental
work by Ms Chrizanne is entitled: "The potential
use of Medium Density Fiber board composite
beams as an alternative to railway sleepers"
under supervision of Dr. Olisanwendu Ogwuda.
Ms Chrizanne Cuotto won the first prize (5000DHS) of
The Fifth Undergraduate Research Competition which was
organized by Abu Dhabi University
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Experimental work done by Ms Chrizanne Cuotto, 2017

Innovation and Technology exhibition (ITEX) 2017, Malaysia

Dr. Noor Zainab Habib within a collaborative project,

involving Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, Kuwait
Institute of Scientific Research, Kuwait, Universiti Tunku
Abdul Rahman and Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia,
won a Gold medal in the category of Invention at the 28th
International Invention, Innovation and Technology
exhibition (ITEX) 2017 held in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia on 11
13 May 2017. Their innovation is entitled "Environmentally
Friendly Roofing Tiles" which totally eliminated the use of
any kind of cementitious binder (like cement in case of
concrete and kiln curing in case of clay roofing tile) and
water, by using waste vegetable oil as well as fly ash and sand
as a binder for the production of environmentally friendly
roofing tiles. The tile mix composition will help in controlling
associated CO2 emissions from raw material extraction to
final production.Dr. Noor Zainab Habib within a collaborative
project, involving Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus,
Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research, Kuwait, Universiti
Tunku Abdul Rahman and Universiti Teknologi Petronas in
Malaysia, won a Gold medal in the category of Invention at
the 28th International
Invention, Innovation and
Technology exhibition (ITEX) 2017 held in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia on 11 13
May 2017. Their innovation is entitled "Environmentally Friendly Roofing Tiles"
which totally eliminated the use of any kind of cementitious binder (like
cement in case of concrete and kiln curing in case of clay roofing tile) and water,
by using waste vegetable oil as well as fly ash and sand as a binder for the
production of environmentally friendly roofing tiles. The tile mix composition
will help in controlling associated CO2 emissions from raw material extraction
to final production.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Water research Projects

Dr. Rabee Rustum is currently leading a number of research projects, for example:

1. ANAEROBIC DIGESTION MODELING

AND OPTIMIZATION USING NATURE INSPIRED
2. MODELLING AND OPTIMIZATION OF
WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
COMPUTING
Determination of pipe diameters is the most important
The complexity, time for process stabilization and
problem in design of water supply networks. Many
economic factors related to anaerobic digestion, calls
have focused on the methods capable of sizing the
for simulation of the process offline with the help of
network.
computer models. Nature inspired techniques are a
recently developed branch of artificial intelligence The aim of this research is to study the effects of
wherein knowledge is transferred from natural integrating local tanks (on the roofs or in the
systems to engineered systems. These techniques basement) into the water distribution network model
provide a balance between diversity and speed of in terms of hydraulic characteristics like pressure,
arriving at the optimal solution which has stimulated velocity, peak demands and also on water quality
their use in anaerobic digestion modelling. characteristics.
For soft computing applications, nature inspired
techniques have several advantages such as scope for
parallel computing, dynamic behaviour and self-
organization.

Component Planes of the KSOM Model Example of water distribution network

 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Development of Concrete Lab

T he concrete lab at Dubai Campus has been

significantly developed in 2017 to meet the
requirements of both teaching and research.
Extra new equipment for testing concrete material are
available now as follows:

Splitting test to determine the tensile strength of

concrete.
Modulus of Elasticity with Poisson's ratio for
cylindrical concrete sample under compression.
Flexural Test of Concrete beam together with Crack
Mouth Opening Displacement Measurement.
Many accessories to meet the new experiments
such as:
o Mixer of 200L mix capacity.
o Concrete Vibrator.
o Moulds of 150x150x2000mm dimensions.
o Fork lift.
o 2 Hydraulic Jacks of 100kN capacity each.

On the other hand, students and researchers at Dubai

Campus can perform now flexural test for 2m-span
Reinforced-Concrete Beam.

IT IS STRONGLY EXPECTED THAT THIS IMPROVEMENT WILL BRING MORE

INNOVATIVE AND COMPETITIVE RESEARCH TO DUBAI CAMPUS IN THE
COMING YEARS.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

James Watt Scholarships

Student Name Supervisor Project

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION MODELING AND

OPTIMIZATION USING NATURE INSPIRED
TECHNIQUES

This project aims to use computer modelling to analyze

correlation between outputs of anaerobic digestion and the
system parameters to maximize usable biogas yield and
process stabilization. Recent trends in artificial intelligence
techniques shall be used to generate the models. The
project will use data from a number of full-scale AD plants
Anjali Ramachandran Dr. Rabee Rustum and the results of the study will be useful for improving the
performance of clean-energy production systems.

Analyzing Driver Behavior and Impact of socio-

cultural and economic factors on Road Safety in
Dubai using Intelligent Solutions

the approach adopted for this research is to incorporate

different variables which will be based on factors such as
nationality, age, education, job nature, vehicle type and
income. Beside this, primary data about drivers behavior
using intelligent technologies, direct observations,
interviews, and field surveys will be collected. The
secondary data will be collected from literature review,
benchmarking by considering other countries with almost
Shahid Tanveer Dr. Noor Habib similar economic and social structure and reports from the
local authorities like police, road transport authority and
insurance companies. On the basis of available data, a
Driver Behavior Analysis Framework will be developed.
This research will also use intelligent solutions including
Internet of Things/Telematics, the onboard diagnostic
device (OBD) and smartphones in order to analyze driver
behavior. On the basis of these available data a smart App
will be developed which will provide an information known
as Safe Driver Score which will be about the safe driver
points an individual driver has scored during a specified
time period which can span to six months or any suitable
time period. Successful completion of such research will
directly help not only Dubai road transport authority and
the law enforcing agencies in controlling traffic offenses
but will also help insurance providers for adjusting the
insurance premiums for reckless drivers.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Guest Lectures
Civil engineering team is running weekly guest lecture/presentations where they
invite Key expert from industry to convey their experience students and stuff alike.

Visual impact presentation on "eye injuries and working at heights on construction sites

Presenter: Al-Futtaim Carillion (various staff)

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Summary: Andrew Piechowiak from Al-Futtaim Carillion (AFC) gave a live stage performance of dangerous
habits that can be picked up while working on sites. The performances focused on working at heights and eye
injuries and had operative, supervisor, and health & safety roles being acted by AFC staff in a very interactive
session. The performances started off with a demonstration of unsafe practices followed by students being
invited to identify what they felt were unsafe practices (e.g. not wearing appropriate PPE, lifting, unsafe
scaffolding, etc). The follow-up performances demonstrated how practices can be made safe on a typical
construction site. A very good interactive session which the students thoroughly enjoyed.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

The Pad Dubais First Leaning Skyscraper! Design and Construction of Reclaimed Lands in the UAE

Presenter: Jens Fussing (Technical Director at BG&E Middle Presenter: Qaiser Hayat - Regional Practice Manager,
East) Tunnels and Geotechnical Engineering MENA-APAC, CH2M.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Monday, February 20, 2017

Summary: Dubai is well-known for its towers that grow upwards,

but not sideways! Jens Fussing talk about the rationale behind the
structural design of Dubais first leaning tower, The Pad by
Omniyat.
The presentation briefly discussed:
- The project and the developers requirements.
- The architectural concept.
- Inspiration behind the name.
- Structural options and systems.
- The final structural design.
- Challenges for the design and on site
Smart Urban Mobility
Presenter: Mohammed Shahid Tanvir, Chief Specialist
CEO Office (Corporate Technology Support Services) at
Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Smart Urban Mobility
Monday, February 6, 2017
Summary: Mr. Mohammed deliver an
interesting presentation about Smart Urban
Mobility. His presentation provides high level
overview of Smart City and focus on Mobility
for Dubai:
Smart City understand the concept and Dubais vision
Smart Mobility for Dubai integrated multimodal transport
Dubai Plan 2021 the journey continues
Smart City examples Singapore, Dublin, Santander
Summary: Mr. Qaiser Hayat presented
a lecture titled Design and Construction of
Reclaimed Lands in the UAE. The presentation focuses on risks
and opportunities associated with the design and construction of
reclaimed lands and explains how Geotechnical Engineers tackle
the various challenges utilizing their creative designs and state of
the art technology to grow available inhabitable land in the UAE.
He showed that world sea levels have risen by about 8 inches in
the past century so, naturally one would expect coasts to shrink
as sea levels rise. However, coasts on average are actually
growing due to Reclaimed Land Engineering by geotechnical
engineers. UAE has specifically benefited from this field of
engineering and available technology. For example, Dubai
originally had 70KM of coastline only but today there is
approximately 1000KM of coastline; fourteen times as much as
there was originally.
Airport Development
Presenter: Jon C. Broadhead BEng, MSc., CEng, FICE,
Airport Development Director at Abu Dhabi Airports
Monday, February 13, 2017
Summary: Mr. Jon present to students his
experience in airport development.
He discussed the business of airports and
his role as airport development director
and how to deliver successful projects. He also presented some
examples of current challenging engineering projects at Abu Dhabi
Airport and the future of airports projects.

Construction of Khalifa Port

Presenter: David Rowell Construction Contracts Coordinator at Weatherford Oil). Construction of Khalifa Port
Monday, January 23, 2017
Summary: Mr. David presented a guest lecture on the construction of Khalifa Port. His presentation covered an
overview of the port and how it works, discussion of key aspects of construction of the offshore port and how the
project was setup to become a schedule success. He also covered the key challenges and lessons learned from
designing and construction this port.

Design Coordination

Catrina Al-Hajj (Design Manager at Al Futtaim Carillion LLC)

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Summary: The presentation showed the students the importance of design coordination between the disciplines. Though a series of
examples of coordination issues taken from associates from both building and civil perspectives, Catrina hopes to highlight to students
the importance of design coordination from the outset of the design process.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Case history of how to appraise the ground for a large Dewatering and Groundwater control How do we build
project infrastructure below the groundwater table?

Karim Khalaf (Senior Project Director at Fugro Middle East) Christoffel Botha (Technical Director at HydroServ

Tuesday, November 29, 2017

Summary: The history of all the

hazards and risks of an abandoned
low lying land of poor mechanical
properties, flooded in winter and declared
non- constructible and how to bring such
land to a safe platform; that houses the biggest single phase
refinery of green fuel in the world. This presentation show all the
aspect to be evaluated before validating the go ahead for
construction. The appraisal goes through the site topography,
geotechnics, hydrogeology, environmental impact and
construction material source.
Shaping ourselves and our world
Sir John Armitt CBE FREng FICE FCGI
October 27, 2016
Summary: Infrastructure projects involve
excavations for tunnels, basements,
underpasses, waste treatment systems
or deep foundations, which extend
underground and below the groundwater
level. Excavation and construction below the groundwater table
can be difficult and hazardous. The difficulties of excavating below
the groundwater level include flooding of the excavation, erosion
caused by groundwater seepage, slope instability, ground
settlement and contact with contaminates present in the
groundwater. Many of these difficulties can be overcome by
managing and controlling the groundwater ingress during
construction activities. Groundwater can be controlled by active
pumping via wells or sumps, groundwater exclusion methods such
as concrete based hydraulic barriers, ground freezing or a
combination of these methods.
Different types of walls

Angelo Manesero, Chief Engineer at Dutco Balfour Beatty

Summary: Sir John examines how the civil
engineering profession - and ICE itself - can
best fulfil their roles in a fast-changing world. He will argue that
the Institution must be relevant and valued by both its members
and by society, but that that value will be perceived differently
according to different communities demands and expectations.
Drawing on examples from his own career, he will also outline why
engineers, working with other professions, have a responsibility to
help decision makers answer the how, what and why questions. different and involve varying degrees of skills and knowledge
Civil engineering is the fundamental enabler of civilized life, and
the profession must get better at fostering greater innovation in
our industry, as well as use every opportunity to encourage young
people to join the profession.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Summary: The term Walls means
different things to different people.
The size, design intent, function,
purpose, materials, and method of construction can be very
depending on what type of wall is required. Through this
presentation you will be exposed to a large range of alternative
types of walls, the principles of design and construction, risks
associated with failure of a wall, a range of materials and multiple
functions of what is generically described as a Wall.

An Engineers Career Through Chartered Membership

Mohamad Khodr Al-Dah FIStructE, Chairman of IStructE UAE Branch

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Summary: This talk is aimed at engineering students at HWU. It will show how an engineers career can
be enhanced and supported via membership of a professional body such as the IStructE. The talk will cover
aspects relating to academia, training, promotions and career. Always, emphasis will be on the personal and
how to make it professional with a lot of real-life examples and pictures.
If youre simply curious about what to do after university or even a bit clueless with all the choices available, do come along and we hope
to help you. The talk will be attended by members of the UAE Regional Group committee who along with the speaker will be happy to
answer any of your questions.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Lessons Learnt from Structural Failures

Presenter: Barry Smith

Summary: In this lecture, a number of actual structural failures of both buildings and elements of
building structures will be examined. Some are well known case studies that are taught to students as
lessons in engineering ethics. Some examples have led to major changes to industries and to local
regulations. Some case studies are from the U.A.E. where Mr Smith has led the investigation into
structural failures on behalf of Insurers, Contractors and building owners. This lecture will be of interest to all civil engineering students
as it will explore the ethical responsibility that engineers have in undertaking their duties to ensure the safety of the public.

Project: D1 Towerand Palazzo Versace Hotel, Dubai, Basement Excavation

Flooded 2007.

Panorama Building, Dubai, Collapsed 2009

 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Panel

Terms of Reference
To promote links, communication and understanding between the University, the Professional Institutions and
Industry.
Ensure an industrially relevant approach to degree programme development by discussion on existing and proposed
programme and course content.
To advise and contribute to the Civil Engineering teaching and research activities.
To advise and review:
o Strategy in both teaching and research
o Academic aims and objectives of programmes and courses
o Strategy for recruitment of undergraduate and postgraduate students
o Promotion and marketing Civil Engineering to schools, industry, professional bodies and the wider community
o Performance of the Civil Engineering Programme in achieving its aims and objectives.
o Staffing and other resource issues.
Act as a link between Industry and the University to assist with the identification of suitable locations for site visits,
guest lecturers, student mentoring, industrial placements, and suitable topics for student projects.
Provide industrial mentoring for academic staff seeking professional qualification.
Provide advice on accreditation issues and assist the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and the Civil Engineering
Programme during accreditation visits.

Membership
Name Company Position
Haider Abbas Tarmac Middle East Project Engineer
Marwan Alzaylaie Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Senior Manager-Geotechnical Design
Mohsin Balwan Sharjah Road & Transport Authority, Director of Traffic Engineering
Government of Sharjah Department
Mustafa Batikha Heriot-Watt University Assistant Professor Structures
Vinita Bhatija Dutco Balfour Beatty QC/QA Manager
Noor Habib Heriot-Watt University Assistant Professor - Geotechnics
Pouria Hafiz Heriot-Watt University Assistant Professor Structures
Karim Khalaf Fugro Middle East Senior Project Director
Mark Lavery BuroHappold Engineering Associate Director Tall Buildings
Angelo Manesero Dutco Balfour Beatty Chief Engineer (Chair of CEIAP)
Wael Mualla Heriot-Watt University Associate Head (School of Energy,
Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society)
Nwendu Ogwuda Heriot-Watt University Director of Studies (Civil Engineering)
Andrew Piechowiak Al-Futtaim Carillion Design Director
Rabee Rustum Heriot-Watt University Programme Leader (MSc Civil
Engineering & Construction
Management)
Barry Smith Mott MacDonald Divisional Director (Middle East)
Qaiser Hayat HALCROW International partnership (Dubai Manager of Talent and Regional Practice
Branch) TEE, CH2M
Sabih Khisaf Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc. Head of Engineering MENA Region
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Civil Engineering Alumnae

Nothing makes us more proud than being able to talk about the success of our alumni.
Civil engineering students graduated from heriot Watt University have a history of
achieving their dreams and soaring beyond boundaries.

I completed my Bachelors in Biotechnology engineering from India after which I

started working in Dubai with a wastewater treatment company as process
engineer for few years. I had been thinking about studying for a Water Engineering
Masters degree for a while but wasn't sure what route to take. That is when I
happened to hear about the Heriot watt university, Dubai Campus, MSc course on
Water resources which suited my interests as well as time as I was a working
mother by then. I have really enjoyed the course and the study modules helped me a
lot professionally. My professors have been a constant source of support and
encouragement since then which has led me start a PhD in the field in Dubai campus
under Dr. Rabee Rustum.

Anjali Ramachandran.

Four years into work with Mott Mac Donald as a Civil Engineer, I was
encouraged to further my postgraduate studies. After a thorough research, Heriot
Watt had provided the best option in line with my interests through the Master of
Science in Civil Engineering and Construction Management (CECM) program.
This university has a great reputation for results and success and it must be
attributed to the staff and set up.
All glory to God Almighty, 2016 treated me well. The decision to enroll myself as a
full-time student, travelling after work from Abu Dhabi to attend the lectures and
get married the same year was a big challenge amidst the massive, unfailing support
from my family and colleagues. However, as I reflect on my time in Heriot Watt,
I conclude that my experience has been very rewarding. It has not only broadened
my knowledge in various core engineering and management concepts, but also
prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career.
The CECM program has many highlight aspects including the refined subject content, knowledgeable faculty, and
the well-structured teaching methodology. From a students perspective, there was encouragement from all sides and
a drive that can never be underestimated in contributing to success. Being surrounded by motivated, like-minded
people drove me to work harder and achieve what I wanted to achieve. It was a wonderful time in my life, and the
best educational experience Ive had.
To be awarded Masters with Distinction has indeed boosted my confidence and contributed to my personal and
professional growth. Being with MacDonald since 2013, I am currently the Project Manager for an ADSSC
Framework Contract (with over 30 individual projects) which provides overseeing consultancy services for
wastewater projects in Al Ain. Also, I am en-route to the project management professional (PMP) certification.
Mott MacDonald has always provided a steady platform for learning and conducts annual performance development
review to ensure continuous development which is beneficial.
I would like to express my gratitude to all staff, my family and fellow students who made my journey a memorable
one at Heriot Watt. I highly recommend this University to all.

Thripthi Gee Raj

 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Publications

Batikha, M., Al Ani, O. and Elhag, T., 2017. The effect of span length and girder type on bridge costs.
In (Vol. 120, p. 08009). EDP Sciences.
Batikha, M. and Alkam, F., 2015. The effect of mechanical properties of masonry on the behavior of
FRP-strengthened masonry-infilled RC frame under cyclic load. Composite Structures, 134, pp.513-
522.
Bhatt, D.D., Charif, K. and Rustum, R., 2017. Challenges faced for micro-tunelling works in Jadaf,
Dubai for long drive on large scale projects (case study). In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 120, p.
02021). EDP Sciences.
Habib, N.Z., Kamaruddin, I., Tan, I.M. and Komiyama, M., 2017. Investigation on the effect of phase
segregation on the mechanical properties of polymer modified bitumen using analytical and
morphological tools. In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 120, p. 07002). EDP Sciences.
Nadeem, H., Habib, N.Z., Ng, C.A., Zoorob, S.E., Mustaffa, Z., Chee, S.Y. and Younas, M., 2017.
Utilization of catalyzed waste vegetable oil as a binder for the production of environmentally
friendly roofing tiles. , 145, pp.250-261.
Nadeem, H., Habib, N.Z., Aun, N.C., Zoorob, S.E., Mustaffa, Z., Mesney, R. and Suubitaa, S., 2017,
May. Used engine oil as alternate binder for buildingsa comparative study. In Proceedings of (pp.
1-9). Thomas Telford Ltd.
Sam13, S.S., Ng, C., Chee, S.Y., Habib, N., Nadeem, H. and Teoh, W.P., 2017.Utilization of ethyl
cellulose polymer and waste materials for roofing tile production. This project won a Gold medal in
the category of Invention at the 28th International Invention, Innovation and Technology
exhibition (ITEX) 2017 held in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.
Sameer, M. and Rustum, R., 2017. Studying the impact of construction dewatering discharges to
the urban storm drainage network (s) of Doha city using infoworks integrated catchment modeling
(ICM). In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 120, p. 08010). EDP Sciences.
 Civil Engineering at
Heriot Watt university-Dubai Campus

Prof. Wael Mualla

Water Management Engineering
Tel +971 4 435 8726
Email: w.mualla@hw.ac.uk

Dr. Olisanwendu Ogwuda

Highway Engineering
Tel (office): +971 4 435 8774
Email: o.i.ogwuda@hw.ac.uk

Dr. Rabee Rustum

Water and Environmental Engineering,
Telephone: +971 4 435 8780.
Email: r.rustum@hw.ac.uk

Dr. Noor Zainab Habib

Transportation Engineering
Tel (office): +971 4 435 8747
Email: n.habib@hw.ac.uk

Dr. Mustafa Batikha

Structural Engineering
Tel (office): +971 4 435 8785
Email: m.batikha@hw.ac.uk

Mr Pouria Hafiz
Structural Engineering
Tel (office): +971 4 435 8734
Email: p.hafiz@hw.ac.uk

Mrs Yara Mouna

Structural Engineering
Email: y.mouna@hw.ac.uk