Research

My research focuses on optimizing concrete mix design using locally sourced materials to create more sustainable and durable infrastructure. As part of the Undergraduate Research Program at Florida International University, I work under Dr. Armin Mehrabi studying the performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and sustainable alternatives. By integrating experimental testing with computational modelling in MATLAB, my goal is to develop mix designs that minimize material waste, reduce costs, and extend the service life of concrete structures — contributing to a more resilient built environment.

"Research, for me, is about transforming curiosity into solutions that make construction smarter, stronger, and more sustainable."

🔬 Research Overview

My research focuses on optimizing concrete mix design using locally sourced materials to create more sustainable and durable infrastructure. As part of the Undergraduate Research Program at Florida International University (OURS), I work under Dr. Armin Mehrabi, studying the performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and sustainable alternatives. By combining laboratory testing with computational modelling in MATLAB, I aim to develop mix designs that minimise material waste, reduce costs, and extend the service life of concrete structures — contributing to a more resilient built environment.

"Research, for me, is about transforming curiosity into solutions that make construction smarter, stronger, and more sustainable."

Project Title:

Optimizing Concrete Mix Proportions for Strength, Durability, and Sustainability Using Locally Sourced Materials

Objective

To optimize the proportions of concrete constituents — cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures — using locally available materials while maintaining or improving mechanical performance and durability. The project seeks to demonstrate that sustainable sourcing and data-driven design can significantly reduce environmental impact without compromising structural integrity.

Methodology

• Conducted a literature review on sustainable concrete and performance-based mix design approaches.

• Developed a MATLAB model integrating genetic algorithms to optimize mix proportions based on cost, strength, and durability parameters.

• Utilized locally sourced aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to evaluate workability, compressive strength, and long-term performance.

• Performed experimental testing of UHPC samples with and without Sika superplasticizers to analyze performance variability.

• Compared computational results to lab-tested specimens to validate optimization outputs.
  
  

Results and Findings

• The optimization process identified mix designs capable of achieving high compressive strength with reduced cement content, lowering embodied carbon.

• Integration of locally sourced materials demonstrated potential for cost savings and improved sustainability metrics.

• MATLAB analysis confirmed the viability of genetic algorithms as an effective optimization tool for mix design refinement.
  
  

Research Impact and Future Work

This ongoing study contributes to the development of sustainable, performance-based design practices in concrete technology. Future phases will focus on:

• Expanding experimental datasets for durability testing under variable environmental conditions.

• Integrating machine learning techniques for predictive modelling of mix performance.

• Exploring the scalability of optimized designs for real-world applications in bridge and pavement construction.
  
  

"Presented at the OURS Spring 2025 Showcase, this project represents the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and structural performance in modern civil engineering."