The Civil Engineering Research Cell for Sustainable Development (CERSD) at ZUFESTM is dedicated to revolutionising the field of civil engineering by developing environmentally friendly infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to effectively address the challenges of the modern world. Our objective is to establish CERSD as a leading research centre renowned for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and delivering transformative solutions that redefine the future of sustainable development.
Department of Civil Engineering
The Department of Civil Engineering is dedicated to shaping future engineers who design, build, and sustain the infrastructure of tomorrow. With a strong focus on structural integrity, environmental sustainability, and modern construction techniques, the department offers cutting-edge education supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, including Geotechnical, Transportation, and Fluid Mechanics labs. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced surveying tools and material testing equipment, ensuring practical learning. Industry collaborations, PhD faculty, and a purpose-built campus at Education City set it apart. The department prepares graduates to lead in engineering innovation, urban development, and infrastructure resilience.
Undergraduate Programmes
Postgraduate Programmes
Objective
Mission
Our mission is to drive innovation in civil engineering through cutting-edge research that fosters sustainable development and resilient infrastructure. We are committed to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of the built environment. Through education and collaboration, we aim to empower future engineers to pioneer groundbreaking solutions and create a more sustainable and resilient world.
Values
Our values highlight the ethos and aspirations of our research group, showcasing its dedication to excellence, sustainability, and collaboration.
- Collaborative
We believe in fostering strong partnerships and teamwork. By working together across disciplines, industries, and communities, we maximise the impact of our research and innovations, ensuring solutions that are inclusive and holistic.
- Innovative
Innovation drives our mission to push boundaries and redefine possibilities. We embrace creativity and cutting-edge technologies to solve complex challenges in civil engineering and sustainable development.
- Integrity
We are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and transparency in all our endeavours. Integrity is the cornerstone of our research and interactions, ensuring trust and accountability.
- Global
Our vision extends beyond borders. We aim to address global challenges by developing solutions that are scalable and impactful worldwide, contributing to sustainable development on a global scale.
Fig. 1: Values of the Civil Engineering Research Cell for Sustainable Development (CESRD)
Driving Sustainable Development
Our research and development contribute to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global action plans aimed at reducing inequality, ending poverty, and protecting the environment by 2030. At CERSD, we actively align our research with the SDGs by developing innovative technologies and solutions that address critical global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary research efforts, CERSD is committed to contributing to the achievement of these global goals, driving sustainable development, and fostering a better future for all.
Key Areas of Research
From fundamental scientific discoveries to groundbreaking engineering innovations, CERSD focuses on six strategic research areas that are vital to advancing civil engineering and addressing critical infrastructure challenges:
Materials Engineering
Developing sustainable materials and construction methods to minimise the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects. This includes innovative concrete, geopolymer technologies, and sustainable construction practices. The research emphasizes utilizing industrial by-products for low-carbon concrete and evaluating advanced sustainable concrete for enhanced structural performance and durability, and integrating digitalisation and automation in construction processes.
Structural Engineering
Utilising machine learning algorithms to process sensor data from various sources such as accelerometers, strain gauges, and IoT devices for real-time assessment of structural health and condition. This approach ensures the safety, durability, and longevity of critical structures, focusing on seismic analysis, early detection of vulnerabilities, and effective retrofitting strategies to enhance resilience against earthquakes.
Geotechnical Engineering
This research emphasises a comprehensive approach, including advanced soil-structure interaction analysis, cutting-edge ground improvement techniques, geotechnical material innovation, and effective soil stabilisation methods. By developing innovative soil improvement practices, we aim to tackle complex challenges in infrastructure development, ensuring safety and sustainability.
Highway Engineering
Designing and optimising sustainable, efficient, and durable transportation networks. Research includes innovative highway materials, traffic management systems, and smart mobility solutions to reduce congestion and emissions.
Environmental Engineering
Developing innovative solutions for water resource management, including sustainable desalination, wastewater treatment, and advanced flood management systems. Key research interests include landscape monitoring, storm water management, smart monitoring systems for sewer and solid waste, and water quality assessments of rivers, lakes, and groundwater resources.
Construction Management
Exploring advanced methodologies in construction management, including sustainable practices, risk management, and the integration of digital tools for planning, scheduling, and execution. This research area emphasises cost efficiency, safety, and the timely delivery of projects, while also incorporating strategies for disaster management to enhance resilience and ensure effective recovery in emergencies.
Fig. 2: Key Areas of Research at the Civil Engineering Research Cell for Sustainable Development (CESRD)
Research Team
Dr. Abdul Aziz Ansari (Professor)
PhD Structural Engineering
Quaid-e-Awam University, Nawabshah
Research interests: Development of Sustainable Construction Materials using Waste Products, and Evaluation of High-Performance Concrete.
Dr. Samia Tariq (Associate Professor)
PhD Civil Engineering
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Research interests: Utilization of Industrial By-Products for Low-Carbon Concrete, Evaluation of Advanced Sustainable Concrete for Structural Performance and Durability, and Digitalization and Automation in Construction.
Dr. Gul Muhammad (Assistant Professor)
PhD Civil Engineering
NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Research interests: Geotechnical Material Engineering, Soil Stabilization, and Soil Improvement.
Engr. Sumaira Ismail (Senior Lecturer)
M.E. Structural Earthquake Engineering
NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
PhD Civil Engineering (In Progress)
Ziauddin University, Karachi
Research interests: Structure Materials, Seismic Analysis and Retrofitting, and Disaster Management.
Engr. Minza Mumtaz (Senior Lecturer)
M.E. Environmental Engineering
NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Research interests: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Smart Environmental Monitoring Systems, Water Quality Monitoring, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Water Reuse, and Remediation.
Engr. Kashif Rafique Memon (Lecturer)
M.E. Construction Management
Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro
PhD Construction Management (In Progress)
Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro
Research interests: Construction Management.
Funded Research Projects
- “Fresh and Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Fly-Ash Based Concrete for Sustainable Automated Construction.” National Grassroots ICT Funding (NGIRI), Pakistan (2023 – 2024). PI: Dr. Samia Tariq.
- “Designing and Constructing of Multi-Stage Gravel Filter to Reduce TSS (Total Suspended Solids) from Rejected Water of RO Plant.” National Grassroots ICT Funding (NGIRI), Pakistan (2023 – 2024). PI: Engr. Sumaira Ismail.
- “Management of Construction and Demolition Wastes by Production of Sustainable Concrete with the Use of Alternative Aggregates.” Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan (2022 –2025). PI: Dr. Samia Tariq.
- “Design and Construction of Low-Cost 3D Concrete Printer: Laboratory Testing of Cementitious Materials.” Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan (2022 – 2023). PI: Dr. Samia Tariq.
- “Crack Detection in Concrete Structures Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques.” Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan (2022 – 2023). PI: Dr. Samia Tariq.
Ziauddin University provides various commercial testing services to meet the needs of different clients. Equipped with modern laboratories and experienced staff, the university focuses on key areas such as mix design, material testing, and soil investigation. All services follow national and international standards, ensuring reliability and high quality. These efforts support industry growth, improve academic practices, and contribute to the betterment of society.
