Structures Section
Supervised by Professor Robert Vollum and Professor Bassam Izzuddin
Prior to starting his PhD, Karim completed his Bachelor of Engineering at the Lebanese American University followed by an MSc in Concrete Structures and Sustainable Development at Imperial College London where he was awarded the Frank Hodgson Memorial Prize in 2013. After that, he worked in the construction industry and academia for 7 years before returning to Imperial College for his PhD.
Why did you decide to do a PhD in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering?
I decided to pursue a PhD for both my personal and professional growth. The PhD is a journey that will help me solidify my previous experience and enhance my skills and knowledge to grow as an individual. It is also a thorough learning process that will teach me how to conduct meaningful and credible research which is an essential tool for my professional development.
Tell us about your PhD research
Concrete undergoes volumetric changes due to the exothermal hydration of cement at early age, and to autogenous and drying shrinkage in the long term. When restrained, the concrete element is prevented from contracting freely which results in the development of tensile stresses that could lead to cracking. Design codes such as Eurocode 2 are used by structural engineers to predict and control the crack spacing and width within acceptable limits. Across the UK and around the world, many cases of non-compliance have been reported highlighting the need to improve the existing prediction models and bettering our understanding of the cracking mechanism. My research investigates such restrained walls, within a parametric study. A full-scale experimental program evaluates the influence of geometry, reinforcement, material properties and environmental factors. To date, the findings provided insights on the thermal flows, the degree of restraint and the development of strains within a full-scale experimental program.
What impact do you hope you research will have/what do you hope your research will lead on to?
Concrete is the mostly used construction material in the world. My research hopes to improve the existing guidance used to control the cracking behaviour of a restrained reinforced concrete structure. This could improve the serviceability and durability of tunnels, water retaining tanks, basement walls and many other structures used globally. An improved guidance also enhances the concrete sustainability by reducing the repair costs, optimizing the design requirements, and minimizing wastage.
Does your research involve working with collaborators outside of the Department? If so who and why?
My work is centred around an experimental program funded by the EPSRC and conducted by Imperial College London and University of Leeds. This provides an exciting opportunity to collaborate and work closely with different stakeholders to maximize our outputs and research outcomes.
What is a typical week like for you?
A typical week could involve a lot of activities. It is a mix of lab works including instrumentations, castings, experiments, and measurements, followed by data processing and analysis. Other tasks comprise reading academic articles, meeting with my supervisor and other team members, and sometimes writing up results and findings. You could also find me in a classroom or a workshop conducting my graduate teacher’s assistant (GTA) role.
In terms of leisure and recreational activities, my weekdays include swimming and hitting the gym. My weekend includes a game of squash on Saturday morning and socializing with friends. After all, a healthy mind is in a healthy body.
I am also the student representative for the Civil and Environmental Engineering department, which translates into periodical departmental and union meetings, and occasional planning of social events.
How have your skills developed, both professional and personal?
The PhD has been an incredible journey of growth. I learned how to methodically pursue a research objective within a scientific approach. Also, I acquired professional communication skills that are invaluable for my future career. The PhD has also taught me how to be patient and how to plan. Between lab works, publications, meetings, GTA works, and other responsibilities, my calendar has become a sophisticated matrix that demonstrates enhanced organizational capabilities.
What do you enjoy most about being a PhD in the Department?
I mostly appreciate working with my supervisor and my team members. I find myself constantly inspired to do more and to grow as a professional. I am also very motivated by the potential impact of my research project and what it is trying to achieve. All of this is enhanced by the fact that I take pride in being part of the ICL community, that I am surrounded by like-minded colleagues, within a highly cultured society always thriving for excellence.