Zainab Awadh

Profile

I am a PhD student at the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. My project is titled "Mechanical and Environmental Performance of Warm Mix Asphalt Using Warm Mix Additives." The main objective of my research is to focus on technology transfer and innovations in utilising waste, recycled, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional construction materials. This approach embraces the principles of a circular economy and zero waste. My project aims to address two key areas: enhancing sustainability and recycling practices in construction and incorporating advanced technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), into pavement infrastructures.

I completed my BSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cardiff University in 2016. I later earned my MSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Leeds, specialising in the Transport Infrastructure: Design and Construction programme, which I finished in 2023. During my MSc, I used life cycle analysis (LCA) to analyse the environmental impact of using recycled tyre waste in road pavement compared to conventional asphalt pavement.

I have 6 years of work experience in the research field at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), particularly focusing on construction and building materials. Throughout my 6 years at KISR, I have participated in various engineering research projects as a team member and task leader. Some of the projects I contributed to include the Rubberised Asphalt Pilot Road, general research on the engineering characterisation of locally sourced marine dredged sediments, a comparative study of high-performance concrete with different types of internal curing materials, and the recycling of returned concrete into coarse aggregates for block manufacturing.

Research interests

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Using recycled materials in construction

Asphalt pavement design and construction

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Qualifications

• BSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering (2016)
• MSc in Civil Engineering ransport Infrastructure: Design and Construction) (2023)