AUS student wins award for advancing green building practices

Adding to his many achievements, American University of Sharjah (AUS) Master of Science in Civil Engineering student Habibelrahman Hassan has recently been awarded the Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Award 2023 by the Emirates Green Building Council, underscoring his contributions to sustainable construction, particularly in the challenging environment of the Middle East.

The award is sponsored by the EmiratesGBC's co-founder, Dr. Sadek Owainati, and honors a student from a recognized university across the UAE for outstanding research related to green buildings in the Middle East. 

Hassan's research, "Thermal Performance of 3D Concrete Printed Walls: Calculated and In-Situ Measured U-Values," focused on assessing the thermal performance of 3D printed buildings, a critical factor in reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, particularly pertinent in regions such as the UAE, where extreme temperatures present significant challenges.

The research was initiated by the research group under the guidance of Dr. Adil Tamimi, a Professor in Civil Engineering at AUS and Dr. Edwin Rodriguez-Ubinas, Principal Researcher of the Energy Efficiency Research Area at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Research and Development Center.

This research endeavor was in collaboration with the DEWA Research and Development Center, forming a part of their Al Baheth program, aiming at supporting research projects led by students. Al Baheth program promotes and enhances the culture of research and development, develops professional competencies, and attracts graduates to work at the Research and Development Center. These include organising seminars, conferences, workshops, training programs, competitions, field visits and university visits. The program provides talents with the opportunity to participate in the development of projects undertaken by DEWA and its Research and Development Center. It also engages local and international universities in research and development by sending the best technical candidates to work with DEWA’s researchers in different areas.

The study involved the detailed analysis of the thermal performance of two 3D printed structures in the UAE through theoretical and experimental analysis of their U-values (thermal conductivity), in accordance with ISO 9869:1, a standard related to the measurement of temperatures in the field of building construction. Hasan also conducted a thermal bridge analysis as outlined in ISO 6781, a standard that pertains to thermal insulation and building elements.

"The study explored how different factors, such as the wall geometry, cavity size, and the type and location of insulation, can affect the building's thermal efficiency. Our findings highlight essential considerations for designing and constructing energy-efficient 3D printing buildings, which emphasizes on the importance of thermal efficiency in promoting sustainable and environmentally conscious architectural practices," Hassan explained.

"Guiding this research has been a remarkable journey. Our team's exploration into the thermal performance of 3D printed buildings represents a significant step towards sustainable building practices in challenging climates like the UAE. It's inspiring to see our students like Hassan lead such research work, which not only advances the field of civil engineering but also contributes to the global dialogue on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship," said Dr. Tamimi.

Hassan was among the top three finalists celebrated at the gala awards ceremony. 

"I hope our work inspires more research and practical applications in this area. It's crucial that we keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable construction to create a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious future," he said.

AUS is ranked number one (tied) in the UAE and among the top ​200 universities globally for civil and structural engineering according to QS World University Rankings by subject (202​3​).

To know more about the AUS Department of Civil Engineering, click here.