Prof | Tunneling Institute of Pakistan | Pakistan
Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood is a Professor and Deputy Director at the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan. With a career spanning over a decade, he has made substantial contributions to structural engineering, focusing on sustainable materials, decarbonization, and advanced material characterization. His research combines AI, machine learning, and data science to enhance infrastructure resilience. As an educator, he fosters hands-on learning and international collaborations, striving for sustainability-driven solutions in global infrastructure development.
Profile
Google Scholar
Strenghts for the Awards
- Research Excellence and Impact:
- Over 81% of Dr. Khushnood’s research is published in Q1 journals, with an impressive h-index of 32 and over 3,370 citations, showcasing his significant contributions to civil and structural engineering.
- His focus areas include sustainable materials, advanced material characterization, and innovative technologies like AI and machine learning in construction, addressing critical global challenges.
- Academic and Professional Recognition:
- He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Silver Medal in World Scientist Rankings (Civil Engineering) in 2024 and the Best School Researcher award in 2018, reflecting consistent recognition of his work.
- His selection as a Belt & Road Young Scientist and Best University Innovator further highlights his international and entrepreneurial contributions.
- Securing Research Funding:
- Secured a cumulative research grant worth $196,500 for academic projects and an additional $91,500 through industry collaborations, showcasing his ability to attract significant funding for innovative and practical solutions.
- Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Approach:
- His research spans diverse fields, including green construction materials, nanotechnology, and machine learning, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise.
- Collaboration with industries like NESPAK, Aga Khan Agency, and global research initiatives indicates the real-world impact and application of his research.
- Entrepreneurial Impact:
- Founder and advisor of startups like Structax Consultants and Bendcrete Pvt Ltd, contributing to knowledge translation and commercialization of research.
- Educational Contributions:
- Extensive academic leadership experience, including roles as Head of Department, Deputy Director, and Professor, highlights his influence on shaping future engineers and researchers.
🎓 Education
- Ph.D. in Structural Engineering (2012-2015)
Politecnico di Torino, Italy
- M.E. in Structural Engineering (2009-2011)
National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
CGPA: 3.65/4.00
- B.E. in Civil Engineering (2005-2009)
National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
CGPA: 3.78/4.00
💼 Experience
- Professor & Deputy Director Operations
Tunneling Institute of Pakistan (2023-Present)
- Technical Expert
Pakistan Engineering Council (2023-Present)
- CEO
Structax Consultants Pvt Ltd (2023-Present)
- Former roles at NUST: Head of Department (Research, 2021–2023), Director (Quality Enhancement Cell, 2016–2021), and Assistant Professor (2015–2021).
Dr. Khushnood has also served as a research and teaching assistant at Politecnico di Torino and a lecturer and lab engineer at NUST.
🔬 Research Interests
- Sustainable Cements and Green Construction Materials
- Wood and Timber Structures
- Smart Construction Technologies and Nanotechnology
- Machine Learning in Concrete Science
- Infrastructure Durability and Resilience
- Bio-Immune Sensible and Living Concrete
🏆 Awards
- Silver Medal in World Scientists Ranking in Civil Engineering (AD Scientific Index, 2024)
- People’s Choice Award in the fib International YMG Competition (2023)
- Best University Innovator by NUST (2021)
- Belt & Road Young Scientist Award by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (2020)
- Numerous teaching, research, and merit-based awards from NUST.
📚 Publications
- Utilization of Pakistani bentonite as partial replacement of cement in concrete
- Authors: SA Memon, R Arsalan, S Khan, TY Lo
- Year: 2012
- Citations: 166
- Comparative performance of different bacteria immobilized in natural fibers for self-healing in concrete
- Authors: M Rauf, W Khaliq, RA Khushnood, I Ahmed
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 151
- Durability of sustainable concrete subjected to elevated temperature–A review
- Authors: SA Memon, SFA Shah, RA Khushnood, WL Baloch
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 139
- Bio-mineralized self-healing recycled aggregate concrete for sustainable infrastructure
- Authors: RA Khushnood, ZA Qureshi, N Shaheen, S Ali
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 131
- Improvement in electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of cement composites using carbonaceous nano/micro inerts
- Authors: RA Khushnood, S Ahmad, P Savi, JM Tulliani, M Giorcelli, GA Ferro
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 131
- High performance self-consolidating cementitious composites by using micro carbonized bamboo particles
- Authors: S Ahmad, RA Khushnood, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani, GA Ferro
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 130
- Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the residual performance of concrete exposed to high temperatures
- Authors: WL Baloch, RA Khushnood, W Khaliq
- Year: 2018
- Citations: 124
- Carbonized nano/microparticles for enhanced mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding of cementitious materials
- Authors: RA Khushnood, S Ahmad, L Restuccia, C Spoto, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani
- Year: 2016
- Citations: 122
- Effective use of sawdust for the production of eco-friendly and thermal-energy efficient normal weight and lightweight concretes with tailored fracture properties
- Authors: W Ahmed, RA Khushnood, SA Memon, S Ahmad, WL Baloch, M Usman
- Year: 2018
- Citations: 103
- Synthesis and characterization of bio-immobilized nano/micro inert and reactive additives for feasibility investigation in self-healing concrete
- Authors: N Shaheen, RA Khushnood, W Khaliq, H Murtaza, R Iqbal, MH Khan
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 101
🔗 Research Contributions
- Secured $196,500 in research grants for projects like smart nano-coatings and sustainable cementitious composites.
- Collaborated with industries, obtaining $91,500 in partnership grants for innovative solutions in structural health and retrofitting.
📜 Conclusion
Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood is a visionary leader in structural engineering. His dedication to sustainability, resilience, and advanced technologies is evident in his research, teaching, and industry collaborations. He remains a prominent figure in promoting eco-friendly innovations for a sustainable future.
