Research in Architecture and Civil Engineering

My Research Focus

 

Architecture

 

 

1. Sustainable & Green Architecture

• Topic: Integration of Passive Design Strategies in High-Rise Residential Buildings in Tropical Climates

• Focus: Energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and daylight optimization in dense urban areas.

2. Climate-Responsive Design

• Topic: Vernacular Architectural Elements in Modern Housing for Hot-Humid Regions

• Focus: Incorporating traditional design strategies into modern architecture for better thermal performance.

3. Affordable Housing

• Topic: Innovative Low-Cost Housing Models Using Locally Available Materials in Developing Countries

• Focus: Cost-efficient, sustainable design for urban and rural communities.

4. Smart Cities & Intelligent Buildings

• Topic: Application of Smart Building Technologies in Mixed-Use Developments

• Focus: IoT integration, automation, and sustainable design for urban growth.

5. Post-Disaster Architecture

• Topic: Designing Resilient Shelters for Flood-Prone Areas in Bangladesh

• Focus: Modular, adaptable housing that can withstand natural disasters.

6. Heritage Conservation

• Topic: Adaptive Reuse of Colonial-Era Buildings for Contemporary Urban Needs

• Focus: Balancing preservation with modern functionality.

7. Urban Design

• Topic: Designing Pedestrian-Friendly Streetscapes to Enhance Livability in Dense Cities

• Focus: Human-centered urban spaces for sustainable mobility.

8. Healthcare Architecture

• Topic: Healing Architecture: Impact of Spatial Design on Patient Recovery in Hospitals

• Focus: Evidence-based design to improve patient well-being.

9. Biophilic Design

• Topic: Integrating Biophilic Design in Corporate Workspaces to Improve Employee Productivity

• Focus: Nature-based solutions for indoor spaces.

10. Net-Zero Buildings

• Topic: Achieving Net-Zero Energy Consumption in Urban Residential Buildings

• Focus: Energy modeling, renewable energy integration, and sustainable design strategies.

 

 

Civil Engineering

 

 

Structural Engineering

 

 

 1. Earthquake-Resistant Structures

• Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frames with Masonry Infill Walls

  • Relevance: RC frames with infill are common in urban Bangladesh.

• Seismic Retrofitting of Existing Residential Buildings Using FRP Composites

  • Relevance: Strengthens old buildings without demolition.

• Performance Evaluation of Base-Isolated Buildings under Near-Fault Ground Motions

  • Relevance: Modern earthquake mitigation technology.

 2. High-Rise & Tall Buildings

• Wind-Induced Vibration Analysis of High-Rise Buildings Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

  • Relevance: Tall building safety and comfort.

• Structural Behavior of Shear Wall-RC Frame Hybrid Systems in High-Rise Buildings

  • Relevance: Common structural system in urban towers.

• Dynamic Analysis of Multi-Storey Buildings under Combined Wind and Seismic Loads

  • Relevance: Safety for high-rise construction in hazard-prone regions.

 3. Material Innovations & Sustainability

• Behavior of Concrete Reinforced with Recycled Plastic Fibers

  • Relevance: Sustainable construction materials.

• Performance of Bamboo-Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs

  • Relevance: Low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to steel.

• Self-Healing Concrete Using Bacteria or Encapsulated Agents

  • Relevance: Extends service life of structures.

 4. Bridges & Infrastructure

• Load Carrying Capacity Assessment of Existing Bridges Using Structural Health Monitoring

  • Relevance: Aging bridge safety in Bangladesh.

• Performance of Precast Concrete Segmental Bridges under Traffic Loads

  • Relevance: Fast and cost-effective bridge construction.

• Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Highway Bridges in Coastal Regions

  • Relevance: Critical for disaster-resilient infrastructure.

 5. Structural Dynamics & Vibration

• Vibration Analysis of Tall Buildings Due to Human-Induced Loads

  • Relevance: Office and residential comfort in towers.

• Dynamic Response of Bridges under Moving Vehicles and Pedestrian Loads

  • Relevance: Ensures safety and longevity.

• Mitigation of Vibration in Footbridges Using Tuned Mass Dampers

  • Relevance: Modern vibration control in pedestrian infrastructure.

 6. Foundation-Structure Interaction

• Soil-Structure Interaction Effects on Seismic Response of RC Frame Buildings

  • Relevance: Critical for soft-soil urban areas.

• Performance of Pile-Supported Structures under Lateral and Vertical Loads

  • Relevance: Coastal and soft-soil regions.

• Settlement and Load Distribution Analysis of Raft Foundations for High-Rise Buildings

  • Relevance: Urban construction on soft clay or reclaimed land.

 7. Disaster-Resilient Design

• Cyclone-Resilient Structural Design of Coastal Residential Buildings

  • Relevance: Disaster mitigation in deltaic regions.

• Blast-Resistant Structural Design for Critical Infrastructure

  • Relevance: Security-focused structures.

• Retrofitting of Non-Ductile RC Buildings for Seismic Resistance

  • Relevance: Safety upgrade for older buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frames with Masonry Infill Walls

Problem Statement:
RC frames with masonry infill are common in urban residential and commercial buildings in Bangladesh. While these walls provide stiffness, they can alter seismic performance, sometimes causing premature failure during earthquakes. Detailed studies integrating both experimental and numerical approaches are limited.

Objectives:

• Assess the seismic behavior of RC frames with masonry infills.

• Compare failure modes between bare frames and infilled frames.

• Provide design recommendations for safer RC frame buildings.

Research Questions:

1. How do masonry infills affect lateral stiffness and ductility?

2. What are the common failure modes under seismic loading?

3. How can design modifications improve performance?

Methodology:

• Literature review on seismic performance of infilled frames.

• Laboratory experiments on scaled frame models.

• Numerical simulations (ABAQUS / ETABS) under earthquake loading.

• Comparison of results with code provisions.

Expected Outcomes:

• Understanding of failure mechanisms.

• Guidelines for improved RC frame design with infills.

• Contribution to earthquake-resilient building practices.

Title: Dynamic Response of Multi-Storey Buildings under Combined Wind and Seismic Loads

Problem Statement:
High-rise buildings in urban areas face both wind and seismic loads. Most studies analyze these loads separately, which may underestimate the actual structural response. A combined dynamic assessment is crucial for safe design.

Objectives:

• Evaluate building response under simultaneous wind and seismic forces.

• Identify critical load combinations affecting structural safety.

• Recommend design strategies for multi-hazard resistance.

Research Questions:

1. How does combined loading affect deflection, drift, and stress distribution?

2. Which structural elements are most vulnerable under combined effects?

Methodology:

• Selection of building models (e.g., 10–20 storey).

• Dynamic analysis using FEM software (ETABS / SAP2000).

• Parametric study with varying wind and earthquake intensities.

• Sensitivity analysis to identify critical parameters.

Expected Outcomes:

• Quantified influence of combined loads.

• Design guidelines for multi-storey buildings in hazard-prone areas.

• Recommendations for structural detailing improvements.

Title: Performance Evaluation of Precast Concrete Segmental Bridges under Traffic Loads

Problem Statement:
Precast segmental bridges offer rapid construction, but their structural performance under live traffic loads, fatigue, and environmental effects needs detailed assessment in local conditions.

Objectives:

• Analyze structural response of precast segmental bridges under static and dynamic loads.

• Evaluate fatigue behavior of bridge segments and joints.

• Propose design or monitoring improvements for durability.

Research Questions:

1. How do live loads affect bending, shear, and joint stresses?

2. What are the main fatigue concerns for segmental bridges?

Methodology:

• Literature review of segmental bridge design and failures.

• Finite element modeling of bridge segments.

• Load simulation: static and dynamic traffic loads.

• Field monitoring (if feasible) for validation.

Expected Outcomes:

• Recommendations for improved design and maintenance.

• Guidelines for segmental bridge construction in Bangladesh.

• Contribution to long-term durability and safety assessment.

Title: Behavior of Bamboo-Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs for Low-Cost Housing

Problem Statement:
Steel reinforcement is expensive, increasing construction costs. Bamboo, if treated and properly used, can serve as an alternative reinforcement for small-scale and low-cost housing. Structural performance data for such applications is limited.

Objectives:

• Evaluate flexural and shear behavior of bamboo-reinforced beams and slabs.

• Compare performance with conventional steel-reinforced elements.

• Develop design guidelines for safe low-cost housing.

Research Questions:

1. Can bamboo reinforcement achieve required flexural and shear strength?

2. How do bamboo-reinforced members behave under sustained loads?

Methodology:

• Laboratory preparation of bamboo-reinforced beam and slab samples.

• Load testing for bending, shear, and deflection.

• Analysis of failure modes and comparison with steel-reinforced specimens.

Expected Outcomes:

• Structural performance data for bamboo-reinforced elements.

• Feasible design recommendations for low-cost, eco-friendly construction.

• Potential reduction in housing costs.

Title: Retrofitting Non-Ductile RC Buildings for Seismic Resistance

Problem Statement:
Many existing RC buildings in Bangladesh were constructed before modern seismic codes and are non-ductile, making them vulnerable during earthquakes. Practical retrofitting solutions are required for these structures.

Objectives:

• Assess vulnerability of typical non-ductile RC buildings.

• Evaluate effectiveness of different retrofitting techniques (FRP wrapping, steel jacketing, shear walls).

• Provide retrofitting guidelines suitable for local conditions.

Research Questions:

1. Which retrofitting technique provides the most cost-effective seismic improvement?

2. How much does retrofitting increase ductility and lateral resistance?

Methodology:

• Selection of representative building models.

• Nonlinear dynamic analysis using FEM software (ETABS / SAP2000).

• Simulation of retrofitting techniques and comparison of results.

Expected Outcomes:

• Retrofitting guidelines for existing RC buildings.

• Enhanced earthquake safety for vulnerable structures.

• Cost-benefit analysis for practical implementation.

 

 

Geotechnical Engineering

 

1. Soil Improvement & Ground Stabilization

• Performance of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil for Embankment Stability

  • Relevance: Common in highway and railway projects.

• Effectiveness of Lime and Fly Ash Stabilization on Soft Clay

  • Relevance: Industrial waste utilization + soil improvement.

• Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) for Soil Strengthening

  • Relevance: Emerging bio-technology in geotechnics.

 2. Foundation Engineering

• Performance Analysis of Pile Foundations under Lateral Loading in Soft Clay

  • Relevance: Important for coastal and riverbank projects.

• Comparative Study of Different Pile Load Testing Methods

  • Relevance: Cost optimization in foundation testing.

• Soil-Structure Interaction of Mat Foundations in High-Rise Buildings

  • Relevance: Urban construction & structural safety.

 3. Slope Stability & Landslides

• Slope Stability Analysis of Hilly Regions Using Limit Equilibrium and Numerical Methods

  • Relevance: Critical for Chattogram Hill Tracts & other hilly areas.

• Role of Vegetation in Slope Stability for Highway Embankments

  • Relevance: Green infrastructure and erosion control.

• Risk Assessment of Landslides Triggered by Heavy Rainfall

  • Relevance: Climate change impact on slope failures.

 4. Soil Dynamics & Earthquake Engineering

• Seismic Response of Soft Soil Layers Using Site Response Analysis

  • Relevance: Key for earthquake-prone regions in Bangladesh.

• Liquefaction Potential Assessment in Coastal Zones

  • Relevance: Disaster mitigation in deltaic regions.

• Dynamic Behavior of Soil–Pile Systems under Earthquake Loading

  • Relevance: Important for bridge and high-rise foundations.

5. Groundwater & Geotechnical Hazards

• Impact of Groundwater Fluctuation on the Stability of Excavations

  • Relevance: Deep foundation & urban tunneling projects.

• Modeling of Ground Settlement Due to Dewatering in Urban Areas

  • Relevance: Metro rail, underground infrastructure.

• Influence of Climate Change on Soil Erosion and Foundation Stability

  • Relevance: Sustainability and resilience.

6. Emerging & Sustainable Practices

• Use of Recycled Materials (Plastic Waste, Rubber Crumbs) in Soil Improvement

  • Relevance: Sustainable geotechnics & waste management.

• Energy Piles: Behavior of Thermo-Active Foundations

  • Relevance: Geothermal energy and green building.

• Behavior of Soil Mixed with Biochar for Carbon Sequestration and Strength

  • Relevance: Climate-friendly geotechnical solution

Perfect! I’ll prepare 15–20 Master’s thesis topics in Geotechnical Engineering with:

• Title / Topic

• Objectives

• Research Questions

• Methodology Ideas

• Relevance / Why it matters

These will be suitable for your Master’s thesis and adaptable to Bangladesh context.

1. Performance of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil for Embankment Stability

• Objectives:

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of geosynthetics in improving slope and embankment stability.

  • Compare reinforced vs unreinforced soil performance.

• Research Questions:

  • How much does geosynthetic reinforcement increase factor of safety?

  • Which type of geosynthetic material performs best under tropical soil conditions?

• Methodology:

  • Laboratory model tests and numerical simulations (PLAXIS / GeoStudio).

  • Field case study if possible.

• Relevance: Reduces slope failures in highways and railways.

2. Effect of Lime and Fly Ash Stabilization on Soft Clay

• Objectives: Improve bearing capacity and reduce settlement of soft soils.

• Research Questions: How do lime and fly ash percentages affect soil strength and compressibility?

• Methodology: Laboratory tests (Unconfined Compressive Strength, CBR, consolidation).

• Relevance: Cost-effective soil stabilization for construction projects.

3. Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) for Soil Strengthening

• Objectives: Assess effectiveness of bio-cementation in soft soils.

• Research Questions: Can MICP achieve sufficient soil strength for shallow foundations?

• Methodology: Lab experiments with different bacterial concentrations and soil types.

• Relevance: Sustainable and innovative geotechnical technique.

4. Slope Stability Analysis of Hilly Regions

• Objectives: Analyze slope stability using traditional and numerical methods.

• Research Questions: Which method gives the most accurate safety prediction?

• Methodology: Limit equilibrium method (LEM), finite element modeling (PLAXIS).

• Relevance: Landslide risk mitigation in hilly regions of Bangladesh.

5. Role of Vegetation in Slope Stability for Highway Embankments

• Objectives: Investigate how vegetation roots contribute to slope reinforcement.

• Research Questions: What type of vegetation offers maximum slope stability?

• Methodology: Laboratory shear tests, field monitoring, numerical modeling.

• Relevance: Eco-friendly erosion control.

6. Seismic Response of Soft Soil Layers

• Objectives: Assess seismic site response and amplification effects.

• Research Questions: How does soil layering affect seismic acceleration?

• Methodology: Site-specific response analysis using recorded ground motions.

• Relevance: Earthquake preparedness for urban areas on soft soils.

7. Liquefaction Potential Assessment in Coastal Zones

• Objectives: Determine susceptibility of coastal soils to liquefaction.

• Research Questions: Which soil parameters most influence liquefaction risk?

• Methodology: Standard Penetration Test (SPT) analysis, Cone Penetration Test (CPT), empirical methods.

• Relevance: Reduces damage to infrastructure in deltaic regions.

8. Dynamic Behavior of Soil–Pile Systems under Earthquake Loading

• Objectives: Evaluate lateral and vertical response of pile foundations during earthquakes.

• Research Questions: How do different pile types behave under dynamic loading?

• Methodology: Numerical modeling (PLAXIS dynamic module), case study data.

• Relevance: Structural safety in high seismic zones.

9. Impact of Groundwater Fluctuation on Excavation Stability

• Objectives: Examine effects of water table changes on excavation walls and foundation pits.

• Research Questions: How does water table variation affect factor of safety?

• Methodology: 2D numerical simulation, site monitoring, piezometer data.

• Relevance: Critical for deep foundation and basement construction.

10. Modeling Ground Settlement due to Dewatering

• Objectives: Predict soil settlement caused by groundwater pumping.

• Research Questions: What mitigation measures reduce settlement risks?

• Methodology: Finite element modeling, case studies from urban areas.

• Relevance: Prevents structural damage in metro and underground projects.

11. Use of Recycled Plastic Waste in Soil Improvement

• Objectives: Investigate strength enhancement of soils with plastic additives.

• Research Questions: How do different plastic percentages affect CBR and compressibility?

• Methodology: Laboratory tests, compaction and shear strength measurements.

• Relevance: Sustainable construction and waste management.

12. Energy Piles: Behavior of Thermo-Active Foundations

• Objectives: Study mechanical and thermal performance of energy piles.

• Research Questions: How does cyclic thermal load affect pile settlement?

• Methodology: Laboratory testing, numerical simulations.

• Relevance: Green technology for urban buildings.

13. Soil Biochar Mix for Carbon Sequestration and Strength

• Objectives: Evaluate soil stabilization using biochar.

• Research Questions: Can biochar improve soil strength and reduce carbon footprint?

• Methodology: Laboratory compaction and shear tests, long-term durability study.

• Relevance: Sustainable geotechnical practice.

14. Comparative Study of Pile Load Testing Methods

• Objectives: Compare static, dynamic, and CPT-based pile load testing accuracy.

• Research Questions: Which method is cost-effective and reliable?

• Methodology: Field testing, data analysis, numerical modeling.

• Relevance: Optimizes foundation design and cost.

15. Ground Improvement using Stone Columns

• Objectives: Assess settlement reduction and bearing capacity increase.

• Research Questions: How effective are stone columns in different soil types?

• Methodology: Laboratory tests, numerical simulations, field case studies.

• Relevance: Practical for soft clay and loose sand improvement.

16. Settlement Behavior of Embankments on Soft Clay

• Objectives: Study consolidation and time-dependent settlement of soft clay.

• Research Questions: How can preloading and vertical drains optimize settlement?

• Methodology: Field monitoring, finite element modeling.

• Relevance: Key for highway and airport embankments.

17. Analysis of Retaining Wall Stability on Expansive Soils

• Objectives: Investigate design performance of retaining walls in swelling soils.

• Research Questions: How do moisture fluctuations affect wall stability?

• Methodology: Laboratory soil testing, numerical modeling.

• Relevance: Urban infrastructure safety.

18. Behavior of Unsaturated Soil Under Rainfall Infiltration

• Objectives: Evaluate changes in strength and deformation during rainfall.

• Research Questions: How does rainfall-induced suction affect slope stability?

• Methodology: Laboratory triaxial tests, numerical slope models.

• Relevance: Landslide prevention in monsoon-prone areas.

19. Risk Assessment of Landslides Triggered by Heavy Rainfall

• Objectives: Predict landslide susceptibility in urban and rural hills.

• Research Questions: Which factors (soil type, slope, vegetation) are most critical?

• Methodology: GIS mapping, statistical models, slope stability analysis.

• Relevance: Disaster mitigation and urban planning.

20. Influence of Climate Change on Soil Erosion and Foundation Stability

• Objectives: Examine climate-driven soil degradation and its impact on foundations.

• Research Questions: How will future rainfall and river level changes affect soil bearing capacity?

• Methodology: Modeling future scenarios, numerical simulations, case studies.

• Relevance: Long-term planning for resilient infrastructure.

5 full Master’s thesis proposal outlines in Geotechnical Engineering, including:

• Title

• Problem Statement

• Objectives

• Research Questions

• Methodology

• Expected Outcomes

I’ll pick topics that are highly relevant, practical, and researchable in Bangladesh.

Proposal 1

Title: Liquefaction Potential Assessment of Coastal Soils in Bangladesh

Problem Statement:
Bangladesh’s coastal zones are highly vulnerable to earthquakes and cyclones. Soft, saturated soils in these regions are prone to liquefaction, which can cause catastrophic damage to infrastructure. Despite rapid urbanization, there is limited research on liquefaction susceptibility for coastal construction projects.

Objectives:

• Assess liquefaction potential of coastal soils.

• Identify critical soil parameters affecting liquefaction risk.

• Provide guidelines for foundation design in susceptible areas.

Research Questions:

1. Which areas in coastal Bangladesh are most susceptible to liquefaction?

2. How do soil properties influence liquefaction risk?

3. What mitigation strategies are most effective?

Methodology:

• Field investigation: SPT, CPT, soil sampling.

• Laboratory tests: Grain size, Atterberg limits, density, shear strength.

• Liquefaction analysis: Simplified empirical methods (Seed & Idriss) and numerical modeling.

• Risk mapping using GIS.

Expected Outcomes:

• Liquefaction susceptibility map for coastal zones.

• Practical foundation design recommendations.

• Disaster mitigation strategies for construction projects.

Proposal 2

Title: Performance of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil for Highway Embankments

Problem Statement:
Soft and weak soils in Bangladesh pose challenges for embankment stability. Geosynthetic reinforcement can improve soil strength, but local studies on effectiveness under tropical conditions are limited.

Objectives:

• Evaluate stability improvement using geosynthetics.

• Compare performance of different geosynthetic materials.

• Provide design recommendations for highway embankments.

Research Questions:

1. How much does geosynthetic reinforcement increase embankment safety?

2. Which geosynthetic material provides optimal performance under local conditions?

Methodology:

• Literature review of reinforced soil technology.

• Laboratory model tests and numerical simulations (PLAXIS or GeoStudio).

• Case study of a local highway embankment.

Expected Outcomes:

• Factor of safety improvements quantified.

• Recommendations for embankment reinforcement using locally available materials.

Proposal 3

Title: Effectiveness of Lime and Fly Ash Stabilization on Soft Clay for Construction

Problem Statement:
Soft clay soils have low bearing capacity, causing settlement and structural instability. Chemical stabilization using lime and fly ash is promising, but detailed studies on optimal proportions for local soils are scarce.

Objectives:

• Determine optimal lime and fly ash percentages for soil stabilization.

• Assess improvements in bearing capacity, shear strength, and compressibility.

Research Questions:

1. How do different lime and fly ash ratios affect soil properties?

2. Can stabilized soil meet design requirements for roads and foundations?

Methodology:

• Laboratory tests: Unconfined compressive strength, CBR, consolidation.

• Comparative analysis of stabilized vs natural soil.

• Statistical evaluation of results for optimal mixture design.

Expected Outcomes:

• Optimal stabilization mix proportions.

• Practical guidelines for low-cost soil improvement.

• Enhanced construction reliability on soft clay soils.

Proposal 4

Title: Slope Stability Analysis of Hilly Regions Using Numerical and Limit Equilibrium Methods

Problem Statement:
Hilly areas of Chattogram and Sylhet are prone to landslides, especially during monsoon. Accurate slope stability analysis is crucial, but comprehensive studies integrating field data with numerical methods are limited.

Objectives:

• Assess slope stability under different soil and rainfall conditions.

• Compare Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) and numerical modeling results.

• Propose mitigation strategies for landslide-prone areas.

Research Questions:

1. How does rainfall infiltration affect slope stability?

2. Which analysis method predicts failure more accurately?

3. What slope stabilization measures are most effective?

Methodology:

• Field survey: slope geometry, soil sampling, water table measurement.

• Laboratory testing: shear strength, unit weight, Atterberg limits.

• Analysis: LEM (GeoStudio) and numerical modeling (PLAXIS).

• Sensitivity analysis for critical parameters.

Expected Outcomes:

• Risk assessment and stability maps.

• Recommendations for slope stabilization and early-warning strategies.

• Guidelines for safe construction in hilly regions.

Proposal 5

Title: Ground Settlement Due to Dewatering in Urban Construction Projects

Problem Statement:
Rapid urbanization in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram has increased deep foundation and basement construction. Dewatering often causes ground settlement, affecting adjacent structures. A systematic study of settlement behavior under local soil conditions is needed.

Objectives:

• Predict settlement caused by dewatering in urban soils.

• Evaluate mitigation techniques to minimize settlement.

• Provide design guidelines for safe excavation practices.

Research Questions:

1. How does groundwater lowering influence soil settlement?

2. Which mitigation techniques are most effective for different soil types?

Methodology:

• Field monitoring of water table and settlement during dewatering.

• Laboratory consolidation tests on local soil samples.

• Numerical modeling of settlement scenarios (PLAXIS / FLAC).

• Comparative analysis of mitigation strategies (well points, cutoff walls).

Expected Outcomes:

• Settlement prediction models for urban excavation.

• Mitigation guidelines for construction near existing buildings.

• Contribution to safer and cost-effective urban development.