Dr. Omran Maadani |Transportation Engineering Research |Best Researcher Award

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada, Canada

Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Omran Maadani’s academic journey began with a strong passion for civil engineering, which laid the foundation for his future contributions to the field. He pursued his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Carleton University in Canada, where he focused on pavement materials and structural road design. His doctoral research, centered around evaluating the new AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (M-EPDG), was an instrumental part of his early academic endeavors. Through his research, Dr. Maadani gained deep insights into the performance of flexible roads, making significant strides in understanding the mechanical and environmental loading effects on pavements.

His academic pursuit not only honed his technical skills but also gave him exposure to cutting-edge road design theories and instrumentation systems used to monitor pavement responses. The instrumentation system he developed allowed for precise measurements of mechanical and environmental loadings, which was used in diverse urban environments across North America, including cities like Ottawa, Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 🔧

Dr. Maadani’s professional career has been marked by a combination of hands-on experience and high-level expertise in civil engineering, particularly within the realms of road construction, pavement materials, and concrete technology. His in-depth knowledge of flexible, rigid, and gravel road modeling and geotechnical engineering has made him a sought-after expert in the industry.

In addition to his research, Dr. Maadani has played a pivotal role in the pre-cast concrete manufacturing field, where he applied his engineering expertise to improve processes and outcomes in road construction. His deep understanding of concrete technology and his involvement in road design experiments and instrumentation systems has set him apart in both academia and industry.

His field experience includes designing and conducting laboratory experiments, ensuring they are equipped to measure and analyze pavement responses. He has consistently worked on integrating technological advancements to improve road design and performance, with an eye on sustainability and resilience in infrastructure.

Research Focus and Achievements 🔬

Dr. Maadani’s research is primarily centered on understanding the intricate mechanics of road pavements under varying environmental and mechanical stresses. By implementing a comprehensive instrumentation scheme across diverse urban landscapes, his work has greatly contributed to the understanding of how different materials and design strategies impact road durability and performance.

His Ph.D. thesis focused on a critical evaluation of the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide, a crucial document used by engineers for the design and evaluation of road pavements. His work in developing field instrumentation for capturing structural responses and environmental conditions of pavements has significantly advanced the field of pavement engineering.

Moreover, Dr. Maadani’s research has extended beyond theoretical applications into practical implementations. By collaborating with cities in North America, he has successfully created data-driven solutions to better design roads that can withstand various climatic and load-bearing conditions, enhancing the longevity and reliability of infrastructure.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout his career, Dr. Maadani has received numerous accolades for his groundbreaking contributions to civil engineering. His innovative work on pavement design and instrumentation systems has been recognized by both academic institutions and industry leaders. He has contributed to publications in prestigious engineering journals, gaining recognition from peers and colleagues across the globe.

Dr. Maadani’s successful application of the AASHTO M-EPDG framework in real-world settings has garnered him acclaim in both academia and industry, establishing him as a thought leader in the fields of structural engineering and transportation infrastructure.

His technical expertise, particularly in the design of experimental systems for road pavement evaluation, has made him a go-to figure for projects involving infrastructure durability assessments, with several of his field studies becoming benchmarks in the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Omran Maadani’s work has had a lasting impact on road construction, particularly in the areas of pavement material selection and instrumentation. His research and professional contributions have not only improved road quality and longevity but have also influenced policy and road safety regulations.

The instrumentation systems developed under his guidance are now used widely to assess the performance of various pavement materials under real-world conditions, providing invaluable data for engineers and researchers alike. His work continues to shape the future of pavement engineering and road infrastructure, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both technical research and practical application.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking forward, Dr. Maadani aims to continue his work in advancing road pavement design and technology. He is particularly interested in the intersection of sustainability and engineering, focusing on how future pavements can be designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing structural efficiency and performance.

Dr. Maadani’s legacy lies not only in his technical contributions but also in his commitment to fostering the next generation of civil engineers. His extensive fieldwork and research have laid the groundwork for the next wave of pavement engineering innovations, making him a key figure in the ongoing evolution of the civil engineering discipline.

By remaining deeply involved in field experiments, research projects, and conferences, Dr. Maadani plans to continue shaping the future of road design and infrastructure development, ensuring that it meets the demands of both modern cities and future generations.

📝Notable Publications

“Analyzing Environmental and Traffic Load Trends in an Instrumented Pavement Test Section, Kitchener, Ontario”

Authors: Ceric, M., Tavassoti, P., Baaj, H., Oyeyi, A.G., Maadani, O.

Journal: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering

Year: 2024

“Investigation of Self-Healing Properties of Nanoclay-Modified Asphalt Binder Using Two-Piece Healing Test”

Authors: Monteiro, L., Moghaddam, T.B., Freed, K., Maadani, O., Hashemian, L.

Journal: Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering

Year: 2023

“A Framework for Smart Pavements in Canada”

Authors: Tavassoti, P., Baaj, H., Ghafurian, M., Maadani, O., Shafiee, M.

Journal: Engineering Proceedings

Year: 2023

“Comparison between MERRA-2 and CWEEDS for Use in Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design in Canada”

Authors: Shafiee, M., Maadani, O., Cobo, J.H.

Journal: Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering

Year: 2023

“Investigation of Climate Change Impacts on Early-Age Cracking of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements in Canada”

Authors: Shafiee, M., Maadani, O.

Journal: Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering

Year: 2022

Mrs. Ilaria Sebastiani| dam and buildings | Best Researcher Award

freelance, Italy

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Ilaria Sebastiani, born on May 10, 1995, in Palombara Sabina (RM), Italy, has shown a strong dedication to her academic growth from an early age. Her journey began at the Lazzaro Spallanzani State School Complex in Tivoli, where she earned her Scientific High School Diploma in June 2014. This foundational education laid the groundwork for her subsequent achievements in civil engineering.

Driven by a passion for structures and infrastructure, Ilaria pursued her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome. She completed this program in March 2018, achieving a commendable score of 102/110. Eager to delve deeper into the field, she continued her studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering – Structures (LM-23) in October 2021. Her academic excellence was recognized with a perfect score of 110/110 laude. Most recently, in May 2024, Ilaria earned a second-level Master’s degree in Project Management in Construction Works with BIM from the Politecnico di Milano – Scuola Master F.lli Presente, where she again achieved a score of 110/110.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 🏗️

Ilaria’s professional journey began shortly after her academic pursuits, with her registration in the Professional Order – Register of Engineers of Rome in 2022. She also became a certified Fire Prevention Professional that same year. These qualifications have enabled her to take on significant roles in the civil engineering sector.

Since 2022, Ilaria has been working as a Designer and Project Manager at Studio Masciotta s.r.l., a prominent design company based in Rome. In this role, she has contributed to several critical infrastructure projects across Italy, displaying a blend of technical expertise and leadership.

One of her notable projects is the Acerenza Genzano Tunnel in Genzano di Lucania (PZ), where she has been serving as Project Manager since 2023. Ilaria has been instrumental in coordinating on-site activities, managing client relations, and overseeing technical aspects such as bill of quantities and historical-critical analysis of the work.

Another significant project is the Colle Torcino Dam, where Ilaria has been leading the seismic verification efforts. Her responsibilities include conducting critical historical analyses and overseeing the investigation plan, ensuring that the dam and its ancillary works meet stringent safety standards.

Ilaria has also played key roles in the seismic verification and safety enhancement of other dams across Italy, including the Poggio Perotto Dam and the Votturino Dam. Her work in these projects involved preliminary and executive design, metric calculations, and the preparation of special tender specifications.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Ilaria’s work has not gone unnoticed. Her meticulous attention to detail, combined with her ability to manage complex projects, has earned her recognition within the industry. The successful completion of challenging projects like the Conza Dam and Condominio Le Fontane highlights her capability in both design and project management. These projects involved seismic adaptation, extraordinary maintenance, and structural consolidation—areas where Ilaria’s expertise truly shines.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through her work, Ilaria has made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering, particularly in the areas of structural safety and seismic risk mitigation. Her projects have not only improved the safety and functionality of critical infrastructure but have also contributed to the preservation of important structures, ensuring their longevity for future generations.

Her role as a Project Manager at Studio Masciotta s.r.l. has allowed her to influence the design and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects, setting high standards for safety and efficiency. Ilaria’s work has also had a direct impact on the communities where these projects are located, enhancing the safety and quality of life for residents.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

As Ilaria continues to advance in her career, her contributions to civil engineering are expected to grow even more impactful. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to manage complex projects make her a valuable asset to any team. Looking ahead, Ilaria is likely to take on even more challenging projects that will further solidify her reputation as a leading figure in the field of civil engineering.

Her legacy will be one of dedication, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in civil engineering, Ilaria Sebastiani is set to leave a lasting mark on the industry, inspiring future generations of engineers to follow in her footsteps.

Publications

Timber-based Façades with Different Connections and Claddings: Assessing Materials’ Reusability, Water Use, and Global Warming Potential

Authors: Miren Juaristi, Ilaria Sebastiani, Stefano Avesani

Journal: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering

Year: 2022

Impact Of Thermal Bridges On The Energy Response Of A Building

Authors: Ilaria Sebastiani, Riccardo Pinotti, Stefano Avesani, Simone D’Amore, Stefano Pampanin

Journal: Not applicable (Conference paper)

Year: 2022