Peshawar (Khyber Mail): The public PhD defense of Engr. Zeeshan Ahmad was successfully held at the Video Conference Hall, UET Peshawar. The event was attended by notable figures, including the Chief Engineer, Communication and Works (C&W) Department, KP, Dean of the Faculty of Civil, Agriculture, and Mining Engineering (CAME), along with senior professors and experienced professionals.
Engr. Zeeshan Ahmad’s PhD research, titled “Risk, Resilience, and Sustainability-Based Assessment of RC Structural Systems,” was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Khan Shahzada. The research evaluation committee comprised eminent experts, including Dr. Shehzad Rehman (Director, Dams and Hydropower, SMEC Engineering Consultants, Lahore), Dr. Sajjad Wali Khan (Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Department, UET Jalozai), Dr. Rehman Akhtar (Associate Professor, Industrial Engineering Department, UET Peshawar), and Dr. Hafiz Asfandyar Ahmed as Co-Supervisor (Postgraduate Researcher, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China).
The research provided a comprehensive analysis of the risk, resilience, and sustainability aspects of reinforced concrete (RC) structural systems, particularly focusing on the effects of nonstructural elements. Engr. Ahmad’s findings offer an in-depth understanding of structural and non-structural behaviors, linking them to environmental considerations through carbon footprint assessments at both the construction and post-damage stages.
A key contribution of the study is the development of a Risk Priority Number (RPN) classification system and an inventory management framework, facilitating easier implementation of risk assessment strategies in the construction industry.
This successful PhD defense highlights the commitment to academic excellence and innovation at UET Peshawar, and the significant contributions being made in the field of civil engineering.