Technical Partner / Work Package Leader in Artificial Intelligence for Hydraulic Infrastructure, Structural Assessment, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and Sustainable Geopolymer Concrete Systems
The Construction Research Institute (CRI), part of the National Water Research Center (NWRC), Egypt, is a leading governmental research body specialized in structural and geotechnical engineering for water-related infrastructure.
CRI provides integrated research, consultancy, and technical services for the design, assessment, and rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including barrages, culverts, bridges, and irrigation systems. The institute combines field investigations, laboratory testing, and advanced numerical modeling (e.g., finite element analysis) to support safe and sustainable infrastructure development.
The institute has strong expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring, and performance evaluation of existing structures. In parallel, CRI has established a solid research track record in sustainable concrete technologies, particularly geopolymer and alkali-activated materials, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash, and agricultural waste-based binders. These studies focus on durability, chloride resistance, permeability, curing effects, and long-term performance under aggressive environmental conditions relevant to hydraulic structures.
CRI has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed international journal publications (2022–2026) in high-impact journals such as Results in Materials, Cleaner Engineering and Technology, Applications in Engineering Science, and Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, addressing advanced topics including geopolymer concrete performance, durability of blended cement systems, and structural assessment of hydraulic infrastructure.
A key research strength of CRI is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, including artificial neural networks, deep learning models, and hybrid optimization approaches (e.g., genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization), for predicting compressive strength and optimizing mix design of sustainable concretes. These models are often coupled with non-destructive testing methods (e.g., ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer), enabling efficient, reliable, and field-applicable performance assessment.
In addition, CRI has extensive experience in structural assessment and rehabilitation of hydraulic and heritage structures, supported by field investigations and advanced modeling, including case studies on aging regulators and failure analysis of critical infrastructure elements.
Through its multidisciplinary approach, CRI integrates materials science, structural engineering, and data-driven technologies to deliver innovative, climate-resilient, and sustainable solutions. The institute has extensive experience in national and international projects, particularly in the Nile Basin and Mediterranean region, providing applied, policy-relevant solutions aligned with water security, infrastructure resilience, and climate adaptation priorities.
We are seeking collaboration with universities, research institutes, SMEs, and industry partners to develop integrated and innovative solutions for sustainable water management and climate-resilient hydraulic infrastructure in Mediterranean environments.
Our contribution focuses on the interface between hydraulic engineering, sustainable materials, and artificial intelligence, including:
AI-based modeling and predictive analytics for hydraulic structures and water systems performance
Development and application of geopolymer and alkali-activated concrete for durable and low-carbon water infrastructure
Structural assessment, rehabilitation, and long-term performance evaluation of hydraulic systems (e.g., barrages, culverts, irrigation structures)
Integration of non-destructive testing (NDT) with machine learning for reliable, field-applicable infrastructure monitoring
Advanced numerical modeling (FEM) for soil–structure interaction and failure analysis
We are particularly interested in contributing to projects addressing:
Climate-resilient irrigation and water management systems
Integration of decentralized desalination technologies with infrastructure systems
AI-driven monitoring, digital twins, and decision-support tools
Nature-based and hybrid engineering solutions for water allocation and ecosystem restoration
We are open to participating as a technical partner or leading work packages related to AI applications, sustainable materials, and structural performance of hydraulic infrastructure.
The Construction Research Institute (CRI) has a strong and consistent publication record (2022–2026) in internationally recognized journals, covering geopolymer concrete, durability of cementitious materials, AI-based predictive modeling, and structural assessment of hydraulic infrastructure.
The institute combines experimental research, field investigations, and advanced data-driven approaches to deliver practical and scalable solutions aligned with Mediterranean and Nile Basin challenges, with direct relevance to water security, infrastructure resilience, and climate adaptation.