Research Interests

My research interests to date have focused on the following topics:

• The use of ICT (information and Communication Technology) in the construction field.
• Programming software applications and databases.
• Repairing and maintenace of the concrete structures.
• Service life estimation of concrete structures.
• Frost resistance of concrete.

Since 1996 I have been working in the following research projects at Helsinki University of Technology:

1. Effect of Interacted Deterioration Parameters on Service Life of Concrete Structures in Cold Environments (2008-05-01 ... 2011-04-30)
   Project leader: Puttonen, Jari
   Other researchers:  Sistonen, Esko; Piironen, Jukka; Al-Neshawy, Fahim; Kari, Olli-Pekka
   International research:  yes
   Cooperation units outside TKK:  VTT
   Absract: The novelty of this research is to combine different damage models to one service-life calculation model and apply this model in wide geographical area.
   This research is a part of a co-operation research between Finland, USA, Canada, Norway and Portugal. Co-operation between TKK and VTT as well as foreign partners will strengthen during the project.
   Keywords:  interaction, deterioration parameter, concrete structure, service life
    
2. The Use of ICT 3D Measuring Techniques for High Quality Construction  (2005-09-01 - 2008-12-31)
   Project leader: Puttonen, Jari
   Other researchers:  Al-Neshawy, Fahim
   Abstract: The goal of the study is to develop ICT-based tools to automatically retrieve dimensions of factory-made elements and their surface quality as well as deformations after installation and automatic comparison of these variables against 3D CAD models and to monitor the construction site. The work consists of the following tasks: 1. To develop methods for analytic and visual inspection of deviations between planned and measured dimensions of component units. 2. To develope methods for verification of the skeletal structure of a building and surface quality of the facade. 3. To identify measuring devices and establish the tolerances for the new up-to-date component technology and to study the propagation of precision through the whole measurement process, considering both instrumental properties and measurement geometry. 4. To improve the measuring process at the construction site. 5. To study the potential of terrestrial laser scanner in construction monitoring. 6. To develope image based methods to extract geometric information from buildings and to create methods to produce image data suitable for CAD-overlaying.
   Keywords:  high quality construction, 3D measuring tehnitues, modelling
   
   
3. Effect on Maintenance Measures on Service Life of Concrete Facades (2003-01-01 ... 2006-12-31)Project leader: Huovinen Seppo
   Other researchers:  Sistonen, Esko; Piironen, Jukka; Al-Neshawy, Fahim; Tukiainen, Pekka; Johansson, Niclas; Koskela, Harry
   Abstract: The scope of this project is to systematically analyse all essential reasons of damage, such as material technical, structural and building physical.
   The aims of the research are to:
   - analyse the ageing and deterioration processes of old reinforced concrete facades
   - determine and analyse the potential methods, with which the service life of the concrete facades can be increased before fatal defects occur.
   - produce statistical calculationmethods and formulae, with which the service life of the old facades can be es-timated prior and after maintenance measures.
   Keywords:  Maintenance Measure, Service Life, Concrete Facade
    
4. Self-compacting concrete (2001-04-01 ... 2004-06-30)
   Project leader: Penttala, Vesa
   Other researchers:  Mannonen,Petri; Räsänen, Vesa; Al-Neshawy, Fahim
   Abstract: he research project is focused on the production technology, mix design, and the mechanical and workability properties of self-compacting concretes.
   Keywords:  concrete, self-compacting
   Research programme:  Betonirakentamisen teknologiaohjelma
   
   
5. Smart multifunctional structures (2000-11-01 ... 2002-08-31)
   Project leader: Penttala, Vesa
   Other researchers:  Al-Neshawy, Fahim; Räsänen, Vesa
   Keywords:  smart structures, durability, concrete
   
   
6. Freezing durability of concrete taking into consideration production management and testing methods (1997-07-01 ... 2000-08-01)
   Project leader: Penttala, Vesa
   Other researchers:  Komonen, Juha; Räsänen, Vesa; Al-Neshawy, Fahim; Eronen, Jussi; Tulimaa, Mika
   Keywords:  freezing durability, concrete, testing methods, production, freezing dilations, freezing pressures