DrRiyadh Al-Ameri

I am a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Deakin's School of Engineering and a structural engineer, holding a PhD in composite structures. I teach for both UG & PG studies in Civil & structural Engineering, supervise research students and carry out research in Structural Engineering. My research focuses on decarbonising the building industry through innovation and creativity. Over the past five years, I led a research team at Deakin that successfully developed novel, durable, and sustainable materials utilising recycled components and industry by-products. My team is currently engaged with the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) consortium to contribute to the tunnel structures using novel geopolymer concrete. Through my research, I developed expertise in structural strengthening and rehabilitation using advanced materials such as CFRP.

My academic career spans more than three decades of research, teaching, and professional leadership in civil and structural engineering across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Throughout this career, I have focused on advancing sustainable construction materials and strengthening the integration of research, teaching, and industry engagement in engineering education.

My research program addresses major environmental challenges associated with infrastructure development, particularly construction waste management and the need for sustainable construction materials. I have developed innovative approaches for incorporating recycled glass, recycled plastics, fly ash, and construction and demolition waste into concrete materials and structural systems. This work contributes to sustainable infrastructure solutions and supports circular-economy approaches in the construction industry.

This research has produced more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and has gained national and international recognition. In 2018, I was named Australia's Most Innovative Engineer (Academic Research Category) by Engineers Australia for my work on using recycled plastics in green concrete. My research has also been highlighted in the Victorian State of Engineering Report as an example of engineering innovation contributing to sustainable development. Physical and digital samples of my new green concrete, made with recycled glass and recycled plastics, were displayed in the University of Pennsylvania's Fisher Fine Arts Library, Innovative Materials Collection, in the US.

Alongside research leadership, I have made significant contributions to engineering education. I have received the Deakin University Teaching Excellence Award and the National Teaching Excellence Award from the Iraqi Minister for Higher Education, reflecting my commitment to research-informed teaching and curriculum innovation. My leadership in higher education teaching practice has also been recognised through my Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) in the UK.

I have also contributed to building research capacity through the supervision of more than 60 Graduate Research students and the establishment of major research laboratories, including the Heavy Structures Laboratory, capable of full-scale structural testing, and the Civil Engineering Concrete Laboratory at Deakin University.

I am a globally recognised civil and structural engineer with a national and international reputation. I am a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and a Chartered Professional Engineer. Also, registered on the Australian National Engineering Register in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Engineering Leadership and Management, and Building Services. Member of the National Executive Committee of the Australian Association of Steel Concrete Composite Structures (AASCCS), the International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Member of the Standards Australia scoping committee BD-108: Design of Concrete Structures with Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Bars. Member of the International Association for Bridge Maintenance and Safety (IABMS), Australia Chapter.

Through research innovation, teaching excellence, and professional engagement, my work advances sustainable infrastructure engineering while strengthening Deakin University's international reputation.

Future Research, Teaching and Leadership Vision (Next 5 Years)

Over the next five years, my goal is to further strengthen Deakin University's leadership in sustainable construction materials and infrastructure engineering through integrated research, teaching innovation, and industry collaboration.

My future research program will focus on advancing low-carbon, circular construction materials, particularly by developing green concrete systems that incorporate recycled glass, recycled plastics, industrial by-products, and construction waste. These research activities will support global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector while improving the durability and performance of infrastructure materials. I will also expand interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in materials science, environmental engineering, and circular economy systems.

A key priority will be expanding industry partnerships to translate research outcomes into practical infrastructure solutions. Building on existing collaborations, I aim to develop demonstration projects that showcase sustainable construction materials in real infrastructure applications. These initiatives will strengthen research impact and support industry adoption of sustainable engineering technologies.

In teaching and learning, I will continue to advance research-informed curriculum design in civil engineering. My goal is to further integrate sustainability, digital engineering tools, and emerging materials technologies into engineering education. I will also continue mentoring early-career academics and HDR students to strengthen research capability within the School of Engineering.

In leadership and service, I will continue to contribute to the development of national engineering standards and to professional organisations, ensuring that emerging research knowledge informs engineering practice. I will also seek to expand international research collaborations that enhance Deakin's global research partnerships.

Through these activities, I aim to strengthen Deakin University's position as a leader in sustainable infrastructure research while contributing to the development of the next generation of engineering researchers and professionals.

Riyadh Al-Ameri, PhD
SFHEA FIEAust CPEng NER M.ASCE

Research Groups

Research Theme: Infrastructure and Environment
Research groups: Renewable Materials in Structures & Engineered Timber Structures

Journal Editorial Role

Guest Editor:

• J Sustainability, Special issue on Innovative Practices in Engineering Education: Concept and Implementation.
• J Applied Sciences, Special issue on Latest Advances in Cement and Concrete Composites.
• J Materials, Special issue on Recycling and Reuse of Waste Materials in Construction.

Book Editorship

• Riyadh Al-Ameri, (2017), Properties and Design of Concrete Structures, a custom book published by PEARSON Australia, 1^st Ed., 2017, ISBN-13: 9781488620188.
• Riyadh Al-Ameri, (2012), Reinforced Concrete Structures, a custom book published by PEARSON Australia, 1^st Ed., 2012, ISBN: 978 1 4425 6180 9.