Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure Lab
The Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure Laboratory (AMSI), established in 2022 at The Island University, is dedicated to civil engineering-based research. Led by Dr. Nancy Soliman, TAMU-CC Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and AMSI Lab advisor, the lab focuses on creating sustainable and energy-efficient bulk construction materials for resilient infrastructure.
Utilizing advanced characterization techniques, such as nanoindentation and scratching, the lab identifies the properties of construction materials to innovate and develop new ones. Soliman’s goal is to create new construction materials that reduce the carbon dioxide footprint of concrete.
Mazen Hassan ’25 and Fazal Hussain ’25, civil engineering master’s students, are key contributors to this research at AMSI. Hussain’s research titled “Development of Advanced Multifunctional Cementitious Composite and Optimization using Artificial Intelligence” focuses on creating eco-friendly, conductive cement using environmental materials like sand and mining waste as concrete alternatives.
This conductive cement can melt thick ice during heavy snowstorms, improving societal environmental conditions.
“Our goal with this research is to decelerate climate change as much as possible,” Hussain said. “With all the carbon dioxide emissions from transportation to burning fossil fuels, there needs to be an alternative to slow down the release of greenhouse gases. Thus, with our research, we hope to elevate the environmental conditions of society and ultimately make a significant change for our planet.”
Hassan’s research, “Sustainable Development of an Eco-Friendly, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete” aims to use local, easily accessible materials to develop cost-efficient cement alternatives, reducing the expenses associated with cement production and delivery. As Hassan nears the completion of his master’s degree, he expressed his gratitude to TAMU-CC.
“I am very grateful to be completing my master’s research at A&M-Corpus Christi,” Hassan said. “I have created valuable connections, and the accessibility of not only the top-notch machinery, but helpful professors have made this educational experience a memorable one. As I journey into my doctoral degree, I will cherish the knowledge and memories I have gained at TAMU-CC.”
As a final note, Soliman, Hussain, and Hassan recently established the American Concrete Institute (ACI) student chapter at TAMU-CC. This organization hosts workshops, social gatherings, competitions, and provides scholarships. They aim to continue growing the chapter with the goal of driving innovation, sustainability, and growth within the concrete industry to ensure its relevance and success for future generations.