Research

Research

Research Focus and Vision

My research explores the transformative potential of Construction 4.0 and 5.0 technologies to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable built environments. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and immersive technologies (AR/VR/MR), my work addresses critical challenges in construction safety, project performance, and workforce development.

The ultimate goal of my research is to:

  • Enhance real-time safety monitoring and incident prevention on construction sites.

  • Develop AI-driven decision-support systems for predictive analytics and hazard detection.

  • Advance human-centric design to strengthen collaboration between people and smart technologies.

  • Build frameworks for sustainable and resilient infrastructure through digital integration and data-driven innovation.

 

Through collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts, my research bridges theory and practice, ensuring its impact is felt across academia, industry, and society.

Key Research Areas

  • Construction 4.0 / 5.0 – Smart construction systems and automation

  • BIM & Digital Twins – Lifecycle management and predictive maintenance

  • AI and Automation in Construction – Machine learning for safety and performance analytics

  • Construction Safety & Quality Management – Proactive, data-driven safety systems

  • Sustainable and Smart Built Environments – Green building technologies and energy retrofitting

  • Risk and Financial Management – AI-based predictive models for cost and risk

  • Legal and Regulatory Frameworks – Best-value procurement and dispute resolution

  • Human-Centric Design – Technology adoption and leadership in construction

 

Selected Graduate Theses & Undergraduate Projects Supervised

SELECTED GRADUATE THESES SUPERVISED

  • Assessment of Disaster Resilience of Key Hospitals in Urban Metropolitan and Development of Disaster Resilience Assessment Tool
  • Hazard Recognition in Construction Work Environments of Developing Countries: Case of Pakistan
  • Development of an IoT Based Building Energy Monitoring and Control Tool
  • BIM for Construction Safety – Applications, Barriers and Solutions
  • Assessing the Potential of BIM as Assisting Tool in Dispute Avoidance and Resolution
  • Contributions of BIM to Construction Supply Chain Management
  • Application of IoT in Construction Site Safety Monitoring
  • BIM Based Water Efficiency Analysis of Existing Residential Building
  • Achieving Energy Smart Buildings Through BIM
  • An Investigation into Coordination Problems in 3D BIM – Clash Detection vs Clash Avoidance
  • Development of an IoT Based Energy Monitoring and Control Tool
  • BIM and GIS Integration Capability Maturity Modeling (CMM) for AEC Industry of Pakistan
  • Managing Construction Materials Supply Chain through BIM and GIS: A Case Study
  • Framework for Achieving Accident Free and High-Quality Building Construction though BIM
  • Predicting Impact of Risk Events on Construction Project Cost Performance based on Neural Networks
  • Artificial Intelligence Tool for Predicting Impact of Risk Events on Project Cost Performance
  • Competency Framework for Construction Managers in Pakistan
  • Application of Facility Management in Building Construction Sector in Urban Metropolitan
  • A Conceptual Model for Improving Strategic Management Practices for Construction Contractors
  • Development & Improvement of Standards Via Strategic Growth – Case of CA-Category Contractors
  • Model By-laws/ Guidelines for Licensing and Continuous Assessment of Contractors
  • Safety Management System on Offshore Projects
  • Compilation and Analysis of Construction Law Arbitration Cases – Learning from Experience
  • Identifying Risk indicators in Asset Management
  • Facility Management Applications in Construction Industry – Current State of Affairs and Way Forward

 

SELECTED UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECTS SUPERVISED

  • Application of Digital Twin in Construction
  • Application of Blockchain Technology for Prequalification of Bidders
  • City and Building Information Modeling for Solar Energy Optimization in Buildings
  • Energy Retrofitting of an Existing Institutional Library Building
  • Construction Risk Management Through BIM
  • Integrating Construction Process Simulation in BIM
  • BIM Based Sustainability Analysis and Energy Retrofitting Model for an Existing Commercial Building
  • nD BIM Modeling for Infrastructure – A Case Study of Islamabad International Airport
  • BIM Modeling of an Eco-House
  • Interoperability between Structural Analysis Software and BIM 3D Modeling Software - A Case Study
  • Cost and Risk Analysis using Palisade Decision Tools and Primavera Risk Analysis
  • Predicting Labor Productivity for Concrete Pouring Activities Using Fuzzy Logic
  • Achieving Greater Project Success and Profitability through Pre-Construction Planning
  • Achieving Low-cost Building Construction via Material and Technology Innovation
  • Affordable Housing – A Case Study using Material, Process and Technology Innovation
  • Achieving Sustainable Construction via Improving Building Energy Performance with Green Materials
  • Android App for Construction Site Monitoring  
  • Development of an Online Database and a Product Selection Tool for Locally Available Green Material
  • Assessing Critical Skills for Project Managers in Construction
  • Comparative Analysis of Energy Efficient Roofing Materials for Existing Building
  • Delays in Constructions: A brief study of Pakistani Construction Industry
  • Prototype and Entrepreneurial Model for Providing BIM Services to the Construction Industry
  • Developing Entrepreneurial Business Model for Precast Housing Construction
  • Benchmarking of Construction Management Practices in Pakistan – Decades of 1990, 2000 and 2010
  • Sustainable Risk Management via Developing a Construction Project Risk Assessment Tool
  • Development of a Safety Management Model for Pakistani Construction Industry
  • Development of a Total Quality Management Model for Pakistani Construction Industry
  • Green Construction in Pakistan – Benchmarking of Industry Practices and Exploring IEQ Tools
  • Integrated BIM-GIS Model for Visual Monitoring of Construction Supply Chain Management
  • Performance Analysis & Productivity Improvement Techniques in Building and Heavy Civil Sectors
  • Security Assessment of a University via Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and BIM
  • Value Engineering of a Roadway Construction Project

 

Selected Funded Project

  • Prototype of a Next-Gen Safety Helmet for Construction (Nov 2024 – Oct 2025)

    Role: PI

    Amount: USD 3,000

    Funder: MSU College of Architecture, Art & Design (CAAD) Catalyst

  • CyberTraining: Pilot — ConstructionCI: Advanced CI Training in Construction Management and Safety Curricula (Sep 2024 – Aug 2026)

    Role: Co-PI

    Amount: USD 299,877

    Funder: National Science Foundation (NSF)

  • Improving Construction Worker Safety via AR/VR/MR & Smart Wearables (Aug 2024 – Aug 2027)

    Role: PI

    Amount: USD 134,000

    Funder: Mississippi State University (MSU)

  • From Sensors to Safety: Developing an AI-Integrated Smart Helmet for Construction Sites (Jan 2024 – Jun 2025)

    Role: PI

    Amount: USD 1,250

    Funder: MSU CAAD REU

  • Development of IoT-Enabled Safety Monitoring System for Construction Worksites (Jul 2022 – Jun 2023)

    Role: Co-PI

    Amount: USD 20,000

    Funder: Ministry of Science & Technology Endowment Fund, Pakistan

  • Predicting Impact of Risk Events on Project Cost Performance in the Construction Industry of Pakistan — An Artificial Intelligence Tool (Jul 2018 – Jun 2021)

    Role: PI (Pakistan)

    Amount: USD 50,000

    Funder: Higher Education Commission (Pakistan)

  • Development of an Energy-Retrofit Optimization Model for Sustainable Energy Management of Institutional Buildings (Jan 2015 – Dec 2016)

    Role: PI

    Amount: USD 100,000

    Funder: COMSTECH–TWAS

  • Review of Procurement Practices and Performance in Public Sector (Jun 2014 – Dec 2014)

    Role: PI

    Amount: USD 130,000

    Funder: World Bank

  • Urban Metabolism of Megacities — The Case of Karachi (Jan 2013 – Dec 2013)

    Role: PI (Pakistan)

    Amount: USD 40,000

    Funder: Enel Foundation (Italy)

  • Development of a Strategic Model for Improvement of Construction Project Management Education, Research, and Practice in Pakistan (Jan 2006 – Sep 2009)

    Role: Co-PI

    Amount: USD 405,000

    Funder: USAID; Ministry of Science and Technology (Pakistan)