About

Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Higher Education Academy (HEA) with a combination of academic and industrial experience. As an Associate Professor at the University of Derby and previously a research fellow at other universities, I have worked on several national and international research projects and taught UG and PG students.

My expertise in Civil Engineering intersects with various branches of applied sciences, with a recent focus on sustainable engineering, geohazard and bio-enhanced cementitious materials. Beyond academia, I have provided consultancy and design expertise across various engineering sectors, including highway, railway, buildings, water and offshore.

Depending on your area of interest, I am available for industrial and academic collaboration as well as PhD supervision (self-funded) in my field, particularly those related to one of the following areas:

1. Advancements in Green Building Materials for substructures

2. Renewable Energy

3. Utilization of Recycled Materials in Infrastructure

Research interests

I have been awarded and worked on several British and European research funds during my current position at the University of Derby and previously at Nottingham and Dundee Universities. My research is focused on geohazard risk assessment, ground exploration techniques, long-term stability of abandoned coal mines, geothermal energy, Asset management of geotechnical infrastructures, sustainable slope stabilisation through vegetation, and the development of bio-self-healing concrete for low-carbon underground construction. 

My current R&D interest evolves around "Sustainable Development" concerning Climate Change Adoption & Mitigation, including:

• Self-healing concrete for underground construction
• Bio-Geotechnical engineering
• AI and Numerical modelling applications in geotechnical engineering design
• Groundwater Seepage & Flood water management
• Infrastructure slope stabilization
• Improved integration of geotechnical data into Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Physical modelling using the Centrifuge technique

Recent publications

Journal Publications

• Hamza, O., Esaker, M., Abogdera, A., & Elliott, D. (2024). Bio-protection of cementitious materials below ground: The significance of natural soil environments. Developments in the Built Environment, 100331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2024.100331
• Esaker, M., Hamza, O., & Elliott, D. (2024). Bio-Self-Healing of Cementitious Mortar Incubated within Clay Soil. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 36(1), 04023500. https://doi.org/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-15713
• Hamza, O., Abogdera, A., & Zoras, S. (2023). Emissions-based options appraisal for modular building foundations – a case study. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability. Ahead of Print https://doi.org/10.1680/jensu.22.10017
• Esaker, M., Hamza, O., & Elliott, D. (2023) Monitoring the bio-self-healing performance of cement mortar incubated within soil and water using electrical resistivity. Construction and Building Materials, 393, 132109 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132109
• Hamza, O., Kourdey, A., Hussain, Y., Mawas, A. (2023) Evaluation of the Subgrade Reaction for closely-spaced raft and isolated foundations on sand – Case study. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Geotechnical Engineering. Ahead of print: https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeen.21.00212
• Hussain, Y., Seivane, H., Gao, Q. Maciel, S, Hamza, O., et al. (2023) Seismic signatures and site characterization of an intermittent stream in dry and flood conditions: an implication for soil losses and landslide triggering. Environmental Earth Science 82, 295 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-023-10960-w
• Hussain, Y., Schlögel, R., Innocenti, A., Hamza, O., Iannucci, R., Martino, S., & Havenith, H. B. (2022). Review on the Geophysical and UAV-Based Methods Applied to Landslides. Remote Sensing, 14(18), 4564 https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14184564
• Hussain, Y., Campos, E., Borges, W., Uagoda, R., Hamza, O., & Havenith, H. B. (2021). Hydrogeophysical characterization of fractured aquifers for groundwater exploration in the Federal District of Brazil. Applied Sciences 12(5), 2509 https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052509
• Hussain, Y., Borges, W., Uagoda, R., Moura, C., Maciel, S., Hamza, O., & Havenith, H. B. (2021). Estimation of total groundwater reserves and delineation of weathered/fault zones for aquifer potential: A case study from the Federal District of Brazil. Open Geosciences 13(1), 904-916 https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2020-0226
• Esaker, M., Hamza, O., Souid, A. and Elliott, D. (2021) Self-healing of bio-cementitious mortar incubated within neutral and acidic soil. Materials and Structures 54(2), pp.1-16 https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-021-01690-1. Top 10 downloaded articles
• Hamza, O, Esaker, M., Elliott, D. and Souid, A. (2020) The effect of soil incubation on bio self-healing of cementitious mortar. Materials Today Communications 24, p.100988 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.100988
• Hussain, Y., Uagoda, R., Borges, W., Prado, R., Hamza, O., et al. (2020) Detection of Cover Collapse Doline and Other Epikarst Features by Multiple Geophysical Techniques, Case Study of Tarimba Cave, Brazil. Water 12(10), 2835 https://doi.org/10.3390/w12102835
• Hussain, Y., Hamza, O., et al. (2020) Seismic signature of mudflow tremor resulted from Brumadinho (Brazil) tailings dam failure. REM-International Engineering Journal 73(3), pp.421-424 https://doi.org/10.1590/0370-44672019730040
• Hussain, Y., Cardenas-Soto, M., Moreira, C., Rodriguez-Rebolledo, J., Hamza, O., et al. (2020) Variation in Rayleigh wave ellipticity as a possible indicator of earthflow mobility: a case study of Sobradinho landslide compared with pile load testing. Earth Sciences Research Journal 24(2), pp.141-151 https://doi.org/10.15446/esrj.v24n2.81974
• Hussain, Y., Uagoda, R., Borges, W., Nunes, J., Hamza, O., et al. (2020) The Potential Use of Geophysical Methods to Identify Cavities, Sinkholes and Pathways for Water Infiltration. Water 12(8), p.2289 https://doi.org/10.3390/w12082289
• Hussain, Y., Hamza, O., et al. (2020) Characterization of Sobradinho landslide in fluvial valley using MASW and ERT methods. REM-International Engineering Journal 73(4), pp.487-497 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0370-44672019730109
• Hamza, O. Vargas, T., Bof, F., Davies-Vollum, S. (2020) A case study on geohazard assessment of landslides in south Brazil. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 38, p. 971 – 984 https://doi.org/1007/s10706-019-01054-1
• Souid, A., Esaker, M., Elliott, D., Hamza, O. (2019) Experimental data of bio self-healing concrete incubated in saturated natural soil, Data in Brief 26, p.104394 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2019.104394
• Hamza, O., Ikin, J. (2020) Electrokinetic Treatment of Desiccated Expansive Clay, Géotechnique 70(5) p. 421-431 https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.18.p.266
• Hussain, Y., Hussain, S.M., Martino, S., Cardenas-Soto, M., Hamza, O., et al. (2019) Typological analysis of slidequakes emitted from landslides: experiments on an expander body pile and Sobradinho landslide (Brasilia, Brazil). REM-International Engineering Journal 72(3), pp.453-460 https://doi.org/10.1590/0370-44672018720110
• Hussain, Y., Cardenas-Soto, M., Uagoda, R., Martino, S., Rodriguez-Rebolledo, J., Hamza, O. et al. (2019). Monitoring of Sobradinho landslide (Brasília, Brazil) and a prototype vertical slope by time-lapse interferometry. Brazilian Journal of Geology 49(2) https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-4889201920180085
• Hussain, Y., Cardenas-Soto, M., Martino, S., Moreira, C., Borges, W., Hamza, O., et al. (2019) Multiple geophysical techniques for investigation and monitoring of Sobradinho landslide, Brazil. Sustainability 11(23), p.6672 https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236672
• Hamza, O., Stace, R. (2018). Creep properties of intact and fractured muddy siltstone. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 106, pp.109-116 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.03.006
• Jin-long, L., Hamza, O., Davies-Vollum, S., Jie-qun, L., (2018). Repairing a shield tunnel damaged by secondary grouting. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 80C, pp. 313-321 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.07.016
• Hamza, O., Bengough, A.G., Bransby, M.F., Davies, M.C.R., Hallett, P.D. (2006) Biomechanics of Plant Roots: Estimating Localised Deformation with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Journal of Biosystems Engineering 94 (1), pp.119-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2006.02.006. This paper has been selected as a winner of the EurAgEng (European Society of Agricultural Engineers) Outstanding Paper Awards 2008
• Davies M.C.R., Hamza, O., Harris, C. (2001) The effect of rise in mean annual temperature on the stability of rock slopes containing ice-filled discontinuities. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes 12 (1), pp.137-144 https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.378
• Davies M.C.R., Hamza, O., Harris, C. (2000) Laboratory measurement of the shear strength of ice-filled rock joints. Annals of Glaciology 31, pp.463-468 https://doi.org/10.3189/172756400781819897

Book-chapters

• Al-Habaibeh, A., Shakmak, B., Athresh, A., Parker, K., Hamza, O. (2022). Extracting Energy from Flooded Coal Mines for Heating and Air-Conditioning of Buildings: Opportunities and Challenges. In: Bienvenido-Huertas, D., Moyano-Campos, J. (eds) New Technologies in Building and Construction. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 258. Springer, Singapore https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-1894-0_20
• Hamza O., Bengough A., Bransby M., Davies M., Halpin C., Hallett P. (2007) Novel biomechanical analysis of plant roots. In: STOKES A., SPANOS I., NORRIS J.E., CAMMERAAT E. (eds) Eco-and Ground Bio-Engineering: The Use of Vegetation to Improve Slope Stability. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 103, Chapter 2, Springer Netherlands. pp 13-20 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5593-5_2
• Hamza O., Bengough A.G., Bransby M.F., Davies M.C.R., Hallett P.D. (2007) Mechanics of root-pullout from soil: A novel image and stress analysis procedure. In Eco- and Ground Bio-engineering: The Use of Vegetation to Improve Slope Stability. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Eco-Engineering 13–17 September 2004. Published in Book: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences - Earth and Environmental Science, Springer Netherlands. pp 213-221 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5593-5_20

Article in a professional magazine

• Alder, D., Lamont-Black., J., Hamza, O., Jackson, C., and Jones, C. (2019) Technical paper: Validation of electrokinetic stabilisation of M5 Junction 7. Ground Engineering, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Issue: Jan-Feb19, p23-32. Article No. 10038579

Membership of professional bodies

Professional interests

In addition to my academic achievements, I worked with some of the largest multi-disciplinary companies in the UK, including AMEY and ATKINS, as a design team leader, providing infrastructure asset management consultation in key engineering sectors, including Transportation & tunnelling, Mining, Buildings, Water, and Offshore Foundation.

• Site investigation, inspection, and advanced data interpretation (e.g. using AI)
• Carbon-based optioneering for sub-structures and earthworks
• Development and Application of various geotechnical designs and soil-structure interaction 
• Advanced Numerical Modelling using commercially available software packages, e.g. Ansys, Plaxis, Flac, and Midas
• Full-scale field testing and monitoring and their data analysis

Qualifications

• MEng in Civil Engineering
• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering
• PGCert in Higher Education

Recent conferences

• Abogdera, A., Hamza, O., Elliott D. (2023) Impact of leaching on the chemical composition of concrete solution: the significance of supplementary materials and water conditions. Proceedings of the International Civil Engineering and Architecture Conference (ICEARC23), 12-14 October 2023, Türkiye https://doi.org.10.31461/icearc.2023.mat914 
• Esaker, M., Hamza, O., Souid, A., Elliott, D. (2019) The effect of delivery techniques of bacterial agent on the efficiency of self-healing concrete. Proceedings of the 7^th International Conference on Self-healing Materials (ICSHM2019), 3-5 Jun 2019, Japan
• Hamza, O. Mawas, A., Kourdey A. (2019) Case study on the estimation of subgrade reaction for the design of raft foundation on Aeolian soil. Proceedings of the International Civil Engineering and Architecture Conference (ICEARC19), 17-19 April 2019, Turkey. ISBN: 978-605-81854-3-2
• Hamza, O. (2017) Geotechnical assessment strategy for bridge maintenance – case study, 10^th International Conference on the Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways and Airfields (BCRRA 17), 28-30 June 2017, Athens, Greece. DOI: 10.1201/9781315100333-326. Taylor & Francis
• Hamza, O., Stace, R. (2017) Laboratory measurement of time-dependent deformation properties of muddy siltstone, 25th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey (IMCET 2017): New Trends in Mining. 11-14 April 2017, Antalya, Turkey. EID: 2-s2.0-85021785100
• Hamza, O., Bellis, A. (2016) Sustainable Geotechnics. Proceedings of the 16^th International Conference on Sustainability in Energy and Buildings (SEB16), September, Turin, Italy. ISBN 978-3-642-36645-1
• Hamza, O., Bellis, A. (2016) Investigation into the effect of uncertainty of CPT-based soil type estimation on the accuracy of CPT-based pile bearing capacity analysis, Proceedings of the 17th Nordic Geotechnical Meeting, Reykjavik Iceland 25 - 28 May 2016. ISBN 978-9935-24-002-6
• Hamza, O., Bellis, A. (2008) Gault Clay embankment slopes on A14 – Case studies on shallow and deep instability. Proceedings of the 1^st International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics, Nottingham. ISBN: 978-0-415-47590-7
• Hamza, O., Bellis A. (2008) Geotechnical assessment of an existing pile foundation system of a bridge pier subjected to bearing replacement – Case The 2^nd international conference on Foundations, Dundee. ISBN: 9781848060449
• Hamza O., Bengough A., Bransby M., Davies M., Halpin C., Hallett P. (2007) Novel biomechanical analysis of plant roots. In: STOKES A., SPANOS I., NORRIS J.E., CAMMERAAT (eds) Eco-and Ground Bio-Engineering: The Use of Vegetation to Improve Slope Stability. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 103, Chapter 2, Springer Netherlands. pp 13-20, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-5593-5_2
• Hamza O., Bengough A.G., Bransby M.F., Davies M.C.R., Hallett P.D. (2007) Mechanics of root-pullout from soil: A novel image and stress analysis procedure. In Eco- and Ground Bio-engineering: The Use of Vegetation to Improve Slope Stability. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Eco-Engineering 13–17 September 2004. Published in Book: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences - Earth and Environmental Science, Springer Netherlands. pp 213-221, DOI: 1007/978-1-4020-5593-5_20
• Hamza, O., Stace, R. and Reddish, D. (2005) A study of the effect of strain rate on stiffness and strength in silty mudstone using multistage triaxial testing. Proceedings of An international conference on Post-mining 2005, pp.16-17
• Davies, M.C.R., Hamza, O., Harris, C. (2003) Physical modelling of permafrost warming in rock slopes. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Permafrost, Zurich, eds. M. Phillips, S.M. Springman and L.U. Arenson, Balkema, Lisse, Netherlands, pp.169-173. ISBN 90-5809-583-7
• Davies, M.C.R., Hamza, O., Harris, C. (2002) Physical modelling of the effect of climate change on rock slope instability. In Physical Modelling in Geotechnics: ICPMG 2002, ed. Phillips, Guo and Popescu, pp. 303-308, Balkema, ISBN 90-5809-389-1

Experience in industry

I worked with two of the largest multi-disciplinary companies (AMEY and ATKINS), which are actively enabling the key infrastructure owners in the UK, including NH, NR, EA, Local Government and Utilities, to manage their assets in a sustainable way, where I had been effectively contributing to this process within my respective engineering specialties.

I worked as a design Team Leader/ Checker/ and project designer of key infrastructure schemes covering various project phases, including inception, preliminary/ detailed design, construction, maintenance/ redevelopment and decommissioning. I have sound knowledge of Eurocode and other related design standards and specifications that form part of the asset management process (mainly for HA, NWR, EA) and CDM regulations.

International experience

I was an international representative of the ICE and have previously worked at King Saud University - Faculty of Engineering.

Teaching responsibilities

I teach several core modules in Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) civil engineering programmes, including:

• Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics (UG)
• Advanced Geotechnical Engineering (PG) 
• Construction Technology and Management (UG)
• Structural Design Analysis and Theories (UG)
• Independent Study and Scholarship (UG & PG)

Additional interests and activities

• Leader of Zero Carbon Research Centre - Transportation, Smart Cities and Built Environment, contributing to the university's strategic objectives and the wider goal of addressing the challenges of climate change
• Editorial board member of Data in Brief journal - Elsevier
• Guest editor for a special issue on Near-Surface Geophysics for Frontiers. The issue focuses on its applications, education, and societal perspectives in Latin American contexts
• Member of the delivery team of the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF)