Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Civil Engineering – Structural Engineering
    The University of Texas at Arlington
    Dissertation on the design and optimization of sustainable, high-performance cementitious materials. Emphasis on nano- and micro-scale tailoring of cementitious matrices to control early-age rheology and enhance long-term mechanical performance and durability. GPA: 4.0/4.0.
    Arlington, TX, USA
  • Master of Technology (M.Tech), Structural Engineering
    Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar
    Research concentrated on computational modeling of masonry–mortar interfaces using the Material Point Method. Served as Graduate Teaching Assistant for two years, supporting structural engineering courses and labs. CGPA: 8.0/10.0.
    Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
  • Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering
    Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering & Technology, Bathinda
    Foundation in structural analysis, concrete technology, geotechnical engineering, and construction management. Active in the National Service Scheme (NSS) as an Executive Member. Graduated with 80.34% marks.
    Bathinda, Punjab, India

Experiences

  • Graduate Research Assistant / Graduate Teaching Assistant
    The University of Texas at Arlington
    PhD research in civil engineering (structural/materials) focused on nano-reinforced cementitious composites, sustainable low-carbon concretes, concrete rheology, and durability. Designed and optimized PLC/OPC systems incorporating SCMs, cellulose nanofibers, biochar, and CNT/CNF networks. Conducted experimental programs on flexural and compressive behavior, fracture mechanics, and ASR mitigation using advanced characterization tools (SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, Raman, AFM-QNM/nano-IR, nano-CT, calorimetry, TGA, rheometry). Assisted in teaching structural and materials courses, mentoring undergraduate and master’s students in experimental methods and technical writing.
    Arlington, TX, USA
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant
    Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar
    Supported teaching in structural engineering courses while completing an M.Tech. in Structural Engineering. Research focused on computational modeling of the masonry–mortar interface using the Material Point Method. Assisted with assignments, grading, and student tutorials on structural analysis and numerical modeling.
    Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
  • Undergraduate Student, Civil Engineering (NSS Executive Member)
    Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering & Technology
    Completed core civil engineering coursework in structures, materials, and construction. Served as an Executive Member of the National Service Scheme (NSS), coordinating student-led community outreach and service activities.
    Bathinda, Punjab, India

Awards & Honors

  • Outstanding PhD Student Award
    Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington
    Recognized for excellence in research, academic performance, and contributions to the concrete materials group.
    Arlington, TX, USA
  • 1st Place – ACI Research in Progress Competition
    American Concrete Institute (ACI)
    Awarded first place for a research-in-progress presentation on nano-reinforced, low-carbon cementitious composites.
    ACI Convention

Latest Publications

  • Enhancing concrete's resistance to ASR by integrating metakaolin–carbon nanotube blends

    Authors: R. K. Singh et al.

    Cement and Concrete Composites • 2024

    Proposes metakaolin–CNT blends as a strategy to mitigate alkali–silica reaction in concrete. The work shows that combining metakaolin with well-dispersed CNTs improves alkali binding and modifies the C-S-H composition in the interfacial transition zone, significantly reducing expansion below ASTM C1567 limits while preserving modulus and tensile energy absorption after ASR exposure.

  • On the interactions of carbon nanotubes with metakaolin cementitious binders: Effects on ITZ, modulus and toughness

    Authors: R. K. Singh et al.

    Construction and Building Materials • 2023

    Investigates how small dosages of CNTs influence the mechanical response and microstructure of metakaolin-modified mortars. Results show substantial gains in flexural strength, Young’s modulus, and post-crack toughness when 0.1 wt% CNTs are added to 20% metakaolin mixes, linked to a denser ITZ and altered C-S-H chemistry with lower Ca/Si ratios.

  • Multiscale toughening mechanism in hybrid fiber reinforced cement-based nanocomposites

    Authors: R. K. Singh et al.

    Springer (Book Chapter) • 2024

    Evaluates hybrid reinforcement systems combining carbon nanofibers and polypropylene microfibers in cementitious composites. Using fracture mechanics tests on notched prisms, the study demonstrates large increases in critical stress intensity, fracture toughness, and toughness indices compared to single-scale reinforcement, and explains the multiscale crack-arrest mechanisms responsible for the improved performance.

  • COâ‚‚ utilization for cementitious materials – A review

    Authors: R. K. Singh et al.

    KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering • 2024

    Reviews current approaches to utilizing COâ‚‚ within cementitious systems, including COâ‚‚ curing, carbonation-activated SCMs, carbonated binders and aggregates, and injection of COâ‚‚ into fresh concrete or mixing water. Discusses potential for simultaneous performance improvement and COâ‚‚ sequestration, along with remaining challenges related to durability, process optimization, and large-scale deployment.

  • Carbon capture and utilization for ready-mix concrete

    Authors: R. K. Singh et al.

    BETON 2023 Ready Mixed Concrete Congress • 2023

    Explores practical routes for integrating COâ‚‚ capture and utilization technologies into ready-mix concrete production. Highlights the role of SCMs, nanomaterials, and carbon-negative additives such as biochar in increasing COâ‚‚ uptake and influencing hydrate polymorphs, while outlining pathways toward carbon-neutral or carbon-reduced concrete mixtures.

Skills

Sustainable Concrete & Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)

Design and optimization of low-embodied-carbon concretes using calcined clays, slag, fly ash, and other SCMs; development of mixes that balance workability, strength, durability, and COâ‚‚ footprint.

Nano-reinforced Cementitious Composites

Incorporation of CNTs, CNFs, hybrid fiber systems, and biochar into PLC/OPC matrices to improve flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and pre-crack energy absorption.

Durability & ASR Mitigation

Microstructural tailoring with SCMs and nanoscale fibers to increase alkali-binding capacity, reduce ASR expansion, and preserve mechanical performance through multiscale testing and analysis.

Materials Characterization & Testing

Hands-on experience with SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, AFM-QNM/nano-IR, nano-CT, isothermal calorimetry, TGA, rheometry, and mechanical testing (flexural, compressive, fracture).

Technical Writing, Publications & Presentations

Peer-reviewed journal and conference publications in cement and concrete materials, ACI conference presentations, and award-winning research communication (including ACI Research in Progress).