Meet the People
Prof Johann Andersen
Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Intelligent Transportation Systems
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), University of Stellenbosch 1995
MS (Transportation), University of Texas at Austin 1992
BEng (Civil Engineering), University of Stellenbosch 1988
Professional Experience
Adjunct Associate Professor of Transportation Engineering, 2014
Head: Intelligent Transport Systems and Smart Mobility Laboratory 2014
CEO Techso, 2005
Prof Andersen has extensive exposure in the field of technology applications in Transportation. He has practical industry experience in the fields of Freeway Management Systems, Advanced Public Transportation Management Systems, Vehicle Overload Control Systems. This entails concept and strategy development, design and monitoring of deployment. His passion is to convey the practical experience to his teaching and research environment.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Special Award for Excellence in ITS, ITS South Africa
First president of ITS South Africa
Member SAICE, ITS SA
Research Interests
ITS solutions for developing countries
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) application
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Big Data applications in Transportation
Selected Publications
Andersen, SJ and Bruwer, M. Economic Chapter: Transportation. Development of a Country report on the Measures Implemented to Combat the Impact of Covid-19 in South Africa, DPME, 2020Olivier, WG, Andersen, SJ, and Bruwer, M. Incident Analysis Using Probe Data, Proceedings of the South African Transport Conference, 2017. Received SATC award for best paper by young Professional. Andersen, SJ, Lorio B and Vorster P. Chapter 16: Overload Control Benefit & Cost Considerations. Lu, Meng (ed). Evaluation of Intelligent Road Transport Systems: Methods & Results. IET United Kingdom. 2016 Booysen, M, Andersen, SJ, and Zeeman, AS, Informal Public Transport in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Vessel for Novel Intelligent Transport Systems, Proceedings, 16th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 2013, The Hague, Netherlands
International Collaborations
Institute for Transportation Research (ITRE), North Caroline State University
University of Texas at Austin
Venice International University
Industry collaboration: TomTom (Netherlands), ptvgroup (Germany)
Teaching
Intelligent Transportation Systems as part of Transportation Science 364
Postgraduate course: Systems Engineering Approach to Intelligent Transportation Systems
Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Intelligent Transportation Systems
Prof Adewumi Babafemi
Short Bio
Prof AJ Babafemi had his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, where he was lecturing. He obtained his PhD degree at the Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa in 2015. He was also a postdoctoral research fellow at the university between 2016 and 2017. He joined the department as a Senior Lecturer in 2019. He is a member of the Unit for Construction Materials (UCM) and the current Package Coordinator of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University (2015)
M.Sc. (Building Structures), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2011)
B.Sc. (Hons.) (Building), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2001)
Professional Experience
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Jul. 2024 to date
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Aug. 2022 to Jun. 2024
Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Aug. 2019 to Jul. 2022
Senior Lecturer, Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Oct. 2018 – Aug. 2019
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, May 2016 – June 2017
Graduate Assistant – Lecturer I, Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Nov. 2005 – Sept. 2018.
Lecturer III, Department of Building Technology, Waziri Umaru Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria, Dec. 2003 – Dec. 2005.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund, Nigeria) for Academic Staff Training & Development Programme, 2011-2014.
Sub-Committee B Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Stellenbosch University, May 2016-June 2017.
Sub-Committee B New Appointees Funding, Stellenbosch University, 2020
African Collaboration Grant (ACG) 2020
RILEM Senior (#31890)
NRF Rated Researcher – C2
Pr Tech Eng, ECSA (2024301826)
Corporate Member, SAICE (2012922)
Registered Professional Builder, CORBON (F.1334)
Corporate Member, MNIOB (M.0001408)
Member, Concrete Society of Southern Africa
Research Interests
Fibre reinforced cement-based materials
Time-dependent behaviour of cement-based materials
Green building materials
Use of supplementary cementitious materials in concrete
Durability properties of cement-based materials
Construction material behaviour in fire
Geopolymer concrete
3D concrete printing
Selected Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JWpBGHQAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
International Collaborations
Prof. Suvash C. Paul (IUBAT, Bangladesh)
Dr. Biranchi Panda (IIT Guwahati, India)
Dr. Md Jihad Miah (University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh)
Dr. Babatunde J. Olawuyi (FUTMinna, Nigeria)
Dr. BrankoSavija(DUT, The Netherlands)
Dr. Jonathan Phuong Tran (RMIT University, VIC, Australia)
Teaching
Strength of Materials 254
Dr Adèle Bosman
Short Bio
Adèle Bosman is a lecturer in Hydraulics Engineering at the Stellenbosch University. She holds a BEng, MSc and PhD (civil engineering), all from Stellenbosch University. For the past 12 year she specialised in the design of Hydraulic Structures, and River and Reservoir hydrodynamic modelling and rock sour studies. Previously she worked for Aurecon for five year, where she was involved mainly in the design of water and wastewater treatment plants.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Civil), MSc (Civil), PhD (Civil)
Professional Experience
2009-2013: Engineer, Aurecon Cape Town
2013 – 2023: Lecturer: Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering
2024 – present: Senior Lecturer: Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Member of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Awarded Best Presenter by a YPF member at the 2019 SANCOLD Conference
Research Interests
Design of Hydraulic Structures
River and reservoir hydrodynamic modelling
Sedimentation and rock scour studies
Physical and numerical modelling
Selected Publications
• Bosman A and Basson GR (2020). Physical model study of bedrock scour downstream of dams due to spillway plunging jets, Journal of South African Institute of Civil Engineering, 62(3), 36-52. ISSN 1021-2019.
• Bosman A and Basson GR (2019). Rock scour hole equilibrium geometry prediction for plunging jets at dams. SANCOLD Annual Conference: Sustainable long-term dam infrastructure development and management, Benoni, South Africa, 6-8 November.
• Bosman A, Basson GR, Bosman DE (2016). Hydraulic model study of the blowback behaviour of the bottom outlet of the Berg River Dam, South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, 58(1), 43-52.
Teaching
Hydraulic Structures 424 and Hydraulics 354
Dr Megan Bruwer
Short Bio
Megan Bruwer is a transportation engineer and qualified with a B.Eng degree in civil engineering in 2008 and an M.Eng degree in transportation engineering in 2010, both cum-laude, from Stellenbosch University. After qualifying, Megan worked as a consultantengineer, involved in the design of rural and metropolitan public transport systems and road based traffic accommodation for new developments. Megan joined the Civil Engineering Department of Stellenbosch University as a lecturer in transportation engineering and the project coordinator of the Stellenbosch Smart Mobility Laboratory (SSML) in January 2015. Since returning to academia full time, Megan has enjoyed and excelled in her role as a lecturer. In 2017 she was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award presented by the Dean of the Engineering Faculty, recognising Teaching and Learning Scholarship, curriculum development and positive student feedback.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Awards:
2017: Teaching Excellence Award
2017: SAICE Award for best paper by a young professional at the Southern African Transport Conference
Memberships:
Engineering Council of South Africa: Candidate Engineer
South African Institution of Civil Engineering:Member
South African Society for Engineering Education:Member
Research Interests
Megan’s research interests include traffic flow theory and the application of Floating Car Data in the developing country context. She is currently completing a PhD in this field.
Selected Publications
Bruwer, MM; Bester, CJ; Viljoen, ES (2019). The influence of gradient on saturation flow rate at signalised intersections. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, 2019:61(2), Johannesburg: SAICE
Sinclair, M & Bruwer, MM (2019). The impact of prior transport-based experiences on academic interest and performance– a case study of undergraduate students in Transport Science modules at Stellenbosch University. Proceedings of the 8th Research in Engineering Education Symposium 2019, Cape Town, South Africa. Pp 654-663.
JM Schmidt, SJ Andersen & MM Bruwer. Traffic Impact of the It’s Time Event. Proceedings of the 37th Southern African Transport Conference 2018, Pretoria, South Africa Bruwer, M. &Weichenmeier, F., 2017. Adaptive Signal control using PTV Balance and PTV Epics for Application in a Developing Country. Livingstone, 8th Africa Transportation Technology Transfer Conference.
Olivier, W., Andersen, S. & Bruwer, M., 2017. Incident Analysis using Probe Data. Pretoria, 36th Southern African Transport Convference.
International Collaborations
University Staff Doctoral Programme with the University of Bath
Teaching
Transportation Science 324
Transportation Science 364 (Geometric Design)
Dr Talia da Silva Burke
Short Bio
Dr Talia da Silva Burke is a senior lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering the Department of Civil Engineering. She completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge where she conducted centrifuge modelling to investigate how geosynthetic-reinforced soils respond to the formation of underground voids (e.g. sinkholes). She has experience as a consulting engineer in South Africa and as a research associate in the UK. Talia’s research interests are related to arching in granular soils, sinkhole deformation mechanisms, geosynthetics and fibre-optic monitoring. She is registered as a professional engineer under the Engineering Council of South Africa and is passionate about teaching and training future engineers to serve society.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (University of Cambridge)
BEng Hons Geotechnical Engineering (University of Pretoria)
BEng (University of Pretoria)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA): Professional Engineer, Registration Number 20150015
International Geosynthetics Society (IGS): Member
Higher Education Academy: Associate Fellow (Ref: PR173655)
Awarded the Vice Chancellor and Principal’s medal for the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and information Technology on completion of undergraduate studies.
Research Interests
Physical modelling
Geosynthetics
Geo-environmental engineering
Sinkholes
Fibre Optic Monitoring
Engineering education
Teaching
Geotechnique 254
Prof Riaan Combrinck
Short Bio
Prof Combrinck obtained his BEng, MScEng and PhD at Stellenbosch University between 2005 and 2016. He was appointed as lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department of Stellenbosch University in 2013 and is currently a senior lecturer. His teaching and research interests are construction materials with a special interest in cement and concrete materials. He has published internationally and also in South Africa and leads the Unit of Construction Materials (UCM) within the Structures Division of Stellenbosch University. The UCM supports several postgraduate students and research projects, and also provides specialist consultant services to industry, especially related to testing and development of construction materials
Education/Qualifications
BEng and MScEng (both cum laude), PhD, PrEng
Research Interests
Prof Combrinck’sbroader research theme is anything related to concrete and construction materials. The current research focus is the behaviour and modelling of cracking in ordinary, high performance and 3D-printed concrete in the plastic state, with special interest in preventing cracking to improve the concrete’s durability as well as increase the overall service life of the structure. Other focuses include, compatibility issues between cement and admixtures, fatigue of fibre reinforced concrete, creep of textile reinforced concrete, luminescent and translucent concrete, 3D-printed concrete as well as the characterisation of fresh concrete using rheology.
Selected Publications
https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?hl=en&user=5wtDY6EAAAAJ
Teaching
Building Materials 254
Dr Caitlin Courtney
Short Bio
Caitlin Courtney is a senior lecturer in wastewater engineering at Stellenbosch University. She holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Water Quality Engineering from the University of Cape Town. Her career includes diverse experiences in academia and industry. Before beginning her postgraduate studies, she spent two years working in the wastewater treatment and biogas sector and later transitioned to academia, where she lectured in UCT’s Chemical Engineering Department and contributed to research within the transdisciplinary Future Water Institute. Caitlin is also the co-founder of the innovative UCT start-up Pee-cycling, which develops technologies to recover valuable nutrients from human urine. Her current research interests focus on resource recovery from wastewater, non-sewered sanitation, membrane technologies, aquatic chemistry, and addressing contaminants of emerging concern.
Education/Qualifications
BSc in Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town (2015)
PhD (Civ Eng), University of Cape Town (2023)
Professional Experience
2017-2018: Junior Wastewater Engineer, Aquest Colsen
2019 – 2022: Postgraduate student, University of Cape Town
2023-2024: Lecturer, Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town
2025 – present: Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University
Research Interests
Urine source separation and treatment
Resource recovery from wastewater
Non-sewered sustainable sanitation
Membrane processes
Aquatic chemistry
Contaminants of emerging concern
Selected Publications
Simha, P., Courtney, C., Randall, D.G. 2024. An urgent call for using real human urine in decentralized sanitation research and advancing protocols for preparing synthetic urine. Frontiers in Environmental Science 12, 1367982
Simbeye, C., Courtney, C., Simha, P., Fischer, N. and Randall, D.G., 2023. Human urine: A novel source of phosphorus for vivianite production. Science of The Total Environment, p.164517.
Courtney, C. and Randall, D.G. 2023. Investigating the potential of eutectic freeze crystallization for the further concentration of human urine after reverse osmosis treatment. Water Research 223, 119760.
International Collaborations
Dr Prithvi Simha (Swedish University of Agricultural Science)
Teaching
Water Treatment 324
Prof Nico de Koker
Education/Qualifications
BSc (UJ), BScHons (Wits), PhD (U. Michigan), BScEng (Wits), PhD (Stell)
Research Interests
Computational Physics, Uncertainty Quantification,
Selected Publications
Uncertainty quantification in computational physics, as applied to the modelling thermo-mechanical systems in structural and mechanical engineering using the finite element method and limit equilibrium analyses. Meaningful use of information technology and numerical simulations in engineering design.
Teaching
Engineering Informatics 314
Prof Wibke de Villiers
Short Bio
Wibke joined Stellenbosch University as a lecturer in Structural Engineering in 2011, is registered as a professional engineer with ECSA and is a member of the Unit for Construction Materials research group. Her research interests lie in masonry, alternative building materials, low-income housing and life cycle analysis.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2019
MScEng (Civil) Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2008
BEng (Civil) Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2006
Professional Experience
2024 – present: Associate Professor, Structural Engineering, SU
2020 – 2023: Senior Lecturer, Structural Engineering, SU
2011 – 2019: Lecturer, Structural Engineering, SU
2009 – 2010: Structural Design Engineer, Aurecon, South Africa
Honours, Awards, Memberships
PrEng ECSA (202302777)
Associate Member SAICE (206312)
Member – SABS/TC 098/SC/ 05: Technical Committee for Design of Masonry Structures – Standards Development
2019 HL Reitz Medal for Best Postgraduate Student in Civil Engineering
2018 PhD Grant to 72nd RILEM Week, Delft, Netherlands
2006 Best Student in Structural Steel Design
2005 Best Student in Communication in Civil Engineering
2003 Liebenberg & Stander Prize for Best First Year Student in Civil Engineering
Research Interests
Masonry
Alternative building materials
Low-income housing
Life cycle analysis
Selected Publications
Scopus, Orcid, Google Scholar, Research Gate
International Collaborations
Prof Susanne Gampfer, Augsburg UAS, Germany
Dr Stephen Di’anga, JKUAT, Kenya
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143 & 224
Theory of Structures 324
Building Materials 254 (Sustainability)
Cement-Based Materials (MEng elective)
Mrs Courtney Devine
Short Bio
Courtney K. Rhoda received her B.Eng. (Mechatronic) and M.Eng. (Electrical) degrees from Stellenbosch University in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Her M.Eng. was primarily focused on electric vehicles, using probabilistic techniques to model the effects of electric vehicle charging and discharging. She is currently a Ph.D. (Civil Engineering) candidate at Stellenbosch University and is part of the Fire Engineering Research Unit. Since 2017 she has been tutoring, coaching and mentoring senior students from selected schools in the subjects of Mathematics and Physical Science to prepare them for tertiary education and for career paths in mathematics, science and engineering. She has recently been appointed as a Junior Lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department at Stellenbosch University.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Mechatronic), MEng (Electrical) SU
Honours, Awards, Memberships
In 2019 Ms. Rhoda won the award for Best Presenter at the Sixth Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institution Student Workshop, Johannesburg.
Research Interests
Ms. Rhoda’s research is aimed at promoting plastic recycling by focussing on fire safety in plastic recycling facilities. Other areas of interest include renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143
Prof Kobus du Plessis
Short Bio
Prof JA du Plessis has more than 33 years of experience in the field of water engineering, which includes 16 years in industry. His industry work experience includes working for the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Agricultural, the City of Cape Town and as Director of Water Supply for the West Coast District Municipality, where he gained experience with water related institutional arrangements and specifically the Water Act and Water Service Act.
He joins the University of Stellenbosch in 2003 and is presently a Professor in Hydrology and Environmental Engineering in the Civil Engineering Department. He is a former Head of the Department of Civil Engineering.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Civil Engineering), M Eng (Risk management of water resources) and PhD (Integrated water demand management in local governance).
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Professional registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Fellow Member of the SA Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE).
Fellow Member of the Institute of Municipal Engineers of Southern Africa (IMESA).
Council and EXCO member of IMESA.
Member of the Education and Training panel for SAICE.
Member on the Editorial Panel of the SAICE Journal.
Member of the International Association for Water, Environment, Energy and Society.
NRF Level C2
Research Interests
Prof Du Plessis specialised in water resource evaluations, flood hydrology and he provide institution support to various local authorities. He has a special interest in the modelling of conjunctive water use (surface / groundwater/ desalination and re-use) on a daily time step as well as the various flood related topics, including the use of Radar data and regional maximum floods.
Selected Publications
Visit my Google Profile (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=A6ROXt0AAAAJ) for a complete list of my publications
Teaching
Water Resources, Flood Hydrology and Environmental Engineering
Dr Humaira Fataar
Short Bio
Dr Fataar completed her undergraduate studies studies in 2016 at Stellenbosch University. She then continued to pursue her Masters degree in fatigue of Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) in 2017 and upgraded to PhD in 2019, which she obtained in 2022. She is currently appointed as a junior lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University.
Research Interests
Fibre reinforced concrete
Fatigue of concrete
3D printed fibre reinforced concrete
Selected Publications
Steyn, Z.C., Babafemi, A.J., Fataar, H. and Combrinck, R., 2020. Concrete containing waste recycled glass, plastic and rubber as sand replacement. Construction and Building Materials, p.121242.
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143
Dr Natalia Flores Quiroz
Short Bio
Dr Natalia Flores Quiroz is a researcher with experience in fire safety engineering. She holds a M.Sc. in Fire Safety Engineering from Ghent University and completed her PhD at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in the Fire Engineering Research Unit (FireSUN). Her PhD focused on Fire investigations in Informal Settlements where she reconstructed past incidents in order to understand the fire spread, the residents’ behaviour and the firefighters’ operations. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University, where one of the main research areas is wildland urban interface (WUI) fires.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University, 2021 MEng (Fire Safety), Ghent University, 2018 (cum laude) BEng (Electrical Engineering), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, 2010
Professional Experience
2011-2016 Project Leader FDA Ingenieros, Chile
Honours, Awards, Memberships
2020 SFPE Student Grant
2021 Sheldon Tieszen Student Award (13th IAFSS Symposium)
Research Interests
Informal settlements fires, WUI fires, refugee camps fires
Selected Publications
Developing a framework for fire investigations in informal settlements. DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103046
Fire incident analysis of a large-scale informal settlement fire based on video imagery. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102107
Application of the Framework for Fire Investigations in Informal Settlements to large-scale real fire events – Consideration of fire formation patterns, fire spread rates and home survivability. DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2021.103435
Towards Understanding Fire Causes in Informal Settlements Based on Inhabitant Risk Perception. DOI: 10.3390/fire4030039
Dr Elaine Goosen
Short Bio
After graduating from Stellenbosch University with her BEng in civil engineering, Dr Goosen started as a graduate and assistant resident engineer in roads and stormwater. The majority of her time was spent on the upgrade of the N7 between Algeria and Clanwilliam. She later completed her PhD in Pavement Engineering and accepted a position as a Lecturer in Civil Engineering. Currently, her research focuses on the rheology, durability and performance of bitumen. She encourages the use of numerical modelling, optimisation and machine learning as research problem-solving tools.
Education/Qualifications
PhD and BEng in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University
Civil Engineering Exchange at Technische Universiteit Delft
Professional Experience
Assistant Resident Engineer for the Upgrade of the N7 between Algeria and Clanwilliam for the Roads & Storm Water Division at WorleyParsons (RSA).
Graduate Engineer in the Roads & Storm Water Division at WorleyParsons (RSA).
Honours, Awards, Memberships
2019 Zuid-Afrikahuis Scholarship holder
2018 – 2020 Wilhelm Frank Scholarship holder
2016 – 2017 SANRAL Bursary holder
2016 – SATC Best Student Paper
2011 SAICE Student Chapter Chair
2008 – 2011 Kv3 Bursary holder
2008 – Golden Key Member
2008 Best Civil Engineering Student in Professional Communication
Research Interests
Bitumen Rheology and Durability
Numerical Modelling and Optimisation
Machine Learning in Pavement Engineering Materials
Sustainability in Pavement Engineering Materials
New Pavement Technology
Teaching
Civil Engineering 224
Transportation Science 434
Prof Trevor Haas
Education/Qualifications
• Ph.D. (Eng.) – Stellenbosch University – 2007
• M.S. (Civil Eng.) – Southern Illinois University at Carbondale – 1999
• N.H. Dip (Civil Eng.) – Peninsula Technikon – 1992
• N. Dip (Civil Eng.) – Peninsula Technikon – 1991
Professional Experience
• My professional experience was mainly obtained within an educational environment; i.e. at a University of Technology and traditional University.
• Numerous structural analysis projects for consulting engineers mainly in the structural analysis / earthquake engineering / engineering education environment.
• I conducted numerous engineering accreditation evaluations of Civil Engineering programs at various Universities of Technology, on behalf of the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
• Pr Eng – Engineering Council of South Africa
• Pr Tech Eng – Engineering Council of South Africa
Research Interests
• Structural engineering, Seismic analysis, Structural dynamics, Engineering education
Selected Publications
• M. Solms, Haas, T. N, “Alternative Approach to Analysing Infrastructure Using Limited Acceleration Time History Analysis”, Presented at 2016 International Conference on Structural and Civil Engineering (ICSCE 2016), Hong Kong, 9 – 11 July 2016, International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 6, No. 2, May 2017
• M. Solms, Haas, T. N, “Seismic evaluation of the north bound N1-R300 bridge interchange”, The South African Journal of Civil Engineering, SAICE, Vol 58, No. 4, December 2016, pg 62 to 71, Paper # 1475.
• Haas, T. N., A. Koen, “Eccentric Loading of CFDST Columns”,International Journal of Civil, Architectural, Structural and Construction Engineering Vol: 8 No: 12, 2014, pg 1191 to 1195.
• Haas, T. N., “Maximum Horizontal Longitudinal Force Due To Crane Loading Using A Coupled Approach”, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning: An International Journal, CiVEJ, Vol. 1, No. 1, June 2014, pg 91 to 101
• Albertyn H., Haas, T. N., Dunaiski, P., “Accounting for moment-rotation joint and column base response in analysis of portal frames to determine displacements”, The South African Journal of Civil Engineering. SAICE, Vol 56, No. 1, April 2014, pg 69 to 76.
• Haas, T. N., Smith, D., “Are reinforced concrete bridges more economical than structural steel bridges?”,The Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering, JJCE, Vol. 8, No.1, 2014, January 2014, pg 43 to 57
International Collaborations
• I am collaborating with various academics to develop codified requirements for Concrete Filled Double Skin Tubular columns.
Teaching
• Strength of Materials 224 (Currently teaching)
• Strength of Materials 143 and 254 (Previously taught)
Prof Kim Jenkins
Short Bio
Pavement Engineering, Cold Recycling and Rehabilitation Design
Education/Qualifications
BScEng, MEng, PhD
Professional Experience
1986-1996 years Consulting Geotech & Pavement Materials
1996-2014 Academic in Sustainable Pavement Materials and Design
Honours, Awards, Memberships
FSAAE Academy of Engineering, FSAICE, FSAT etc.
Research Interests
Cold Recycling, Bituminous Stabilisation, Sustainable Materials
Selected Publications
Jenkins K.J, Long F.M, and Ebels L.J. Foamed Bitumen Mixes = Shear Performance? IJPE International Journal of Pavement Engineering. Volume 8 Number 2. pp 85-98. June 2007, IF 2.646
Jenkins K.J. and Johns F.M. Reconciling Mix and Structural Design of Bitumen Stabilised Materials – Heuristic versus Mechanistic Empirical Models. Journal for Road Materials and Pavement Design RMPD ID 21-01-20 and ID TRMP 1880963, Thematic Issue ISAP TC APE, Pp 1 – 33 https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2021.1880963 , 2021, IF 3.792
Jenkins K.J. Durability of Bitumen-Stabilised Materials. Journal of Testing and Evaluation. ASTM American Standard Test Methods. JTE (2022). Volume 51 Issue 4. Published online 14 December 2022. ISSN 0090-3973. Pp 1-22 https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20220267 IF 1.333
International Collaborations
TU Delft, UParma, USaoPaulo, NTPE, UGranada, UTwente, , Wirtgen, UCDavis, UWMadison
Teaching
PG Pavement Engineering 6 modules
UG Civil and Pavement Engineering 2 modules
Dr Katelyn Johnson
Short Bio
Katelyn Johnson is a senior lecturer specialising in Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering. She has 4 years’ experience in industry and 8 years in academia. Her interdisciplinary research combines hydrology, hydrometeorology, and climate change to address challenges around flood resilience and water resources management. She has led multiple flood-related research projects supported by both local and international funders and collaborates with institutions like the Institute of Natural Resources and the University of Bath. Her teaching philosophy focuses on fostering self-directed learning and she is passionate about growing students to become future engineers.
Education/Qualifications
PhD Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
MSc Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
BSc Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
Professional Experience
2025 – present: Senior lecturer, Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering
2017 – 2024: Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Civil Engineering
2013 – 2017: Civil Engineer and Assistant Resident Engineer, Eyethu Engineers, Durban
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Honours:
Invited keynote speaker at the SA Hydrological Society Conference – 2024
Awards:
IAHS Sivapalan Young Scientists Award – 2023
British Council Newton Researcher Links Award – 2019
Memberships:
ECSA (Candidate Engineer)
IAHS
SAHS
HETASA
Golden Key Member
Research Interests
Extreme rainfall and flood events
Climate change and impacts on hydrological systems
Flood-risk modelling and resilience
Integration of indigenous knowledge in water resources management
Selected Publications
Johnson, KA, Smithers, JC, Schulze RE, Kjeldsen, TR. 2024. Non-stationary frequency analysis of extreme rainfall events on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Hydrological Sciences Journal. Accepted, In Press.
Phillips, R, Johnson, KA, Barnes, A and Kjeldsen, TR. 2024. Identifying the Pathways of Extreme Rainfall in South Africa Using Storm Trajectory Analysis and Unsupervised Machine Learning Techniques. Journal of Hydroinformatics 26 (1): 162–174. https://doi.org/10.2166/hydro.2023.261.
Johnson, KA, Smithers, JC and Schulze, RE. 2021. A review of methods to account for impacts of non-stationary climate data on extreme rainfalls for design rainfall estimation in South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering 63 (3):55-61.
Johnson, KA and Smithers, JC. 2020. Updating the estimation of 1-day probable maximum precipitation in South Africa. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies 32 (3): 100736.
Johnson, KA and Smithers, JC. 2019. Methods for the estimation of extreme rainfall events. Water SA 45(3):501-512.
International Collaborations
Dr Thomas Kjeldsen, University of Bath, United Kingdom
Teaching
Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering
Dr Chris Jurgens
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
MscEng in Structural Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2007)
BEng in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2005)
Professional Experience
Lecturer: Department of Civil Engineering(Stellenbosch University, 2014 – present)
3 years Resident Engineer on-site experience (KFD Wilkinson, Cape Town, 2011 – 2014)
3 years design/office experience (KFD Wilkinson, Cape Town, 2008 – 2011)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
NRF Thuthuka PhD research grant (2019 – 2021)
SU LaunchLabIdeaSmash competition judge (2019)
Construction Management Programme graduate (2014)
Golden Key Honorary lifetime member
Research Interests
Technology in Construction: the adoption and development of drones and other emerging technologies (low-cost hardware)
Sustainable Civil Engineering: the application of renewable energy, new materials and alternative construction methods
Selected Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pi8AhJ0AAAAJ&hl=en
International Collaborations
Civil, E&E and Mechanical Engineering Departments
InnovUS/LaunchLab
PPSFoundation
Teaching
Engineering Management 454
Prof Charles MacRobert
Short Bio
Dr Charles John MacRobert Pr Eng, is a Senior Lecturer of Geotechnical Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. His research interests lie predominantly in the characterisation and modelling of geomaterials for global stability and seepage assessments. A particular emphasis of his research is understanding the role of engineering judgement in dealing with epistemic uncertainty, which often abounds in practice due to limited resources. Charles also provides specialised consulting support to practicing engineers, both to carry out practice-oriented research and to confidently teach both the professional practice and art of engineering.
Education/Qualifications
Dr Charles John MacRobert, received his BSc (Eng) from the University of Cape Town, and both his MSc (Eng) and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Professional Experience
As well as being an academic, he is active as a consultant, on the characterisation and modelling of geomaterials for global stability and seepage assessments, with particular emphasis on industrial and mining residue facilities.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
2019 International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) Bright Spark Lecture 2019
2010 Barry van Wyk Award awarded by the South Africa Intuition of Civil Engineers Geotechnical Division
Member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)
Member of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE)
Member of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
Research Interests
Global stability and seepage assessments
Characterisation and modelling of geomaterials
Engineering judgement and decision making
Selected Publications
Stark, T.D., MacRobert C.J., and Hayter S.A. (2021) Liquefied Strength Ratio for Eight Laboratory-Tested Sandy Soils. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 147.2(2021):04020165.
Stark, T. D., and MacRobert, C. J. (2021). Liquefied Strength Ratio with Stress Densification and Low Stresses. Canadian Geotechnical Journal. 10.1139/cgj-2018-0730
MacRobert, C.J. (2020) A study of problem complexity and expertise in making judgement decisions for waste cover and tailings dam safety. Australian Geomechanics Journal 55(3):37-49
Pathmanandavel, S. & MacRobert, C.J. (2020) Digitisation, sustainability, and disruption – promoting a more balanced debate on risk in the geotechnical community, Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards, DOI: 10.1080/17499518.2020.1790012
See CV for a complete list of publications
International Collaborations
Liquefaction assessment and modelling with Prof Timothy Stark
Impacts of digitisation on geotechnical practice with Sukumar Pathmanandavel
Teaching
Applied Geomechanics
Advanced Design
Géotechnique 2
Mr Tanduxolo Nguza
Short Bio
Completed my BEng in Civil at the University of Pretoria and my MEng (Water) at Stellenbsoch University. Engineering consulting experience in municipal infrastructure and SA Army Engineering experience in Bailey Bridge building, water purification and sewer network maintenance.
Education/Qualifications
MEng
BEng
Professional Experience
4 years
Research Interests
Sewer sediment management and Sewer Information Management Systems
Teaching
Hydraulics 324
Prof Marion Sinclair
Short Bio
Prof Marion Sinclair hasover eighteen years working in road safety; spread between road safetyplanning and implementation in the United Kingdom, and within research and teaching of Road Safety in South Africa. With a background in Urban Design (Wits University, South Africa; University of Washington, USA), and specific interest in human factors and vulnerable road users, she has unique exposure to the causes and solutions of road crashes in both developed and developing economies. She was appointed as a Research Associate to the Department in 2009, and in 2014 took up the post of Associate Professor in Road Safety and Transportation Engineering. She leads research into finding ways of better protecting road users in South Africa, particularly pedestrians and disabled road users, through improved road design, appropriate standards and policies regarding traffic management.
Research Interests
Pedestrian safety, universal accessibility, psychological impacts of design standards on users; smarter and safer transportation options.
Selected Publications
1. Sinclair, M. 2013, “Attitudes, norms and driving behaviour: A comparison of young drivers in South Africa and Sweden”, Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, vol. 20, no. 0, pp. 170-181.
2. Van Hoving, D., Sinclair, M., Wallis,L. 2013, “Patterns of seatbelt use in different socioeconomic communities in the Cape Town Metropole, South Africa”, South African Medical Journal, vol. 103, no. 9.
3. Sinclair, M., 2013. “The promotion of road safety by healthcare professionals in South Africa.” South African Medical Journal 2013;103(9):614-615.
4. Sinclair, M. 2013. “Seatbelt legislation in South Africa – failing to uphold the rights of children”.Stellenbosch Law Review, 2013,3, 24.
5. AkokuEbot Eno Akpa N, Booysen MJ, Sinclair MD. A comparative evaluation of the impact of average speed enforcement (ASE) on passenger and minibus taxi vehicle drivers on the R61 in South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering 2016; 58(4):2-10.
6. AkokuEbot Eno Akpa N, Booysen MJ, Sinclair MD. Auditory intelligent speed adaption for long distance informal public transport in South Africa. IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Magazine 2016; 8(2):53-64.7. Sinclair MD, Zuidgeest DR. Investigations into pedestrian crossing choices on Cape Town freeways. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 2016; 42(1369-8478):479-494.
8. Tamar Ben-Bassat, David Shinar, Raquel Almqvist, Jeff K. Caird, Robert E. Dewar, Esko Lehtonen, Paul M. Salmon, Marion Sinclair, HeikkiSummala, Lidia Zakowska & Gabriel Liberman (2019)Expert evaluation of traffic signs: conventional vs. alternative designs, Ergonomics 62:6,734-747
Teaching
Responsible for teaching road safety to undergraduate and postgraduate civil engineering students, and for Communications and Problem-solving skills to second year undergraduate students.
Prof Cristina Trois
Short Bio
Prof. Cristina Trois is the Director of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) at Stellenbosch University. Previously she held the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chair in Waste and Climate Change (Tier 1) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, since 2018. Full Professor in Environmental Engineering, she served as Dean of the School of Engineering at UKZN from 2012 to 2018, and Head of Department/Chair of Civil Engineering, Land Surveying and Construction Management from 2008 to 2012. Since January 2022, she serves as Acting Director of the (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) WASH R&D Centre at UKZN.
She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering (summa cum laude) and a PhD in Geo and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cagliari, Italy. Prof. Trois is a C1-rated researcher (Internationally recognized) with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of Italy.
Her main fields of expertise are: Environmental and Civil Engineering, Waste Management and Climate Change, Sustainable Cities, Waste and Resources Management, Bioenergy, Green and bio-Hydrogen, Waste to Energy, Biogas, Water/Wastewater Engineering, Systems Modelling and Decision-support tools, Renewable Energy from waste and GHGs control from zero waste in Africa and developing countries, Circular Economy.
She developed and coordinated the Master Programme in Environmental Engineering (2001-2011) and the first Master Programme in Waste and Resources Management in South Africa (2018 to date). She has graduated over 120 postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Prof Trois is author of over 130 peer-reviewed publications in ISI-rated journals, conference proceedings, including chapters in books and mono-series. Series Editor for Springer (Nature) for the Series “Waste as a Resource”, Co-editor of the book “Waste Management in Developing Countries” for Springer (Nature), she is in the editorial/review panel of several leading ISI Scientific Journals and actively collaborates with recognised national and international Institutions.
Chair of the joint secretariat for the Southern Africa Region of the UN-IPLA Programme (International Partnership for advancing waste management services of local authorities) and the IWWG (International Waste Working Group), she is Fellow of the Global Engineering Dean’s Council and active member of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies. She is also co-PI in two communities of practice funded by the NRF and the Presidential Commission for Climate Change: CoP Waste and Resources Management (Waste to Value) with UCT, UWC and UKZN and CoP “Climate Change Research in Collaboration with Society” with UCT and WITS.
Prof. Trois has over 25 years of international experience in Environmental Sanitary Engineering and has been the principal investigator as well as the project coordinator of many multi-million Rand feasibility and RDI waste and resources management projects in South Africa, Africa and around the world. She is the developer of the WROSETM Model (Waste to Resource Optimisation and Scenario Evaluation), an innovative Decision-Support Tool for local authorities and industry, and advisor for the Just Energy and Decarbonisation Transition, waste and climate change, waste to energy projects to the South African Government and international governmental agencies.
First woman to become full Professor and Dean of Engineering in the history of UKZN, in 2019 she was bestowed the title of Dame of the Italian Republic (Order of the Star of Italy) by the President of the Italian Republic for her outstanding contribution to the development of research and human capital in Africa. Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE) since 2015, she was inducted as Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in 2019. In 2016, she was the first runner up in the Distinguished Women in Science Awards by the DSI. As a dedicated scholar and researcher of international standing, in 2022, UKZN honoured her as Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
As global engineering leader, Prof. Trois is the co-founder of the RISE (Rising to the Top) Women Leadership Academy, under the aegis of the Global Secretariat of the International Federation of the Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).
Prof Pierre van der Spuy
Bridge Engineering and Renewable Energy Structures
Short Bio
Pierre is an Adjunct Associate Professor as well as an Associate with Zutari. He is registered as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and is a member of SAICE, IABSE and IABMAS. His research interests include topics in bridge engineering in particular traffic load modelling for bridge design. As a practicing engineer he specialises in bridge analysis and design, including non-linear finite element modelling of reinforced and prestressed concrete bridges. The types of bridges include incrementally launched bridges, precast segmental balanced cantilever bridges, long span arch bridges, prestressed box girder bridges, prestressed voided slab bridges, prestressed precast beam and slab bridges and normal reinforced concrete bridges. He also has experience in analysis and design of coastal structures and renewable energy structures. Renewable energy structures mainly consist of wind turbine foundations for which he is one of the leading designers in South Africa and the African continent. He has presented courses to industry on this topic.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (SU), MEng (UCT), PhD (Stell)
Professional Experience
2009 to 2015 : Aurecon (Structural Engineer)
2015 to 2016 : BVi (Bridge Design Line Manager)
2016 to 2019 : Aurecon (Senior Bridge Engineer)
2017 to 2019 : Stellenbosch University (Adjunct Senior Lecturer and PhD candidate)
2020 : Aurecon Dubai (Principal Engineer)
2020 to current : Zutari (previously Aurecon) (Associate)
2021 to current : Stellenbosch University (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
SAICE South African Young Engineer of the Year 2017
South African Institution of Civil Engineering National Technical Excellence award – Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement for the Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
Concrete Society of South Africa Fulton Award – Best Infrastructure Project >R 100 million for the new Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
South African Institution of Civil Engineering Regional Award – Best Structure for the new Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
South African Institution of Civil Engineering Regional Award – Technical Excellence for the new Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
Consulting Engineers South Africa Engineering Excellence Award – Best Project with a value above R 250 million for the Ramp E Incrementally Launched Bridge (design engineer)
Concrete Society of South Africa Fulton Award – Commendation for Ramp E Incrementally Launched Bridge (design engineer)
South African Institution of Civil Engineering Structural Division Award for the Ramp E Incrementally Launched Bridge (design engineer)
Engineering Council of South Africa’s medal for the best student over 4 years in engineering across all disciplines at Stellenbosch University for the period 2005 – 2008
Best second year student in Civil Engineering (2006)
Best third year student in Civil Engineering (2007)
Best second year student in Civil Engineering Informatics (2006)
Best third year student in Civil Engineering Informatics (2007)
Best third year student in Concrete Design (2007)
Best fourth year student in Transportation Engineering (2008)
SAICE Award for the student that made the largest contribution to the advancement of the Civil Engineering industry in South Africa
Research Interests
Bridge engineering and renewable energy structures
Selected Publications
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2018). Developing a new bridge live load model for South Africa. International Association for Bridge Maintenance and Safety (IABMAS). Melbourne: Taylor & Francis
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Towards a new bridge live load model for South Africa. Structural Engineering International. DOI: 10.1080/10168664.2018.1561168
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Multiple lane reduction factors based on multiple lane weigh in Motion data. Structures.
• Van der Spuy, PF & Niehaus, H. (2018). Strengthening, rehabilitation and widening of the existing arch bridge on national route 7 over the Olifants River, South Africa. International Conference on Concrete Repair, Retrofitting and Rehabilitation. Cape Town: Matec Web of Conferences.
• Viljoen, D, Schrecker, M & Van der Spuy, PF. (2018). Rehabilitation of the Port Nolloth Jetty. International Conference on Concrete Repair, Retrofitting and Rehabilitation. Cape Town: Matec Web of Conferences.
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Establishing the effect of the tail length on extrapolation when fitted to WIM data. RILEM SMSS 2019. Croatia: RILEM Publications S.A.R.L
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Dynamic amplification factor for South African Bridges. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Van der Spuy, PF, Lenner, R, De Wet, T & Caprani, C. (2019). Multilane Reduction Factors Based on WIM Data. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Van der Spuy, PF & Niehaus, H. (2019). Design of the Olifants River arch bridge in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Meyer, MW, Lenner, R & Van der Spuy, PF. (2019). The development of a vehicle-bridge interaction model for South African traffic. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Lenner, R, Basson, SE, Sykora, M & Van der Spuy, PF. (2021). Reliability performance of bridges designed according to TMH7 NA Load model. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2021). Reliability calibration of a bridge traffic load model. Fib Symposium. Lisbon.
• Boros, V, Lenner, R, O’Connor, A, Orcesi, A, Schmidt, F, Van der Spuy, PF & Sykora, M. (2021). Traffic loads for existing bridges. IABSE Congress. Ghent.
Teaching
Advanced Design 446 (structures)
Final Year Project 458
Bridge Engineering and Renewable Energy Structures
Dr Algurnon van Rooyen
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University – 2020
MSc (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University – 2013
BEng (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University – 2010
Professional Experience
Lecturer: Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University 2013-
Honours, Awards, Memberships
The Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) prize for the most deserving work in the field of Concrete Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2020
Research Interests
My research is focused on structural lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC). The goal of the research is to use LWFC as an energy efficient construction material. Durability aspects of LWFC, fracture mechanics, Fiber reinforced concrete, alkali activated materials (alternative concretes) and 3D printing of concrete are also an interest of mine.
Selected Publications
A list of my publications can be found on my Google Scholar profile.
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143
Prof Gideon van Zijl
Short Bio
Gideon is Professor of Structural Engineering since 2001, registered Professional Engineer since 1993 and Fellow of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers and the South African Academy of Engineering. Since Inaugurating the Centre for Development of Sustainable Infrastructure (CDSI) in 2002, he leads research in development and modelling of new cement-based construction materials and structures, and structural, computational and durability mechanics. 3D construction printing is the current focus of the CDSI to increase productivity and sustainable employment in construction of sustainable infrastructure.
Education/Qualifications
• PhD (2000) (Civil Engineering) Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
• DEng (2016), MEng (1990), BEng (1986) (Civil) Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Professional Experience
• 2021-present Distinguished Professor in Civil Engineering, SU
• Visiting Professor Gifu, Japan (2010), Nanyang, Singapore (2016), Delft (2010, 2016)
• 2001-2020 Professor of Structural Engineering, SU
• 2010-2015, 2021 Head Department of Civil Engineering, SU
• 2001-2005, 2009, 2017-2018 Head Division for Structural Engng & Civil Engng Informatics, SU
• 2001-2004, 2006-2009 Postgraduate Program Head, Civil Engng, SU
• 1999-2009 Research Fellow, Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft
• 1995-1999 Assistant Researcher, Civil Engng and Geosciences, TU Delft
• 1992-1995 Lecturer, Civil Engng, SU
• 1989-1992 Structural Engineer/Project manager, Bureau for Mechanical Engng, SU
• 1987-1989 Researcher, Institute for Structural Engng, Civil Engng, SU
Honours, Awards, Memberships
• FSAAE, FSAICE; MCCSA
• Editorial Advisory Boards of fib Structural Concrete, SAICE Journal, Materials and Structures
• Chancellor’s Award Learning and Teaching 2020 SU
• Top 2% of world scientists since 2019
• Research Excellence Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, SU
• Lecturer of the year 2012, Engineering Faculty, SU
• THRIP/DTI award 2011: Runner up Human Resource Quality and Quantity of students
• Upcoming Researcher of the year (2006), Engineering Faculty, SU
• H.L. Reitz medal for best postgraduate student in Civil Engineering, SU, 1990.
• Top Final year Civil Engineering student, 1986, SU
• Academic Colours of SU, 1986
Research Interests
3D concrete printing
Structural Mechanics
Computational Mechanics
Durability
Selected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Scopus, ResearchGate, GoogleScholar profiles.
Teaching
Theory of Structures 354 – Finite Element Method 2005-2015, 2020-
Theory of Structures 324 – Continuum Mechanics 2007-2009
Structural Design: Reinforced Concrete 314 1992 – 1995
Construction Materials 244 / 254 2001-2008
Strength of Materials 244 / 254 2002 – 2005
Strength of Materials 214 / 224 2001 – 2004, 2017, 2018
Strength of Materials 144 / 143 2001, 2004, 2005
PhD & Master’s course Advanced Mechanics of Materials and Modelling (AMMM) 2010-
Master’s course Cement-based materials 2017, 2018
Prof Celeste Viljoen
Short Bio
Prof Viljoen is passionate about the training of engineering students, graduates and professionals as a driver of economic progress, environmental sustainability and reducing social inequalities. She currently serves as vice-dean: Teaching in the Faculty of Engineering.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Structural Engineering)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
ECSA PrEng; Fellow of SAICE, Member of various SABS technical committees.
Research Interests
Risk-based decision making; Structural design and Standardisation; Structural Reliability.
Prof Viljoen is a specialist in structural design and reliability. Her research informs standardisation of structural design, including the basis of design; quantification of wind loads; serviceability of liquid retaining structures; reinforced concrete design; and assessment of existing structures. She further contributes by translating research findings and insight into practice through standardisation and the presentation of Continued Professional Development courses.
Selected Publications
Link to ORCID or Scopus:
Orcid Author ID: 0000-0002-4652-7452
Scopus Author ID: 55802382300
International Collaborations
Joint Committee for Structural Safetyhttps://www.jcss-lc.org/; Member of ISO TC 98/SC 2/WG 11 for the revision of ISO 13824.
Teaching
Undergraduate:
Strength of Materials 143; Structural Design 354; Advanced Design 446;
Postgraduate:
Probability and Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering; Continuum Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis
Continued Professional Development:
Wind Loads on Structures;Design of Liquid Retaining Structures; Basis of Design; Assessment of Existing Structures; Construction Risk Management.
Dr Claudia Visagie
Short Bio
Following her undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, Dr Claudia Visagie undertook the shift to transport science and completed both her master and doctoral studies in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in the transport domain working on both local and international projects. However, with her roots grounded in academia, she rejoined the academic environment in 2022. Currently, she is working as a lecturer at Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University and aspires to become a professor.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil – Transport). Stellenbosch University, 2016
MScEng Cum Laude (Civil – Transport), Stellenbosch University, 2012
BEng (Industrial), Stellenbosch University, 2010
Professional Experience
Dr Claudia Visagie is a young academic having 3 years lecturing experience. Prior to this, she worked in the transport consulting engineering environment for 5 years. Her skills and expertise range from Business Intelligence Management (Data Mining and Governance), Performance Measurement and Management, Transport Engineering (including Transport Planning and Transport Network Modelling), ITS applications as well as Business Process Modelling and Re-engineering.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Member of ECSA, SAIIE, ITS SA
Research Interests
Smart Cities (including smart mobility).
Mobility 4.0 (including electric mobility and Mobility as a Service (MaaS)).
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) solutions for developing countries.
Paratransit applications in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Fourth Industrial Revolution 4IR (with focus on Big Data).
Sustainable and clean transport solutions considering UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Selected Publications
C. B. Struwig and S. J. Andersen, 2014, ‘Performance Measurement Trends in the implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) within the South African Transport Environment’, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on the use of Mobile Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Africa UMICTA, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
C. B. Struwig and S. J. Andersen, 2014, ‘The development of a generic step-wise framework for achieving a multimodal platform in a developing country environment’, Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference, Pretoria, South Africa.
C. B. Struwig and S. J. Andersen, 2013, ‘Challenges in providing Integrated Traveler Information in a Developing Country Environment’, Proceedings of the 16th International IEEE Annual Conference on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSC), The Hague, The Netherlands.
Struwig, C.B., Ruthven, G.A. and Von Leipzig, K., 2013, ‘The application of design criteria for locating a hub configured supply chain for a restaurant cluster in the Stellenbosch area’, Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management. Vol. 7, No. 1.
Teaching
Transport Science 324
Prof Richard Walls
Short Bio
Prof Richard Walls is the head of the Fire Engineering Research Unit at Stellenbosch University, Africa’s first research team with a focus on fire engineering and structural fire design. Various fire related topics are currently being investigated, such as the design of steel structures in fire, analysis of structures in fire, forensic fire investigations, 3D printed concrete in fire, materials behaviour and informal settlement fire behaviour. Full-scale fire tests on shacks have been conducted on around seventy homes to understand fire behaviour, spread and how to reduce the impact of such fires. Consulting work has been done for companies developing rational structural fire design systems, and ascertaining the fire resistance of products. He was part of the team analysing the Knysna fire disaster, sponsored by Santam, and specifically considered why almost 1000 homes were lost in South Africa’s largest wildland fire disaster. He has contributed to publications by the United Nations and World Bank on developing world fire safety issues.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Structural fire engineering) – Stellenbosch University
MSc (Structural engineering) – University of the Witwatersrand
GDE (Materials and geotech) – University of the Witwatersrand
BScEng(Civil) – University of the Witwatersrand
BTh (Theology) – SA Theological Seminary
Professional Experience
2010-2014: Worked as a structural engineer on industrial, commercial and petrochemical projects in industry before joining SU. Experience in design of steel, concrete, composite, retaining and industrial structures.
2014-present: Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
In 2020 he was awarded the “TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher” national award. The national NSTF-South32 Awards are the largest Science, Engineering & Technology & Innovation (SETI) awards in South Africa, known as the ‘Science Oscars’. His research has been covered by multiple newspapers, radio stations and websites.
Stellenbosch University Engineering Faculty Awards: Best post-graduate thesis in Civil Engineering 2016; Emerging Researcher of the Year in 2017; Academic of the Year in 2020.
Fellow of the SA Institute of Civil Engineers.
Research Interests
Fire safety engineering in general with focus areas on:
– Structural fire design
– Fire dynamics
– Informal settlement fire safety
– Material and product development
Selected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Google Scholar profile.
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=T-GtZPMAAAAJ&hl=en)
International Collaborations
University of Edinburgh, Oklahoma State University, National Fire Protection Association (USA), Kindling Safety (USA).
Funding has been received from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Royal Academy of Engineering and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (UK).
Teaching
SD424 Structural design – Steel structures
Fire Behavior – MEng elective
Structural Fire Engineering – MEng elective
Mr Timothy Combrinck
Mrs Amanda De Wet
MEng Research and PhD Programmes
MEng Research and PhD Programmes
Mr Jody Februarie
Mr Lee-Roy Jones
Mr Arthur Layman
Mrs Davina Mentoor
Mrs Alet Muller
Wellbeing Ambassador
Mrs Janine Myburgh
Mr Guillame Nel
Short Bio
Obtained bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Stellenbosch, before entering the road construction environment with Roadmac Surfacing. Roadmac Surfacing specialises in bituminous surfacing. He returned to Stellenbosch University in a permanent capacity as the Pavement and Geotechnical Research Laboratory manager and will also peruse further studies starting with his master’s degree.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Cum Laude) Civil Engineering at University of Stellenbosch
Professional Experience
Four years at Roadmac Surfacing construction
Mr Johann Nieuwoudt
Mr Charlton Ramat
Mrs Rosie Sardien
Ms Jowainley Sardien
Ms Christabella Sibanda
Mr Julian Thompson
Ms Gcobisa Tyhomfi-Vanqa
MEng Research and PhD Programmes
MEng Research and PhD Programmes
Mr Gaven Williams
Mr Iliyaaz Williams
Ms Lé-Ann Williams
Danielle Antonellis
Informal Settlement Fire Safety
Short Bio
Danielle is the Founder & Executive Director of Kindling. She has a proven track record of establishing and leading cross-discipline and cross-region teams to tackle intractable problems. Before founding Kindling, Danielle was a Senior Fire Safety Consultant with Arup based in the US, UK, and Hong Kong. She led Arup’s global research program on fire safety in informal settlements and established a global multidisciplinary skills group called City Fire Resilience. Previous to Arup, Danielle was a Fire Suppression Systems Researcher and Technical Advisor at Johnson Controls (formerly Tyco).
His additional past activities, as a self-employed consultant, included design and design review of any structural engineering work with emphasis on bridges and tunnels. His previous professional experience involved large transportation projects in North America, where he mainly provided structural design services for bridges and other transportation related structures. He is licensed Professional Engineer (Civil) in California.
Education/Qualifications
Danielle has a B.S. in Civil Engineering (with a Minor in Management) and a M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Professional Experience
2012-2014: Led large scale residential fire sprinkler research testing program; trained authorities, insurers, contracts and engineers in fire systems design, installation, and maintenance
2014-2020: Managed and delivered fire engineering services for buildings, infrastructure, and social impact projects across 5 continents and various sectors such as international development, energy, rail, aviation, science and industry, education, and healthcare
2020-present: Founded & lead US based non-profit organization with the mission to connect fire safety knowledge to local and global humanitarian and development efforts to reduce the unequal impact of fire on people, property and livelihoods in vulnerable communities around the world
Research Interests
Informal Settlement Fire Safety
Disaster Risk Reduction
Urban Resilience
International Contextualization of Fire Safety
Selected Publications
• D. Antonellis, P. Duloy, J. Kennedy, E. Palmer, Burning Issue for Shelter Programming: Reducing fire risk through better shelter program design and implementation, Shelter Projects 8th Edition (2021)
• S. Arce, C. Jeanneret, J. Gales, D. Antonellis, S. Vaiciulyte, Human behaviour in informal settlement fires in Costa Rica, Safety Science (2021)
• R. Walls, A. Cicione, R. Pharoah, P. Zweig, M. Smith, D. Antonellis, Fire safety engineering guideline for informal settlements: Towards practical solutions for a complex problem in South Africa, Stellenbosch University (2020)
• P. Woodburn, D. Antonellis, Optimizing tunnel design using psychological impact on firefighters as a metric, Proceedings from the Ninth International Symposium on Tunnel Safety and Security, Munich, Germany (2020)
• D. Antonellis, K. Wynne, D. Gill, E. O’Loughlin, A Framework for Fire Safety in Informal Settlements, Arup (2018)
International Collaborations
Through Kindling:
National Fire Protection Association
Manchester Metropolitan University
York University
Arup
RMIT University
University of Maryland
Beyond Carlton
Labor Solutions
AfroFire
Global Shelter Cluster
Funding has been received from
USAID- Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Asian Development Bank
Royal Academy of Engineering
National Fire Protection Association
Lloyd’s Register Foundation
Informal Settlement Fire Safety
Prof Gerrit Basson
River hydraulics, sedimentation, large hydraulic structures
Short Bio
Prof Basson specialized in river hydraulics, sedimentation, and design of large hydraulic structures and has more than 30 years’ work experience. He is well known internationally as honorary vice-president of ICOLD (International Commission on Large Dams) and of WASER (World Association of Sediment and Erosion Research). He has work experience in 21 countries as professional engineer and he has been on several missions of the World Bank as reservoir sedimentation specialist. He is a member of the SA Institute of Civil Engineering and of the SA Academy of Engineering. Internationally he is currently a member of the UNESCO-IHP-ISI International Sedimentation Initiative Task Force, the WORLD BANK-UNESCO Task Group on reservoir sedimentation management, and a member of the ICOLD and IAHR reservoir sedimentation committees.
River hydraulics, sedimentation, large hydraulic structures
Dr Antonio Cicione
Short Bio
Dr Antonio Cicione lectures in the principles of fire behaviour and numerical fire modelling at Stellenbosch University. He supervises PhD and Masters students conducting their research in a variety of fire and structural related topics. Dr Cicione was previously employed as a Research Associate at the BRE Fire Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. He has been involved in numerous fire experiments, and has burned down more that 70 full-scale houses for research. He was also part of a team that conducted a number of large-scale fire experiments at the Underwriters Laboratories in Chicago. Dr Cicione has published a number of international journal and conference papers on a variety of fire and structural related topics. Dr Cicione founded CFS engineering consultants who consults to industry regarding specialist fire engineering projects, preforms rational fire designs, fire assessments, and conducts fire investigations for the insurance industry. He is also the Fire Safety Engineering lead at Kindling, a US based non-profit fire safety organisation. Dr Cicione is a committee member of SAICE’s fire division.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Civil), PhD (Fire Engineering) SU
Professional Experience
Adjunct lecturer at Stellenbosch University
Fire Safety Engineer at Kindling Safety
Director at CFS engineering consultants
Previously employed as a researcher at the University of Edinburgh
Honours, Awards, Memberships
1) SAICE Fire Engineering Division Committee Member
2) Most deserving thesis in fire safety and structural fire engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2019
3) Best paper award at the China Public Safety Conference, 2020
4) Fire Technology Harry C. Bigglestone award, 2021
5) Holder of a South African Patent
Research Interests
Fire and structural engineering, 3D printed concrete at elevated temperatures, application of AI in fire safety
Selected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Scopus, ResearchGate, GoogleScholar profiles
International Collaborations
University of Edinburgh
National Fire Protection Association (USA),
Kindling Safety (USA).
Fire Research Group Limited (NZ)
ITB Poland
OFR Consultants (UK)
Teaching
Principles of fire behaviour
Introduction to Fire modelling
Fire Engineering
Prof Peter Day
Dr Marika Du Plessis
Education/Qualifications
B.Eng (Electronic)
B(Hons) Technology Management
PhD (Structural Engineering)
IFE Level 4 Certificate
Professional Experience
I started my career in the mining industry, then became a fire engineering consultant.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Member: SAICE
Associate member: IFE
Research Interests
Mass Timber, Lithium-ion Batteries and anything else in the interesting world of fire engineering.
Selected Publications
Du Plessis M, Sulon D, Streicher D, Walls R (2023) Experimental testing on timber connections considering the influence of gap size and intumescent sealants. Fire Mater. https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.3164
Fire Engineering
Mrs Jocelyn Evans
Short Bio
Jocelyn has worked in the Fire Protection Industry for over 15 years on a myriad of projects (for the client, contractor and insurer, project depending) including: special risks on power stations, smelters, mines, SX plants and other process and industrial plants, as well as normal sprinkler installations in retail, fresh produce markets, hotels and other commercial properties. She has acted as an expert witness and advocates’ specialist advisor in a High Court matter and has provided a number of post loss assessments. Jocelyn is registered as a PrEng and as a Professional Member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. She is recognized by ECSA as a fire specialist, performing assessments on behalf of ECSA for registration in the category of specified fire safety practitioners. She is currently the Chairperson of the Fire Division within SAICE and President of the SFPE South Africa Chapter. Jocelyn also enjoys a collaborative relationship with the University of Stellenbosch Fire Research Group and is currently serving on the Executive Board of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers.
Education/Qualifications
PrEng, PMSFPE, FSAICE
MSc Structural and Fire Safety Engineering (University of Edinburgh), BEng Mechanical (University of Pretoria)
Professional Experience
2016 to present, Hofman and Evans (Pty) Ltd, Managing Director
2013 to 2016, Mike Hofman and Associates (Pty) Ltd, Consulting Fire Engineer
2010 to 2013, Keren Kula Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Project Fire Engineer and Design Office Manager
2007 to 2009, KK Mechanical (Pty) Ltd, Junior Fire Engineer
Honours, Awards, Memberships
PMSFPE
FSAICE
2024 SAICE Division of the Year (<500 members), serving as Chair
2023 SAICE Division of the Year, serving as Chair
Highest Achieving MSc Student
MSc with distinction
BEng with distinction
Research Interests
Industrial fire risk management, education in fire engineering, the use of regulatory controls to support competence in an emerging field, fire risks from innovation
Fire Engineering
Prof Lesley Gibson
Geospatial techniques, Interdisciplinary studies, Fire safety, Geoscience
Short Bio
Lesley is a geographer with a particular interest in geospatial science and its application across disciplines. She has worked in disciplines such as geology, groundwater, nature conservation, agriculture and the built environment. The topic of her PhD involved the use of remote sensing to estimate evapotranspiration and her Masters dissertation focussed on wetland mapping with remote sensing. She spent over three years at University of Edinburgh, UK, where she was a postdoctoral researcher in fire safety for international development. Here she was involved with the IRIS Fire project where she applied geospatial techniques to map and understand fire spread in Cape Town’s informal settlements. She is grounded both practically and academically in the use of remote sensing for multiple purposes. She has worked in a variety of settings in South Africa including science councils, a private consultancy, and a nature conservation agency. She is currently freelancing part-time as a Fire Safety Researcher at Kindling, a fire safety NPO.
Education/Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate, Learning and Teaching Higher Education, Glasgow Caledonian University.
PhD, Environmental & Geographical Science, University of Cape Town.
MSc Geomatics, University of Cape Town.
BSc Hons Geography (GIS) & Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University.
BSc Geography & Geology, Stellenbosch University.
Professional Experience
October 2022 – current, freelancer including Fire Safety Researcher, Kindling
August 2021 –September 2022, Specialist researcher Geoinformation, Agricultural Research Council.
2017 – 2021, Postdoctoral Research Associate in fire safety for international development, University of Edinburgh.
2016 – 2017, GIS Lecturer (0.6FTE), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
2013 – 2015, GIS Scientist, Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2012 – 2013, GIS Specialist, Geohydrological and Spatial Solutions, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2006 – 2012, Researcher, Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2000 – 2006, Scientific officer, Council for Geoscience, Bellville, South Africa.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
South African Geomatics Council: Professional Geoinformation Science Practitioner (GPr GISc1379)
Research Interests
Fire safety in vulnerable communities, applied and interdisciplinary geospatial applications
Selected Publications
Flores Quiroz, N., Gibson, L. Conradie, W.S., Ryan, P., Heydenrych R, Moran, A., van Straten, A. & Walls, R. 2023. Analysis of the 2017 Knysna fires disaster with emphasis on fire spread, home losses and the influence of vegetation: a South African case study. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, vol 88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103618.
Wang, Y., Ruan, H., Xia, T. & Gibson, L. 2022. Fire Safety of Ethnic Minority Traditional Settlements in Southwest China. Fire Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-022-01333-z.
Gibson, L.A., Cicione, A., Stevens, S. & Rush, D. 2021. The influence of wind and the spatial layout of dwellings on fire spread in informal settlements in Cape Town. Computers Environment and Urban Systems 91(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2021.101734.
McDougall, Brown, Thomson, Hanley, Tully, Quilliam, Bartie, Gibson, L. A. & Oliver, D.M. 2021. From one pandemic to another: emerging lessons from COVID-19 for tackling physical inactivity in cities, Cities & Health, 5:sup1, S181-S184, DOI: 10.1080/23748834.2020.1785165
Gibson L, Rush D. 2020. Novel Coronavirus in Cape Town Informal Settlements: Feasibility of Using Informal Dwelling Outlines to Identify High Risk Areas for COVID-19 Transmission From A Social Distancing Perspective. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020;6(2):e18844. URL: https://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18844.
Stevens, S., Gibson, L. & Rush, D. 2020. Conceptualising a GIS-based risk quantification framework for fire spread in informal settlements: A Cape Town case study. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Vol 50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101736.
Hurst, J.E., Barn, R., Gibson, L. et al. Geospatial mapping and data linkage uncovers variability in outcomes of foot disease according to multiple deprivation: a population cohort study of people with diabetes. Diabetologia 63, 659–667 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-05056-9
Gibson, L., Engelbrecht, J. & Rush, D. Detecting historic informal settlement fires with Sentinel 1 and 2 satellite data – Two case studies in Cape Town. Fire Safety Journal (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2019.102828
Gibson, L.A., Munch, Z., Palmer, A.R. & Mantel, S.K. 2018. Future land cover change scenarios in South African grasslands – implications of altered biophysical drivers on land management. Heliyon Vol 4, ISSUE 7, E00693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00693
Publication record is available on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lesley-Gibson/research
International Collaborations
University of Edinburgh, University of Science and Technology of China, University of Stirling, Kindling
Geospatial techniques, Interdisciplinary studies, Fire safety, Geoscience
Prof Fred Hugo
Short Bio
Founding member of the company responsible for Geotechnics, Transportation and Project Management in 1965 after international experience in contracting and construction supervision. Subsequently I had three senior engineers as team leaders supported by highly qualified senior engineers. In 1977 I left to take up a chair in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The three took over my respective fields as Partners to help build the company to a major organisation as BKS Inc nationally and internationally. All three were subsequently recognised professionally for excellence in their careers. Later, in ca. 2012, BKS Inc was acquired by AECOM International.
Technical Director, Pave Testing – South Africa. Director TRAC South Africa. Fellow South African Academy of Engineering. Past President SAICE 1993. Life Member of AAPT.
Emeritus Professor in Transportation and Construction in Dept Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University. Co-director of Construction Management Programme (CMP).
Education/Qualifications
PrEng, DIng (HC) SU 2014, DEng SU 1999, PhD UTx 1984
Prof Heinz Jacobs
Drinking water networks, sewer systems, water demand modelling
Short Bio
Extraordinary Associate Prof in water services planning and registered professional civil engineer.
Education/Qualifications
B.Eng (Mechanical), B.Eng (Civil), M.Eng (Engineering Management), PhD (Civil)
Professional Experience
25 Years
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Registered Pr.Eng (Civil) 1998;
Member International Water Association (IWA)
Member New Zealand Water and Wastewater Association (Water NZ)
Research Interests
Drinking water networks, sewer systems and water demand modelling
Selected Publications
Refer to www.researchgate.net& Google Scholar profile
International Collaborations
Various, mainly University of Sheffield UK and University of Montreal, Ca
Teaching
Hydraulics
Drinking water networks, sewer systems, water demand modelling
Dr Niel Jordaan
Short Bio
Dr Jordaan is an accomplished Senior Mechanical Engineer with a Masters and PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Focus Area: Energy Management /Demand Side Management). He has 20 years of working experience which cover a variety of field, including Energy Management/Demand Side Management in large industrial facilities, Consulting Engineering (EPCM) in various technical and management roles, He has been deeply involved in Special Risk Fire Protection Engineering in mining and industrial facilities for the past 10 years. He is also and experienced Engineering Manager. He has been registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA (Pr. Eng) since 2012. Currently he owns and manages FIRENSYS, an Engineering Consultancy focussing on Special Risk Fire Protection Engineering and Risk Assessment and management. He is also a Repeat speaker at Fire Engineering Conferences.
Education/Qualifications
B.Eng (Mech) NWU, M.Eng (Mech) NWU, PhD (Mech Eng) NWU
Professional Experience
Energy Management Engineer at HVAC International
Consulting Engineer at Hatch and Sedgman
Special Risk Fire Protection Engineering Manager at Sperosens
Company Owner at Firensys
Honours, Awards, Memberships
ECSA, SAIMECHE, FPASA
Research Interests
Fire Protection Engineering, AI, Alternative Energy
International Collaborations
SFPE
Teaching
Experience as external examiner for Masters and PhD engineering students for at least 10 years.
Fire Engineering
Prof Jacques Kruger
Short Bio
Dr Jacques Kruger Pr Eng is currently an Extraordinary Associate Professor of Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University. He designed, procured and manufactured Africa’s first industrial grade, gantry type 3D concrete printer. An internationally renowned specialist in extrusion-based digitally fabricated concrete, he has respectively authored and reviewed more than 40 international journal and conference research articles. Jacques also provides specialised structural engineering consulting services to practising engineers, contractors, architects and developers, including large-scale experimental testing of novel structural building systems toward certification.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Structural Engineering), Stellenbosch University, 2019
BEng (Civil Engineering, Cum Laude), Stellenbosch University, 2016
Professional Experience
Senior Lecturer of Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Jan 2023 – Dec 2024
Laboratory Manager, Structure and Building Materials Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Aug 2019 – Dec 2023
Honours, Awards, Memberships
• Professionally registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa, 2023 – Present
• Full member of Sigma Xi, 2023 – Present
• Member of the CCSA Young Concrete Researchers, Engineers & Technologists Symposium (YCRETS2023) Scientific Committee, 2023.
• Technical Employee of the Year for the Faculty of Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2022.
• Member of RILEM Technical Committee: PFC: Performance requirements and testing of fresh printable cement-based materials, 2021 – Present.
• Member of RILEM Technical Committee: ADC: Assessment of additively manufactured concrete materials and structures, 2021 – Present.
• Member of the RILEM Digital Concrete conference (DC2022) Scientific Committee, 2021-2022.
• Member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), 2021 – Present
• Young engineering member of the fib, 2021 – Present
• Young member of RILEM, 2021 – Present
• Member of the fib Task Group 2.11: Structures made by digital fabrication, 2020 – Present.
• Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Prize for the Most Deserving Work in the Field of Concrete Engineering, 2019
• Top Young Achiever Award from the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC), 2017
Research Interests
Jacques’ research interests all relate to 3D concrete printing/digitally fabricated concrete, which include:
• Advanced construction materials development
• Rheology & rheo-mechanics
• Structural mechanics
• Interface mechanics
• Analytical modelling
Selected Publications
A list of Jacques’ published works can be found on his Google Scholar and ResearchGate profiles.
International Collaborations
Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e, The Netherlands), Profs Theo Salet & Freek Bos, 3D printable materials and characterisation methods for buildability quantification, 2018-2020.
Teaching
• Undergraduate:
Final Year Project 458
Building Materials 254 (3D Concrete Printing)
• Postgraduate:
1st RILEM/fib International PhD Summer School on Additively Manufactured Concrete Structures, Capri Italy, 11-14 July 2023
Prof Roman Lenner
Structural reliability, Bridge Loading, Bridge Design
Short Bio
Roman is appointed as Extraordinary Associate Professor in the field of Structural Engineering at the Stellenbosch University. His research interests are within field of structural reliability and consist mainly of the assessment of existing structures, traffic load modelling and target reliability values.
Further interests are aligned with the cost optimisation and reliability based decision making.
He received his Dr.-Ing. (PhD) at the University of German Armed Forces in Munich. The aim of his study was the development of a safety concept for military traffic on existing bridges. MSc in Structural Engineering was accomplished at UC Berkeley with a focus on Earthquake related design.
His additional past activities, as a self-employed consultant, included design and design review of any structural engineering work with emphasis on bridges and tunnels. His previous professional experience involved large transportation projects in North America, where he mainly provided structural design services for bridges and other transportation related structures. He is licensed Professional Engineer (Civil) in California.
Education/Qualifications
Dr.-Ing. Concrete Structures (University of German Armed Forces in Munich)
MSc Structural Engineering (University of California – Berkeley)
BSc Civil Engineering (The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina)
Professional Experience
PE Registration California (2010)
Consultant – World Bank Southern Africa (2018-2020)
Structural Engineer – BUNG, AG Germany (2010-2014)
Bridge Engineer – David Evans and Associates (2008-2010)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
IABSE National Chair (2020 – )
Karl Kling Research Award to Dissertation (2014)
Research Interests
Structural reliability, Bridge Loading, Bridge Design
Selected Publications
Google scholar profile
International Collaborations
Prof Sykora, Prof Caprani
Teaching
Structural Design 354
Advanced Concrete Design MT13
Structural reliability, Bridge Loading, Bridge Design
Dr Vigneshwaran Narayanan
Short Bio
I am an experienced fire safety engineering professional with expertise in developing and testing passive fire protection systems, railway fire safety, and active fire protection system installations. With a strong background in managing fire safety challenges across various industries, I leverage tools like numerical modeling and fire risk assessments to deliver technical solutions and ensure compliance with global fire safety standards.
Outside of my professional work, I have a passion for playing classical Indian drum instruments and a deep interest in reading sci-fi, personal development, philosophy, religion, and geopolitics. I’m also an avid traveler, coin collector, swimmer, and have a keen interest in investments.
Education/Qualifications
Ph.D. – Fire safety Engineering
M. S. – Fire Safety Engineering
Dip in Industrial Safety
B.Eng – Mechanical Engineering
Professional Experience
Application manager since 2024 at PROMAT Fire & Insulation, India
Fire & Smoke manager 2021-2023 Alstom Transport, India
Project Engineer 2012-2015 at Consilium SFS Fire & Security Solutions, India
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Featured in the front cover of SFPE magazine Q4,2022. “Faces of the Future Fire Protection Engineering in Developing World.”
Research Interests
Fire Safety Engineering, Heat Transfer, Fluid dynamics
Selected Publications
https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/127067
Teaching
Teaching Assistant in mechanical engineering at Stellenbosch University for 3 semesters
Fire Engineering
Prof Johan Retief
Short Bio
Emeritus Professor in Structural Engineering
Education/Qualifications
BSc(Eng) (Pretoria U), DIC, MPhil (London U), Engineer (Stanford U), DEng (Pretoria U), DEng (Stellenbosch U), PrEng
Research Interests
Application of risk and reliability to structural design basis, including standardization, wind loads, climate change, geotechnical reliability, existing structures
Mr Dirk Streicher
Short Bio
My experience is mainly in contract supervision on roads projects. This includes building new roads and rehabilitation of existing roads. I also assisted the main contractor on an arbitration matter for a 50km canal contract in Namibia. After my civil engineering exposure, I went into contract manufacturing for the building industry. In between, I invested in property and property development. All this came together in fire door manufacturing which then spilt over into fire testing and fire engineering research. This all culminated in the establishment of a fire test laboratory both for commercial and research purposes.
Education/Qualifications
M.Sc.(Civ) Eng UCT, Certificate in Arbitration
Professional Experience
Bridge design, Security systems design, Quality insurance implementation for consulting firm, Contract management
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Best thesis Undergraduate, receive degree with First Class Honours, ECSA registered as Prof Engineer.
Research Interests
Hydraulics, Fire engineering testing
Selected Publications
Internal document on basecourse compaction CPA
Fire Engineering
Prof Andre Van Tonder
Short Bio
André is appointed as Extraordinary Professor of Port and Coastal Engineering. He is a professional engineer with more than 40 years’ experience in the international coastal and port engineering sector. He spent his early career at CSIR, gaining extensive technical experience in contract research where he specialised in marine structures, specifically port layout, wave-structure interaction, breakwater design, and marine intake and outfall structures. His specialisation included coastal processes and environmental data monitoring, with specific emphasis on wave dynamics and directional wave measurement, as well as hydraulic and numerical modelling of marine facilities.
André managed WSP’s Africa Maritime business for almost two decades – in the period 1998 to 2018 – initially as Managing Director of Entech Consultants, which was acquired by WSP in 2007. During this period, he not only focussed on the business activities but also maintained a key technical role in the management, design, and implementation of WSP’s coastal and port engineering projects. Whilst Director and Maritime Lead, André was instrumental in initiating global coordination of maritime activities within WSP. He retired as Director in 2020 and has been acting as Consultant since May 2020. He joined Zutari as Business Development Engineer in September 2022. André continues to provide strategic and technical leadership in the maritime sector bringing his expertise to a diverse range of projects, which include port planning and development, design of marine structures, marinas, small-craft harbours, resorts and waterfront development, as well as, marine intake, discharge works and desalination.
I am married and my wife and I have three children.
Outside interests include photography, birding, travel and camping trips (mainly visiting game reserves in southern Africa).
Education/Qualifications
PhD Civil Engineering – University of Stellenbosch 1994
Hons B Eng Civil Engineering – University of Stellenbosch 1982
B Eng Civil Engineering – University of Stellenbosch 1979
Professional Experience
1980 to 1988: NRIO, CSIR (Researcher, Engineer)
1988 to 1996: Ematek, CSIR (Senior Engineer, Projects Manager)
1996 to 1998: Environmentek, CSIR (Business Area Manager)
1998 to 2007: Entech Consultants (Senior Engineer, Director, Managing Director)
2007 to 2013: WSP Africa Coastal Engineers (Divisional Director)
2013 to 2020: WSP Group Africa (Divisional Director, Technical Director)
2020 to date: Private Consultant
2022 to date: Zutari (Business Development Engineer)
2023 to 2024: Stellenbosch University (Adjunct Professor of Port and Coastal Engineering)
2025 to date: Stellenbosch University (Extraordinary Professor of Port and Coastal Engineering)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Professional Engineer, ECSA (#980530)
Member SAICE (#013505)
Member International Navigation Association (PIANC)
University of Stellenbosch – involved in various roles as part-time lecturer, external examiner and moderator since 1989
Treasurer and Secretary of South African Section of PIANC: 2001 – 2021
Chairman of Local Organising Committee for Conference on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries (COPEDEC), held in Cape Town, 1999
Member of Working Group on 3D Waves of International Association of Hydraulics Research (IAHR), 1993-1997
Awarded grant by Japanese Sociaty of Civil Engineers to attend HydroPort Conference in Yokosuka, Japan in 1994
Award for best dissertation in Water Engineering at University of Stellenbosch, 1994
Research Interests
Port and Coastal Engineering
Selected Publications
Retief, M., and Van Tonder, A. (2015). Seawater – A Prerequisite for Marine Desalination. Civil Engineering, October.
Van Der Berge, A., Reedijk, B., and Van Tonder, A., (2007). Xbase: Development and Application of a Special Concrete Toe Unit for Extreme Conditions. Coastal Structures Conference, Venice, Italy.
Van Tonder, A., Kloos, M., and Kapp, G., (2005). Murray’s Bay Harbour, Robben Island: Harbour Improvement Measures to a World-Renowned Heritage Site. Proc ICE Conference on Coastlines, Structures and Breakwaters, London.
Kapp, J.F., Van Tonder, A., Kloos, M., Canto, R., and Kapp, G., (2004). Lessons Learned from and Opportunities Identified for Developing Waterfronts as Tourism Gateways in Countries in Transition. Ports and Cities Congress, Lisbon.
Van Tonder, A., (2003). The Role of Coastal Engineering in Africa. SAICE Centenary Congress 2003, Cape Town.
Van Tonder, A., Smith, G., Luger, S., Bartels, A., and Kapp, J.F., (2002). Solving a Harbour-Induced Erosion Problem at Bar Beach, Lagos, Nigeria. Proc 28th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Cardiff, Wales, UK, July.
Van Tonder, A., Kapp, J.F., Bartels, A., and Gbajabiamila, H., (2002). Bar Beach, Lagos, Nigeria. Turning a Navigational Liability into a Recreational and Commercial Asset. Proc 30th International Navigational Congress, Sydney, Australia, September.
Kloos, M., Van Tonder, A., Bartels, A., Allen, S., Moore, G., Moes, H., and Van Aswegen, (2000). Hydrodynamics and Design of a Unique Gravity Base for a Tethered Control Buoy. Proc 27th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Sydney, Australia.
Van Tonder, A., Rossouw, M., Von St Ange, U., Coetzee, L., and Davies, J., (2000). Assessing the Quality of Directional Wave Measurement by a Differential GPS Buoy. Proc 27th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Sydney, Australia.
Bartels, A., Holtzhausen, A., Phelp, D., Luger, S., and Van Tonder, A., (1999). The Effect of Dolos Shape on Hydraulic Stability. Proc 5th COPEDEC Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.
Davies, J., Newling, M., and Van Tonder, A., (1997). First Results from a Revolutionary Directional Wave Buoy Making Use of Differential GPS Technology. Proc. IAHR Speciality Seminar S1, Multidirectional waves and their interaction with structures, San Francisco, USA.
Van Tonder, A., and Davies, J., (1994). Evaluation of Directional Wave Measurements – A Comparative Field Exercise. Proc. HydroPort Conference, Yokosuka, Japan.
Phelp, D., Luger, S., Holzhausen, A.H., and Van Tonder, A., (1994). Results of Extensive Field Monitoring of Dolos Breakwaters. Proc 24th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Kobe, Japan.
Luger, S., Holzhausen, A.H., Phelp, D., and Van Tonder, A., (1994). Increased Dolos Strength by Shape Modification. Proc 24th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Kobe, Japan.
Van Tonder, A., and Du Toit, C.G., (1993). A More Effective Method to Solve Ocean Wave Propagation Problems in Coastal Regions. Proc 3rd Nat. Symposium on Comp. Fluid Dynamics, Stellenbosch.
Teaching
W03-1: Coastal Processes, Field Data Collection & Analysis
W03-1: Physical and Numerical Modelling
Port and Coastal Engineering
Prof Jan Wium
Short Bio
Jan Wium qualified as a civil engineer from the University of Pretoria and obtained a PhD from the SwissFederal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. He worked as a structural engineering consultant for 20years before joining Stellenbosch University in 2003. He leads a research group in construction engineeringand management, and focuses on modular construction, constructability, modern technology and construction risk.
Education/Qualifications
BSc (Eng) Civ (cum laude), 1979, University of Pretoria, South Africa;
BEng (Hons) Structures, 1982, University of Pretoria, South Africa;
MEng (Structures) (cum laude), 1985, University of Pretoria, South Africa;
Docteur es Science Technique, 1992, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Professional Experience
Structural engineering consultant 18 years
Honours, Awards, Memberships
SAICE Fellow, PrEng(ECSA)
Research Interests
Modular construction, constructability in construction, modern technology in construction, construction risk
Selected Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2w-1MqUAAAAJ
International Collaborations
IABSE, GLF-CEM
Teaching
Engineering Management, Structural Concrete, Construction Risk
Construction Engineering and Management
Prof Herman Wolff
Pavement Engineering, Granular Materials
Short Bio
I am a Professional Engineer with 40 years’ experience in the field of civil engineering in South Africa and abroad. My interests are mainly in various aspects of roads design and maintenance, and more specifically in pavement design and maintenance.
I am currently employed by the Department of Transport and Public Works of the Western Cape Government as a Specialist Engineer in the Chief Directorate Roads Design. I have also been acting for just over a year now in the position of Chief Director Roads Departmental Operations. I also teach Advanced Design to the final year civil engineering students in the second semester.
I am married and my wife and I have three children and three grandchildren.
Outside interests include golf (keen but not good) and camping trips (mainly visiting game reserves in southern Africa).
Education/Qualifications
PhD Eng (Civil), University of Pretoria, 1993
MEng (Civil)(Cum Laude), University of Stellenbosch, 1985
BEng Hons (Civil), University of Stellenbosch, 1979
Professional Experience
2017 – Current Specialist Engineer, Department of Transport and Public Works, WCG
2013 – 2017 Practice Area Lead Africa – Pavement Engineering, AECOM (Pty) Ltd
2011 – 2013 Technical Director: Transport, WorleyParsons RSA (Pty) Ltd
2007 – 2011 Technical Director, Kwezi V3 Engineers (Pty) Ltd
2004 – 2007 Director, Nyeleti Consulting (Pty) Ltd
2000 – 2004 Director, Letsunyane Associates (Pty) Ltd
1992 – 2000 Director, Crous Wolff Associates Incorporated
1988 – 1992 Project Leader, Theron Prinsloo Grimsehl and Pullen Incorporated
1987 – 1988 Associate, Theron Prinsloo Grimsehl and Pullen Incorporated
1985 – 1987 Resident Engineer, Theron Prinsloo Grimsehl and Pullen Incorporated
1982 – 1985 Assistant Engineer, South African Transport Services
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Engineering Council of South Africa
South African Institute of Civil Engineers
Research Interests
The use of granular materials in road pavement structures
Selected Publications
2015 Modern Pavement Condition Assessment Methods for Periodic Maintenance and Rehabilitation Planning on a Network Level – a United States Approach with Possible Application Opportunities in Southern Africa (Conference on Asphalt Pavements 2015 (CAPSA 2015), Sun City, South Africa)
2007 A Yield – Strength Model for Partially Saturated Unbound Granular Material (Road Materials and Pavement Design, International Journal, Paris, France)
2003 Optimising Rehabilitation Design by Using Composite Pavements and Stochastic Design Methods – Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Pavements and Technological Control (3rd International Symposium, Guimaraes, Portugal)
1995 A Design Catalogue for Low Volume Roads Developed for South African Conditions – Low Volume Roads (6th International Conference, Volume 2, Minneapolis, United States of America)
1995 Incorporating Elasto – Plasticity in Granular Layer Pavement Design (International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics, Volume 32)
1993 The Elasto Plastic Behaviour of Granular Pavement Layers in South Africa (PhD Dissertation, University of Pretoria, South Africa)
1992 The Elasto Plastic Behaviour of Crushed Stone Bases in Flexible Pavement Structures (7th International Conference on Asphalt Pavements, Nottingham, United Kingdom)
1991 Determination of the Ballast Tamping Cycle of Railway Tracks using a Mechanistic Design Approach (The Civil Engineer in South Africa)
Review of Surfacings for Low – Volume Roads on the Basis of Experience in South Africa (5th International Conference on Low Volume Roads, United States of America) (Research Record No 1291, Volume 1, National Research Council, Rayleigh, United States of America)
Mechanistic Analysis of a Railway Track with a Bonded Layer (MEng Thesis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Teaching
Advanced Design 446 (Pavement)
Pavement Engineering, Granular Materials
Prof Alphose Zingoni
Structural Engineering and Mechanics
Short Bio
Alphose Zingoni is Professor of Structural Engineering and Mechanics in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. After completing an MSc (with Distinction) and a PhD from Imperial College London, he won a Research Fellowship of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which he held at Imperial from 1992 to 1994. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe from 1996 to 1999. He moved to the University of Cape Town in 1999, where he was promoted to Full Professor in 2002, and served as Head of the Department of Civil Engineering from 2008 to 2012.
An NRF A-rated researcher, Prof. Zingoni has sought to gain a deeper understanding of how structures behave, and to develop more efficient methods for their analysis and design. He has focused on two main areas, namely: (i) the development of analytical methods for shell structures and the innovative use of the shell form in providing more efficient structural solutions; (ii) studies of symmetry and the development of group-theoretic formulations for problems in structural mechanics. He has written over 100 papers and authored 4 books, including the award-winning book “Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering” (ICE Publishing, 2018), and the book “Vibration Analysis and Structural Dynamics for Civil Engineers: Essentials and Group-Theoretic Formulations” (Taylor & Francis, 2015), acclaimed by reviewers for its innovative use of group theory in solving structural vibration problems.
Prof. Zingoni has founded a highly successful international conference in structural engineering and mechanics, held in Cape Town every 3 years. He serves on the editorial boards of several Elsevier journals, and has served on the scientific committees of numerous international conferences in structural engineering and related areas. He also serves on the Editorial Board of the Springer book series Computational Methods in Engineering & the Sciences.
Education/Qualifications
PhD, Shell Structures, Imperial College London
MSc, Structural Engineering, University of London
BSc Honours, Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe
PrEng (Professional Engineer), Engineering Council of South Africa
CEng (Chartered Engineer), Engineering Council of the UK
Honours, Awards, Memberships
2023: Awarded an A1 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa
2020 onwards: Consistently included in Stanford University’s List of Top 2% Scientists in the World (based on weighted Scopus citations)
2019: Won the UCT Book Award for the book “Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering” (ICE Publishing, London, 2018)
2016: Elected a Fellow of the University of Cape Town in recognition of “original distinguished academic work”
2011: Elected a Fellow of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (Zurich)
2008: Elected a Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering
2005: Elected a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK)
2005: Elected a Member of the Academy of Sciences of South Africa
1995: Elected a Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK)
Research Interests
Shell structures; Lightweight structures; Symmetry phenomena; Group theory; Structural analysis; Vibration behaviour; Buckling behaviour
Selected Publications
Zingoni A. (2018). Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering: Theory and Analysis (Second Edition). ICE Publishing, London, 464 pp. ISBN 978-0-727-76028-9. Link
Zingoni A. (2014). Vibration Analysis and Structural Dynamics for Civil Engineers: Essentials and Group-Theoretic Formulations. Taylor & Francis, London, 276 pp. ISBN: 978-0-415-52256-4. Link
Zingoni A. (2024). On group-theoretic eigenvalue vibration analysis of structural systems with C6v symmetry. Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 589, Article 118608. PDF
Zingoni A. and Kaluba C. (2024). Decomposition of the degenerate subspace of C3v-symmetric structural configurations. Engineering Structures, Vol. 317, Article 118661. PDF
Zingoni A. (2022). Stress and buckling resistance of dual-purpose concrete shells. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 170, Article 108596. PDF
Kaluba C. and Zingoni A. (2021). Group-theoretic buckling analysis of symmetric plane frames. ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 147, Article 04021153.
Zingoni A. (2020). Use of symmetry groups for generation of complex space grids and group-theoretic vibration analysis of triple-layer grids. Engineering Structures, Vol. 223, Article 111177.
Enoma N. and Zingoni A. (2020). Analytical formulation and numerical modelling for multi-shell toroidal pressure vessels. Computers and Structures, Vol. 232, Article 105811.
Zingoni A. and Enoma N. (2020). Strength and stability of spherical-conical shell assemblies under external hydrostatic pressure. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 146, Article 106472.
Zingoni A. (2019). On the best choice of symmetry group for group-theoretic computational schemes in solid and structural mechanics. Computers and Structures, Vol. 223, 1-17. PDF
Zingoni A. (2019). Group-theoretic vibration analysis of double-layer cable nets of D4h symmetry. International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 176/177,68-85. PDF
Zingoni A. (2018). Insights on the vibration characteristics of double-layer cable nets of symmetry. International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 135, 261-273. PDF
Zingoni A., Enoma N. and Govender N. (2015). Equatorial bending of an elliptic toroidal shell. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 6, pp. 286-294. PDF
Zingoni A., Mokhothu B. and Enoma N. (2015). A theoretical formulation for the stress analysis of multi-segmented spherical shells for high-volume liquid containment. Engineering Structures, Vol. 87, pp. 21-31. PDF
Zingoni A. (2015). Liquid-containment shells of revolution: A review of recent studies on strength, stability and dynamics. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 87, pp. 102-114. PDF
Zingoni A. (2014). Group-theoretic insights on the vibration of symmetric structures in engineering. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (Part A),Vol. 372, 20120037. PDF
Zingoni A., Mudenda K., French V. and Mokhothu B. (2013). Buckling strength of thin-shell concrete arch dams. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 64, pp. 94-102. PDF
Zingoni A. (2012). A group-theoretic finite-difference formulation for plate eigenvalue problems. Computers and Structures, Vol. 112/113, pp. 266 – 282.
Zingoni A. (2012). Symmetry recognition in group-theoretic computational schemes for complex structural systems. Computers and Structures, Vol. 94/95, pp. 34-44.
Teaching
Shell structures; Structural analysis; Vibration analysis
Structural Engineering and Mechanics
Dr Frederik Bakker
Structural Reliability and Uncertainty Quantification
Short Bio
DR FREDERIK BAKKER obtained a BEng (Civil) degree in 2017 and a PhD (Structural Engineering) in 2021, both from Stellenbosch University. His research interests are in structural reliability, wind loading, and traffic loading. He also has professional experience as a full stack software engineer for a construction Tech company.
Professional Experience
2020-11-01 to 2023-04-30 | Full Stack Software Engineer (Quest)
Research Interests
structural reliability, wind loading, and traffic loading
Selected Publications
Bakker, F.P., De Koker, N. and Viljoen, C., 2021. Preconditioning wind speeds for standardised structural design. Engineering Structures, 238, p.111856.
Bakker, F.P., De Koker, N. and Viljoen, C., 2022. Site or regional design wind speeds? Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 220, p.104829.
Structural Reliability and Uncertainty Quantification
Dr Frederick Bester
Short Bio
Dr Frederick Bester earned his PhD in Civil Engineering, specialising in the field of concrete printing, from Stellenbosch University in 2024. He previously obtained his BEng in Civil Engineering from the same institution in 2018. Currently, Dr. Bester serves as the Head of Research and Development at 14Trees Ltd., where he oversees the three fundamental pillars of concrete printing technology: hardware, software, and materials. His research interests encompass reinforcement strategies for printed concrete, hardened state and fresh state material characterization, and the development of hardware and software for concrete printing.
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Structural Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
BEng in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2018)
Professional Experience
Head of Research and Development at 14Trees Ltd.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
1st place in the Jac van der Merwe Competition for the most innovative Final Year Project at the Stellenbosch University Engineering Faculty (2018)
3rd place in Greenovate Award Competition hosted by Growthpoint to recognise student green building projects with a passion for creating better, more sustainable cities, towns and neighbourhoods (2018)
Research Interests
Extrusion-based concrete printing
Reinforcement strategies for printed concrete
Hardened and fresh state material characterisation of printed concrete
Selected Publications
Please see ResearchGate profile: www.researchgate.net/profile/Frederick-Bester
Teaching
Demonstrator for the following modules:
– Theory of Structures 354 (2020)
– Engineering Informatics 314 (2020)
– Concrete Structural Design 354 (2019)
– Strength of Materials 224 (2019)
Extrusion-based Concrete Printing
Dr Seung Cho
3D concrete printing, foamed concrete, Rheology
Short Bio
Seung Cho joined the 3D concrete printing research group in Stellenbosch since 2017 as part of his master and doctorate. He completed his PhD degree in 2021. His research is involved with 3D printable foamed concrete and its application.
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Structural Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2021)
BEng in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2017, cum laude)
Research Interests
3D concrete printing
Foamed concrete
Cement-based material
Sustainability
Rheology
Selected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Scopus, ResearchGate, Google Scholar profiles.
Teaching
Various teaching assistant and demi experiences for the following modules:
– Engineering math (2015, 2016)
– Strength of Material 143 (2021)
– Strength of Material 224 (2019)
– Strength of Material 254 (2018, 2019)
– Theory of Structure 354 (2019)
– Structural Design (Concrete) 354 (2018)
3D concrete printing, foamed concrete, Rheology
Dr Richard Kadan
Construction Engineering and Management
Short Bio
Richard is a Lecturer in Construction Technology and Management in the Department of Building Technology at Koforidua Technical University in Ghana. He pursued his PhD at Stellenbosch University in South Africa from 2021 to 2024. Richard’s research interests include Construction Project Management, with a focus on supply chain management, risk management, and social networks in megaprojects.
Education/Qualifications
PhD, Civil Eng (Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2024)
MPhil., Construction Management (KNUST, Ghana, 2016)
BSc, Construction Technology & Management (KNUST, Ghana, 2014)
Professional Experience
Lecturer, Construction Manager, Quantity Surveyor
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana
Research Interests
Project risk management, Supply chain management, Megaprojects, Project social networks
Selected Publications
Kadan, R & Wium, A. J. (2024 – Accepted). Towards the identification of dominant risk factors (DRFs) in construction-specific supply chains: a systematic review. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment.
Kadan, R., Omotayo, T., Nani, G., Boateng, P., & Wilson, M. (2024 – accepted). The Application of Bayesian Network Analysis in Demystifying Construction Project Subcontracting Complexities for Developing Countries. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction.
Chen, W.T., Merret, H.C., Kadan, R., and Bria, T.A. (2020) ”Safety Climate and Safety Behavior: Is there any relationship between them?” The 18th Conference of Sustainable Development of the Construction Industry, 2020/12/04, Miaoli City, Taiwan, pp. 385-391
Construction Engineering and Management
Dr Miss Hasimawaty Binti Mat Kiah
Fire and Explosion Research Engineering
Short Bio
Dr Miss Hasimawaty Binti Mat Kiah is a senior lecturer or a researcher at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia with experience in fire and explosion research engineering. She holds a BEng and MEng in Chemical and Gas Engineering from UTM and completed her PhD at University of Leeds, United Kingdom, in the Chemical and Process Engineering. Her M.Eng. focused on Premixed flame acceleration in different pipe configuration, while PhD focused on Toxic species and particulate emissions from polymer fires. She is an accredited Fire Risk Assessor under IFE Malaysia. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University, focusing on main research projects in the areas of sustainable building construction materials and wildland urban interface (WUI) fires.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Chemical and Process Engineering) – University of Leeds
MEng (Gas Engineering) – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
BEng (Chemical-Gas Engineering) – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Professional Experience
2007-2015: Worked in Oil and Gas industries, holding different engineering and executive positions, handled many projects which related to the EPCC works. Experience in design of steel, concrete, composite, retaining and industrial structures.
2015-Present: Lecturer in the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Award of Excellence in Active Blended Learning Course, 2019-Present.
Excellence Staff/Service Award, FCEE UTM, 2022.
A Professional Technologist under Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), 2022-Present.
UTM Researcher of the Week, 2023.
Awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship by Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2024-2026.
Research Interests
Fire and explosion research engineering:
– Gas explosions
– Fire toxicities
– Fire safety and risk assessments
– Fire prevention and protection
Selected Publications
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0522-1323
https://utmscholar.utm.my/Scholar/ScholarInfoDetails/Rl89
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KgAJCx8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
https://www.utm.my/directory/staff/m.hasimawaty
https://www.linkedin.com/in/misshmatkiah/
International Collaborations
Prof Gordon Andrews, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dr Roth Phylaktou, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dr Bintu Grema Mustafa, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Teaching
2024: CIMAH 1996: Risk Analyses and Reduction for Loss Prevention
2024: Process Safety Management (PSM): Fundamental with Application
2023-2024: Postgraduate METM1133-01, MKPM1213-01 – Risk and Safety Management
2023-2024: Undergraduate SETG3751-03 Thermodynamics and Material Engineering Laboratory
2023-2024: SPFKT-00 – FKT Safety Passport Program
2022-2023: Undergraduate SETG4711-02 – Gas Flow System Laboratory
2022-2024: Professional Certificate UTM-MPRC IFOG: Gas Fitter Class II – Gas Burner System
2022-2024: Professional Certificate Gas Distribution for Engineer and Gas Engineering Supervisor – Burner System and Combustion
2021-2024:Undergraduate SETG2133-02, SETG2133-01 – Combustion Engineering and Gas Utilisation
2021-2023: Undergraduate SETG1313-02, SETP1113-02 – Mechanics of Engineering
2021-2022: Undergraduate SKTG4223-02 – Gas Storage and Reticulation System
2020-2021: Undergraduate UETS2142-01 – Sustainable Energy
2020-2021: Undergraduate SETG1233-02 – Introduction to Chemical and Gas Engineering
2020-2021: Undergraduate SETG2343-02, SETG2343-03 – Fluid Mechanics
2019-2022: Undergraduate SKTG2443-01, SETG2443-01, SETG2443-02 – Transport Processes
2019-2024: Undergraduate SKTG3453-01, SETG3453-01 – Chemical Engineering Computation
2019-2020: Undergraduate SKTG2741-02 – Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
2019-2020: Undergraduate SKKK3761-02 – Separation Processes Laboratory II
Fire and Explosion Research Engineering
Dr Jyotirmoy Mishra
GEOPOLYMER BINDERS, FERROCHROME WASTE VALORISATION & SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE TECHNOLOGIES
Short Bio
Dr. Jyotirmoy Mishra earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, India, in 2023. He briefly worked as a Research Associate at the same institution before joining Prof. John Babafemi’s Research Group at Stellenbosch University as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. His primary research focus is ferrochrome waste-based geopolymer binders, while his research interests broadly include sustainable concrete and digital construction technologies. Dr. Mishra aims to explore innovative solutions in these areas for sustainable built environment.
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Structural Engineering (Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, India, 2023)
B. Tech & M. Tech (Dual Degree), Civil & Structural Engineering (KIIT University, India, 2016)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA)
Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI)
Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
Orissa Chemical Society (OCS)
Research Interests
Ferrochrome Waste-based Geopolymer Binders
Sustainable Concrete Technologies
Digital Construction Technologies
Selected Publications
Mishra, J., Nanda, B., Patro, S.K., Das, S.K. and Mustakim, S.M., 2022. Influence of ferrochrome ash on mechanical and microstructure properties of ambient cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 24(3), pp.1095-1108.
Mishra, J., Nanda, B., Patro, S.K. and Krishna, R.S., 2024. A comprehensive review on compressive strength and microstructure properties of GGBS-based geopolymer binder systems. Construction and Building Materials, 417, 135242.
Mishra, J., Nanda, B., Patro, S.K., Das, S.K. and Mustakim, S.M., 2022. Strength and microstructural characterization of ferrochrome ash-and ground granulated blast furnace slag-based geopolymer concrete. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 8, pp.156-169.
Nanda, B., Mishra, J. and Patro, S.K., 2024. Synthesis of rice husk ash based alkaline activators for geopolymer binder systems: A Review. Journal of Building Engineering, 91, 109694.
A list of his published articles can be found on his Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=AK71KNQAAAAJ&hl=en
Teaching
Teaching experience as a Guest Lecturer in India:
– 2022: Undergraduate (4th Semester): Concrete Technology
– 2016: Undergraduate (4th Semester): Concrete Technology
GEOPOLYMER BINDERS, FERROCHROME WASTE VALORISATION & SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE TECHNOLOGIES
Dr Nicole Nel
Short Bio
Doctoral research into untreated greywater as supplementary household water source to augment potable municipal supply with
consideration of associated risks. Current research: an investigation into the removal of fungicide and pathogens from citrus packhouse wash water in South Africa.
Education/Qualifications
BSc Eng, MPhil, PhD Civil Engineering
Professional Experience
Consulting Engineer, Project Manager and Academic
Research Interests
Water Quality, reuse and treatment
Selected Publications
Nel. N., Brink I., Jacobs H.E. Ilemobade A. (2022) “A review of untreated household greywater quality to inform the water saving-risk trade-off in South Africa.” WaterSA, 48(4) 441-449.
Jacobs H.E., Du Plessis J.L., Nel N., Gugushe S. and Levin S. (2020) “Baseline adjustment methodology in a shared water savings contract under serious drought conditions.” WaterSA 46(1) 22-29.
Nel N. and Jacobs H.E. (2019) “Investigation into untreated greywater reuse practices by suburban households under the threat of intermittent water supply.” Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 9(4), 627–634. https://doi.org/10.2166/ washdev.201 9.055.
Nel N., Jacobs H.E., Loubser C. and Du Plessis K.J.A (2017) “Supplementary household water sources to augment potable municipal supply in South Africa.“ Water SA, 43 (4).
Nel N., Parker A. and Silbernagl P. (2013) “Improving Water Quality in Stormwater & River Systems; an Approach for Determining Resources.” Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering Vol. 55 No 1, April 2013, Pages 22-35, Paper 797.
Teaching
Undergraduate Hydraulics
Water quality, reuse and treatment
Dr Marchant Van Den Heever
3D Concrete Printing, Computational, Structural, Experimental & Microstructural Mechanics
Short Bio
Dr Marchant van den Heever attained a PhD in Civil Engineering in the field of 3D printing of concrete at Stellenbosch University 2021. He received his BEng in Civil Engineering from Stellenbosch University in 2018. Currently he serves as the Technical Director at Harcourt Technologies Ltd in based in Ireland and the UK providing commercial concrete printing solutions in the social housing sector. His research interests include numerical analysis, mechanical characterization, microstructural analysis and reinforcement strategies for 3D printed concrete components and materials.
Education/Qualifications
PhD, BEng (Civil)
Professional Experience
Technical Director at Harcourt technologies Limited
Honours, Awards, Memberships
PPC Ltd prize for Meritorious work in the field of Concrete Engineering (2021)
Concrete Society of Sothern Africa (CSSA) prize for best final year project in concrete technology (2018)
Research Interests
Materials, structural, experimental and computational mechanics of 3D concrete printing
Selected Publications
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102944
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2021.102569
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106695
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2020.101737
https://scholar.sun.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10019.1/123688/vandenheever_mechanics_2021.pdf?sequence=1
Teaching
– Theory of Structure 354 (2019)
– Structural Design (Concrete) 354 (2018)
3D Concrete Printing, Computational, Structural, Experimental & Microstructural Mechanics
Dr Andrew Way
Risk & Reliability, Structural Design and Standardisation, Structural Health Monitoring
Short Bio
Andrew Way completed his PhD in structural risk and reliability at Stellenbosch University. His current research involves achieved reliability in water retaining structures, as well as in existing bridge structures.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University 2021
MEng (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University 2014
BEng (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University 2012
Professional Experience
Structural Engineer
Element Consulting Engineers
2015-2016
Graduate Structural Engineer
SMEC South Africa
2016-2017
Research Interests
Reliability in New & Existing Structures
Traffic Load Models
Water Retaining Structures
Self-sealing in Concrete
Selected Publications
Please see my ResearchGate profile:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew_Way3
Teaching
Teaching assistant for various undergraduate modules ranging from first to final year.
Risk & Reliability, Structural Design and Standardisation, Structural Health Monitoring
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Academic Staff
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Prof Johann Andersen
Prof Johann Andersen
Adjunct Professor
Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Intelligent Transportation SystemsEmail: jandersen@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4025Office: S3043Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), University of Stellenbosch 1995
MS (Transportation), University of Texas at Austin 1992
BEng (Civil Engineering), University of Stellenbosch 1988Professional Experience
Adjunct Associate Professor of Transportation Engineering, 2014
Head: Intelligent Transport Systems and Smart Mobility Laboratory 2014
CEO Techso, 2005
Prof Andersen has extensive exposure in the field of technology applications in Transportation. He has practical industry experience in the fields of Freeway Management Systems, Advanced Public Transportation Management Systems, Vehicle Overload Control Systems. This entails concept and strategy development, design and monitoring of deployment. His passion is to convey the practical experience to his teaching and research environment.Honours, Awards, Memberships
Special Award for Excellence in ITS, ITS South Africa
First president of ITS South Africa
Member SAICE, ITS SAResearch Interests
ITS solutions for developing countries
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) application
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Big Data applications in TransportationSelected Publications
Andersen, SJ and Bruwer, M. Economic Chapter: Transportation. Development of a Country report on the Measures Implemented to Combat the Impact of Covid-19 in South Africa, DPME, 2020Olivier, WG, Andersen, SJ, and Bruwer, M. Incident Analysis Using Probe Data, Proceedings of the South African Transport Conference, 2017. Received SATC award for best paper by young Professional. Andersen, SJ, Lorio B and Vorster P. Chapter 16: Overload Control Benefit & Cost Considerations. Lu, Meng (ed). Evaluation of Intelligent Road Transport Systems: Methods & Results. IET United Kingdom. 2016 Booysen, M, Andersen, SJ, and Zeeman, AS, Informal Public Transport in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Vessel for Novel Intelligent Transport Systems, Proceedings, 16th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 2013, The Hague, Netherlands
International Collaborations
Institute for Transportation Research (ITRE), North Caroline State University
University of Texas at Austin
Venice International University
Industry collaboration: TomTom (Netherlands), ptvgroup (Germany)Teaching
Intelligent Transportation Systems as part of Transportation Science 364
Postgraduate course: Systems Engineering Approach to Intelligent Transportation SystemsCloseAdjunct Professor
Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Intelligent Transportation SystemsProf Adewumi BabafemiProf Adewumi Babafemi
Smart materials & construction, sustainable construction technologies, autonomous construction, modular and off-site constructionEmail: ajbabafemi@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4475Office: S3019Short Bio
Prof AJ Babafemi had his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, where he was lecturing. He obtained his PhD degree at the Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa in 2015. He was also a postdoctoral research fellow at the university between 2016 and 2017. He joined the department as a Senior Lecturer in 2019. He is a member of the Unit for Construction Materials (UCM) and the current Package Coordinator of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University (2015)
M.Sc. (Building Structures), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2011)
B.Sc. (Hons.) (Building), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2001)Professional Experience
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Jul. 2024 to date
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Aug. 2022 to Jun. 2024
Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Aug. 2019 to Jul. 2022
Senior Lecturer, Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Oct. 2018 – Aug. 2019
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, May 2016 – June 2017
Graduate Assistant – Lecturer I, Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Nov. 2005 – Sept. 2018.
Lecturer III, Department of Building Technology, Waziri Umaru Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria, Dec. 2003 – Dec. 2005.Honours, Awards, Memberships
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund, Nigeria) for Academic Staff Training & Development Programme, 2011-2014.
Sub-Committee B Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Stellenbosch University, May 2016-June 2017.
Sub-Committee B New Appointees Funding, Stellenbosch University, 2020
African Collaboration Grant (ACG) 2020
RILEM Senior (#31890)
NRF Rated Researcher – C2
Pr Tech Eng, ECSA (2024301826)
Corporate Member, SAICE (2012922)
Registered Professional Builder, CORBON (F.1334)
Corporate Member, MNIOB (M.0001408)
Member, Concrete Society of Southern AfricaResearch Interests
Fibre reinforced cement-based materials
Time-dependent behaviour of cement-based materials
Green building materials
Use of supplementary cementitious materials in concrete
Durability properties of cement-based materials
Construction material behaviour in fire
Geopolymer concrete
3D concrete printingSelected Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JWpBGHQAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
International Collaborations
Prof. Suvash C. Paul (IUBAT, Bangladesh)
Dr. Biranchi Panda (IIT Guwahati, India)
Dr. Md Jihad Miah (University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh)
Dr. Babatunde J. Olawuyi (FUTMinna, Nigeria)
Dr. BrankoSavija(DUT, The Netherlands)
Dr. Jonathan Phuong Tran (RMIT University, VIC, Australia)Teaching
Strength of Materials 254
CloseSmart materials & construction, sustainable construction technologies, autonomous construction, modular and off-site constructionDr Adèle BosmanDr Adèle Bosman
River hydraulics, rock scour, design of large hydraulic structuresEmail: abosman2@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4356Office: S3039Short Bio
Adèle Bosman is a lecturer in Hydraulics Engineering at the Stellenbosch University. She holds a BEng, MSc and PhD (civil engineering), all from Stellenbosch University. For the past 12 year she specialised in the design of Hydraulic Structures, and River and Reservoir hydrodynamic modelling and rock sour studies. Previously she worked for Aurecon for five year, where she was involved mainly in the design of water and wastewater treatment plants.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Civil), MSc (Civil), PhD (Civil)
Professional Experience
2009-2013: Engineer, Aurecon Cape Town
2013 – 2023: Lecturer: Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering
2024 – present: Senior Lecturer: Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil EngineeringHonours, Awards, Memberships
Member of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Awarded Best Presenter by a YPF member at the 2019 SANCOLD ConferenceResearch Interests
Design of Hydraulic Structures
River and reservoir hydrodynamic modelling
Sedimentation and rock scour studies
Physical and numerical modellingSelected Publications
• Bosman A and Basson GR (2020). Physical model study of bedrock scour downstream of dams due to spillway plunging jets, Journal of South African Institute of Civil Engineering, 62(3), 36-52. ISSN 1021-2019.
• Bosman A and Basson GR (2019). Rock scour hole equilibrium geometry prediction for plunging jets at dams. SANCOLD Annual Conference: Sustainable long-term dam infrastructure development and management, Benoni, South Africa, 6-8 November.
• Bosman A, Basson GR, Bosman DE (2016). Hydraulic model study of the blowback behaviour of the bottom outlet of the Berg River Dam, South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, 58(1), 43-52.Teaching
Hydraulic Structures 424 and Hydraulics 354
CloseRiver hydraulics, rock scour, design of large hydraulic structuresDr Megan BruwerDr Megan Bruwer
Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, ITSEmail: mbruwer@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4080Office: S3026Short Bio
Megan Bruwer is a transportation engineer and qualified with a B.Eng degree in civil engineering in 2008 and an M.Eng degree in transportation engineering in 2010, both cum-laude, from Stellenbosch University. After qualifying, Megan worked as a consultantengineer, involved in the design of rural and metropolitan public transport systems and road based traffic accommodation for new developments. Megan joined the Civil Engineering Department of Stellenbosch University as a lecturer in transportation engineering and the project coordinator of the Stellenbosch Smart Mobility Laboratory (SSML) in January 2015. Since returning to academia full time, Megan has enjoyed and excelled in her role as a lecturer. In 2017 she was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award presented by the Dean of the Engineering Faculty, recognising Teaching and Learning Scholarship, curriculum development and positive student feedback.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Awards:
2017: Teaching Excellence Award
2017: SAICE Award for best paper by a young professional at the Southern African Transport ConferenceMemberships:
Engineering Council of South Africa: Candidate Engineer
South African Institution of Civil Engineering:Member
South African Society for Engineering Education:MemberResearch Interests
Megan’s research interests include traffic flow theory and the application of Floating Car Data in the developing country context. She is currently completing a PhD in this field.
Selected Publications
Bruwer, MM; Bester, CJ; Viljoen, ES (2019). The influence of gradient on saturation flow rate at signalised intersections. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, 2019:61(2), Johannesburg: SAICE
Sinclair, M & Bruwer, MM (2019). The impact of prior transport-based experiences on academic interest and performance– a case study of undergraduate students in Transport Science modules at Stellenbosch University. Proceedings of the 8th Research in Engineering Education Symposium 2019, Cape Town, South Africa. Pp 654-663.
JM Schmidt, SJ Andersen & MM Bruwer. Traffic Impact of the It’s Time Event. Proceedings of the 37th Southern African Transport Conference 2018, Pretoria, South Africa Bruwer, M. &Weichenmeier, F., 2017. Adaptive Signal control using PTV Balance and PTV Epics for Application in a Developing Country. Livingstone, 8th Africa Transportation Technology Transfer Conference.
Olivier, W., Andersen, S. & Bruwer, M., 2017. Incident Analysis using Probe Data. Pretoria, 36th Southern African Transport Convference.International Collaborations
University Staff Doctoral Programme with the University of Bath
Teaching
Transportation Science 324
Transportation Science 364 (Geometric Design)CloseTraffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, ITSDr Talia da Silva BurkeDr Talia da Silva Burke
Short Bio
Dr Talia da Silva Burke is a senior lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering the Department of Civil Engineering. She completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge where she conducted centrifuge modelling to investigate how geosynthetic-reinforced soils respond to the formation of underground voids (e.g. sinkholes). She has experience as a consulting engineer in South Africa and as a research associate in the UK. Talia’s research interests are related to arching in granular soils, sinkhole deformation mechanisms, geosynthetics and fibre-optic monitoring. She is registered as a professional engineer under the Engineering Council of South Africa and is passionate about teaching and training future engineers to serve society.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (University of Cambridge)
BEng Hons Geotechnical Engineering (University of Pretoria)
BEng (University of Pretoria)Honours, Awards, Memberships
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA): Professional Engineer, Registration Number 20150015
International Geosynthetics Society (IGS): Member
Higher Education Academy: Associate Fellow (Ref: PR173655)
Awarded the Vice Chancellor and Principal’s medal for the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and information Technology on completion of undergraduate studies.Research Interests
Physical modelling
Geosynthetics
Geo-environmental engineering
Sinkholes
Fibre Optic Monitoring
Engineering educationTeaching
Geotechnique 254
CloseGeotechnical EngineeringProf Riaan CombrinckProf Riaan Combrinck
Construction materials, cement based materials, concreteEmail: rcom@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4946Office: S4015Short Bio
Prof Combrinck obtained his BEng, MScEng and PhD at Stellenbosch University between 2005 and 2016. He was appointed as lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department of Stellenbosch University in 2013 and is currently a senior lecturer. His teaching and research interests are construction materials with a special interest in cement and concrete materials. He has published internationally and also in South Africa and leads the Unit of Construction Materials (UCM) within the Structures Division of Stellenbosch University. The UCM supports several postgraduate students and research projects, and also provides specialist consultant services to industry, especially related to testing and development of construction materials
Education/Qualifications
BEng and MScEng (both cum laude), PhD, PrEng
Research Interests
Prof Combrinck’sbroader research theme is anything related to concrete and construction materials. The current research focus is the behaviour and modelling of cracking in ordinary, high performance and 3D-printed concrete in the plastic state, with special interest in preventing cracking to improve the concrete’s durability as well as increase the overall service life of the structure. Other focuses include, compatibility issues between cement and admixtures, fatigue of fibre reinforced concrete, creep of textile reinforced concrete, luminescent and translucent concrete, 3D-printed concrete as well as the characterisation of fresh concrete using rheology.
Selected Publications
https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?hl=en&user=5wtDY6EAAAAJ
Teaching
Building Materials 254
CloseConstruction materials, cement based materials, concreteDr Caitlin CourtneyDr Caitlin Courtney
Short Bio
Caitlin Courtney is a senior lecturer in wastewater engineering at Stellenbosch University. She holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Water Quality Engineering from the University of Cape Town. Her career includes diverse experiences in academia and industry. Before beginning her postgraduate studies, she spent two years working in the wastewater treatment and biogas sector and later transitioned to academia, where she lectured in UCT’s Chemical Engineering Department and contributed to research within the transdisciplinary Future Water Institute. Caitlin is also the co-founder of the innovative UCT start-up Pee-cycling, which develops technologies to recover valuable nutrients from human urine. Her current research interests focus on resource recovery from wastewater, non-sewered sanitation, membrane technologies, aquatic chemistry, and addressing contaminants of emerging concern.
Education/Qualifications
BSc in Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town (2015)
PhD (Civ Eng), University of Cape Town (2023)Professional Experience
2017-2018: Junior Wastewater Engineer, Aquest Colsen
2019 – 2022: Postgraduate student, University of Cape Town
2023-2024: Lecturer, Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town
2025 – present: Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch UniversityResearch Interests
Urine source separation and treatment
Resource recovery from wastewater
Non-sewered sustainable sanitation
Membrane processes
Aquatic chemistry
Contaminants of emerging concernSelected Publications
Simha, P., Courtney, C., Randall, D.G. 2024. An urgent call for using real human urine in decentralized sanitation research and advancing protocols for preparing synthetic urine. Frontiers in Environmental Science 12, 1367982
Simbeye, C., Courtney, C., Simha, P., Fischer, N. and Randall, D.G., 2023. Human urine: A novel source of phosphorus for vivianite production. Science of The Total Environment, p.164517.
Courtney, C. and Randall, D.G. 2023. Investigating the potential of eutectic freeze crystallization for the further concentration of human urine after reverse osmosis treatment. Water Research 223, 119760.International Collaborations
Dr Prithvi Simha (Swedish University of Agricultural Science)
Teaching
Water Treatment 324
CloseWater and Environmental EngineeringProf Nico de KokerProf Nico de Koker
Uncertainty Quantification, Engineering InformaticsEmail: ndekoker@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4434Office: S3011Education/Qualifications
BSc (UJ), BScHons (Wits), PhD (U. Michigan), BScEng (Wits), PhD (Stell)
Research Interests
Computational Physics, Uncertainty Quantification,
Selected Publications
Uncertainty quantification in computational physics, as applied to the modelling thermo-mechanical systems in structural and mechanical engineering using the finite element method and limit equilibrium analyses. Meaningful use of information technology and numerical simulations in engineering design.
Teaching
Engineering Informatics 314
CloseUncertainty Quantification, Engineering InformaticsProf Wibke de VilliersProf Wibke de Villiers
Short Bio
Wibke joined Stellenbosch University as a lecturer in Structural Engineering in 2011, is registered as a professional engineer with ECSA and is a member of the Unit for Construction Materials research group. Her research interests lie in masonry, alternative building materials, low-income housing and life cycle analysis.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2019
MScEng (Civil) Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2008
BEng (Civil) Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2006Professional Experience
2024 – present: Associate Professor, Structural Engineering, SU
2020 – 2023: Senior Lecturer, Structural Engineering, SU
2011 – 2019: Lecturer, Structural Engineering, SU
2009 – 2010: Structural Design Engineer, Aurecon, South AfricaHonours, Awards, Memberships
PrEng ECSA (202302777)
Associate Member SAICE (206312)
Member – SABS/TC 098/SC/ 05: Technical Committee for Design of Masonry Structures – Standards Development
2019 HL Reitz Medal for Best Postgraduate Student in Civil Engineering
2018 PhD Grant to 72nd RILEM Week, Delft, Netherlands
2006 Best Student in Structural Steel Design
2005 Best Student in Communication in Civil Engineering
2003 Liebenberg & Stander Prize for Best First Year Student in Civil EngineeringResearch Interests
Masonry
Alternative building materials
Low-income housing
Life cycle analysisSelected Publications
Scopus, Orcid, Google Scholar, Research Gate
International Collaborations
Prof Susanne Gampfer, Augsburg UAS, Germany
Dr Stephen Di’anga, JKUAT, KenyaTeaching
Strength of Materials 143 & 224
Theory of Structures 324
Building Materials 254 (Sustainability)
Cement-Based Materials (MEng elective)CloseMasonry, alternative building materialsMrs Courtney DevineMrs Courtney Devine
Short Bio
Courtney K. Rhoda received her B.Eng. (Mechatronic) and M.Eng. (Electrical) degrees from Stellenbosch University in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Her M.Eng. was primarily focused on electric vehicles, using probabilistic techniques to model the effects of electric vehicle charging and discharging. She is currently a Ph.D. (Civil Engineering) candidate at Stellenbosch University and is part of the Fire Engineering Research Unit. Since 2017 she has been tutoring, coaching and mentoring senior students from selected schools in the subjects of Mathematics and Physical Science to prepare them for tertiary education and for career paths in mathematics, science and engineering. She has recently been appointed as a Junior Lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department at Stellenbosch University.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Mechatronic), MEng (Electrical) SU
Honours, Awards, Memberships
In 2019 Ms. Rhoda won the award for Best Presenter at the Sixth Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institution Student Workshop, Johannesburg.
Research Interests
Ms. Rhoda’s research is aimed at promoting plastic recycling by focussing on fire safety in plastic recycling facilities. Other areas of interest include renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143
CloseFire Engineering Research UnitProf Kobus du PlessisProf Kobus du Plessis
Water resources, flood hydrology, water governanceEmail: jadup@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4358Office: S3013Short Bio
Prof JA du Plessis has more than 33 years of experience in the field of water engineering, which includes 16 years in industry. His industry work experience includes working for the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Agricultural, the City of Cape Town and as Director of Water Supply for the West Coast District Municipality, where he gained experience with water related institutional arrangements and specifically the Water Act and Water Service Act.
He joins the University of Stellenbosch in 2003 and is presently a Professor in Hydrology and Environmental Engineering in the Civil Engineering Department. He is a former Head of the Department of Civil Engineering.Education/Qualifications
BEng (Civil Engineering), M Eng (Risk management of water resources) and PhD (Integrated water demand management in local governance).
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Professional registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Fellow Member of the SA Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE).
Fellow Member of the Institute of Municipal Engineers of Southern Africa (IMESA).
Council and EXCO member of IMESA.
Member of the Education and Training panel for SAICE.
Member on the Editorial Panel of the SAICE Journal.
Member of the International Association for Water, Environment, Energy and Society.
NRF Level C2Research Interests
Prof Du Plessis specialised in water resource evaluations, flood hydrology and he provide institution support to various local authorities. He has a special interest in the modelling of conjunctive water use (surface / groundwater/ desalination and re-use) on a daily time step as well as the various flood related topics, including the use of Radar data and regional maximum floods.
Selected Publications
Visit my Google Profile (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=A6ROXt0AAAAJ) for a complete list of my publications
Teaching
Water Resources, Flood Hydrology and Environmental Engineering
CloseWater resources, flood hydrology, water governanceDr Humaira FataarDr Humaira Fataar
Short Bio
Dr Fataar completed her undergraduate studies studies in 2016 at Stellenbosch University. She then continued to pursue her Masters degree in fatigue of Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) in 2017 and upgraded to PhD in 2019, which she obtained in 2022. She is currently appointed as a junior lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University.
Research Interests
Fibre reinforced concrete
Fatigue of concrete
3D printed fibre reinforced concreteSelected Publications
Steyn, Z.C., Babafemi, A.J., Fataar, H. and Combrinck, R., 2020. Concrete containing waste recycled glass, plastic and rubber as sand replacement. Construction and Building Materials, p.121242.
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143
CloseFibre Reinforced ConcreteDr Natalia Flores QuirozDr Natalia Flores Quiroz
Fire Safety, Reconstruction of fire events, Human behaviour in fireEmail: Nataliaflores@sun.ac.zaPhone: 0609454435Short Bio
Dr Natalia Flores Quiroz is a researcher with experience in fire safety engineering. She holds a M.Sc. in Fire Safety Engineering from Ghent University and completed her PhD at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in the Fire Engineering Research Unit (FireSUN). Her PhD focused on Fire investigations in Informal Settlements where she reconstructed past incidents in order to understand the fire spread, the residents’ behaviour and the firefighters’ operations. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University, where one of the main research areas is wildland urban interface (WUI) fires.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University, 2021 MEng (Fire Safety), Ghent University, 2018 (cum laude) BEng (Electrical Engineering), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, 2010
Professional Experience
2011-2016 Project Leader FDA Ingenieros, Chile
Honours, Awards, Memberships
2020 SFPE Student Grant
2021 Sheldon Tieszen Student Award (13th IAFSS Symposium)Research Interests
Informal settlements fires, WUI fires, refugee camps fires
Selected Publications
Developing a framework for fire investigations in informal settlements. DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103046
Fire incident analysis of a large-scale informal settlement fire based on video imagery. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102107
Application of the Framework for Fire Investigations in Informal Settlements to large-scale real fire events – Consideration of fire formation patterns, fire spread rates and home survivability. DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2021.103435
Towards Understanding Fire Causes in Informal Settlements Based on Inhabitant Risk Perception. DOI: 10.3390/fire4030039CloseFire Safety, Reconstruction of fire events, Human behaviour in fireDr Elaine GoosenDr Elaine Goosen
Pavement Engineering, Bitumen Rheology, Numerical Modelling & Machine LearningEmail: esgoosen@sun.ac.zaOffice: S3024Short Bio
After graduating from Stellenbosch University with her BEng in civil engineering, Dr Goosen started as a graduate and assistant resident engineer in roads and stormwater. The majority of her time was spent on the upgrade of the N7 between Algeria and Clanwilliam. She later completed her PhD in Pavement Engineering and accepted a position as a Lecturer in Civil Engineering. Currently, her research focuses on the rheology, durability and performance of bitumen. She encourages the use of numerical modelling, optimisation and machine learning as research problem-solving tools.
Education/Qualifications
PhD and BEng in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University
Civil Engineering Exchange at Technische Universiteit DelftProfessional Experience
Assistant Resident Engineer for the Upgrade of the N7 between Algeria and Clanwilliam for the Roads & Storm Water Division at WorleyParsons (RSA).
Graduate Engineer in the Roads & Storm Water Division at WorleyParsons (RSA).Honours, Awards, Memberships
2019 Zuid-Afrikahuis Scholarship holder
2018 – 2020 Wilhelm Frank Scholarship holder
2016 – 2017 SANRAL Bursary holder
2016 – SATC Best Student Paper
2011 SAICE Student Chapter Chair
2008 – 2011 Kv3 Bursary holder
2008 – Golden Key Member
2008 Best Civil Engineering Student in Professional CommunicationResearch Interests
Bitumen Rheology and Durability
Numerical Modelling and Optimisation
Machine Learning in Pavement Engineering Materials
Sustainability in Pavement Engineering Materials
New Pavement TechnologyTeaching
Civil Engineering 224
Transportation Science 434ClosePavement Engineering, Bitumen Rheology, Numerical Modelling & Machine LearningProf Trevor HaasProf Trevor Haas
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, SEISMIC ANALYSIS, STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, ENGINEERING EDUCATIONEmail: trevor@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4438Office: S4016Education/Qualifications
• Ph.D. (Eng.) – Stellenbosch University – 2007
• M.S. (Civil Eng.) – Southern Illinois University at Carbondale – 1999
• N.H. Dip (Civil Eng.) – Peninsula Technikon – 1992
• N. Dip (Civil Eng.) – Peninsula Technikon – 1991Professional Experience
• My professional experience was mainly obtained within an educational environment; i.e. at a University of Technology and traditional University.
• Numerous structural analysis projects for consulting engineers mainly in the structural analysis / earthquake engineering / engineering education environment.
• I conducted numerous engineering accreditation evaluations of Civil Engineering programs at various Universities of Technology, on behalf of the Engineering Council of South Africa.Honours, Awards, Memberships
• Pr Eng – Engineering Council of South Africa
• Pr Tech Eng – Engineering Council of South AfricaResearch Interests
• Structural engineering, Seismic analysis, Structural dynamics, Engineering education
Selected Publications
• M. Solms, Haas, T. N, “Alternative Approach to Analysing Infrastructure Using Limited Acceleration Time History Analysis”, Presented at 2016 International Conference on Structural and Civil Engineering (ICSCE 2016), Hong Kong, 9 – 11 July 2016, International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 6, No. 2, May 2017
• M. Solms, Haas, T. N, “Seismic evaluation of the north bound N1-R300 bridge interchange”, The South African Journal of Civil Engineering, SAICE, Vol 58, No. 4, December 2016, pg 62 to 71, Paper # 1475.
• Haas, T. N., A. Koen, “Eccentric Loading of CFDST Columns”,International Journal of Civil, Architectural, Structural and Construction Engineering Vol: 8 No: 12, 2014, pg 1191 to 1195.
• Haas, T. N., “Maximum Horizontal Longitudinal Force Due To Crane Loading Using A Coupled Approach”, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning: An International Journal, CiVEJ, Vol. 1, No. 1, June 2014, pg 91 to 101
• Albertyn H., Haas, T. N., Dunaiski, P., “Accounting for moment-rotation joint and column base response in analysis of portal frames to determine displacements”, The South African Journal of Civil Engineering. SAICE, Vol 56, No. 1, April 2014, pg 69 to 76.
• Haas, T. N., Smith, D., “Are reinforced concrete bridges more economical than structural steel bridges?”,The Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering, JJCE, Vol. 8, No.1, 2014, January 2014, pg 43 to 57International Collaborations
• I am collaborating with various academics to develop codified requirements for Concrete Filled Double Skin Tubular columns.
Teaching
• Strength of Materials 224 (Currently teaching)
• Strength of Materials 143 and 254 (Previously taught)CloseSTRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, SEISMIC ANALYSIS, STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, ENGINEERING EDUCATIONProf Kim JenkinsProf Kim Jenkins
Short Bio
Pavement Engineering, Cold Recycling and Rehabilitation Design
Education/Qualifications
BScEng, MEng, PhD
Professional Experience
1986-1996 years Consulting Geotech & Pavement Materials
1996-2014 Academic in Sustainable Pavement Materials and DesignHonours, Awards, Memberships
FSAAE Academy of Engineering, FSAICE, FSAT etc.
Research Interests
Cold Recycling, Bituminous Stabilisation, Sustainable Materials
Selected Publications
Jenkins K.J, Long F.M, and Ebels L.J. Foamed Bitumen Mixes = Shear Performance? IJPE International Journal of Pavement Engineering. Volume 8 Number 2. pp 85-98. June 2007, IF 2.646
Jenkins K.J. and Johns F.M. Reconciling Mix and Structural Design of Bitumen Stabilised Materials – Heuristic versus Mechanistic Empirical Models. Journal for Road Materials and Pavement Design RMPD ID 21-01-20 and ID TRMP 1880963, Thematic Issue ISAP TC APE, Pp 1 – 33 https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2021.1880963 , 2021, IF 3.792
Jenkins K.J. Durability of Bitumen-Stabilised Materials. Journal of Testing and Evaluation. ASTM American Standard Test Methods. JTE (2022). Volume 51 Issue 4. Published online 14 December 2022. ISSN 0090-3973. Pp 1-22 https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20220267 IF 1.333International Collaborations
TU Delft, UParma, USaoPaulo, NTPE, UGranada, UTwente, , Wirtgen, UCDavis, UWMadison
Teaching
PG Pavement Engineering 6 modules
UG Civil and Pavement Engineering 2 modulesClosePavement EngineeringDr Katelyn JohnsonDr Katelyn Johnson
Engineering Hydrology, Fluid Mechanics, Climate Change Adaptation, and Flood ResilienceEmail: katelynj@sun.ac.zaShort Bio
Katelyn Johnson is a senior lecturer specialising in Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering. She has 4 years’ experience in industry and 8 years in academia. Her interdisciplinary research combines hydrology, hydrometeorology, and climate change to address challenges around flood resilience and water resources management. She has led multiple flood-related research projects supported by both local and international funders and collaborates with institutions like the Institute of Natural Resources and the University of Bath. Her teaching philosophy focuses on fostering self-directed learning and she is passionate about growing students to become future engineers.
Education/Qualifications
PhD Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
MSc Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
BSc Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal)Professional Experience
2025 – present: Senior lecturer, Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering
2017 – 2024: Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Civil Engineering
2013 – 2017: Civil Engineer and Assistant Resident Engineer, Eyethu Engineers, DurbanHonours, Awards, Memberships
Honours:
Invited keynote speaker at the SA Hydrological Society Conference – 2024Awards:
IAHS Sivapalan Young Scientists Award – 2023
British Council Newton Researcher Links Award – 2019Memberships:
ECSA (Candidate Engineer)
IAHS
SAHS
HETASA
Golden Key MemberResearch Interests
Extreme rainfall and flood events
Climate change and impacts on hydrological systems
Flood-risk modelling and resilience
Integration of indigenous knowledge in water resources managementSelected Publications
Johnson, KA, Smithers, JC, Schulze RE, Kjeldsen, TR. 2024. Non-stationary frequency analysis of extreme rainfall events on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Hydrological Sciences Journal. Accepted, In Press.
Phillips, R, Johnson, KA, Barnes, A and Kjeldsen, TR. 2024. Identifying the Pathways of Extreme Rainfall in South Africa Using Storm Trajectory Analysis and Unsupervised Machine Learning Techniques. Journal of Hydroinformatics 26 (1): 162–174. https://doi.org/10.2166/hydro.2023.261.
Johnson, KA, Smithers, JC and Schulze, RE. 2021. A review of methods to account for impacts of non-stationary climate data on extreme rainfalls for design rainfall estimation in South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering 63 (3):55-61.
Johnson, KA and Smithers, JC. 2020. Updating the estimation of 1-day probable maximum precipitation in South Africa. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies 32 (3): 100736.
Johnson, KA and Smithers, JC. 2019. Methods for the estimation of extreme rainfall events. Water SA 45(3):501-512.International Collaborations
Dr Thomas Kjeldsen, University of Bath, United Kingdom
Teaching
Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering
CloseEngineering Hydrology, Fluid Mechanics, Climate Change Adaptation, and Flood ResilienceDr Chris JurgensDr Chris Jurgens
Technology adoption in civil engineering, SEE sustainability: social, economic and environmentalEmail: cj@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4078Office: S3042Education/Qualifications
PhD in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
MscEng in Structural Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2007)
BEng in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2005)Professional Experience
Lecturer: Department of Civil Engineering(Stellenbosch University, 2014 – present)
3 years Resident Engineer on-site experience (KFD Wilkinson, Cape Town, 2011 – 2014)
3 years design/office experience (KFD Wilkinson, Cape Town, 2008 – 2011)Honours, Awards, Memberships
NRF Thuthuka PhD research grant (2019 – 2021)
SU LaunchLabIdeaSmash competition judge (2019)
Construction Management Programme graduate (2014)
Golden Key Honorary lifetime memberResearch Interests
Technology in Construction: the adoption and development of drones and other emerging technologies (low-cost hardware)
Sustainable Civil Engineering: the application of renewable energy, new materials and alternative construction methodsSelected Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pi8AhJ0AAAAJ&hl=en
International Collaborations
Civil, E&E and Mechanical Engineering Departments
InnovUS/LaunchLab
PPSFoundationTeaching
Engineering Management 454
CloseTechnology adoption in civil engineering, SEE sustainability: social, economic and environmentalProf Charles MacRobertProf Charles MacRobert
Characterisation and modelling of geomaterials for global stability and seepage assessmentsEmail: macrobert@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4079Office: S4011Short Bio
Dr Charles John MacRobert Pr Eng, is a Senior Lecturer of Geotechnical Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. His research interests lie predominantly in the characterisation and modelling of geomaterials for global stability and seepage assessments. A particular emphasis of his research is understanding the role of engineering judgement in dealing with epistemic uncertainty, which often abounds in practice due to limited resources. Charles also provides specialised consulting support to practicing engineers, both to carry out practice-oriented research and to confidently teach both the professional practice and art of engineering.
Education/Qualifications
Dr Charles John MacRobert, received his BSc (Eng) from the University of Cape Town, and both his MSc (Eng) and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Professional Experience
As well as being an academic, he is active as a consultant, on the characterisation and modelling of geomaterials for global stability and seepage assessments, with particular emphasis on industrial and mining residue facilities.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
2019 International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) Bright Spark Lecture 2019
2010 Barry van Wyk Award awarded by the South Africa Intuition of Civil Engineers Geotechnical Division
Member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)
Member of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE)
Member of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)Research Interests
Global stability and seepage assessments
Characterisation and modelling of geomaterials
Engineering judgement and decision makingSelected Publications
Stark, T.D., MacRobert C.J., and Hayter S.A. (2021) Liquefied Strength Ratio for Eight Laboratory-Tested Sandy Soils. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 147.2(2021):04020165.
Stark, T. D., and MacRobert, C. J. (2021). Liquefied Strength Ratio with Stress Densification and Low Stresses. Canadian Geotechnical Journal. 10.1139/cgj-2018-0730
MacRobert, C.J. (2020) A study of problem complexity and expertise in making judgement decisions for waste cover and tailings dam safety. Australian Geomechanics Journal 55(3):37-49
Pathmanandavel, S. & MacRobert, C.J. (2020) Digitisation, sustainability, and disruption – promoting a more balanced debate on risk in the geotechnical community, Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards, DOI: 10.1080/17499518.2020.1790012
See CV for a complete list of publications
International Collaborations
Liquefaction assessment and modelling with Prof Timothy Stark
Impacts of digitisation on geotechnical practice with Sukumar PathmanandavelTeaching
Applied Geomechanics
Advanced Design
Géotechnique 2CloseCharacterisation and modelling of geomaterials for global stability and seepage assessmentsMr Tanduxolo NguzaMr Tanduxolo Nguza
Short Bio
Completed my BEng in Civil at the University of Pretoria and my MEng (Water) at Stellenbsoch University. Engineering consulting experience in municipal infrastructure and SA Army Engineering experience in Bailey Bridge building, water purification and sewer network maintenance.
Education/Qualifications
MEng
BEngProfessional Experience
4 years
Research Interests
Sewer sediment management and Sewer Information Management Systems
Teaching
Hydraulics 324
CloseSEWERS, SEWER SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT, BULK WATER PIPELINESProf Marion SinclairProf Marion Sinclair
Short Bio
Prof Marion Sinclair hasover eighteen years working in road safety; spread between road safetyplanning and implementation in the United Kingdom, and within research and teaching of Road Safety in South Africa. With a background in Urban Design (Wits University, South Africa; University of Washington, USA), and specific interest in human factors and vulnerable road users, she has unique exposure to the causes and solutions of road crashes in both developed and developing economies. She was appointed as a Research Associate to the Department in 2009, and in 2014 took up the post of Associate Professor in Road Safety and Transportation Engineering. She leads research into finding ways of better protecting road users in South Africa, particularly pedestrians and disabled road users, through improved road design, appropriate standards and policies regarding traffic management.
Research Interests
Pedestrian safety, universal accessibility, psychological impacts of design standards on users; smarter and safer transportation options.
Selected Publications
1. Sinclair, M. 2013, “Attitudes, norms and driving behaviour: A comparison of young drivers in South Africa and Sweden”, Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, vol. 20, no. 0, pp. 170-181.
2. Van Hoving, D., Sinclair, M., Wallis,L. 2013, “Patterns of seatbelt use in different socioeconomic communities in the Cape Town Metropole, South Africa”, South African Medical Journal, vol. 103, no. 9.
3. Sinclair, M., 2013. “The promotion of road safety by healthcare professionals in South Africa.” South African Medical Journal 2013;103(9):614-615.
4. Sinclair, M. 2013. “Seatbelt legislation in South Africa – failing to uphold the rights of children”.Stellenbosch Law Review, 2013,3, 24.
5. AkokuEbot Eno Akpa N, Booysen MJ, Sinclair MD. A comparative evaluation of the impact of average speed enforcement (ASE) on passenger and minibus taxi vehicle drivers on the R61 in South Africa. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering 2016; 58(4):2-10.
6. AkokuEbot Eno Akpa N, Booysen MJ, Sinclair MD. Auditory intelligent speed adaption for long distance informal public transport in South Africa. IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Magazine 2016; 8(2):53-64.7. Sinclair MD, Zuidgeest DR. Investigations into pedestrian crossing choices on Cape Town freeways. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 2016; 42(1369-8478):479-494.
8. Tamar Ben-Bassat, David Shinar, Raquel Almqvist, Jeff K. Caird, Robert E. Dewar, Esko Lehtonen, Paul M. Salmon, Marion Sinclair, HeikkiSummala, Lidia Zakowska & Gabriel Liberman (2019)Expert evaluation of traffic signs: conventional vs. alternative designs, Ergonomics 62:6,734-747Teaching
Responsible for teaching road safety to undergraduate and postgraduate civil engineering students, and for Communications and Problem-solving skills to second year undergraduate students.
CloseTransportation SafetyProf Cristina TroisProf Cristina Trois
Waste to Energy, Waste Management, Wastewater EngineeringEmail: cristinatrois@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4251Short Bio
Prof. Cristina Trois is the Director of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) at Stellenbosch University. Previously she held the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chair in Waste and Climate Change (Tier 1) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, since 2018. Full Professor in Environmental Engineering, she served as Dean of the School of Engineering at UKZN from 2012 to 2018, and Head of Department/Chair of Civil Engineering, Land Surveying and Construction Management from 2008 to 2012. Since January 2022, she serves as Acting Director of the (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) WASH R&D Centre at UKZN.
She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering (summa cum laude) and a PhD in Geo and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cagliari, Italy. Prof. Trois is a C1-rated researcher (Internationally recognized) with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of Italy.
Her main fields of expertise are: Environmental and Civil Engineering, Waste Management and Climate Change, Sustainable Cities, Waste and Resources Management, Bioenergy, Green and bio-Hydrogen, Waste to Energy, Biogas, Water/Wastewater Engineering, Systems Modelling and Decision-support tools, Renewable Energy from waste and GHGs control from zero waste in Africa and developing countries, Circular Economy.
She developed and coordinated the Master Programme in Environmental Engineering (2001-2011) and the first Master Programme in Waste and Resources Management in South Africa (2018 to date). She has graduated over 120 postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Prof Trois is author of over 130 peer-reviewed publications in ISI-rated journals, conference proceedings, including chapters in books and mono-series. Series Editor for Springer (Nature) for the Series “Waste as a Resource”, Co-editor of the book “Waste Management in Developing Countries” for Springer (Nature), she is in the editorial/review panel of several leading ISI Scientific Journals and actively collaborates with recognised national and international Institutions.
Chair of the joint secretariat for the Southern Africa Region of the UN-IPLA Programme (International Partnership for advancing waste management services of local authorities) and the IWWG (International Waste Working Group), she is Fellow of the Global Engineering Dean’s Council and active member of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies. She is also co-PI in two communities of practice funded by the NRF and the Presidential Commission for Climate Change: CoP Waste and Resources Management (Waste to Value) with UCT, UWC and UKZN and CoP “Climate Change Research in Collaboration with Society” with UCT and WITS.
Prof. Trois has over 25 years of international experience in Environmental Sanitary Engineering and has been the principal investigator as well as the project coordinator of many multi-million Rand feasibility and RDI waste and resources management projects in South Africa, Africa and around the world. She is the developer of the WROSETM Model (Waste to Resource Optimisation and Scenario Evaluation), an innovative Decision-Support Tool for local authorities and industry, and advisor for the Just Energy and Decarbonisation Transition, waste and climate change, waste to energy projects to the South African Government and international governmental agencies.
First woman to become full Professor and Dean of Engineering in the history of UKZN, in 2019 she was bestowed the title of Dame of the Italian Republic (Order of the Star of Italy) by the President of the Italian Republic for her outstanding contribution to the development of research and human capital in Africa. Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE) since 2015, she was inducted as Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in 2019. In 2016, she was the first runner up in the Distinguished Women in Science Awards by the DSI. As a dedicated scholar and researcher of international standing, in 2022, UKZN honoured her as Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
As global engineering leader, Prof. Trois is the co-founder of the RISE (Rising to the Top) Women Leadership Academy, under the aegis of the Global Secretariat of the International Federation of the Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).CloseWaste to Energy, Waste Management, Wastewater EngineeringProf Pierre van der SpuyProf Pierre van der Spuy
Adjunct Associate Professor
Bridge Engineering and Renewable Energy StructuresEmail: pierrevds@sun.ac.zaShort Bio
Pierre is an Adjunct Associate Professor as well as an Associate with Zutari. He is registered as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and is a member of SAICE, IABSE and IABMAS. His research interests include topics in bridge engineering in particular traffic load modelling for bridge design. As a practicing engineer he specialises in bridge analysis and design, including non-linear finite element modelling of reinforced and prestressed concrete bridges. The types of bridges include incrementally launched bridges, precast segmental balanced cantilever bridges, long span arch bridges, prestressed box girder bridges, prestressed voided slab bridges, prestressed precast beam and slab bridges and normal reinforced concrete bridges. He also has experience in analysis and design of coastal structures and renewable energy structures. Renewable energy structures mainly consist of wind turbine foundations for which he is one of the leading designers in South Africa and the African continent. He has presented courses to industry on this topic.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (SU), MEng (UCT), PhD (Stell)
Professional Experience
2009 to 2015 : Aurecon (Structural Engineer)
2015 to 2016 : BVi (Bridge Design Line Manager)
2016 to 2019 : Aurecon (Senior Bridge Engineer)
2017 to 2019 : Stellenbosch University (Adjunct Senior Lecturer and PhD candidate)
2020 : Aurecon Dubai (Principal Engineer)
2020 to current : Zutari (previously Aurecon) (Associate)
2021 to current : Stellenbosch University (Adjunct Associate Professor)Honours, Awards, Memberships
SAICE South African Young Engineer of the Year 2017
South African Institution of Civil Engineering National Technical Excellence award – Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement for the Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
Concrete Society of South Africa Fulton Award – Best Infrastructure Project >R 100 million for the new Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
South African Institution of Civil Engineering Regional Award – Best Structure for the new Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
South African Institution of Civil Engineering Regional Award – Technical Excellence for the new Olifants River Arch Bridge (design engineer)
Consulting Engineers South Africa Engineering Excellence Award – Best Project with a value above R 250 million for the Ramp E Incrementally Launched Bridge (design engineer)
Concrete Society of South Africa Fulton Award – Commendation for Ramp E Incrementally Launched Bridge (design engineer)
South African Institution of Civil Engineering Structural Division Award for the Ramp E Incrementally Launched Bridge (design engineer)
Engineering Council of South Africa’s medal for the best student over 4 years in engineering across all disciplines at Stellenbosch University for the period 2005 – 2008
Best second year student in Civil Engineering (2006)
Best third year student in Civil Engineering (2007)
Best second year student in Civil Engineering Informatics (2006)
Best third year student in Civil Engineering Informatics (2007)
Best third year student in Concrete Design (2007)
Best fourth year student in Transportation Engineering (2008)
SAICE Award for the student that made the largest contribution to the advancement of the Civil Engineering industry in South AfricaResearch Interests
Bridge engineering and renewable energy structures
Selected Publications
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2018). Developing a new bridge live load model for South Africa. International Association for Bridge Maintenance and Safety (IABMAS). Melbourne: Taylor & Francis
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Towards a new bridge live load model for South Africa. Structural Engineering International. DOI: 10.1080/10168664.2018.1561168
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Multiple lane reduction factors based on multiple lane weigh in Motion data. Structures.
• Van der Spuy, PF & Niehaus, H. (2018). Strengthening, rehabilitation and widening of the existing arch bridge on national route 7 over the Olifants River, South Africa. International Conference on Concrete Repair, Retrofitting and Rehabilitation. Cape Town: Matec Web of Conferences.
• Viljoen, D, Schrecker, M & Van der Spuy, PF. (2018). Rehabilitation of the Port Nolloth Jetty. International Conference on Concrete Repair, Retrofitting and Rehabilitation. Cape Town: Matec Web of Conferences.
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Establishing the effect of the tail length on extrapolation when fitted to WIM data. RILEM SMSS 2019. Croatia: RILEM Publications S.A.R.L
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2019). Dynamic amplification factor for South African Bridges. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Van der Spuy, PF, Lenner, R, De Wet, T & Caprani, C. (2019). Multilane Reduction Factors Based on WIM Data. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Van der Spuy, PF & Niehaus, H. (2019). Design of the Olifants River arch bridge in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Meyer, MW, Lenner, R & Van der Spuy, PF. (2019). The development of a vehicle-bridge interaction model for South African traffic. Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation. Cape Town: Taylor & Francis
• Lenner, R, Basson, SE, Sykora, M & Van der Spuy, PF. (2021). Reliability performance of bridges designed according to TMH7 NA Load model. Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.
• Van der Spuy, PF & Lenner, R. (2021). Reliability calibration of a bridge traffic load model. Fib Symposium. Lisbon.
• Boros, V, Lenner, R, O’Connor, A, Orcesi, A, Schmidt, F, Van der Spuy, PF & Sykora, M. (2021). Traffic loads for existing bridges. IABSE Congress. Ghent.Teaching
Advanced Design 446 (structures)
Final Year Project 458CloseAdjunct Associate Professor
Bridge Engineering and Renewable Energy StructuresDr Algurnon van RooyenDr Algurnon van Rooyen
Material development, characterization, durability, 3D printingEmail: asvr@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 9510Office: S3040Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University – 2020
MSc (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University – 2013
BEng (Civil Engineering) Stellenbosch University – 2010Professional Experience
Lecturer: Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University 2013-
Honours, Awards, Memberships
The Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) prize for the most deserving work in the field of Concrete Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2020
Research Interests
My research is focused on structural lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC). The goal of the research is to use LWFC as an energy efficient construction material. Durability aspects of LWFC, fracture mechanics, Fiber reinforced concrete, alkali activated materials (alternative concretes) and 3D printing of concrete are also an interest of mine.
Selected Publications
A list of my publications can be found on my Google Scholar profile.
Teaching
Strength of Materials 143
CloseMaterial development, characterization, durability, 3D printingProf Gideon van ZijlProf Gideon van Zijl
3D Concrete Printing, Structural and Computational Mechanics, DurabilityEmail: gvanzijl@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4436Office: S3023Short Bio
Gideon is Professor of Structural Engineering since 2001, registered Professional Engineer since 1993 and Fellow of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers and the South African Academy of Engineering. Since Inaugurating the Centre for Development of Sustainable Infrastructure (CDSI) in 2002, he leads research in development and modelling of new cement-based construction materials and structures, and structural, computational and durability mechanics. 3D construction printing is the current focus of the CDSI to increase productivity and sustainable employment in construction of sustainable infrastructure.
Education/Qualifications
• PhD (2000) (Civil Engineering) Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
• DEng (2016), MEng (1990), BEng (1986) (Civil) Stellenbosch University, South AfricaProfessional Experience
• 2021-present Distinguished Professor in Civil Engineering, SU
• Visiting Professor Gifu, Japan (2010), Nanyang, Singapore (2016), Delft (2010, 2016)
• 2001-2020 Professor of Structural Engineering, SU
• 2010-2015, 2021 Head Department of Civil Engineering, SU
• 2001-2005, 2009, 2017-2018 Head Division for Structural Engng & Civil Engng Informatics, SU
• 2001-2004, 2006-2009 Postgraduate Program Head, Civil Engng, SU
• 1999-2009 Research Fellow, Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft
• 1995-1999 Assistant Researcher, Civil Engng and Geosciences, TU Delft
• 1992-1995 Lecturer, Civil Engng, SU
• 1989-1992 Structural Engineer/Project manager, Bureau for Mechanical Engng, SU
• 1987-1989 Researcher, Institute for Structural Engng, Civil Engng, SUHonours, Awards, Memberships
• FSAAE, FSAICE; MCCSA
• Editorial Advisory Boards of fib Structural Concrete, SAICE Journal, Materials and Structures
• Chancellor’s Award Learning and Teaching 2020 SU
• Top 2% of world scientists since 2019
• Research Excellence Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, SU
• Lecturer of the year 2012, Engineering Faculty, SU
• THRIP/DTI award 2011: Runner up Human Resource Quality and Quantity of students
• Upcoming Researcher of the year (2006), Engineering Faculty, SU
• H.L. Reitz medal for best postgraduate student in Civil Engineering, SU, 1990.
• Top Final year Civil Engineering student, 1986, SU
• Academic Colours of SU, 1986Research Interests
3D concrete printing
Structural Mechanics
Computational Mechanics
DurabilitySelected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Scopus, ResearchGate, GoogleScholar profiles.
Teaching
Theory of Structures 354 – Finite Element Method 2005-2015, 2020-
Theory of Structures 324 – Continuum Mechanics 2007-2009
Structural Design: Reinforced Concrete 314 1992 – 1995
Construction Materials 244 / 254 2001-2008
Strength of Materials 244 / 254 2002 – 2005
Strength of Materials 214 / 224 2001 – 2004, 2017, 2018
Strength of Materials 144 / 143 2001, 2004, 2005
PhD & Master’s course Advanced Mechanics of Materials and Modelling (AMMM) 2010-
Master’s course Cement-based materials 2017, 2018Close3D Concrete Printing, Structural and Computational Mechanics, DurabilityProf Celeste ViljoenProf Celeste Viljoen
Risk-based decision making, Structural design and Standardisation, Structural Reliability.Email: celesteviljoen@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4444Office: S3038Short Bio
Prof Viljoen is passionate about the training of engineering students, graduates and professionals as a driver of economic progress, environmental sustainability and reducing social inequalities. She currently serves as vice-dean: Teaching in the Faculty of Engineering.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Structural Engineering)
Honours, Awards, Memberships
ECSA PrEng; Fellow of SAICE, Member of various SABS technical committees.
Research Interests
Risk-based decision making; Structural design and Standardisation; Structural Reliability.
Prof Viljoen is a specialist in structural design and reliability. Her research informs standardisation of structural design, including the basis of design; quantification of wind loads; serviceability of liquid retaining structures; reinforced concrete design; and assessment of existing structures. She further contributes by translating research findings and insight into practice through standardisation and the presentation of Continued Professional Development courses.Selected Publications
Link to ORCID or Scopus:
Orcid Author ID: 0000-0002-4652-7452
Scopus Author ID: 55802382300International Collaborations
Joint Committee for Structural Safetyhttps://www.jcss-lc.org/; Member of ISO TC 98/SC 2/WG 11 for the revision of ISO 13824.
Teaching
Undergraduate:
Strength of Materials 143; Structural Design 354; Advanced Design 446;
Postgraduate:
Probability and Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering; Continuum Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis
Continued Professional Development:
Wind Loads on Structures;Design of Liquid Retaining Structures; Basis of Design; Assessment of Existing Structures; Construction Risk Management.CloseRisk-based decision making, Structural design and Standardisation, Structural Reliability.Dr Claudia VisagieDr Claudia Visagie
Traffic and Transport Engineering, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Internet of Things (IoT), Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)Email: visagiec@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4355Office: S3022Short Bio
Following her undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, Dr Claudia Visagie undertook the shift to transport science and completed both her master and doctoral studies in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in the transport domain working on both local and international projects. However, with her roots grounded in academia, she rejoined the academic environment in 2022. Currently, she is working as a lecturer at Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University and aspires to become a professor.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil – Transport). Stellenbosch University, 2016
MScEng Cum Laude (Civil – Transport), Stellenbosch University, 2012
BEng (Industrial), Stellenbosch University, 2010Professional Experience
Dr Claudia Visagie is a young academic having 3 years lecturing experience. Prior to this, she worked in the transport consulting engineering environment for 5 years. Her skills and expertise range from Business Intelligence Management (Data Mining and Governance), Performance Measurement and Management, Transport Engineering (including Transport Planning and Transport Network Modelling), ITS applications as well as Business Process Modelling and Re-engineering.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Member of ECSA, SAIIE, ITS SA
Research Interests
Smart Cities (including smart mobility).
Mobility 4.0 (including electric mobility and Mobility as a Service (MaaS)).
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) solutions for developing countries.
Paratransit applications in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Fourth Industrial Revolution 4IR (with focus on Big Data).
Sustainable and clean transport solutions considering UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Selected Publications
C. B. Struwig and S. J. Andersen, 2014, ‘Performance Measurement Trends in the implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) within the South African Transport Environment’, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on the use of Mobile Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Africa UMICTA, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
C. B. Struwig and S. J. Andersen, 2014, ‘The development of a generic step-wise framework for achieving a multimodal platform in a developing country environment’, Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference, Pretoria, South Africa.
C. B. Struwig and S. J. Andersen, 2013, ‘Challenges in providing Integrated Traveler Information in a Developing Country Environment’, Proceedings of the 16th International IEEE Annual Conference on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSC), The Hague, The Netherlands.
Struwig, C.B., Ruthven, G.A. and Von Leipzig, K., 2013, ‘The application of design criteria for locating a hub configured supply chain for a restaurant cluster in the Stellenbosch area’, Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management. Vol. 7, No. 1.Teaching
Transport Science 324
CloseTraffic and Transport Engineering, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Internet of Things (IoT), Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)Prof Richard WallsProf Richard Walls
Structural Fire Engineering, Fire Behaviour, Informal Settlement Fire SafetyEmail: rwalls@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 9584Office: S4009Short Bio
Prof Richard Walls is the head of the Fire Engineering Research Unit at Stellenbosch University, Africa’s first research team with a focus on fire engineering and structural fire design. Various fire related topics are currently being investigated, such as the design of steel structures in fire, analysis of structures in fire, forensic fire investigations, 3D printed concrete in fire, materials behaviour and informal settlement fire behaviour. Full-scale fire tests on shacks have been conducted on around seventy homes to understand fire behaviour, spread and how to reduce the impact of such fires. Consulting work has been done for companies developing rational structural fire design systems, and ascertaining the fire resistance of products. He was part of the team analysing the Knysna fire disaster, sponsored by Santam, and specifically considered why almost 1000 homes were lost in South Africa’s largest wildland fire disaster. He has contributed to publications by the United Nations and World Bank on developing world fire safety issues.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Structural fire engineering) – Stellenbosch University
MSc (Structural engineering) – University of the Witwatersrand
GDE (Materials and geotech) – University of the Witwatersrand
BScEng(Civil) – University of the Witwatersrand
BTh (Theology) – SA Theological SeminaryProfessional Experience
2010-2014: Worked as a structural engineer on industrial, commercial and petrochemical projects in industry before joining SU. Experience in design of steel, concrete, composite, retaining and industrial structures.
2014-present: Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering.Honours, Awards, Memberships
In 2020 he was awarded the “TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher” national award. The national NSTF-South32 Awards are the largest Science, Engineering & Technology & Innovation (SETI) awards in South Africa, known as the ‘Science Oscars’. His research has been covered by multiple newspapers, radio stations and websites.
Stellenbosch University Engineering Faculty Awards: Best post-graduate thesis in Civil Engineering 2016; Emerging Researcher of the Year in 2017; Academic of the Year in 2020.
Fellow of the SA Institute of Civil Engineers.
Research Interests
Fire safety engineering in general with focus areas on:
– Structural fire design
– Fire dynamics
– Informal settlement fire safety
– Material and product developmentSelected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Google Scholar profile.
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=T-GtZPMAAAAJ&hl=en)
International Collaborations
University of Edinburgh, Oklahoma State University, National Fire Protection Association (USA), Kindling Safety (USA).
Funding has been received from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Royal Academy of Engineering and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (UK).Teaching
SD424 Structural design – Steel structures
Fire Behavior – MEng elective
Structural Fire Engineering – MEng electiveCloseStructural Fire Engineering, Fire Behaviour, Informal Settlement Fire Safety -
Support Staff
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Mr Timothy Combrinck
Mr Timothy Combrinck
ClosePAVEMENT AND GEOTECHNICAL LABORATORYMrs Amanda De WetMrs Amanda De Wet
Postgraduate Administrative Officer
MEng Research and PhD ProgrammesEmail: amandadw@sun.ac.zaPhone: +27 21 808 4938Office: S4012ClosePostgraduate Administrative Officer
MEng Research and PhD ProgrammesMr Jody FebruarieMr Jody Februarie
CloseHydraulics LaboratoryMr Lee-Roy JonesMr Lee-Roy Jones
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES LABORATORYOffice: S182CloseCONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES LABORATORYMr Arthur LaymanMr Arthur Layman
CloseFinancial Administrative SupportMrs Davina MentoorMrs Davina Mentoor
CloseDepartmental ManagerMrs Alet MullerMrs Alet Muller
CloseAcademic Advisor
Wellbeing AmbassadorMrs Janine MyburghMrs Janine Myburgh
Short Courses Administrative SupportEmail: civilcourses@sun.ac.zaPhone: +27 21 808 2080Office: S4008CloseShort Courses Administrative SupportMr Guillame NelMr Guillame Nel
Short Bio
Obtained bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Stellenbosch, before entering the road construction environment with Roadmac Surfacing. Roadmac Surfacing specialises in bituminous surfacing. He returned to Stellenbosch University in a permanent capacity as the Pavement and Geotechnical Research Laboratory manager and will also peruse further studies starting with his master’s degree.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Cum Laude) Civil Engineering at University of Stellenbosch
Professional Experience
Four years at Roadmac Surfacing construction
CloseLaboratories ManagerMr Johann NieuwoudtMr Johann Nieuwoudt
Technical WorkshopOffice: S189CloseTechnical WorkshopMr Charlton RamatMr Charlton Ramat
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES LABORATORYEmail: cramat@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4075Office: S111CloseCONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES LABORATORYMrs Rosie SardienMrs Rosie Sardien
Financial Administrative SupportOffice: S3006CloseFinancial Administrative SupportMs Jowainley SardienMs Jowainley Sardien
Departmental SupportOffice: S3006CloseDepartmental SupportMs Christabella SibandaMs Christabella Sibanda
Departmental Printing and Reception SupportOffice: S3006CloseDepartmental Printing and Reception SupportMr Julian ThompsonMr Julian Thompson
CloseTechnical WorkshopMs Gcobisa Tyhomfi-VanqaMs Gcobisa Tyhomfi-Vanqa
Postgraduate Administrative Officer
MEng Research and PhD ProgrammesEmail: gvanqa@sun.ac.zaPhone: +27 21 808 3816Office: S4010ClosePostgraduate Administrative Officer
MEng Research and PhD ProgrammesMr Gaven WilliamsMr Gaven Williams
ClosePAVEMENT AND GEOTECHNICAL LABORATORYMr Iliyaaz WilliamsMr Iliyaaz Williams
CloseHydraulics LaboratoryMs Lé-Ann WilliamsMs Lé-Ann Williams
Short Courses Administrative SupportEmail: civilcourses@sun.ac.zaPhone: +27 21 808 4131Office: S4007CloseShort Courses Administrative Support -
Complementary Staff
-
Danielle Antonellis
Danielle Antonellis
Extraordinary Senior Lecturer
Informal Settlement Fire SafetyPhone: +1 339 832 2721Short Bio
Danielle is the Founder & Executive Director of Kindling. She has a proven track record of establishing and leading cross-discipline and cross-region teams to tackle intractable problems. Before founding Kindling, Danielle was a Senior Fire Safety Consultant with Arup based in the US, UK, and Hong Kong. She led Arup’s global research program on fire safety in informal settlements and established a global multidisciplinary skills group called City Fire Resilience. Previous to Arup, Danielle was a Fire Suppression Systems Researcher and Technical Advisor at Johnson Controls (formerly Tyco).
His additional past activities, as a self-employed consultant, included design and design review of any structural engineering work with emphasis on bridges and tunnels. His previous professional experience involved large transportation projects in North America, where he mainly provided structural design services for bridges and other transportation related structures. He is licensed Professional Engineer (Civil) in California.
Education/Qualifications
Danielle has a B.S. in Civil Engineering (with a Minor in Management) and a M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Professional Experience
2012-2014: Led large scale residential fire sprinkler research testing program; trained authorities, insurers, contracts and engineers in fire systems design, installation, and maintenance
2014-2020: Managed and delivered fire engineering services for buildings, infrastructure, and social impact projects across 5 continents and various sectors such as international development, energy, rail, aviation, science and industry, education, and healthcare
2020-present: Founded & lead US based non-profit organization with the mission to connect fire safety knowledge to local and global humanitarian and development efforts to reduce the unequal impact of fire on people, property and livelihoods in vulnerable communities around the worldResearch Interests
Informal Settlement Fire Safety
Disaster Risk Reduction
Urban Resilience
International Contextualization of Fire SafetySelected Publications
• D. Antonellis, P. Duloy, J. Kennedy, E. Palmer, Burning Issue for Shelter Programming: Reducing fire risk through better shelter program design and implementation, Shelter Projects 8th Edition (2021)
• S. Arce, C. Jeanneret, J. Gales, D. Antonellis, S. Vaiciulyte, Human behaviour in informal settlement fires in Costa Rica, Safety Science (2021)
• R. Walls, A. Cicione, R. Pharoah, P. Zweig, M. Smith, D. Antonellis, Fire safety engineering guideline for informal settlements: Towards practical solutions for a complex problem in South Africa, Stellenbosch University (2020)
• P. Woodburn, D. Antonellis, Optimizing tunnel design using psychological impact on firefighters as a metric, Proceedings from the Ninth International Symposium on Tunnel Safety and Security, Munich, Germany (2020)
• D. Antonellis, K. Wynne, D. Gill, E. O’Loughlin, A Framework for Fire Safety in Informal Settlements, Arup (2018)International Collaborations
Through Kindling:
National Fire Protection Association
Manchester Metropolitan University
York University
Arup
RMIT University
University of Maryland
Beyond Carlton
Labor Solutions
AfroFire
Global Shelter ClusterFunding has been received from
USAID- Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Asian Development Bank
Royal Academy of Engineering
National Fire Protection Association
Lloyd’s Register FoundationCloseExtraordinary Senior Lecturer
Informal Settlement Fire SafetyProf Gerrit BassonProf Gerrit Basson
Emeritus Professor
River hydraulics, sedimentation, large hydraulic structuresEmail: grbasson@sun.ac.zaShort Bio
Prof Basson specialized in river hydraulics, sedimentation, and design of large hydraulic structures and has more than 30 years’ work experience. He is well known internationally as honorary vice-president of ICOLD (International Commission on Large Dams) and of WASER (World Association of Sediment and Erosion Research). He has work experience in 21 countries as professional engineer and he has been on several missions of the World Bank as reservoir sedimentation specialist. He is a member of the SA Institute of Civil Engineering and of the SA Academy of Engineering. Internationally he is currently a member of the UNESCO-IHP-ISI International Sedimentation Initiative Task Force, the WORLD BANK-UNESCO Task Group on reservoir sedimentation management, and a member of the ICOLD and IAHR reservoir sedimentation committees.
CloseEmeritus Professor
River hydraulics, sedimentation, large hydraulic structuresDr Antonio CicioneDr Antonio Cicione
Short Bio
Dr Antonio Cicione lectures in the principles of fire behaviour and numerical fire modelling at Stellenbosch University. He supervises PhD and Masters students conducting their research in a variety of fire and structural related topics. Dr Cicione was previously employed as a Research Associate at the BRE Fire Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. He has been involved in numerous fire experiments, and has burned down more that 70 full-scale houses for research. He was also part of a team that conducted a number of large-scale fire experiments at the Underwriters Laboratories in Chicago. Dr Cicione has published a number of international journal and conference papers on a variety of fire and structural related topics. Dr Cicione founded CFS engineering consultants who consults to industry regarding specialist fire engineering projects, preforms rational fire designs, fire assessments, and conducts fire investigations for the insurance industry. He is also the Fire Safety Engineering lead at Kindling, a US based non-profit fire safety organisation. Dr Cicione is a committee member of SAICE’s fire division.
Education/Qualifications
BEng (Civil), PhD (Fire Engineering) SU
Professional Experience
Adjunct lecturer at Stellenbosch University
Fire Safety Engineer at Kindling Safety
Director at CFS engineering consultants
Previously employed as a researcher at the University of EdinburghHonours, Awards, Memberships
1) SAICE Fire Engineering Division Committee Member
2) Most deserving thesis in fire safety and structural fire engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2019
3) Best paper award at the China Public Safety Conference, 2020
4) Fire Technology Harry C. Bigglestone award, 2021
5) Holder of a South African PatentResearch Interests
Fire and structural engineering, 3D printed concrete at elevated temperatures, application of AI in fire safety
Selected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Scopus, ResearchGate, GoogleScholar profiles
International Collaborations
University of Edinburgh
National Fire Protection Association (USA),
Kindling Safety (USA).
Fire Research Group Limited (NZ)
ITB Poland
OFR Consultants (UK)Teaching
Principles of fire behaviour
Introduction to Fire modellingCloseExtraordinary Senior Lecturer
Fire EngineeringProf Peter DayProf Peter Day
CloseExtraordinary ProfessorDr Marika Du PlessisDr Marika Du Plessis
Education/Qualifications
B.Eng (Electronic)
B(Hons) Technology Management
PhD (Structural Engineering)
IFE Level 4 CertificateProfessional Experience
I started my career in the mining industry, then became a fire engineering consultant.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Member: SAICE
Associate member: IFEResearch Interests
Mass Timber, Lithium-ion Batteries and anything else in the interesting world of fire engineering.
Selected Publications
Du Plessis M, Sulon D, Streicher D, Walls R (2023) Experimental testing on timber connections considering the influence of gap size and intumescent sealants. Fire Mater. https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.3164
CloseExtraordinary Senior Lecturer
Fire EngineeringMrs Jocelyn EvansMrs Jocelyn Evans
Short Bio
Jocelyn has worked in the Fire Protection Industry for over 15 years on a myriad of projects (for the client, contractor and insurer, project depending) including: special risks on power stations, smelters, mines, SX plants and other process and industrial plants, as well as normal sprinkler installations in retail, fresh produce markets, hotels and other commercial properties. She has acted as an expert witness and advocates’ specialist advisor in a High Court matter and has provided a number of post loss assessments. Jocelyn is registered as a PrEng and as a Professional Member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. She is recognized by ECSA as a fire specialist, performing assessments on behalf of ECSA for registration in the category of specified fire safety practitioners. She is currently the Chairperson of the Fire Division within SAICE and President of the SFPE South Africa Chapter. Jocelyn also enjoys a collaborative relationship with the University of Stellenbosch Fire Research Group and is currently serving on the Executive Board of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers.
Education/Qualifications
PrEng, PMSFPE, FSAICE
MSc Structural and Fire Safety Engineering (University of Edinburgh), BEng Mechanical (University of Pretoria)Professional Experience
2016 to present, Hofman and Evans (Pty) Ltd, Managing Director
2013 to 2016, Mike Hofman and Associates (Pty) Ltd, Consulting Fire Engineer
2010 to 2013, Keren Kula Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Project Fire Engineer and Design Office Manager
2007 to 2009, KK Mechanical (Pty) Ltd, Junior Fire EngineerHonours, Awards, Memberships
PMSFPE
FSAICE
2024 SAICE Division of the Year (<500 members), serving as Chair
2023 SAICE Division of the Year, serving as Chair
Highest Achieving MSc Student
MSc with distinction
BEng with distinctionResearch Interests
Industrial fire risk management, education in fire engineering, the use of regulatory controls to support competence in an emerging field, fire risks from innovation
CloseExtraordinary Senior Lecturer
Fire EngineeringProf Lesley GibsonProf Lesley Gibson
Extraordinary Associate Professor
Geospatial techniques, Interdisciplinary studies, Fire safety, GeoscienceEmail: lgibson@sun.ac.zaOffice: S3043Short Bio
Lesley is a geographer with a particular interest in geospatial science and its application across disciplines. She has worked in disciplines such as geology, groundwater, nature conservation, agriculture and the built environment. The topic of her PhD involved the use of remote sensing to estimate evapotranspiration and her Masters dissertation focussed on wetland mapping with remote sensing. She spent over three years at University of Edinburgh, UK, where she was a postdoctoral researcher in fire safety for international development. Here she was involved with the IRIS Fire project where she applied geospatial techniques to map and understand fire spread in Cape Town’s informal settlements. She is grounded both practically and academically in the use of remote sensing for multiple purposes. She has worked in a variety of settings in South Africa including science councils, a private consultancy, and a nature conservation agency. She is currently freelancing part-time as a Fire Safety Researcher at Kindling, a fire safety NPO.
Education/Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate, Learning and Teaching Higher Education, Glasgow Caledonian University.
PhD, Environmental & Geographical Science, University of Cape Town.
MSc Geomatics, University of Cape Town.
BSc Hons Geography (GIS) & Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University.
BSc Geography & Geology, Stellenbosch University.Professional Experience
October 2022 – current, freelancer including Fire Safety Researcher, Kindling
August 2021 –September 2022, Specialist researcher Geoinformation, Agricultural Research Council.
2017 – 2021, Postdoctoral Research Associate in fire safety for international development, University of Edinburgh.
2016 – 2017, GIS Lecturer (0.6FTE), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
2013 – 2015, GIS Scientist, Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2012 – 2013, GIS Specialist, Geohydrological and Spatial Solutions, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2006 – 2012, Researcher, Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2000 – 2006, Scientific officer, Council for Geoscience, Bellville, South Africa.Honours, Awards, Memberships
South African Geomatics Council: Professional Geoinformation Science Practitioner (GPr GISc1379)
Research Interests
Fire safety in vulnerable communities, applied and interdisciplinary geospatial applications
Selected Publications
Flores Quiroz, N., Gibson, L. Conradie, W.S., Ryan, P., Heydenrych R, Moran, A., van Straten, A. & Walls, R. 2023. Analysis of the 2017 Knysna fires disaster with emphasis on fire spread, home losses and the influence of vegetation: a South African case study. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, vol 88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103618.
Wang, Y., Ruan, H., Xia, T. & Gibson, L. 2022. Fire Safety of Ethnic Minority Traditional Settlements in Southwest China. Fire Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-022-01333-z.
Gibson, L.A., Cicione, A., Stevens, S. & Rush, D. 2021. The influence of wind and the spatial layout of dwellings on fire spread in informal settlements in Cape Town. Computers Environment and Urban Systems 91(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2021.101734.
McDougall, Brown, Thomson, Hanley, Tully, Quilliam, Bartie, Gibson, L. A. & Oliver, D.M. 2021. From one pandemic to another: emerging lessons from COVID-19 for tackling physical inactivity in cities, Cities & Health, 5:sup1, S181-S184, DOI: 10.1080/23748834.2020.1785165
Gibson L, Rush D. 2020. Novel Coronavirus in Cape Town Informal Settlements: Feasibility of Using Informal Dwelling Outlines to Identify High Risk Areas for COVID-19 Transmission From A Social Distancing Perspective. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020;6(2):e18844. URL: https://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18844.
Stevens, S., Gibson, L. & Rush, D. 2020. Conceptualising a GIS-based risk quantification framework for fire spread in informal settlements: A Cape Town case study. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Vol 50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101736.
Hurst, J.E., Barn, R., Gibson, L. et al. Geospatial mapping and data linkage uncovers variability in outcomes of foot disease according to multiple deprivation: a population cohort study of people with diabetes. Diabetologia 63, 659–667 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-05056-9
Gibson, L., Engelbrecht, J. & Rush, D. Detecting historic informal settlement fires with Sentinel 1 and 2 satellite data – Two case studies in Cape Town. Fire Safety Journal (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2019.102828
Gibson, L.A., Munch, Z., Palmer, A.R. & Mantel, S.K. 2018. Future land cover change scenarios in South African grasslands – implications of altered biophysical drivers on land management. Heliyon Vol 4, ISSUE 7, E00693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00693
Publication record is available on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lesley-Gibson/researchInternational Collaborations
University of Edinburgh, University of Science and Technology of China, University of Stirling, Kindling
CloseExtraordinary Associate Professor
Geospatial techniques, Interdisciplinary studies, Fire safety, GeoscienceProf Fred HugoProf Fred Hugo
Short Bio
Founding member of the company responsible for Geotechnics, Transportation and Project Management in 1965 after international experience in contracting and construction supervision. Subsequently I had three senior engineers as team leaders supported by highly qualified senior engineers. In 1977 I left to take up a chair in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The three took over my respective fields as Partners to help build the company to a major organisation as BKS Inc nationally and internationally. All three were subsequently recognised professionally for excellence in their careers. Later, in ca. 2012, BKS Inc was acquired by AECOM International.
Technical Director, Pave Testing – South Africa. Director TRAC South Africa. Fellow South African Academy of Engineering. Past President SAICE 1993. Life Member of AAPT.
Emeritus Professor in Transportation and Construction in Dept Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University. Co-director of Construction Management Programme (CMP).Education/Qualifications
PrEng, DIng (HC) SU 2014, DEng SU 1999, PhD UTx 1984
CloseEmeritus ProfessorProf Heinz JacobsProf Heinz Jacobs
Extraordinary Associate Professor
Drinking water networks, sewer systems, water demand modellingEmail: hejacobs@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 4059Office: S413Short Bio
Extraordinary Associate Prof in water services planning and registered professional civil engineer.
Education/Qualifications
B.Eng (Mechanical), B.Eng (Civil), M.Eng (Engineering Management), PhD (Civil)
Professional Experience
25 Years
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Registered Pr.Eng (Civil) 1998;
Member International Water Association (IWA)
Member New Zealand Water and Wastewater Association (Water NZ)Research Interests
Drinking water networks, sewer systems and water demand modelling
Selected Publications
Refer to www.researchgate.net& Google Scholar profile
International Collaborations
Various, mainly University of Sheffield UK and University of Montreal, Ca
Teaching
Hydraulics
CloseExtraordinary Associate Professor
Drinking water networks, sewer systems, water demand modellingDr Niel JordaanDr Niel Jordaan
Short Bio
Dr Jordaan is an accomplished Senior Mechanical Engineer with a Masters and PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Focus Area: Energy Management /Demand Side Management). He has 20 years of working experience which cover a variety of field, including Energy Management/Demand Side Management in large industrial facilities, Consulting Engineering (EPCM) in various technical and management roles, He has been deeply involved in Special Risk Fire Protection Engineering in mining and industrial facilities for the past 10 years. He is also and experienced Engineering Manager. He has been registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA (Pr. Eng) since 2012. Currently he owns and manages FIRENSYS, an Engineering Consultancy focussing on Special Risk Fire Protection Engineering and Risk Assessment and management. He is also a Repeat speaker at Fire Engineering Conferences.
Education/Qualifications
B.Eng (Mech) NWU, M.Eng (Mech) NWU, PhD (Mech Eng) NWU
Professional Experience
Energy Management Engineer at HVAC International
Consulting Engineer at Hatch and Sedgman
Special Risk Fire Protection Engineering Manager at Sperosens
Company Owner at FirensysHonours, Awards, Memberships
ECSA, SAIMECHE, FPASA
Research Interests
Fire Protection Engineering, AI, Alternative Energy
International Collaborations
SFPE
Teaching
Experience as external examiner for Masters and PhD engineering students for at least 10 years.
CloseExtraordinary Senior Lecturer
Fire EngineeringProf Jacques KrugerProf Jacques Kruger
3D CONCRETE PRINTING, RHEO-, STRUCTURAL- AND INTERFACE MECHANICS, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALSEmail: pjkruger@sun.ac.zaPhone: +27 21 808 4442Office: S3051Short Bio
Dr Jacques Kruger Pr Eng is currently an Extraordinary Associate Professor of Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University. He designed, procured and manufactured Africa’s first industrial grade, gantry type 3D concrete printer. An internationally renowned specialist in extrusion-based digitally fabricated concrete, he has respectively authored and reviewed more than 40 international journal and conference research articles. Jacques also provides specialised structural engineering consulting services to practising engineers, contractors, architects and developers, including large-scale experimental testing of novel structural building systems toward certification.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Structural Engineering), Stellenbosch University, 2019
BEng (Civil Engineering, Cum Laude), Stellenbosch University, 2016Professional Experience
Senior Lecturer of Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Jan 2023 – Dec 2024
Laboratory Manager, Structure and Building Materials Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Aug 2019 – Dec 2023Honours, Awards, Memberships
• Professionally registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa, 2023 – Present
• Full member of Sigma Xi, 2023 – Present
• Member of the CCSA Young Concrete Researchers, Engineers & Technologists Symposium (YCRETS2023) Scientific Committee, 2023.
• Technical Employee of the Year for the Faculty of Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2022.
• Member of RILEM Technical Committee: PFC: Performance requirements and testing of fresh printable cement-based materials, 2021 – Present.
• Member of RILEM Technical Committee: ADC: Assessment of additively manufactured concrete materials and structures, 2021 – Present.
• Member of the RILEM Digital Concrete conference (DC2022) Scientific Committee, 2021-2022.
• Member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), 2021 – Present
• Young engineering member of the fib, 2021 – Present
• Young member of RILEM, 2021 – Present
• Member of the fib Task Group 2.11: Structures made by digital fabrication, 2020 – Present.
• Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Prize for the Most Deserving Work in the Field of Concrete Engineering, 2019
• Top Young Achiever Award from the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC), 2017Research Interests
Jacques’ research interests all relate to 3D concrete printing/digitally fabricated concrete, which include:
• Advanced construction materials development
• Rheology & rheo-mechanics
• Structural mechanics
• Interface mechanics
• Analytical modellingSelected Publications
A list of Jacques’ published works can be found on his Google Scholar and ResearchGate profiles.
International Collaborations
Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e, The Netherlands), Profs Theo Salet & Freek Bos, 3D printable materials and characterisation methods for buildability quantification, 2018-2020.
Teaching
• Undergraduate:
Final Year Project 458
Building Materials 254 (3D Concrete Printing)
• Postgraduate:
1st RILEM/fib International PhD Summer School on Additively Manufactured Concrete Structures, Capri Italy, 11-14 July 2023Close3D CONCRETE PRINTING, RHEO-, STRUCTURAL- AND INTERFACE MECHANICS, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALSProf Roman LennerProf Roman Lenner
Extraordinary Associate Professor
Structural reliability, Bridge Loading, Bridge DesignEmail: rlenner@sun.ac.zaPhone: 021 808 9572Short Bio
Roman is appointed as Extraordinary Associate Professor in the field of Structural Engineering at the Stellenbosch University. His research interests are within field of structural reliability and consist mainly of the assessment of existing structures, traffic load modelling and target reliability values.
Further interests are aligned with the cost optimisation and reliability based decision making.
He received his Dr.-Ing. (PhD) at the University of German Armed Forces in Munich. The aim of his study was the development of a safety concept for military traffic on existing bridges. MSc in Structural Engineering was accomplished at UC Berkeley with a focus on Earthquake related design.His additional past activities, as a self-employed consultant, included design and design review of any structural engineering work with emphasis on bridges and tunnels. His previous professional experience involved large transportation projects in North America, where he mainly provided structural design services for bridges and other transportation related structures. He is licensed Professional Engineer (Civil) in California.
Education/Qualifications
Dr.-Ing. Concrete Structures (University of German Armed Forces in Munich)
MSc Structural Engineering (University of California – Berkeley)
BSc Civil Engineering (The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina)Professional Experience
PE Registration California (2010)
Consultant – World Bank Southern Africa (2018-2020)
Structural Engineer – BUNG, AG Germany (2010-2014)
Bridge Engineer – David Evans and Associates (2008-2010)Honours, Awards, Memberships
IABSE National Chair (2020 – )
Karl Kling Research Award to Dissertation (2014)Research Interests
Structural reliability, Bridge Loading, Bridge Design
Selected Publications
Google scholar profile
International Collaborations
Prof Sykora, Prof Caprani
Teaching
Structural Design 354
Advanced Concrete Design MT13CloseExtraordinary Associate Professor
Structural reliability, Bridge Loading, Bridge DesignDr Vigneshwaran NarayananDr Vigneshwaran Narayanan
Short Bio
I am an experienced fire safety engineering professional with expertise in developing and testing passive fire protection systems, railway fire safety, and active fire protection system installations. With a strong background in managing fire safety challenges across various industries, I leverage tools like numerical modeling and fire risk assessments to deliver technical solutions and ensure compliance with global fire safety standards.
Outside of my professional work, I have a passion for playing classical Indian drum instruments and a deep interest in reading sci-fi, personal development, philosophy, religion, and geopolitics. I’m also an avid traveler, coin collector, swimmer, and have a keen interest in investments.Education/Qualifications
Ph.D. – Fire safety Engineering
M. S. – Fire Safety Engineering
Dip in Industrial Safety
B.Eng – Mechanical EngineeringProfessional Experience
Application manager since 2024 at PROMAT Fire & Insulation, India
Fire & Smoke manager 2021-2023 Alstom Transport, India
Project Engineer 2012-2015 at Consilium SFS Fire & Security Solutions, IndiaHonours, Awards, Memberships
Featured in the front cover of SFPE magazine Q4,2022. “Faces of the Future Fire Protection Engineering in Developing World.”
Research Interests
Fire Safety Engineering, Heat Transfer, Fluid dynamics
Selected Publications
https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/127067
Teaching
Teaching Assistant in mechanical engineering at Stellenbosch University for 3 semesters
CloseExtraordinary Lecturer
Fire EngineeringProf Johan RetiefProf Johan Retief
Short Bio
Emeritus Professor in Structural Engineering
Education/Qualifications
BSc(Eng) (Pretoria U), DIC, MPhil (London U), Engineer (Stanford U), DEng (Pretoria U), DEng (Stellenbosch U), PrEng
Research Interests
Application of risk and reliability to structural design basis, including standardization, wind loads, climate change, geotechnical reliability, existing structures
CloseEmeritus ProfessorMr Dirk StreicherMr Dirk Streicher
Short Bio
My experience is mainly in contract supervision on roads projects. This includes building new roads and rehabilitation of existing roads. I also assisted the main contractor on an arbitration matter for a 50km canal contract in Namibia. After my civil engineering exposure, I went into contract manufacturing for the building industry. In between, I invested in property and property development. All this came together in fire door manufacturing which then spilt over into fire testing and fire engineering research. This all culminated in the establishment of a fire test laboratory both for commercial and research purposes.
Education/Qualifications
M.Sc.(Civ) Eng UCT, Certificate in Arbitration
Professional Experience
Bridge design, Security systems design, Quality insurance implementation for consulting firm, Contract management
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Best thesis Undergraduate, receive degree with First Class Honours, ECSA registered as Prof Engineer.
Research Interests
Hydraulics, Fire engineering testing
Selected Publications
Internal document on basecourse compaction CPA
CloseExtraordinary Senior Lecturer
Fire EngineeringProf Andre Van TonderProf Andre Van Tonder
Short Bio
André is appointed as Extraordinary Professor of Port and Coastal Engineering. He is a professional engineer with more than 40 years’ experience in the international coastal and port engineering sector. He spent his early career at CSIR, gaining extensive technical experience in contract research where he specialised in marine structures, specifically port layout, wave-structure interaction, breakwater design, and marine intake and outfall structures. His specialisation included coastal processes and environmental data monitoring, with specific emphasis on wave dynamics and directional wave measurement, as well as hydraulic and numerical modelling of marine facilities.
André managed WSP’s Africa Maritime business for almost two decades – in the period 1998 to 2018 – initially as Managing Director of Entech Consultants, which was acquired by WSP in 2007. During this period, he not only focussed on the business activities but also maintained a key technical role in the management, design, and implementation of WSP’s coastal and port engineering projects. Whilst Director and Maritime Lead, André was instrumental in initiating global coordination of maritime activities within WSP. He retired as Director in 2020 and has been acting as Consultant since May 2020. He joined Zutari as Business Development Engineer in September 2022. André continues to provide strategic and technical leadership in the maritime sector bringing his expertise to a diverse range of projects, which include port planning and development, design of marine structures, marinas, small-craft harbours, resorts and waterfront development, as well as, marine intake, discharge works and desalination.
I am married and my wife and I have three children.
Outside interests include photography, birding, travel and camping trips (mainly visiting game reserves in southern Africa).Education/Qualifications
PhD Civil Engineering – University of Stellenbosch 1994
Hons B Eng Civil Engineering – University of Stellenbosch 1982
B Eng Civil Engineering – University of Stellenbosch 1979Professional Experience
1980 to 1988: NRIO, CSIR (Researcher, Engineer)
1988 to 1996: Ematek, CSIR (Senior Engineer, Projects Manager)
1996 to 1998: Environmentek, CSIR (Business Area Manager)
1998 to 2007: Entech Consultants (Senior Engineer, Director, Managing Director)
2007 to 2013: WSP Africa Coastal Engineers (Divisional Director)
2013 to 2020: WSP Group Africa (Divisional Director, Technical Director)
2020 to date: Private Consultant
2022 to date: Zutari (Business Development Engineer)
2023 to 2024: Stellenbosch University (Adjunct Professor of Port and Coastal Engineering)
2025 to date: Stellenbosch University (Extraordinary Professor of Port and Coastal Engineering)Honours, Awards, Memberships
Professional Engineer, ECSA (#980530)
Member SAICE (#013505)
Member International Navigation Association (PIANC)
University of Stellenbosch – involved in various roles as part-time lecturer, external examiner and moderator since 1989
Treasurer and Secretary of South African Section of PIANC: 2001 – 2021
Chairman of Local Organising Committee for Conference on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries (COPEDEC), held in Cape Town, 1999
Member of Working Group on 3D Waves of International Association of Hydraulics Research (IAHR), 1993-1997
Awarded grant by Japanese Sociaty of Civil Engineers to attend HydroPort Conference in Yokosuka, Japan in 1994
Award for best dissertation in Water Engineering at University of Stellenbosch, 1994Research Interests
Port and Coastal Engineering
Selected Publications
Retief, M., and Van Tonder, A. (2015). Seawater – A Prerequisite for Marine Desalination. Civil Engineering, October.
Van Der Berge, A., Reedijk, B., and Van Tonder, A., (2007). Xbase: Development and Application of a Special Concrete Toe Unit for Extreme Conditions. Coastal Structures Conference, Venice, Italy.
Van Tonder, A., Kloos, M., and Kapp, G., (2005). Murray’s Bay Harbour, Robben Island: Harbour Improvement Measures to a World-Renowned Heritage Site. Proc ICE Conference on Coastlines, Structures and Breakwaters, London.
Kapp, J.F., Van Tonder, A., Kloos, M., Canto, R., and Kapp, G., (2004). Lessons Learned from and Opportunities Identified for Developing Waterfronts as Tourism Gateways in Countries in Transition. Ports and Cities Congress, Lisbon.
Van Tonder, A., (2003). The Role of Coastal Engineering in Africa. SAICE Centenary Congress 2003, Cape Town.
Van Tonder, A., Smith, G., Luger, S., Bartels, A., and Kapp, J.F., (2002). Solving a Harbour-Induced Erosion Problem at Bar Beach, Lagos, Nigeria. Proc 28th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Cardiff, Wales, UK, July.
Van Tonder, A., Kapp, J.F., Bartels, A., and Gbajabiamila, H., (2002). Bar Beach, Lagos, Nigeria. Turning a Navigational Liability into a Recreational and Commercial Asset. Proc 30th International Navigational Congress, Sydney, Australia, September.
Kloos, M., Van Tonder, A., Bartels, A., Allen, S., Moore, G., Moes, H., and Van Aswegen, (2000). Hydrodynamics and Design of a Unique Gravity Base for a Tethered Control Buoy. Proc 27th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Sydney, Australia.
Van Tonder, A., Rossouw, M., Von St Ange, U., Coetzee, L., and Davies, J., (2000). Assessing the Quality of Directional Wave Measurement by a Differential GPS Buoy. Proc 27th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Sydney, Australia.
Bartels, A., Holtzhausen, A., Phelp, D., Luger, S., and Van Tonder, A., (1999). The Effect of Dolos Shape on Hydraulic Stability. Proc 5th COPEDEC Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.
Davies, J., Newling, M., and Van Tonder, A., (1997). First Results from a Revolutionary Directional Wave Buoy Making Use of Differential GPS Technology. Proc. IAHR Speciality Seminar S1, Multidirectional waves and their interaction with structures, San Francisco, USA.
Van Tonder, A., and Davies, J., (1994). Evaluation of Directional Wave Measurements – A Comparative Field Exercise. Proc. HydroPort Conference, Yokosuka, Japan.
Phelp, D., Luger, S., Holzhausen, A.H., and Van Tonder, A., (1994). Results of Extensive Field Monitoring of Dolos Breakwaters. Proc 24th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Kobe, Japan.
Luger, S., Holzhausen, A.H., Phelp, D., and Van Tonder, A., (1994). Increased Dolos Strength by Shape Modification. Proc 24th International Coastal Engineering Conference, Kobe, Japan.
Van Tonder, A., and Du Toit, C.G., (1993). A More Effective Method to Solve Ocean Wave Propagation Problems in Coastal Regions. Proc 3rd Nat. Symposium on Comp. Fluid Dynamics, Stellenbosch.Teaching
W03-1: Coastal Processes, Field Data Collection & Analysis
W03-1: Physical and Numerical ModellingCloseExtraordinary Professor
Port and Coastal EngineeringProf Jan WiumProf Jan Wium
Short Bio
Jan Wium qualified as a civil engineer from the University of Pretoria and obtained a PhD from the SwissFederal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. He worked as a structural engineering consultant for 20years before joining Stellenbosch University in 2003. He leads a research group in construction engineeringand management, and focuses on modular construction, constructability, modern technology and construction risk.
Education/Qualifications
BSc (Eng) Civ (cum laude), 1979, University of Pretoria, South Africa;
BEng (Hons) Structures, 1982, University of Pretoria, South Africa;
MEng (Structures) (cum laude), 1985, University of Pretoria, South Africa;
Docteur es Science Technique, 1992, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.Professional Experience
Structural engineering consultant 18 years
Honours, Awards, Memberships
SAICE Fellow, PrEng(ECSA)
Research Interests
Modular construction, constructability in construction, modern technology in construction, construction risk
Selected Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2w-1MqUAAAAJ
International Collaborations
IABSE, GLF-CEM
Teaching
Engineering Management, Structural Concrete, Construction Risk
CloseEmeritus Professor
Construction Engineering and ManagementProf Herman WolffProf Herman Wolff
Extraordinary Professor
Pavement Engineering, Granular MaterialsEmail: hwolff@sun.ac.zaPhone: 0832724874Short Bio
I am a Professional Engineer with 40 years’ experience in the field of civil engineering in South Africa and abroad. My interests are mainly in various aspects of roads design and maintenance, and more specifically in pavement design and maintenance.
I am currently employed by the Department of Transport and Public Works of the Western Cape Government as a Specialist Engineer in the Chief Directorate Roads Design. I have also been acting for just over a year now in the position of Chief Director Roads Departmental Operations. I also teach Advanced Design to the final year civil engineering students in the second semester.
I am married and my wife and I have three children and three grandchildren.
Outside interests include golf (keen but not good) and camping trips (mainly visiting game reserves in southern Africa).Education/Qualifications
PhD Eng (Civil), University of Pretoria, 1993
MEng (Civil)(Cum Laude), University of Stellenbosch, 1985
BEng Hons (Civil), University of Stellenbosch, 1979Professional Experience
2017 – Current Specialist Engineer, Department of Transport and Public Works, WCG
2013 – 2017 Practice Area Lead Africa – Pavement Engineering, AECOM (Pty) Ltd
2011 – 2013 Technical Director: Transport, WorleyParsons RSA (Pty) Ltd
2007 – 2011 Technical Director, Kwezi V3 Engineers (Pty) Ltd
2004 – 2007 Director, Nyeleti Consulting (Pty) Ltd
2000 – 2004 Director, Letsunyane Associates (Pty) Ltd
1992 – 2000 Director, Crous Wolff Associates Incorporated
1988 – 1992 Project Leader, Theron Prinsloo Grimsehl and Pullen Incorporated
1987 – 1988 Associate, Theron Prinsloo Grimsehl and Pullen Incorporated
1985 – 1987 Resident Engineer, Theron Prinsloo Grimsehl and Pullen Incorporated
1982 – 1985 Assistant Engineer, South African Transport ServicesHonours, Awards, Memberships
Engineering Council of South Africa
South African Institute of Civil EngineersResearch Interests
The use of granular materials in road pavement structures
Selected Publications
2015 Modern Pavement Condition Assessment Methods for Periodic Maintenance and Rehabilitation Planning on a Network Level – a United States Approach with Possible Application Opportunities in Southern Africa (Conference on Asphalt Pavements 2015 (CAPSA 2015), Sun City, South Africa)
2007 A Yield – Strength Model for Partially Saturated Unbound Granular Material (Road Materials and Pavement Design, International Journal, Paris, France)
2003 Optimising Rehabilitation Design by Using Composite Pavements and Stochastic Design Methods – Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Pavements and Technological Control (3rd International Symposium, Guimaraes, Portugal)
1995 A Design Catalogue for Low Volume Roads Developed for South African Conditions – Low Volume Roads (6th International Conference, Volume 2, Minneapolis, United States of America)
1995 Incorporating Elasto – Plasticity in Granular Layer Pavement Design (International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics, Volume 32)
1993 The Elasto Plastic Behaviour of Granular Pavement Layers in South Africa (PhD Dissertation, University of Pretoria, South Africa)
1992 The Elasto Plastic Behaviour of Crushed Stone Bases in Flexible Pavement Structures (7th International Conference on Asphalt Pavements, Nottingham, United Kingdom)
1991 Determination of the Ballast Tamping Cycle of Railway Tracks using a Mechanistic Design Approach (The Civil Engineer in South Africa)
Review of Surfacings for Low – Volume Roads on the Basis of Experience in South Africa (5th International Conference on Low Volume Roads, United States of America) (Research Record No 1291, Volume 1, National Research Council, Rayleigh, United States of America)
Mechanistic Analysis of a Railway Track with a Bonded Layer (MEng Thesis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa)Teaching
Advanced Design 446 (Pavement)
CloseExtraordinary Professor
Pavement Engineering, Granular MaterialsProf Alphose ZingoniProf Alphose Zingoni
Extraordinary Professor
Structural Engineering and MechanicsEmail: alphose.zingoni@uct.ac.zaPhone: 021 650 2601Short Bio
Alphose Zingoni is Professor of Structural Engineering and Mechanics in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. After completing an MSc (with Distinction) and a PhD from Imperial College London, he won a Research Fellowship of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which he held at Imperial from 1992 to 1994. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe from 1996 to 1999. He moved to the University of Cape Town in 1999, where he was promoted to Full Professor in 2002, and served as Head of the Department of Civil Engineering from 2008 to 2012.
An NRF A-rated researcher, Prof. Zingoni has sought to gain a deeper understanding of how structures behave, and to develop more efficient methods for their analysis and design. He has focused on two main areas, namely: (i) the development of analytical methods for shell structures and the innovative use of the shell form in providing more efficient structural solutions; (ii) studies of symmetry and the development of group-theoretic formulations for problems in structural mechanics. He has written over 100 papers and authored 4 books, including the award-winning book “Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering” (ICE Publishing, 2018), and the book “Vibration Analysis and Structural Dynamics for Civil Engineers: Essentials and Group-Theoretic Formulations” (Taylor & Francis, 2015), acclaimed by reviewers for its innovative use of group theory in solving structural vibration problems.
Prof. Zingoni has founded a highly successful international conference in structural engineering and mechanics, held in Cape Town every 3 years. He serves on the editorial boards of several Elsevier journals, and has served on the scientific committees of numerous international conferences in structural engineering and related areas. He also serves on the Editorial Board of the Springer book series Computational Methods in Engineering & the Sciences.
Education/Qualifications
PhD, Shell Structures, Imperial College London
MSc, Structural Engineering, University of London
BSc Honours, Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe
PrEng (Professional Engineer), Engineering Council of South Africa
CEng (Chartered Engineer), Engineering Council of the UKHonours, Awards, Memberships
2023: Awarded an A1 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa
2020 onwards: Consistently included in Stanford University’s List of Top 2% Scientists in the World (based on weighted Scopus citations)
2019: Won the UCT Book Award for the book “Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering” (ICE Publishing, London, 2018)
2016: Elected a Fellow of the University of Cape Town in recognition of “original distinguished academic work”
2011: Elected a Fellow of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (Zurich)
2008: Elected a Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering
2005: Elected a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK)
2005: Elected a Member of the Academy of Sciences of South Africa
1995: Elected a Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK)Research Interests
Shell structures; Lightweight structures; Symmetry phenomena; Group theory; Structural analysis; Vibration behaviour; Buckling behaviour
Selected Publications
Zingoni A. (2018). Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering: Theory and Analysis (Second Edition). ICE Publishing, London, 464 pp. ISBN 978-0-727-76028-9. Link
Zingoni A. (2014). Vibration Analysis and Structural Dynamics for Civil Engineers: Essentials and Group-Theoretic Formulations. Taylor & Francis, London, 276 pp. ISBN: 978-0-415-52256-4. Link
Zingoni A. (2024). On group-theoretic eigenvalue vibration analysis of structural systems with C6v symmetry. Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 589, Article 118608. PDF
Zingoni A. and Kaluba C. (2024). Decomposition of the degenerate subspace of C3v-symmetric structural configurations. Engineering Structures, Vol. 317, Article 118661. PDF
Zingoni A. (2022). Stress and buckling resistance of dual-purpose concrete shells. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 170, Article 108596. PDF
Kaluba C. and Zingoni A. (2021). Group-theoretic buckling analysis of symmetric plane frames. ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 147, Article 04021153.
Zingoni A. (2020). Use of symmetry groups for generation of complex space grids and group-theoretic vibration analysis of triple-layer grids. Engineering Structures, Vol. 223, Article 111177.
Enoma N. and Zingoni A. (2020). Analytical formulation and numerical modelling for multi-shell toroidal pressure vessels. Computers and Structures, Vol. 232, Article 105811.
Zingoni A. and Enoma N. (2020). Strength and stability of spherical-conical shell assemblies under external hydrostatic pressure. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 146, Article 106472.
Zingoni A. (2019). On the best choice of symmetry group for group-theoretic computational schemes in solid and structural mechanics. Computers and Structures, Vol. 223, 1-17. PDF
Zingoni A. (2019). Group-theoretic vibration analysis of double-layer cable nets of D4h symmetry. International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 176/177,68-85. PDF
Zingoni A. (2018). Insights on the vibration characteristics of double-layer cable nets of symmetry. International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 135, 261-273. PDF
Zingoni A., Enoma N. and Govender N. (2015). Equatorial bending of an elliptic toroidal shell. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 6, pp. 286-294. PDF
Zingoni A., Mokhothu B. and Enoma N. (2015). A theoretical formulation for the stress analysis of multi-segmented spherical shells for high-volume liquid containment. Engineering Structures, Vol. 87, pp. 21-31. PDF
Zingoni A. (2015). Liquid-containment shells of revolution: A review of recent studies on strength, stability and dynamics. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 87, pp. 102-114. PDF
Zingoni A. (2014). Group-theoretic insights on the vibration of symmetric structures in engineering. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (Part A),Vol. 372, 20120037. PDF
Zingoni A., Mudenda K., French V. and Mokhothu B. (2013). Buckling strength of thin-shell concrete arch dams. Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 64, pp. 94-102. PDF
Zingoni A. (2012). A group-theoretic finite-difference formulation for plate eigenvalue problems. Computers and Structures, Vol. 112/113, pp. 266 – 282.
Zingoni A. (2012). Symmetry recognition in group-theoretic computational schemes for complex structural systems. Computers and Structures, Vol. 94/95, pp. 34-44.Teaching
Shell structures; Structural analysis; Vibration analysis
CloseExtraordinary Professor
Structural Engineering and Mechanics -
Research Staff
-
Dr Frederik Bakker
Dr Frederik Bakker
Research Fellow
Structural Reliability and Uncertainty QuantificationEmail: 18302866@sun.ac.zaPhone: 0843921123Short Bio
DR FREDERIK BAKKER obtained a BEng (Civil) degree in 2017 and a PhD (Structural Engineering) in 2021, both from Stellenbosch University. His research interests are in structural reliability, wind loading, and traffic loading. He also has professional experience as a full stack software engineer for a construction Tech company.
Professional Experience
2020-11-01 to 2023-04-30 | Full Stack Software Engineer (Quest)
Research Interests
structural reliability, wind loading, and traffic loading
Selected Publications
Bakker, F.P., De Koker, N. and Viljoen, C., 2021. Preconditioning wind speeds for standardised structural design. Engineering Structures, 238, p.111856.
Bakker, F.P., De Koker, N. and Viljoen, C., 2022. Site or regional design wind speeds? Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 220, p.104829.CloseResearch Fellow
Structural Reliability and Uncertainty QuantificationDr Frederick BesterDr Frederick Bester
Short Bio
Dr Frederick Bester earned his PhD in Civil Engineering, specialising in the field of concrete printing, from Stellenbosch University in 2024. He previously obtained his BEng in Civil Engineering from the same institution in 2018. Currently, Dr. Bester serves as the Head of Research and Development at 14Trees Ltd., where he oversees the three fundamental pillars of concrete printing technology: hardware, software, and materials. His research interests encompass reinforcement strategies for printed concrete, hardened state and fresh state material characterization, and the development of hardware and software for concrete printing.
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Structural Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2024)
BEng in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2018)Professional Experience
Head of Research and Development at 14Trees Ltd.
Honours, Awards, Memberships
1st place in the Jac van der Merwe Competition for the most innovative Final Year Project at the Stellenbosch University Engineering Faculty (2018)
3rd place in Greenovate Award Competition hosted by Growthpoint to recognise student green building projects with a passion for creating better, more sustainable cities, towns and neighbourhoods (2018)Research Interests
Extrusion-based concrete printing
Reinforcement strategies for printed concrete
Hardened and fresh state material characterisation of printed concreteSelected Publications
Please see ResearchGate profile: www.researchgate.net/profile/Frederick-Bester
Teaching
Demonstrator for the following modules:
– Theory of Structures 354 (2020)
– Engineering Informatics 314 (2020)
– Concrete Structural Design 354 (2019)
– Strength of Materials 224 (2019)CloseResearch Fellow
Extrusion-based Concrete PrintingDr Seung ChoDr Seung Cho
Research Fellow
3D concrete printing, foamed concrete, RheologyEmail: scho@sun.ac.zaPhone: 078 414 2586Short Bio
Seung Cho joined the 3D concrete printing research group in Stellenbosch since 2017 as part of his master and doctorate. He completed his PhD degree in 2021. His research is involved with 3D printable foamed concrete and its application.
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Structural Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2021)
BEng in Civil Engineering (Stellenbosch University, 2017, cum laude)Research Interests
3D concrete printing
Foamed concrete
Cement-based material
Sustainability
RheologySelected Publications
A list of his published works can be found on his Scopus, ResearchGate, Google Scholar profiles.
Teaching
Various teaching assistant and demi experiences for the following modules:
– Engineering math (2015, 2016)
– Strength of Material 143 (2021)
– Strength of Material 224 (2019)
– Strength of Material 254 (2018, 2019)
– Theory of Structure 354 (2019)
– Structural Design (Concrete) 354 (2018)CloseResearch Fellow
3D concrete printing, foamed concrete, RheologyDr Richard KadanDr Richard Kadan
Postdoctoral Fellow
Construction Engineering and ManagementEmail: 25632914@sun.ac.zaPhone: +27 737812369Short Bio
Richard is a Lecturer in Construction Technology and Management in the Department of Building Technology at Koforidua Technical University in Ghana. He pursued his PhD at Stellenbosch University in South Africa from 2021 to 2024. Richard’s research interests include Construction Project Management, with a focus on supply chain management, risk management, and social networks in megaprojects.
Education/Qualifications
PhD, Civil Eng (Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2024)
MPhil., Construction Management (KNUST, Ghana, 2016)
BSc, Construction Technology & Management (KNUST, Ghana, 2014)Professional Experience
Lecturer, Construction Manager, Quantity Surveyor
Honours, Awards, Memberships
Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana
Research Interests
Project risk management, Supply chain management, Megaprojects, Project social networks
Selected Publications
Kadan, R & Wium, A. J. (2024 – Accepted). Towards the identification of dominant risk factors (DRFs) in construction-specific supply chains: a systematic review. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment.
Kadan, R., Omotayo, T., Nani, G., Boateng, P., & Wilson, M. (2024 – accepted). The Application of Bayesian Network Analysis in Demystifying Construction Project Subcontracting Complexities for Developing Countries. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction.
Chen, W.T., Merret, H.C., Kadan, R., and Bria, T.A. (2020) ”Safety Climate and Safety Behavior: Is there any relationship between them?” The 18th Conference of Sustainable Development of the Construction Industry, 2020/12/04, Miaoli City, Taiwan, pp. 385-391ClosePostdoctoral Fellow
Construction Engineering and ManagementDr Miss Hasimawaty Binti Mat KiahDr Miss Hasimawaty Binti Mat Kiah
Postdoctoral Fellow
Fire and Explosion Research EngineeringEmail: misshasimawaty@sun.ac.zaPhone: 082 4711 072Office: S3046Short Bio
Dr Miss Hasimawaty Binti Mat Kiah is a senior lecturer or a researcher at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia with experience in fire and explosion research engineering. She holds a BEng and MEng in Chemical and Gas Engineering from UTM and completed her PhD at University of Leeds, United Kingdom, in the Chemical and Process Engineering. Her M.Eng. focused on Premixed flame acceleration in different pipe configuration, while PhD focused on Toxic species and particulate emissions from polymer fires. She is an accredited Fire Risk Assessor under IFE Malaysia. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University, focusing on main research projects in the areas of sustainable building construction materials and wildland urban interface (WUI) fires.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Chemical and Process Engineering) – University of Leeds
MEng (Gas Engineering) – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
BEng (Chemical-Gas Engineering) – Universiti Teknologi MalaysiaProfessional Experience
2007-2015: Worked in Oil and Gas industries, holding different engineering and executive positions, handled many projects which related to the EPCC works. Experience in design of steel, concrete, composite, retaining and industrial structures.
2015-Present: Lecturer in the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).Honours, Awards, Memberships
Award of Excellence in Active Blended Learning Course, 2019-Present.
Excellence Staff/Service Award, FCEE UTM, 2022.
A Professional Technologist under Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), 2022-Present.
UTM Researcher of the Week, 2023.
Awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship by Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2024-2026.Research Interests
Fire and explosion research engineering:
– Gas explosions
– Fire toxicities
– Fire safety and risk assessments
– Fire prevention and protectionSelected Publications
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0522-1323
https://utmscholar.utm.my/Scholar/ScholarInfoDetails/Rl89
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KgAJCx8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
https://www.utm.my/directory/staff/m.hasimawaty
https://www.linkedin.com/in/misshmatkiah/International Collaborations
Prof Gordon Andrews, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dr Roth Phylaktou, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Dr Bintu Grema Mustafa, University of Maiduguri, NigeriaTeaching
2024: CIMAH 1996: Risk Analyses and Reduction for Loss Prevention
2024: Process Safety Management (PSM): Fundamental with Application
2023-2024: Postgraduate METM1133-01, MKPM1213-01 – Risk and Safety Management
2023-2024: Undergraduate SETG3751-03 Thermodynamics and Material Engineering Laboratory
2023-2024: SPFKT-00 – FKT Safety Passport Program
2022-2023: Undergraduate SETG4711-02 – Gas Flow System Laboratory
2022-2024: Professional Certificate UTM-MPRC IFOG: Gas Fitter Class II – Gas Burner System
2022-2024: Professional Certificate Gas Distribution for Engineer and Gas Engineering Supervisor – Burner System and Combustion
2021-2024:Undergraduate SETG2133-02, SETG2133-01 – Combustion Engineering and Gas Utilisation
2021-2023: Undergraduate SETG1313-02, SETP1113-02 – Mechanics of Engineering
2021-2022: Undergraduate SKTG4223-02 – Gas Storage and Reticulation System
2020-2021: Undergraduate UETS2142-01 – Sustainable Energy
2020-2021: Undergraduate SETG1233-02 – Introduction to Chemical and Gas Engineering
2020-2021: Undergraduate SETG2343-02, SETG2343-03 – Fluid Mechanics
2019-2022: Undergraduate SKTG2443-01, SETG2443-01, SETG2443-02 – Transport Processes
2019-2024: Undergraduate SKTG3453-01, SETG3453-01 – Chemical Engineering Computation
2019-2020: Undergraduate SKTG2741-02 – Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
2019-2020: Undergraduate SKKK3761-02 – Separation Processes Laboratory IIClosePostdoctoral Fellow
Fire and Explosion Research EngineeringDr Jyotirmoy MishraDr Jyotirmoy Mishra
Postdoctoral Fellow
GEOPOLYMER BINDERS, FERROCHROME WASTE VALORISATION & SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE TECHNOLOGIESEmail: jmishra@sun.ac.zaPhone: 0631060824Office: S3046Short Bio
Dr. Jyotirmoy Mishra earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, India, in 2023. He briefly worked as a Research Associate at the same institution before joining Prof. John Babafemi’s Research Group at Stellenbosch University as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. His primary research focus is ferrochrome waste-based geopolymer binders, while his research interests broadly include sustainable concrete and digital construction technologies. Dr. Mishra aims to explore innovative solutions in these areas for sustainable built environment.
Education/Qualifications
PhD in Structural Engineering (Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, India, 2023)
B. Tech & M. Tech (Dual Degree), Civil & Structural Engineering (KIIT University, India, 2016)Honours, Awards, Memberships
Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA)
Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI)
Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
Orissa Chemical Society (OCS)Research Interests
Ferrochrome Waste-based Geopolymer Binders
Sustainable Concrete Technologies
Digital Construction TechnologiesSelected Publications
Mishra, J., Nanda, B., Patro, S.K., Das, S.K. and Mustakim, S.M., 2022. Influence of ferrochrome ash on mechanical and microstructure properties of ambient cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 24(3), pp.1095-1108.
Mishra, J., Nanda, B., Patro, S.K. and Krishna, R.S., 2024. A comprehensive review on compressive strength and microstructure properties of GGBS-based geopolymer binder systems. Construction and Building Materials, 417, 135242.
Mishra, J., Nanda, B., Patro, S.K., Das, S.K. and Mustakim, S.M., 2022. Strength and microstructural characterization of ferrochrome ash-and ground granulated blast furnace slag-based geopolymer concrete. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 8, pp.156-169.
Nanda, B., Mishra, J. and Patro, S.K., 2024. Synthesis of rice husk ash based alkaline activators for geopolymer binder systems: A Review. Journal of Building Engineering, 91, 109694.
A list of his published articles can be found on his Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=AK71KNQAAAAJ&hl=enTeaching
Teaching experience as a Guest Lecturer in India:
– 2022: Undergraduate (4th Semester): Concrete Technology
– 2016: Undergraduate (4th Semester): Concrete TechnologyClosePostdoctoral Fellow
GEOPOLYMER BINDERS, FERROCHROME WASTE VALORISATION & SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE TECHNOLOGIESDr Nicole NelDr Nicole Nel
Short Bio
Doctoral research into untreated greywater as supplementary household water source to augment potable municipal supply with
consideration of associated risks. Current research: an investigation into the removal of fungicide and pathogens from citrus packhouse wash water in South Africa.Education/Qualifications
BSc Eng, MPhil, PhD Civil Engineering
Professional Experience
Consulting Engineer, Project Manager and Academic
Research Interests
Water Quality, reuse and treatment
Selected Publications
Nel. N., Brink I., Jacobs H.E. Ilemobade A. (2022) “A review of untreated household greywater quality to inform the water saving-risk trade-off in South Africa.” WaterSA, 48(4) 441-449.
Jacobs H.E., Du Plessis J.L., Nel N., Gugushe S. and Levin S. (2020) “Baseline adjustment methodology in a shared water savings contract under serious drought conditions.” WaterSA 46(1) 22-29.
Nel N. and Jacobs H.E. (2019) “Investigation into untreated greywater reuse practices by suburban households under the threat of intermittent water supply.” Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 9(4), 627–634. https://doi.org/10.2166/ washdev.201 9.055.
Nel N., Jacobs H.E., Loubser C. and Du Plessis K.J.A (2017) “Supplementary household water sources to augment potable municipal supply in South Africa.“ Water SA, 43 (4).
Nel N., Parker A. and Silbernagl P. (2013) “Improving Water Quality in Stormwater & River Systems; an Approach for Determining Resources.” Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering Vol. 55 No 1, April 2013, Pages 22-35, Paper 797.Teaching
Undergraduate Hydraulics
ClosePostdoctoral Fellow
Water quality, reuse and treatmentDr Marchant Van Den HeeverDr Marchant Van Den Heever
Research Fellow
3D Concrete Printing, Computational, Structural, Experimental & Microstructural MechanicsEmail: mvdheever@sun.ac.zaPhone: 076 056 8655Short Bio
Dr Marchant van den Heever attained a PhD in Civil Engineering in the field of 3D printing of concrete at Stellenbosch University 2021. He received his BEng in Civil Engineering from Stellenbosch University in 2018. Currently he serves as the Technical Director at Harcourt Technologies Ltd in based in Ireland and the UK providing commercial concrete printing solutions in the social housing sector. His research interests include numerical analysis, mechanical characterization, microstructural analysis and reinforcement strategies for 3D printed concrete components and materials.
Education/Qualifications
PhD, BEng (Civil)
Professional Experience
Technical Director at Harcourt technologies Limited
Honours, Awards, Memberships
PPC Ltd prize for Meritorious work in the field of Concrete Engineering (2021)
Concrete Society of Sothern Africa (CSSA) prize for best final year project in concrete technology (2018)Research Interests
Materials, structural, experimental and computational mechanics of 3D concrete printing
Selected Publications
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102944
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2021.102569
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106695
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2020.101737
https://scholar.sun.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10019.1/123688/vandenheever_mechanics_2021.pdf?sequence=1Teaching
– Theory of Structure 354 (2019)
– Structural Design (Concrete) 354 (2018)CloseResearch Fellow
3D Concrete Printing, Computational, Structural, Experimental & Microstructural MechanicsDr Andrew WayDr Andrew Way
Postdoctoral Fellow
Risk & Reliability, Structural Design and Standardisation, Structural Health MonitoringEmail: Acway@sun.ac.zaShort Bio
Andrew Way completed his PhD in structural risk and reliability at Stellenbosch University. His current research involves achieved reliability in water retaining structures, as well as in existing bridge structures.
Education/Qualifications
PhD (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University 2021
MEng (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University 2014
BEng (Civil Engineering), Stellenbosch University 2012Professional Experience
Structural Engineer
Element Consulting Engineers
2015-2016Graduate Structural Engineer
SMEC South Africa
2016-2017Research Interests
Reliability in New & Existing Structures
Traffic Load Models
Water Retaining Structures
Self-sealing in ConcreteSelected Publications
Please see my ResearchGate profile:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew_Way3Teaching
Teaching assistant for various undergraduate modules ranging from first to final year.
ClosePostdoctoral Fellow
Risk & Reliability, Structural Design and Standardisation, Structural Health Monitoring
