Arosha Dabarera

Arosha Dabarera is a Lecturer in Civil Engineering Materials at the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. Previously, he served as Research Associate & Managing Editor at the University of Sheffield (2022-2023), where he led editorial management for the journal Materials and Structures and conducted research on magnesia-based cements for nuclear applications under Editor-in-Chief Prof. John Provis.

His academic qualifications include:

• PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Queensland (2018-2022), awarded the Dean’s Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Theses 2022 for his thesis on Early-age cracking in concrete structures: Mechanisms and Control
• MSc in Concrete Technology from Thammasat University (2014-2016) focusing on Developing a model for predicting adiabatic temperature rise and thermal cracking of mass concrete containing GGBFS
• BSc in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology (2010-2014) examining cellular lightweight concrete mix designs and drying shrinkage cracks

Dr. Dabarera’s research centers on early-age concrete behavior, with emphasis on cracking mechanisms, mechanical properties, and sustainable cementitious systems. His work integrates nuclear waste immobilisation with innovative materials like magnesia-based cements, while advancing data-driven concrete science through RILEM committees. He actively bridges laboratory research with industrial applications in sustainable construction.

Analysis of his 13 publications (2016-2024) reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) precision modeling of zero-stress temperature and cracking risk in high-performance concrete; (2) development of magnesium-based cements for nuclear applications; (3) alignment of construction materials research with UN Sustainable Development Goals. His recent work demonstrates increasing focus on computational approaches (Data-driven concrete science committee) and environmental lifecycle assessment.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Dean’s award for Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Theses 2022 (University of Queensland)

Dr. Dabarera serves as a key contributor to the Materials and Structures Centre for Engineering Research at Hertfordshire and maintains active roles in RILEM’s international network. He currently reviews for Materials and Structures and has secured collaborative projects with Sheffield University on nuclear cement applications, though specific grant amounts remain undisclosed. His editorial leadership demonstrates significant influence in the field.

He leads RILEM technical committees 287-CCS (Early age and long-term crack width analysis), DCS (Data-driven concrete science), and PHC (Performance testing of hydraulic cements), fostering global collaboration among 200+ researchers. His work with the Centre for Engineering Research focuses on real-time monitoring of concrete curing processes using IoT sensors.