Raad Azzawi

Raad Azzawi is a Professor of Instruction in Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), College of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Baghdad (2000) and an MBA in Projects Finance and Investment from UTA (2021). With over two decades of academic experience, he progressed from Assistant Professor to full Professor within UTA's Civil Engineering Department, while maintaining industry engagement through consulting roles with firms including Transtech Co. and Miad Construction Co.

Education:

• MBA in Business Administration, University of Texas at Arlington (2021)
• PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Baghdad (2000)
• MS in Civil Engineering, University of Baghdad (1995)
• BS in Civil Engineering, University of Baghdad (1989)

Azzawi's research centers on sustainable structural engineering solutions with emphasis on fiber-reinforced concrete systems and energy-efficient construction. His experimental work investigates seismic retrofitting techniques, steel-fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) behavior under eccentric loading, concrete breakout strength of anchors in FRC, and innovative applications of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for insulating concrete forms. He actively explores composite steel-concrete systems for bridge decks and structural components, combining laboratory testing with numerical simulations to advance sustainable infrastructure design.

His 15 most recent publications reveal a strong focus on experimental validation of novel concrete composites (particularly SFRC), sustainable construction materials (EPS-based systems), and structural connection behavior under dynamic loading. The research trajectory shows consistent progression from fundamental material testing (2020-2021) toward applied sustainable solutions (2023-2024), with increasing industry collaboration evident in recent conference presentations.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Civil Engineering Teaching Award, University of Texas at Arlington (2020)
• Outstanding Teaching Award, CE/UTA (December 13, 2019)

Azzawi has advised over 35 graduate students across thesis committees and dissertation roles, demonstrating significant mentorship impact. His current research includes a $2,000 UTA-funded grant (January-April 2024) on EPS blocks for energy-efficient construction. He serves on multiple committees including ABET accreditation, department promotion guidelines, and UG curriculum development, while maintaining active industry partnerships through the Timber Strong competition and structural engineering associations.

As a member of ASCE, AISC, ACI, and AWC, Azzawi integrates professional practice with academic work. His teaching portfolio spans structural design courses (concrete, steel, timber, masonry) and advanced topics including BIM and nonlinear analysis, reflecting comprehensive expertise across civil engineering subdisciplines.