The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Baghdad witnessed the public defense of Hanin Maad Mehdi’s doctoral thesis titled “Performance of CFRP Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Box Beams with Web Openings Under Pure Torsion.” The defense took place on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in the lecture hall of Dr. Khaled Shaker.
The distinguished committee members overseeing the defense were:
1. Prof. Dr. Nizar Kamel Ali (University of Baghdad) – Chairman
2. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Jabbar Hussein (University of Baghdad) – Member
3. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shatha Diaa Mohammed (University of Baghdad) – Member
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salah Rahima Al-Zidi (University of Baghdad) – Member
5. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Omar Shammal Farhan (University of Al-Nahrain) – Member
6. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raafat Mahmoud Abbas (University of Baghdad) – Supervisor
The study delved into the behavior and performance of reinforced concrete box beams with self-compacting characteristics, featuring side openings and strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips. The research explored the impact of these openings and reinforcement techniques under both repetitive and sustained torsional loads.
The thesis defense covered the effects of side openings and reinforcement on cracking torque, final twisting moment, twist angle, steel strain, concrete strain, and failure patterns. Recommendations included further studies on different reinforcement techniques, the use of alternative fiber types, and investigations into the response of box beams to dynamic and periodic loads.
Following a rigorous scientific discussion and evaluation by the esteemed committee, Dr. Hanin Maad Mehdi successfully defended her thesis, earning the title of Doctor in Civil Engineering.
