The College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, held the public defense of the Master’s student Ali Issa Hanfoosh Al-Nuaimi from the Civil Engineering Department / Building Materials Branch for his thesis entitled:
“The optimum foam concrete mixture for producing blocks using conventional block-making techniques.”
The defense took place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Prof. Khalid Shakir’s Hall, Department of Civil Engineering, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Zuhear Abdul-Ameer.
The examination committee consisted of the following members:
- Prof. Dr. Zeina Khudair Abbas, University of Baghdad – College of Engineering, Chairperson.
- Prof. Dr. Ma’an Salman Hassan, University of Technology – Department of Civil Engineering, Member.
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Hadeel Khalid Awad, University of Baghdad – College of Engineering, Member.
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Zuhear Abdul-Ameer, University of Baghdad – College of Engineering, Member and Supervisor.
The research focused on improving foam concrete mixtures for block production using conventional block-making techniques, with an innovative modification involving the application of hydraulic pressing to enhance productivity and dimensional stability. The study aimed to determine the optimum dosage of the NH-1 set accelerator that enables early demolding and improved mechanical performance while maintaining adequate workability and cohesion of the foam concrete.
The results showed that increasing the NH-1 dosage significantly accelerated the setting process, allowing pressing and demolding at earlier times without compromising the block’s integrity. The optimum accelerator dosage varied with density, being 3% for 700 kg/m³, 2% for 1000 kg/m³, and 1% for 1300 kg/m³. The hydraulic pressing technique also improved block cohesion, surface quality, and mechanical strength compared with the conventional casting method.
After the scientific discussion by the committee members and the defense presented by the researcher, the candidate was granted the Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with an Excellent grade.
