Published on by Popular Engineer

Applied Engineering Award

Soughah AlSamahi
University of Guanajuato, Mexico
Soughah AlSamahi
Affiliation Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Country United Arab Emirates
Scopus ID 58398057200
Documents 2
Citations 16
h-index 1
Subject Area Civil Engineering
Event Popular Engineer Awards
ORCID 0009-0005-8213-8007

Soughah AlSamahi is a civil engineer and researcher affiliated with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. With over five years of professional experience in road asset management, infrastructure maintenance, and climate resilience, she has contributed to numerous federal projects and research initiatives. Her work focuses on innovative approaches to structural health monitoring, pavement engineering, and flood risk assessment, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and smart infrastructure solutions. AlSamahi holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Sharjah (ongoing), a Master’s degree in Engineering Asset Management with Distinction from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the American University of Sharjah. She has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Award (2023) and the Best New Employee Award (2020).[1][2]

Abstract

This article presents the academic and professional profile of Soughah AlSamahi, a civil engineer and researcher at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (UAE), in the context of the Popular Engineer Awards. The summary highlights her research output, including 16 Scopus-indexed documents, 2 citations, and an h-index of 1, alongside her extensive project experience in road asset management, pavement maintenance, and climate adaptation. Her work bridges engineering practice and academic inquiry, with contributions to structural health monitoring, flood risk assessment, and performance-based infrastructure contracts. AlSamahi’s dedication to innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development aligns with the criteria for applied engineering recognition.[3]

Keywords

Civil Engineering, Road Asset Management, Structural Health Monitoring, Pavement Engineering, Climate Resilience, Flood Risk Assessment, Infrastructure Management, Performance-Based Contracts, Innovation, Smart Infrastructure, Sustainability, Applied Engineering.

Introduction

The Popular Engineer Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in applied engineering, combining technical expertise with practical impact. Soughah AlSamahi’s career trajectory exemplifies this integration. Since joining the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, she has been involved in over a dozen major infrastructure projects, ranging from federal road maintenance to smart asset management systems. Her academic pursuits, including a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Asset Management, complement her hands-on experience, enabling her to address complex engineering challenges with evidence-based solutions. Her research on pavement deterioration models, structural health monitoring, and climate change impacts has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.[4] This article provides a comprehensive overview of her professional and research contributions, underscoring her suitability for the award.

Research Profile

Soughah AlSamahi’s research profile, as indexed in Scopus (Author ID: 58398057200), comprises 16 documents with 2 citations and an h-index of 1, primarily in civil engineering, infrastructure management, and materials science. Her work spans experimental assessments, numerical modeling, and field applications. Notable themes include the use of sensors and smartphone-based devices for damage detection, the development of pavement roughness prediction models under diverse climatic conditions, and the application of performance-based contracts for road networks. She has collaborated with international researchers and contributed to technical committees, including the World Road Association (PIARC), where she serves as the only Arab and Emirati member of the Asset Management Committee. Her research is characterized by a strong emphasis on practical implementation and policy relevance.[5]

Research Contributions

Soughah AlSamahi has made significant contributions to civil engineering through both research and practice. Key contributions include:

  • Structural Health Monitoring: Co-authored a study on an integrated approach for bridge damage detection using experimental assessments, published in Applied Sciences (2022). This work demonstrated the feasibility of low-cost sensors for real-time infrastructure monitoring.[3]
  • Pavement Performance Modeling: Led a comparative study on pavement roughness prediction models under different climatic conditions, published in Infrastructures (2024). The research provided insights into the effects of temperature and moisture on road deterioration, informing maintenance strategies for the UAE.[4]
  • Climate Change Adaptation: Published papers on flash flood risk assessment and rainfall change projections in the UAE, contributing to the development of climate-resilient infrastructure policies.
  • Asset Management Frameworks: Presented innovative approaches to road asset management at international conferences, including the IRF World Congress and the Roads and Traffic Expo Middle East.
  • Smart Solutions: Contributed to the development of a Road Asset Management System and participated in the open data team that improved the UAE’s global ranking in data transparency.

Publications

Soughah AlSamahi’s research portfolio includes impactful publications on structural health monitoring (Applied Sciences, 2022) using low-cost sensors for bridge damage detection [3], pavement roughness prediction under extreme climates (Infrastructures, 2024) [4], and advanced asphalt characterization for MEPDG implementation (Infrastructures, 2026) [5]. She has also presented conference papers on road asset management, flash flood mitigation, and climate change projections, demonstrating her broad engagement with infrastructure resilience challenges.

Selected peer-reviewed publications and conference papers authored or co-authored by Soughah AlSamahi include:

  • Fiandaca, D., Di Matteo, A., Patella, B., Moukri, N., Al Samahi, S., Inguanta, R., Llort, D., Mulone, A., et al. (2022). An integrated approach for structural health monitoring and damage detection of bridges: An experimental assessment. Applied Sciences, 12(24), 13018.
  • Al-Samahi, S., Zeiada, W., Al-Khateeb, G. G., Hamad, K., et al. (2024). A comparative study of pavement roughness prediction models under different climatic conditions. Infrastructures, 9(10), 167.
  • Al-Samahi, S., Zeiada, W., Al-Khateeb, G. G., Cherkaoui, A., Ezzat, H. (2026). Advanced Characterization of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Towards Implementation of MEPDG in the UAE. Infrastructures, 11(1), 33.
  • Al Samahi, S. (2022). Road Asset Management: Innovative Approaches. Springer Conference Paper.
  • Al Samahi, S. (2024). Flash Floods: Risk assessment and Mitigation. ISEC Conference.
  • Al Samahi, S. (2023). Rainfall change projections under different climate change scenarios in UAE. Qatar Conference.

Research Impact

Soughah AlSamahi’s research has had tangible impacts on infrastructure policy and practice in the UAE. Her work on pavement performance models directly informs maintenance schedules for federal roads, contributing to cost savings and improved road safety. The flood risk assessment studies have been used to develop mitigation strategies for vulnerable areas in Ras AlKhaimah. Additionally, her contributions to the ISO 55001 certification of the Ministry and the implementation of performance-based contracts have enhanced asset management practices at a national level. Her engagement with international bodies such as PIARC and IRF ensures that UAE practices are aligned with global standards. She has also been actively involved in knowledge dissemination through training, mentoring, and media interviews, amplifying the reach of her research.[1]

Award Suitability

Soughah AlSamahi’s profile aligns strongly with the criteria for the Popular Engineer Awards. Her combination of academic rigor, professional experience, and leadership in applied engineering projects demonstrates a commitment to excellence and innovation. She has not only produced high-quality research but has also translated it into practical solutions that address real-world infrastructure challenges. Her recognition through internal and external awards, her active participation in youth councils and professional committees, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers underscore her suitability for this recognition. The Popular Engineer Awards seek individuals who embody the spirit of applied engineering, and AlSamahi’s career reflects this ethos comprehensively.

Conclusion

This article has provided a detailed account of Soughah AlSamahi’s academic and professional journey, highlighting her contributions to civil engineering, road asset management, and climate resilience. Her research output, project leadership, and commitment to continuous learning position her as a strong candidate for the Popular Engineer Awards. The integration of scientific inquiry with practical application, her collaborative spirit, and her dedication to public service exemplify the values of applied engineering. As she continues her Ph.D. studies and engages in transformative infrastructure projects, AlSamahi is poised to make further significant contributions to the field.

External Links

References

  1. Scopus. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Soughah AlSamahi, Author ID 58398057200. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/58398057200
  2. ORCID. (n.d.). ORCID record for Soughah AlSamahi, ID 0009-0005-8213-8007. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8213-8007
  3. Fiandaca, D., Di Matteo, A., Patella, B., Moukri, N., Al Samahi, S., Inguanta, R., Llort, D., Mulone, A., et al. (2022). An integrated approach for structural health monitoring and damage detection of bridges: An experimental assessment. Applied Sciences, 12(24), 13018. https://doi.org/10.3390/app122413018
  4. Al-Samahi, S., Zeiada, W., Al-Khateeb, G. G., Hamad, K., et al. (2024). A comparative study of pavement roughness prediction models under different climatic conditions. Infrastructures, 9(10), 167. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures9100167
  5. Al-Samahi, S., Zeiada, W., Al-Khateeb, G. G., Cherkaoui, A., Ezzat, H. (2026). Advanced Characterization of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Towards Implementation of MEPDG in the UAE. Infrastructures, 11(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11010033
Soughah AlSamahi | Civil Engineering | Applied Engineering Award

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