Message from the Head of the CoE

Dear colleagues, partners, and students,

The Construction Quality & Technology Center of Excellence (CQT CoE) was established to bridge cutting-edge research with practical impact across Ethiopia's construction sector. Since its inception, the Center has advanced high-quality testing, innovative materials research, and digital transformation initiatives that raise the bar for safety, transparency, and performance in our built environment. Officially established on June 1, 2017, the CQT CoE operates from Campus 1, Building Block 82 (3rd Floor) at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University.

Today's challenges — rapid urbanization, climate resilience, sustainable materials, and productivity — demand rigorous science, reliable standards, and collaborative delivery. The CoE prioritizes industry-ready solutions: standardization of quality methodologies, adoption of emerging technologies, and the diffusion of best practices through training, consultancy, and applied research. By fostering partnerships with government, academia, and industry, the Center serves as a trusted platform for evidence-based decisions and continuous improvement.

The path forward remains clear: uphold uncompromising quality, champion innovation, and cultivate talent. With your continued engagement, the CQT CoE will expand its contribution to national development — delivering safer infrastructure, resilient systems, and measurable value for citizens.

Tesfaye Alemu, PhD

Associate Professor of Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering)
Head, Construction Quality & Technology CoE

📍 Office: AASTU, Building Block 82, 3rd Floor (CQT CoE)

📞 Mobile: +251 979063905

📧 Email: tesfaye.alemu@aastu.edu.et | tes.alemu@gmail.com

Tesfaye Alemu, PhD - Head, Construction Quality & Technology Center of Excellence

About the CoE

The Construction Quality and Technology Center of Excellence (CQT CoE) is among the identified centers of excellence designated by the ministry of science and technology for establishment at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. Its purpose is to foster close collaboration between academia and industries within the construction sector. Officially established on June 1st, 2017, the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University's Center of Excellence in Construction Quality and Technology Center of Excellence (CQT CoE) is located on the third floor of Building Block Number 82 within Campus 1.

Core Values

Integrity & Ethics

Uncompromising honesty in research, testing, reporting, and professional conduct.

Quality & Rigor

Evidence-based methods, validated protocols, and traceable results.

Safety First

Safety embedded in design, testing, construction, and operations.

Innovation & Impact

Adoption of emerging technologies delivering measurable outcomes.

Collaboration & Partnership

Open engagement with government, industry, academia, and communities.

Transparency & Accountability

Clear processes, auditable decisions, and responsible stewardship.

Sustainability & Resilience

Materials and practices that minimize environmental footprint.

Excellence in Service

Timely, reliable, and client-focused support.

Learning & Mentorship

Continuous capacity building for students and professionals.

Inclusivity & Professionalism

Fair opportunities, diverse perspectives, and respectful conduct.

Standards & Compliance

Alignment with national and international codes.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Robust metrics and analytics guiding performance improvement.

Objectives of the CoE

1. Educate students to become future leaders within the construction industry.
2. Evaluate, research, and develop innovative construction methods and processes.
3. Establish a platform for continuous dialogue among partners.
4. Cultivate scientific environments conducive to fostering innovation.
5. Provide robust construction quality and technology infrastructure.
6. Engage in research exploring emerging areas of construction technology.
7. Collaborate with international experts and prestigious institutions.
8. Facilitate professional forums, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
9. Educate academic community and practicing engineers about advancements.
10. Develop multidisciplinary research capabilities alongside other programs.
11. Serve as a repository of knowledge and offer technical expertise.
12. Support stakeholders by delivering state-of-the-art services.
13. Take a leading role in ensuring quality assurance and safety.

Vision of the CoE

Our vision is to become the epicenter of research in construction quality and technology, contributing significantly to Ethiopia's development through innovative research and technology dissemination.

Mission of the CoE

At the Center of Excellence in Construction Quality and Technology, we engage in research, education, and technology transfer activities encompassing various civil engineering domains such as buildings, roads, railways, dams, and other infrastructure. Our mission entails:

  • ▸ Standardizing construction quality testing methodologies and best practices.
  • ▸ Managing a flexible pool of resources to uphold high construction quality standards.
  • ▸ Enhancing visibility and transparency regarding project construction quality levels.
  • ▸ Developing and adopting innovative construction technologies.
  • ▸ Cultivating strong partnerships with stakeholders in the construction industry.
  • ▸ Introducing and evaluating cutting-edge technologies in construction practices.
  • ▸ Facilitating practical-academic collaborations through initiatives and research platforms.
  • ▸ Establishing state-of-the-art research centers and laboratories at AASTU.
  • ▸ Creating a scientific hub for academic-practical research at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels.

Identified Thematic Research Areas of the CoE

1. Visualization and Simulation in Construction

BIM, construction process modeling, visual sensing, computational structural simulation.

2. Sustainable Construction Technologies

Sustainable infrastructure, green building, climate change impact, low carbon construction.

3. Advanced Structural Engineering

Reinforced concrete, steel structures, structural mechanics, formwork design.

4. Road and Transport

Highway structures, asphalt paving, road traffic safety, climate change mitigation.

5. Construction Materials Research

Cementitious materials, non-destructive testing, green building materials.

6. Construction Management and Quality Control

Resource optimization, infrastructure management, cost engineering, safety protocols.

7. Physical Modelling

Dam outlet works, spillway systems, tunnel construction, structural modeling.

Thematic Areas and Corresponding Thematic Chairs

S.No Thematic Areas under CQT Name of Thematic Chair
1 Visualization and simulation in construction Mr. Abenezer Tariku
2 Sustainable construction technologies Eng. Habtamu Eskezia
3 Advanced structural engineering Dr. Temesgen Wondimu
4 Road and Transport research Dr. Melaku Sisay
5 Construction Materials Research Eng. Meseret Girma
6 Construction management and quality control Dr. Simret Tesfaye
7 Physical Modelling Dr. Brook Abate

Research Projects

A. Internally Funded Research Grants

S. No PI Project Name Status
1 Mr. Getachew Alemu Synthesis of cost effective, thermal and acoustic proof building materials Completed
2 Dr. Brook Abate Integrated watershed management in Ungauged Rainfed Regions Completed
3 Dr. Habtamu Hailu Formulation of Watershed Management strategies for flood mitigation Completed
4 Dr. Sisay Demeku Investigation of the cause and extent of flooding in Addis Ababa Completed
5 Dr. Tesfaye Alemu Study on behaviors of bio-mortar, normal and high strength bio-concrete Completed
6 Mr. Mesfin Alemu Urban and Peri-Urban Landscape analysis and planning Completed
7 Dr. Fitsum Tesfaye Stabilization of weak expansive subgrade soil using plant based additives Completed
8 Dr. Belachew Asteray Development of Construction Duration Prediction Model Completed
9 Dr. Siraj Mulugeta Analysis of slope deformation problem along Gohatsion-Dejen asphalt road Completed
10 Dr. Dagmawi Tesfaye Ethiopian Architectural History and Heritage Management Completed
11 Dr. Sisay Demeku Impact assessment and exit strategy study of Mojo and Teji catchments Completed
12 Temesgen Banda Prediction of Road Pavement Material Design Parameters using ML Completed
13 Dr. Melku Sisay Improvement of Pavement subgrade soil by terrazyme of termite mound soil Ongoing
14 Samuel Abayneh Using local material with Geotextile for flexible pavement structures Ongoing
15 Dr. Tesfaye Alemu Study on the Tension Stiffening Effect of Reinforced Concrete Beams Completed
16 Dr. Simret Tesfaye Potential Application of Diatomaceous Earth in bamboo-fiber reinforced polymer concrete Ongoing
17 Abenezer Tariku Assessing Facility Management Practices and BIM for Facility Management Ongoing
18 Dr. Getachew Tegegne Assessment of sediment transport and watershed management strategies Ongoing

B. Externally Funded Research Grants

S.No Title of the Project Funding Agent Status
1 Application of high-water absorption rate for basalt aggregate China Communications Construction Company, Ltd Completed
2 Gojem – Bernda Corridor LDP Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
3 Jemo Secondary Center LDP Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
4 African Union Area LDP Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
5 The Impact of Brokers And Commission Agents in Selected Markets Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
6 Analysis of Development and Potential of Cultural and Creative Industries Addis Ababa City Administration On-going
7 Goods Producing Sectors in Addis Ababa: Productivity, Interlinks & Policy Implications Addis Ababa City Administration On-going

C. Consultancy Services

No. Project Title Client Status
1 Ginch-Kachissie Road Design Project Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) Completed
2 Structural, Geologic Mapping for Middle Awash Dam Study Water Works Design and Supervision Enterprise Completed
3 Study on Sustainable Water Harvesting and Waste Water Treatment Ministry of Urban Development and Housing Completed
4 Technical and Financial Auditing for Road Maintenance Works Ethiopian Road Fund Completed
5 Integrated Bus Terminal design for Nine Oromia Cities Oromia Transport Authority Completed
6 Route selection and survey, Feasibility and EIA Studies Oromia Road Authority Completed
7 Geotechnical Investigation for B+G+8 Office Building Addis Credit and Saving Institution S.C Completed
8 Road Inventory and Condition Survey of North Shoa and West Shoa Office of Road Fund Completed
9 Road Inventory and Condition Survey of Dire Dawa, Harari and Somali Office of Road Fund Completed
10 Performance Assessment of Existing Apartment Building ENYI General Business PLC. Completed
11 Preparation of Construction Works National Productivity Norm Construction Management Institute Completed
12 Smart City Plan Study of Addis Ababa City Administration Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
13 AASTU 10G Fiber Backbone Network Project AASTU Completed
14 IP Surveillance System and Biometric Security Solution AASTU Completed
15 Modular Data Center, Power House, and Servers on Turnkey Basis Adama Science and Technology Univ. Completed
16 Development of Bulgaria-Kera and Gojam Berenda Corridor LDP Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
17 Development of African Union and Jemo Secondary Center LDP Addis Ababa City Administration Completed
18 Design and Supervision of B+G+15 Apartment Buildings Addis Ababa Police Commission Completed
19 Design Review and Supervision of ACGB S.C Head Quarter Addis Capital Goods Finance Business S.C Ongoing
20 Design Review and Supervision of FDRE Liability and Asset Management FDRE Liability and Asset Management Corporation Completed
21 Design Review and Supervision of Ethio Engineering Group Ethio Engineering Group Completed
22 Design Review of Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise Ongoing
23 National Bank of Ethiopia Branch Office Building Project National Bank of Ethiopia Ongoing
24 National Geoscience Digital Data Center Construction Project Geological Institute of Ethiopia Ongoing

Collaborations

National

  • ▸ Construction Management Institute
  • ▸ Ministry of Urban Development and Housing
  • ▸ Addis Ababa Housing Development Corporation
  • ▸ Ethiopian Road Authority
  • ▸ Geological Institute of Ethiopia
  • ▸ National Bank of Ethiopia
  • ▸ Addis Capital Goods Finance Business S.C
  • ▸ Ethio Engineering Group
  • ▸ Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise
  • ▸ Addis Ababa City Administration Plan and Development Commission
  • ▸ Ethiopian Water Technology Institute

International

  • ▸ Kyoto University
  • ▸ China Communications Construction Company, Ltd
  • ▸ Hubie University of Technology
  • ▸ Japan International Cooperation Agency

Researchers' Profile

Names with their research profile link (Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ORCID ID) will be displayed here.

Publications