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.

CQT CoE Vision

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.

CQT CoE Mission

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:

1. Standardizing construction quality testing methodologies, best practices, automation, metrics, and tools to ensure consistency and reliability.

2. Managing a flexible pool of resources to uphold high construction quality standards throughout Ethiopia, from pre-deployment phases to production.

3. Enhancing visibility and transparency regarding project construction quality levels.

4. Developing and adopting innovative construction technologies by addressing technological and organizational challenges collaboratively.

5. Cultivating strong partnerships with stakeholders in the construction industry, emphasizing process optimization and integration.

6. Introducing and evaluating cutting-edge technologies in construction practices, focusing on usability and impact assessment.

7. Facilitating practical-academic collaborations through initiatives and research platforms, fostering the exchange of ideas between practitioners and academics.

8. Establishing state-of-the-art research centers and laboratories at AASTU dedicated to construction quality and technology.

9. Creating a scientific hub for academic-practical research at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels.

CQT CoE Objectives

1. Educate students to become future leaders within the construction industry, focusing on enhancing their skills in management, planning, design, construction, and facility operation.

2. Evaluate, research, and develop innovative construction methods and processes to elevate the quality of constructed projects.

3. Establish a platform for continuous dialogue among partners to enhance industry knowledge for students and faculty alike.

4. Cultivate scientific environments conducive to fostering innovation and novelty in construction technology at AASTU.

5. Provide robust construction quality and technology infrastructure to support research and development endeavors.

6. Engage in research activities exploring the latest and emerging areas of construction technology.

7. Collaborate with international experts, prestigious institutions, research centers, and companies to advance research and applications in construction process and production technology.

8. Facilitate professional forums such as national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote academic-practical research in construction quality and technology.

9. Educate both the academic community and practicing engineers about advancements in construction technology.

10. Develop multidisciplinary research capabilities alongside other programs at AASTU.

11. Serve as a repository of knowledge and published information, offering technical expertise and consultancy services in construction engineering for technology users, suppliers, and policymakers.

12. Support stakeholders by delivering state-of-the-art services and disseminating new findings through research and consultancy.

13. Take a leading role in ensuring quality assurance and safety within the construction industry.

CQT COE Thematic Areas:

1. Visualization and Simulation in Construction

Key theme areas include Building Information Modeling (BIM), construction process modeling, simulation, and integration, visual sensing and analytics for project controls, and computational structural simulation.

2. Sustainable Construction Technologies

Key theme areas encompass sustainable infrastructure and testing, green building and utilization of local construction materials, sustainable and adaptable building practices, the impact of climate change on infrastructure maintenance costs, and the implementation of low carbon construction methods (Sustainable Building Construction).

3. Advanced Structural Engineering

Key theme areas encompass reinforced concrete structures, bridges, structural behavior and design in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum structures, concrete and steel composite structures, structural mechanics and analysis, structural reliability and systems, structural materials including timber and non-timber products, formwork and falsework design and construction, and computational analysis, and use of aluminum formwork.

4. Road and Transport

Key theme areas include the structural durability of highway structures, research and innovation in asphalt paving, transportation materials, concrete pavement performance, civil security of road traffic infrastructure, road traffic accidents, mitigation strategies for the negative consequences of climate change, and enhancing intelligence and interlinkage within the road traffic system.

5. Construction Materials Research

Key theme areas delve into the composition and performance of cementitious materials, the microstructure and nanostructure of cementitious materials, non-destructive testing, sensing, and imaging techniques for construction materials and structures, the durability and sustainability of construction materials, the performance of alternative binders, rheological properties of fresh mixtures, enhancement of local construction materials, and the development of green building materials and energy-efficient materials.

6. Construction Management and Quality Control

Key theme areas encompass the optimization of resource utilization during the construction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure systems, infrastructure management, construction maintenance management, productivity assessment and enhancement, construction equipment, methods, and safety protocols, performance evaluation of heavy construction equipment, cost engineering, alternative contracting techniques, and the design and management of temporary structures.

7. Physical Modelling

Key theme areas include the simulation of dam outlet works and energy dissipaters, spillway and levee systems, pump stations and intakes, water and wastewater treatment plants, tunnel construction, and the structural modeling of buildings, bridges and culverts.

CQT COE Major Tasks

1. Research and Development (Internal and External):

The CQT COE is dedicated to both internal and external research and development endeavors. Internally, our team of experts continuously explores cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies to address the evolving challenges within the construction industry. We conduct in-depth studies, experiments, and analyses aimed at advancing knowledge and fostering breakthroughs in construction quality and technology.

Externally, we collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, and other stakeholders to undertake collaborative research projects. These partnerships enable us to leverage diverse expertise and resources, facilitating the development of practical solutions to real-world construction challenges. Through these collaborative efforts, we contribute to the advancement of the construction sector and drive innovation in construction practices and technologies.

List of funded research projects

2. Consultancy Service:

The CQT COE offers consultancy services to support various stakeholders in the construction industry. Leveraging our expertise and experience, we provide tailored advisory services and technical assistance to address specific challenges and requirements. Our consultancy services encompass a wide range of areas, including Design, Construction supervision and contract administration, construction quality assurance, technology adoption, project management, and sustainability initiatives. Our consultancy services are designed to add value and enhance the outcomes of construction projects. We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and objectives, delivering practical and effective solutions that drive success.

CQT CoE Representative Consulting Projects

3. Community Service:

Community service is integral to our mission at the CQT COE. We actively engage with local communities to contribute positively to societal development and promote the welfare of individuals and groups. Through various outreach initiatives and programs, we aim to share knowledge, raise awareness, and empower communities to address construction-related challenges and opportunities.

Our community service efforts encompass a range of activities, including educational programs, skill development workshops, and public awareness campaigns. We collaborate with schools, universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to reach diverse audiences and make a meaningful impact. By fostering community engagement and participation, we strive to build stronger, more resilient communities and promote sustainable development practices in the construction sector.

Recent Community Service projects

Contact Details

Tesfaye Alemu, PhD.

Associate professor of Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering)

Head, Construction Quality and Technology Center of Excellence

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Email: tesfaye.alemu@aastu.edu.et

Phone: +251 979063905