Dr Ali Monzer PhD, MSc, BSc

Dr Ali Monzer

Department of Civil Engineering
Teaching Fellow

Contact details

Address
Civil Engineering
School of Engineering
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Dr Ali Monzer is an accomplished Geotechnical Engineer with over five years of experience in analysing geotechnical assets, ranging from earthworks to complex soil-structure interaction problems. As an ambitious and innovative engineer, he has developed strong leadership skills through collaborations with academic and industry partners on various geotechnical engineering projects. Dr Monzer has utilised advanced experimental and numerical methods to contribute to sustainable infrastructure development, consistently delivering successful outcomes and establishing a proven track record of excellence in his field.

In 2022, Dr Monzer was appointed as a Research Fellow within the ARLI (Alternative Raw Materials with Low Impact) research group, followed by his role as a Teaching Fellow in Civil Engineering in 2023. In this capacity, he is actively involved in teaching and supporting a variety of modules across several engineering courses, primarily focusing on Civil Engineering. As the Geotechnical Engineering Labs Coordinator, Dr Monzer assists module leaders in developing new resources for students, training demonstrators, and reviewing course content annually.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Geotechnical Engineering - University of Birmingham, 2023
  • MSc in Geotechnical Engineering - University of Birmingham, 2018
  • BSc in Petroleum Geoscience - American University of Beirut, 2016

Biography

Dr Ali Monzer is a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer with a robust academic background and extensive experience in research and teaching. He earned his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Birmingham in 2023, where he developed advanced numerical models to predict the structural integrity of the ground in relation to leaking pipes. This research, conducted in collaboration with renowned institutions like Virginia Tech University and the University of California, has significant implications for asset management in infrastructure maintenance.

His academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, also from the University of Birmingham, where he focused on moisture content monitoring in magnetic soils. Prior to that, he received a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Geoscience from the American University of Beirut, laying a solid foundation for his geotechnical expertise.

As a Research Fellow and Teaching Fellow at the University of Birmingham, he has played a pivotal role in educating the next generation of engineers. His teaching encompasses a wide array of modules, including Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, and Ground Investigation, where he employs innovative pedagogical methods to enhance student engagement and understanding.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr Monzer actively engaged in research focused on sustainable infrastructure and alternative raw materials. His involvement in the ERDF-funded ARLI (Alternative Raw Materials with Low Impact) project highlights his commitment to reducing raw material consumption and promoting sustainability within the construction industry. He has provided technical support to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, guiding them in developing innovative, low-carbon products.

Dr Monzer has also consulted for various firms on projects that include underground construction and geotechnical monitoring, integrating geotechnical and geophysical properties for optimal project outcomes. His research interests encompass soil-fluid interaction and the application of innovative materials in construction.

An active member of several professional organizations, including the Institute of Civil Engineers and the British Geotechnical Association, Dr Monzer continues to contribute to the geotechnical community through publications, conference presentations, and collaborative research efforts. His dedication to fostering knowledge transfer and innovation positions him as a key figure in advancing the field of geotechnical engineering.

Teaching

  • Geotechnical Engineering 1
  • Geotechnical Engineering 2
  • Geotechnical Engineering 3
  • Integrated Design Project 2
  • Analytical Approaches in Geotechnics          
  • Geotechnical Assets (Creation and Management)   
  • Ground Investigation (for Geotechnical Engineering
  • Numerical Approaches and Design in Geotechnics 
  • Professional Skills for Geotechnical Engineering
  • Soil Mechanics

Research

Soil-Fluid Interaction Modelling

Developing advanced numerical models (FEM and MPM) and experimental approaches to effectively simulate soil-fluid interactions for improved geotechnical analysis.

Soil-Structure Interaction Modelling

Conducting numerical modelling of soil-structure interactions in geotechnics to optimize design and improve stability in construction projects.

Innovative Construction Materials

Evaluating the potential of recycled and waste materials in construction to promote sustainability and resource efficiency.

Publications

Recent publications

Article

Monzer, A, Faramarzi, A, Yerro, A & Chapman, D 2023, 'MPM Investigation of the Fluidization Initiation and Post-Fluidization Mechanism Around a Pressurized Leaking Pipe', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering - ASCE, vol. 149, no. 11, 04023096. https://doi.org/10.1061/JGGEFK.GTENG-10985

Conference contribution

Monzer, A, Murphy, J, Yerro, A, Faramarzi, A & Chapman, D 2022, Simulation of soil fluidization around a pressurized leaking pipe using the material point method. in Geo-Congress 2022. Geotechnical Special Publication, vol. 2022-March, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), pp. 363-374, Geo-Congress 2022, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 20/03/22. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784484050.038

View all publications in research portal