CEES2024: 1st International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering for Resilient, Smart, and Sustainable Solutions

From November 3 to 5, 2024, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, hosted the inaugural International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering for Resilient, Smart, and Sustainable Solutions (CEES2024). This landmark event brought together experts and enthusiasts from across the globe, showcasing innovative research and fostering collaboration in the field of civil and environmental engineering.

A Global Gathering

With an impressive?270 submissions?from?41 different countries, CEES2024 underscored the widespread interest and urgency in advancing sustainable engineering practices. The conference featured presentations arranged across five distinct tracks:

1. Structural Engineering
2. Geotechnical Engineering & Construction Materials
3. Environmental Engineering & Water Resources Management
4. Transportation Engineering
5. Construction Management Engineering

This structured approach allowed attendees to delve deep into specialized topics while encouraging interdisciplinary discussions.

Inspiring Keynote Speakers

Six distinguished keynote speakers lent their expertise to the conference, sharing insights that pushed the boundaries of current knowledge. Notable figures included:

1. Dr. Benjamin K. Sovacool?(Boston University, USA)
2. Dr. Brahim Benmokrane?(University of Sherbrooke, Canada)
3. Dr. Eyad Masad?(Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar)
4. Ms. Marsia Geldert-Murphey?(ASCE2024 President)
5. Dr. Dimitrios Vamvatsikos?(National Technical University of Athens, Greece)
6. Dr. Riadh Al-Mahaidi?(Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia)

Their presentations set the stage for rich discussions on resilience, sustainability, and the smart solutions needed to tackle today’s engineering challenges.

?Engaging Guest Speakers

In addition to a robust lineup of presentations, the conference featured three esteemed guest speakers who contributed valuable insights to the agenda:

1. Dr. Mohamed AlGawady, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
2. Dr. Sam Salem, Lakehead University, Canada
3. Dr. Hossein Ataei, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

Their expertise provided attendees with a broader perspective on the latest trends and innovations within their fields.

Celebrating Excellence

The event also recognized outstanding contributions to the field. The prestigious?Best Presentation Award?went to?Dr. Haya Almutairi?from the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research for her groundbreaking work titled?Investigating the Rheological Properties of Rubberized-Bitumen Blends Modified with Warm Mix Additives.?

Additionally, the?Best Student Presentation Award?was awarded to?Engineer Tamer Alnazer?from Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University for his intriguing presentation on?Investigating the Impact of Pavement Surface Features on Skid Resistance: A Review on Machine Learning Approach. These accolades not only highlight individual achievements but also encourage the next generation of engineers to push the envelope in research and innovation.

Student Engagement

The ASCE student chapter at PMU played a crucial role in facilitating the conference, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and enthusiasm. Their efforts ensured a smooth experience for speakers and participants alike, highlighting the integral role of student involvement in academic events.

Looking Ahead

CEES2024 served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and networking, fostering connections that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations. As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, conferences like CEES2024 are essential for driving the conversation forward and developing resilient, smart, and sustainable engineering solutions.

In conclusion, the success of CEES2024 reflects a collective commitment to advancing civil and environmental engineering practices. As participants departed Al-Khobar, they carried with them not just new knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose in shaping a sustainable future. Additionally, it is important to note that all participants were highly impressed with the organization and hospitality. Some described the hospitality and logistics of the conference as exceptional, while others highlighted that the conference was well organized and a great success.

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