Ph.D. Student in Civil Engineering
Yekta Nateghi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Iran and completed her Master’s in Railway Tracks Engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in 2021. During her time at IUST, she focused on studying the geotechnical characteristics of ballast contaminated with desert sand. She also gained teaching assistance experience and contributed to experimental research projects. Additionally, she expanded her expertise through an R&D internship at a railway company in China, working on diverse projects. Her technical skills include geotechnical laboratory experiments and proficiency in software such as Rocky DEM and ABAQUS.
Department of Environment and Science, QLD
Scenic Rim Regional Council, QLD
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
A/Prof. Sanjay Nimbalkar
Dr. Piyush Punetha
Prof. Daichao Sheng
The increasing global construction activities have resulted in a significant amount of construction waste, impacting the environment and depleting natural resources. In Australia, the construction and demolition (C&D) and glass is one of the largest waste producers. Although recycling rates have improved, a considerable portion of this waste still ends up in landfills, leading to environmental consequences. This project aims to address this issue by promoting the use of recycled materials in road construction.
My project focuses on using recycled glass in both sealed and unsealed road construction. By transforming this waste material into a valuable resource, we aim to reduce the need for natural aggregates and minimise landfill use, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This approach not only decreases reliance on non-renewable resources and lowers landfill costs but also supports sustainable development in the construction industry. In addition, we conduct laboratory and numerical investigations, followed by machine learning analysis, to study the performance of roads constructed using natural aggregates blended with recycled materials in varied proportions.
I’ve always wanted to make an impact with my research, and an industry-led project is perfect for that. It lets me tackle practical problems with direct implications for the industry.
Another big draw for me is the collaboration aspect. Working with industry partners offers invaluable insights, learning from professionals with hands-on experience, and building connections. This helps me understand the industry’s challenges and opportunities more deeply, making my research more relevant and enhancing my future career prospects. Plus, seeing the immediate impact of my work is incredibly motivating.
The highlights of my PhD have been multi-faceted, encompassing environmental, financial, and social perspectives. These include:
After completing my PhD, I’m excited to apply my research and skills in the industry. I love tackling real-world challenges and seeing the direct impact of my work on businesses. Contributing to their growth and success is incredibly satisfying. However, I’m also interested in continuing research and exploring new knowledge. Whether I end up in industry or academia, I want to leverage my expertise to solve practical problems and advance the field.
My research focuses on using recycled glass in road construction to reduce the consumption of virgin resources and minimise landfill waste. This supports the circular economy and environmental preservation by creating value from waste.
By incorporating recycled aggregates into roads, we can cut down on landfill use and boost recycling rates. This approach offers both environmental and economic benefits, replacing natural aggregates in road construction and maintenance. For Australia’s extensive road infrastructure, this means significant waste reduction, cost savings, and environmental protection.
In summary, my research addresses construction waste challenges by using recycled glass and promoting sustainable practices, leading to a more sustainable built environment.
