The Civil Engineering Department has organized a Survey Camp in 2024 for the Fall 2022 batch of the BS Civil Engineering program asper previous practice. This two-week camp is planned to be held at Khanspur, Ayubia, providing students with an invaluable hands-on experience in various surveying techniques and practices. The camp is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in real-world scenarios.

1. Practical exercises to be performed:

1. MLM, REM Area Calculation using Total Station
   Students learn to perform precise area calculations using advanced Total Station equipment, mastering both the Multi-Line Method (MLM) and Radial Element Method (REM).
2. Area and Elevation Measurement using GPS
   Participants practice using GPS technology to measure areas and elevations, gaining proficiency in geospatial data collection and analysis.
3. Fixing Benchmarks with Fly Leveling or Check Leveling
   The students establish benchmarks relative to temporary or known benchmarks through accurate fly leveling and check leveling techniques.
4. Profile Leveling of a Pathway using Auto Level
   Students conduct profile leveling to determine the elevation changes along a given pathway, utilizing auto levels for precise measurements.
5. Close Traverse Survey using Theodolite
   The students performed a close traverse survey within a specified scheme, applying the theodolite for angular measurements and boundary delineation.
6. Setting a Simple Curve using the Rankine Method
   Participants are trained in setting out a simple curve on the ground by applying the Rankine method, a crucial skill in road and railway alignment.
7. Topographical Survey using Total Station
   Students conduct a comprehensive topographical survey, mapping the terrain and features of the given scheme using Total Station equipment.
8. Triangulation and Area Calculation with Tape, Chain, and Prismatic Compass
   The triangulation exercise involve measuring and calculating the covered area of a given scheme using traditional tools such as tape, chain, and prismatic compass.
9. Distance Measurement by Pacing
   Students also practice basic distance measurement techniques using pacing, a fundamental skill in field surveying.

2. Educational Impact:

The Survey Camp is a key component of the civil engineering curriculum, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical environment. By engaging in these diverse surveying exercises, students developed a deeper understanding of land measurement, data collection, and analysis techniques, which are essential for civil engineering projects.

The experience gained from this camp will undoubtedly contribute to the students' future professional careers, equipping them with the practical skills needed in the field of civil engineering.

HITEC University and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), a key division of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), formally signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) to establish a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing disaster management capabilities and fostering innovation in the field.

1. Overview of the Agreement

Article I: Objective
The primary objective of the LoA is to promote cooperation between HITEC University and NIDM to achieve a stable continuum of innovation and value addition in national disaster management responses. This collaboration aims to implement people-centric approaches and develop locally embedded innovative solutions based on comprehensive needs assessments. Both institutions are committed to developing proactive strategies and enhancing disaster resilience against both natural and human-induced hazards.

Article II: Areas of Cooperation
The agreement outlines several key areas of collaboration:

1. Research and Development: Joint participation in national and international R&D initiatives, knowledge exchange with local and foreign institutions, and promotion of international cooperation in disaster management.
2. Publication and Documentation: Co-publication of research papers, policy briefs, plans, guidelines, and training manuals. Research themes will be coordinated with NIDM’s research teams
3. Technical Capability Enhancement:Sharing of expertise, data, technical tools, software, and infrastructure to strengthen disaster management systems in Pakistan.
4. Emergency Operations Centre Model:Providing technical support for replicating the NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) model in all provinces to improve early warning systems at the local level.
5. Training and Education:Organizing joint workshops, simulation exercises, conferences, seminars, and internships to advance disaster management training and education.
6. Faculty and Researcher Exchange:Facilitating the exchange of faculty, researchers, and officials for teaching, training, and collaborative research.
7. Advocacy and Risk Awareness:Joint efforts in advocating for effective disaster management policies and practices through information exchange and dissemination of best practices.

The Civil Engineering Department successfully organized a specialized OBE (Outcome-Based Education) Training for faculty members on May 10, 2024. This event focused on enhancing the faculty's understanding and implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) frameworks, as well as the design and assessment of complex engineering activities under the OBE system.

The session was led by Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood, a distinguished Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials at the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan (TIP). Dr. Khushnood is a renowned expert in sustainable engineering practices, with a commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability within the field of engineering education.

Professional Development: Faculty members participated in workshops and collaborative discussions aimed at improving curriculum design, assessment strategies, and teaching methodologies. The training offered a platform for educators to refine their skills and contribute to the continuous improvement of academic programs.
Academic Excellence: The session underscored the importance of integrating CQI principles into teaching practices to meet rigorous academic standards and enhance the overall quality of engineering education.
Research Opportunities: The training sparked research inquiries into best practices for implementing CQI frameworks in engineering education, potentially leading to new publications and presentations that advance the field
Recognition and Rewards: Faculty members who actively engaged in the event and demonstrated excellence in CQI principles were recognized for their contributions, furthering their professional development and career advancement.
Personal Satisfaction: Participants expressed a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the enhancement of engineering education. By improving their teaching methods, faculty members are directly impacting the learning outcomes and professional growth of their students.

On April 4, 2024, Civil Engineering students from the Batch of 2020, under the guidance of Engr. Hassan Danish and Engr. Saad Nisar, had the opportunity to visit Faisal Jewels, a landmark development by Faisal Town Pvt. Ltd. Located in the heart of Faisal Hills, Faisal Jewels is a prestigious project led by the esteemed developer Choudhary Abdul Majeed, who is also known for successfully delivering other major projects such as Faisal Town, Faisal Hills, Faisal Margalla City, and Multi-Garden B-17.
Faisal Jewels stands out as an architectural marvel, destined to become Islamabad and Rawalpindi's tallest 5-star hotel and residence, with an impressive 27 floors. The development is designed to offer an elevated lifestyle experience, combining luxury, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology.

•The residential floors are designed to cater to the elite, with spacious apartments and penthouses equipped with the finest finishes and modern conveniences. The penthouses, located on the top floors, offer breathtaking views of the city, creating an unmatched living experience.
•A key highlight of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The building incorporates eco-friendly practices, with landscaped green spaces that provide a serene and tranquil environment. These green areas serve as an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a peaceful retreat within the city.

The site visit offered students a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities involved in a high-rise, multi-functional building project. They were able to observe various stages of construction, including structural work, plumbing, electrical installations, and finishing processes. The visit also provided an understanding of how modern construction projects integrate sustainability, smart living solutions, and luxury into a cohesive design.
In addition, the students gained exposure to project management techniques, particularly in the context of large-scale developments. They were able to interact with industry professionals and learn about the latest advancements in civil engineering, materials, and technology. The knowledge acquired during this visit is expected to greatly benefit their academic studies and future careers as civil engineers.
Faisal Jewels stands as a testament to the future of urban development in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, offering a blend of luxury, sustainability, and innovation. This site visit left a lasting impression on the students, providing them with invaluable insights into the field of civil engineering.

The Civil Engineering Department had the honor of hosting Engr. Dr. Asim Farooq, an esteemed expert in transportation engineering, for a seminar titled "Applications of Geographic Information System (GIS) in Transportation Planning." Dr. Asim Farooq's presence enriched the event, offering students and faculty members invaluable insights into the intersection of GIS technology and modern transportation systems.

Engr. Dr. Asim Farooq is an accomplished civil engineer with a remarkable academic and professional background. He completed his bachelor’s in civil engineering from CECOS University of IT & Emerging Sciences, where he graduated with honors. He pursued his Master's in Transportation Systems at the prestigious Technical University of Munich, Germany, followed by a Ph.D. in Transportation Planning Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, China.
Currently, Dr. Farooq serves as the Head of the Department of Transportation Engineering at the Center of Excellence in Transportation Engineering, Pak-Austria Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Haripur-KPK, Pakistan. His expertise in sustainable urban transportation, smart urban mobility, and transportation network analysis has made him a prominent figure in the field.

During the seminar, Dr. Asim Farooq discussed the applications of GIS in transportation planning, highlighting how this technology can be utilized to improve transportation infrastructure, optimize traffic flow, and enhance urban mobility. Drawing from his extensive experience in China, he shared practical examples of how GIS was used to tackle transportation challenges, demonstrating the real-world impact of this technology. The seminar was an invaluable opportunity for students and faculty alike to gain insights from a leading expert in transportation engineering. Dr. Farooq’s presentation not only broadened their understanding of GIS technology but also inspired future research and application in the field of civil engineering.
This event underscored the Civil Engineering Department's commitment to providing its students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and global best practices in the field of transportation engineering.

HITEC University proudly conducted an award distribution ceremony on January 10, 2024, recognizing the exceptional research contributions of the final year Civil Engineering students. The event was organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), underscoring the university's commitment to promoting academic excellence and fostering innovative research that addresses contemporary engineering challenges.
The chief guest of the event was Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). The ceremony also welcomed representatives from leading universities, including COMSATS, NUST, and GIKI, who were present to receive their respective awards.

During the ceremony, the following three final year design projects from HITEC University’s Civil Engineering Department were awarded funds:

1. Evaluation of Pavement Maintenance Strategies for Local Road Network, supervised by Dr. Sabahat Hassan, Acting Head of the Civil Engineering Department. This project focused on optimizing maintenance strategies to enhance the lifespan and quality of local road networks.
2. Development and Assessment of Magnetite MgO Radiation Shielding Concrete at High Temperature, supervised by Engr. Inayatullah Khan. This research explored innovative radiation shielding concrete for high-temperature environments, contributing to advances in safety and construction materials.
3. Assessing the Performance of Eco-friendly Self-compacting Concrete Using Machine Learning, supervised by Engr. Sarmed Wahab. This project leveraged machine learning to evaluate the performance of sustainable, eco-friendly concrete materials.

This event highlighted HITEC University's dedication to addressing real-world engineering challenges through research and innovation. The awarded funds enabled students and faculty to continue their pioneering work, contributing to the advancement of civil engineering education and practice in Pakistan.

This site visit was organized for Civil Engineering students of batch 2020 on 11th December 2023. The following faculty members supervised this activity:
Engr Saad Nisar
Engr Hassan Danish
Engr Hamza Munir
Emirates Tower is located in b-17 Islamabad consisting of 17 stories and is currently under construction. Through interactions with industry professionals, students gathered practical knowledge, understand industry-specific challenges, and explore potential career paths. Industrial visits also foster networking opportunities and allow participants to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The knowledge and insights gained during this visit will undoubtedly benefit the students as they progress in their academic and professional endeavors in the field of civil engineering.

The visitation team appointed by Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) conducted a two-day accreditation visit of HITEC University, Taxila on July 7-8, 2023 to evaluate the BS Civil Engineering program, for which the first accreditation visit for intake batch 2019 and onwards was due. During the visit, the team met with the Acting Vice Chancellor & Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Registrar, Treasurer and the HoD along with other stakeholders.The formal presentation pertaining to general aspects of HEI and its programs alongwith an overview of relevant Faculties was given by the Registrar on behalf of the Acting Vice Chancellor & Dean Engineering and Technology of the HEI.The departmental presentation was given by the Chairperson of the department. After the departmental presentation, the Convener of visitation team along with PEC representative visited the general facilities of the institution i.e., Central Library, Faculty Cafeteria, Nusrat Auditorium, Iqbal Auditorium, Students Cafeteria, Boys Hostel, HIT Day Care Center, Gymnasium, Indoor and Outdoor Sports facilities and Swimming Pool area etc. After that, meetings were held with various stakeholders like Director QAC, Registrar, Treasurer, Controller of Examination, Placement & Student Affairs Officers etc. In parallel, the program evaluators visited the program specific facilities, i.e. classrooms and laboratories etc. Apart from comprehensive review of documents and evidence pertaining to various accreditation criteria, the team also held meetings and interviews with all the stakeholders such as students, faculty, staff members, alumni and employers.

This site visit was organized for Civil Engineering students of batch 2019 on 29th March, 2023. Following faculty members supervised this activity:
Engr Fatima Ashfaq
Engr Hassan Danish
Engr Muhammad Ehtsham
Engr Sarmad Wahab
The educational visit to the Highway Research and Training Centre provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, enhancing their understanding of highway engineering, construction techniques, traffic management, and sustainability in transportation. The knowledge and insights gained during this visit will undoubtedly benefit the students as they progress in their academic and professional endeavors in the field of civil engineering.

Activities and Highlights:

The visit was conducted specifically for the final year students so that they can get an insight on the state-of-the-art equipment used in the pavement engineering. The students get to explore the equipment used foe the Super pave mix design of asphalt mixtures.

Introduction and Orientation:

The day began with an introductory session, led by the Director HRTC, to provide an overview of the Highway Research and Training Centre and its importance in the transportation sector of Pakistan.

Guided Tour of Facility:

Students were taken on a guided tour of the HRTC. Students visited various labs and explored equipment used in the Superpave mix design. They learned how aggregate selection is done, followed by asphalt mixture preparation techniques. Then equipment used for performance testing of asphalt mixtures i.e., Cooper Wheel tracker test, Fatigue Test, Super pave gyratory compactor etc. were visited. Students were thoroughly informed about the importance of Superior performance testing that allows asphalt pavements designs that could handle the unique weather and traffic conditions as compared to the conventional asphalt testing.
An interactive question and answer session followed the presentation. Participants had the chance to clarify doubts and seek further insights on topics related to the Superior performance testing and its practical implications in Pakistan.

Discussion:

A group discussion and reflection session was conducted. Participants shared their observations, learnings, and insights gained from the trip. This provided an opportunity to connect the practical experiences of the day with their academic knowledge.