I’m a PhD student and research assistant at The University of Sydney, where I am excited to be working on HERA’s ACM CRC Circular Design 4.0 project.

I graduated with First Class Honours and a Dean’s Award in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been dedicated to advancing sustainable construction materials and environmental engineering practices. From investigating CO2 capture for concrete materials to studying biochar and struvite fertilizers for environmental remediation, my work has consistently focused on creating solutions that promote sustainability in the built environment.

As part of HERA’s Circular Design 4.0 project, my PhD research under Dr. Mike Bambach and Dr. Ali Amin is centered on developing AI-driven tools for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in steel fabrication. This involves analysing large datasets of NDT results, performing finite element analyses, and conducting experimental tests to validate AI models. My work specifically targets optimising inspection requirements for critical applications, such as moment-resisting connections and bridge sections, and aligns with AS/NZS 5131 standards.

By integrating AI with traditional inspection methods, I aim to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and boost compliance within the industry. My work will ultimately provide data-driven guidelines that improve safety, reliability, and sustainability in steel fabrication.

I’m passionate about applying my research to real-world challenges and contributing to sustainable infrastructure through my research which is focused on using AI to optimise quality control in structural steel fabrication, with the goal of enhancing efficiency, minimising defects, and ensuring strict compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards. This project is a significant step in my goal to drive innovation in quality control and construction practices.

Abila’s recent kōrero