Dr Joshua Omer

About

I am the departmental Exams and Assessment Tutor and have over 30 years of experience in lecturing and professional practice, having worked for various establishments in the UK and overseas. I am a previous recipient of:(a) a Royal Society Industry Fellowship, (b) an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Research and Development award, (c) the David Douglas Prize and Lecture, awarded by the South Wales Institute of Engineers, UK, and (d) an Association of Commonwealth Universities doctoral scholarship funded by the UK Government. 

I am currently: (1) a visiting Scholar at Covenant University, Nigeria, (2) member of the Pearson BTEC HE/FE Panel for Construction (curriculum development). I serve in the editorial boards of 2 journals: (a) the Journal of Geo-engineering Case studies of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), and (b) the Journal of Geological Resource & Engineering published by David Ross. I am a member of: (i) the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Technical Committee on Drilled Shafts, and (ii) the British Geotechnical Association (BGA), which I represent in the ISSMGE Technical Committees TC107 and TC212. I am also a recent external examiner for the University of Nairobi, Kenya, with responsibility for both undergraduate and postgraduate Civil Engineering courses.

I have authored circa 50 publications in journals and conferences. I have supervised several PhD students, served as independent Chair in PhD viva exams and external examiner for PhD and MPhil/MRes research degrees in UK and overseas universities. I have also served as a book reviewer for CRC Press-Taylor Francis and as peer reviewer for various journals including the ICE Geotechnique, Canadian Geotechnical Journal, ICE Proceedings, Applied Clay Science Journal, Journal of Adhesion, Journal Geotechnical and Geological Engineering.

I collaborate with researchers and engineers from the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Spain, India, China, and Nigeria in scholarly activities.

Academic responsibilities

Senior lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering

Qualifications

  • PhD in Geotechnical Engineering
  • MSc in Structural Engineering
  • BSc (1st Class honours) in Civil Engineering
  • Individual member of the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), USA
  • Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK
  • Member of the British Geotechnical Association of ICE

Teaching and learning

CE4011 - Fluid and Soil Mechanics 

CE5011 - Geotechnical Engineering 1 and Hydraulics

CE6014 - Individual Project and Research Methods

CE6611 - Structural Engineering 2 and Geotechnical Engineering 2

CE7111 - Seismic Design of Structures and Substructures

CE7113 - Sustainable Construction and Substructure Design

CE7116 - Technical Dissertation

FX3002 - Project based Learning (Level 3)

Undergraduate courses taught

Postgraduate courses taught

Research

  • Soil mechanics; collapsible soils, lateritic and rheological models
  • Ground investigation and data interpretation
  • Dewatering and settlement analysis
  • Piling engineering, drilling and support fluids
  • 2D and 3D finite element analysis in geotechnical engineering
  • High speed rail tunnels and underground collectors
  • Eurocode 7 design concepts and procedures
  • Highway pavement engineering, design and materials

Publications

Number of items: 47.

Article

Omer, Joshua and Haroglu, Hasan (2021) Tests on model piled rafts in sand : measured settlements compared with finite element predictions. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 39, pp. 3271-3283. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Vandanapu, Ramesh, Omer, Joshua and Attom, Mousa F. (2021) Laboratory simulation of the influence of groundwater rise and drip irrigation on the settlement of a sample of collapsible desert soil. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 15(6), pp. 760-766. ISSN (print) 1938-6362

Vandanapu, Ramesh and Omer, Joshua (2020) Infrastructure damage due to dewatering without considering land use history. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, ISSN (print) 0960-3182 (Epub Ahead of Print)

Vandanapu, Ramesh, Omer, Joshua R. and Attom, Mousa F. (2019) Three-dimensional finite element analyses of ground settlement and structural damage caused by irrigation of desert landscapes overlying collapsible soil strata. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, ISSN (print) 1938-6362 (Epub Ahead of Print)

MolaAbasi, Hossein, Saberian, Mohammad, Kordnaeij, Afshin, Omer, Joshua, Li, Jie and Kharazmi, Parisa (2019) Predicting the stress-strain behaviour of zeolite-cemented sand based on the unconfined compression test using GMDH type neural network. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 33(9), pp. 945-962. ISSN (print) 0169-4243

Omer, JR and Eghan, Ben A (2018) Numerical analysis of road pavement response. Advancements in Civil Engineering & Technology, 2(2), ISSN (online) 2639-0574

Seco, A., Omer, J., Marcelino, S., Espuelas, S. and Prieto, E. (2018) Sustainable unfired bricks manufacturing from construction and demolition wastes. Construction and Building Materials, 167, pp. 154-165. ISSN (print) 0950-0618

Omer, Joshua and Rokni, Sadegh (2018) 3D finite element assessment of the effects of energy loops on the load capacity and settlement of bored piles installed in sand. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 12(5), pp. 472-483. ISSN (print) 1938-6362

Diaz-Diaz, Luis Maria, Omer, Joshua and Arias, Daniel (2018) Finite element analysis of an underground collector installed by pipe-jacking method. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 12(1), pp. 66-75. ISSN (print) 1938-6362

Vandanapu, Ramesh, Omer, Joshua R and Attom, Mousa F (2017) Laboratory simulation of irrigation-induced settlement of collapsible desert soils under constant surcharge. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 35(6), pp. 2827-2840. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Espuelas, Sandra, Omer, Joshua, Marcelino, Sara, Echeverria, Angel Maria and Seco, Andres (2017) Magnesium oxide as alternative binder for unfired clay bricks manufacturing. Applied Clay Science, 146, pp. 23-26. ISSN (print) 0169-1317

Vandanapu, R, Omer, J. R. and Attom, M F (2016) Geotechnical case studies : emphasis on collapsible soil cases. Institution of Civil Engineers : Proceedings : Forensic Engineering, 169(3), pp. 103-110. ISSN (print) 2043-9903

Talefirouz, Davood, Cocka, Erdal and Omer, Joshua (2016) Use of granulated blast furnace slag and lime in cement-bentonite slurry wall construction. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 10(1), pp. 81-85. ISSN (print) 1938-6362

Ayan, Vahid, Khavandi, Alireza, Omer, Joshua and Limbachiya, Mukesh (2016) Toughness performance of recycled aggregates for use in road pavement. International Journal of Transportation Engineering, 3(3), pp. 171-180. ISSN (print) 2322-259X

Eslami, Abolfazl, Pirouzi, Arash, Omer, J.R. and Shakeran, Mahdi (2015) CPT-based evaluation of blast densification (BD) performance in loose deposits with settlement and resistance considerations. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 33(5), pp. 1279-1293. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Omer, J. R. and Arbabi, A (2015) Evaluation of Finite Element, Finite Difference and Elasticity Methods for Hypothetical Raft Foundations Installed on Layered Strata. Journal of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 33(4), pp. 1129-1140. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Lei, M and Omer, J. R. (2015) A Study of Train Vibration Response and Cumulative Deformation of Double Arch Tunnel in Kast Foundation. Journal of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 33(3), pp. 549-558. ISSN (print) 1573-1529

Omer, J.R. (2015) Computerised processing of ground investigation data and use in predicting the load-settlement behaviour of piled foundations. Geomechanics and Geo-engineering : An International Journal, 10(3), pp. 223-233. ISSN (print) 1748-6025

Ayan, Vahid, Omer, Joshua, Azadani, Sayed, Limbachiya, Mukesh and Khavandi, Alireza (2014) Water absorption studies in recycled aggregates for pavement materials. Open Access Library Journal, 1(e605), pp. 1-10. ISSN (print) 2333-9705

Ayan, V., Limbachiya, M.C., Omer, J. R., Masoud, S and Azadani, N (2014) Compaction assessment of recycled aggregates for use in unbound subbase applications. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 20(2), pp. 169-174. ISSN (print) 1392-3730

Ayan, Vahid, Omer, Joshua R., Limbachiya, Mukesh C. and Azadani, Seyed Masoud Nasr (2012) Water absorption and frost heaving of recycled aggregates. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials, ISSN (print) 1747-650X

Omer, Joshua R. (2012) Integrating finite element and load-transfer analyses in modelling the effects of dewatering on pile settlement behaviour. Canadian Geotechnical Journal (CGJ), 49(5), pp. 512-521. ISSN (print) 0008-3674

Ayan, Vahid, Limbachiya, Mukesh, Nasr Azadani, Seyed Masoud and Omer, Joshua R. (2012) Investigation of Compaction in Recycled Aggregates for Application in Subbase Layer of Highway. The Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, 38(2), pp. 92-102. ISSN (print) 1088-1697

Omer, J. R., Delpak, R and Robinson, R. B. (2010) An empirical method of analysis of load transfer and settlement behaviour of single piles. Journal of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 28(4), pp. 483-501. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Shih, J K C, Omer, J R, Delpak, R, Robinson, R B and Jones, C D (2007) Full-scale pile tests in sand and development of a computer program for predicting load capacity. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 34(10), pp. 1222-1236. ISSN (print) 0315-1468

Omer, Joshua R. and Delpak, Ray (2007) Analysis of drilled cast in-situ single piles in axial loading. Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 12(A), ISSN (print) 1090-0241

Omer, J. R., Delpak, R and Robinson, R. B. (2006) A new computer program for pile capacity prediction using CPT data. Journal of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 24(2), pp. 399-426. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Omer, J. R., Robinson, R. B., Delpak, R. and Shih, J. K. C. (2003) Large scale pile tests in Mercia mudstone: data analysis and evaluation of current design methods. Journal of Geotechnical and Goelogical Engineering, 21(3), pp. 167-200. ISSN (print) 0960-3182

Omer, J R, Delpak, R and Robinson, R B (2002) Instrumented load tests in mudstone: pile capacity and settlement prediction. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 39(6), pp. 1254-1272. ISSN (print) 0008-3674

Delpak, R, Omer, J. R. and Robinson, R. B. (2000) Load-settlement prediction for large diameter bored piles in Mercia mudstone. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Geotechnical Engineering, 143(4), pp. 201-224. ISSN (print) 1353-2618

Conference or Workshop Item

Omer, Joshua (2023) An experimental study of lattice-shaped diaphragm walls with various chamber numbers and installed in soft soil. In: 4th International Conference on Seismic Design and Analysis of Structures and Foundations (SeismiCON 2023); 14 Jun 2023, Online. (Unpublished)

Omer, Joshua (2023) Effects of energy loops on the geotechnical performance of geothermal energy piles. In: SuperPile '23: Piling Design and Construction Conference; 07-09 Jun 2023, Georgia, U.S.. (Unpublished)

Omer, J. and Haroglu, H. (2022) The behaviour of laterally loaded piles installed in the sand with enlarged bases. In: ICGGGE 2022 : International Conference on Geo-environmental, Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, New York, United States, December 09-10, 2022; 09 - 10 Dec 2022, New York, U.S..

Omer, Joshua (2020) Effects of rainfall on the stability of lateritic soils (Reinforced Red Coffee Soils – RCS). In: Pre-conference Workshop on "Laterites and Other Tropical Soils" - National Conference on "Geotechnics and Concrete Structures (GeoCon 2020); 25 Aug 2020, Thiruvananthapuram, India (Held online). (Unpublished)

Omer, Joshua (2019) Use of artificial neural networks and CPT data to assess influence zone around pile base. In: Third Dr. Victor de Mello Goa Lecture and ISSMGE TC107 Symposium on Laterites and Lateritic Soils; 20 - 21 Sep 2019, Goa, India. (Unpublished)

Omer, Joshua R. (2018) Model tests on piled rafts-measured settlement compared with predictions from finite element and empirical methods. In: International Foundation Congress and Equipment Expo (IFCEE) 2018 Conference; 05-10 Mar 2018, Orlando, U.S..

Diaz-Diaz, Luis Maria, Omer, Joshua, Arias, Daniel and Pando, Luis (2016) Finite element analysis of an underground collector installed by pipe-jacking method. In: EGUGeneral Assembly 2016; 17-22 Apr 2016, Vienna, Austria.

Vandanapu, Ramesh, Omer, Joshua and Attom, Mousa (2016) A review on testing of collapsible soils. In: Second International Conference on Infrastructure Management, Assessment and Rehabilitation Techniques (ICIMART'16); 08-10 Mar 2016, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Unpublished)

Omer, Joshua (2011) The use of polymer support fluids in drilled shafts construction. In: DFI-SMIG International Symposium on Deep Foundations, 2011; 03 - 04 Nov 2011, Mexico City, Mexico. (Unpublished)

Ayan, V., Azadani, S.M.N., Omer, J. R. and Limbachiya, M.C. (2011) A study into the absorption property of recycled concrete and reclaimed asphalt pavement mixes. In: 5th International Conference: Bituminous Mixtures and Pavements; 1-3 June 2011, Thessaloniki, Greece. (Unpublished)

Ayan, Vahid, Masoud Nasr Azadani, Seyed, Omer, Joshua and Limbachiya, Mukesh C (2011) A study into the absorption properties of recycled concrete and reclaimed asphalt mixes. In: 5th International Conference on Bituminous Mixtures and Pavements; 1-3 June 2011, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Omer, J. R. (2010) Implementation of approximate and finite element methods to predict negative skin friction and settlement of piles induced by ground water lowering. In: Second International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering; 25-27 October 2010, Hammamet, Tunisia.

Omer, Joshua R. (2010) A numerical model for load transfer and settlement of bored cast in-situ piles. In: 35th Annual Conference on Deep Foundations; 12-15 Oct 2010, Hollywood, U.S.A..

Omer, Joshua (2007) Modelling and analysis of an elastic compound strut in axial compression. In: World Congress on Engineering 2007; 02-04 July 2007, London, U.K..

Omer, J. R., Delpak, R. and Robinson, R. B. (2002) Semi-analytical solutions for vertically loaded piles in clay/weak rocks. In: 8th International Symposium NUMOG VIII; 10-12 Apr 2002, Rome, Italy. ISBN 9789058093592

Thesis

Omer, J. R. (1998) Numerical analysis of pile test data from instrumented large diameter bored piles formed in Keuper marl (Mercia mudstone). (PhD thesis), University of Glamorgan, .

Omer, Joshua Ramogi (1992) Structural strength and performance of cement-stabilised murram. (Other thesis), University of Nairobi, .

This list was generated on Thu Mar 28 07:41:31 2024 GMT.

Business, knowledge transfer and international

I am a Co-Investigator in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, funded by UKRI in July 2023, and led by a colleague Dr Hasan Haroglu. The project is about the development and use of artificial intelligence in building and construction industry.

Since Oct 2023, I am a member of the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, Switzerland (IABSE) Task Group on Well foundations, with responsibility for developing industry guidance on design and reuse of caisson foundations. I am also a member of the HE Panel for Construction in Pearson Group publishers, where I review  development documents for a new qualification BTEC AAQ in Construction.

I recently received of $1,500 from the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI, USA) to deliver a lecture at the SuperPile conference in Atlanta, USA, 7th-9th July 2023. The presentation was entitled " Effects of Energy Loops on the Geotechnical Performance of Geothermal Energy Piles".

Qualifications and PROFESSIONAL expertise

  • Member of the Deep Foundations Institute, USA
  • Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK

Areas of interest

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations
  • Highway Engineering
  • Numerical analysis
  • Field testing and monitoring of substructures

Industry links

  • Galliford Try, UK
  • Asranet, UK
  • Deep Foundations Institute, USA

Professional practice, knowledge exchange and impact

I have recently delivered two external CPD courses to practising engineers: (1) "Design of foundations for on-shore wind turbine structures" 6th-7th July 2023 and (2) Design of foundations for off-shore wind turbines, 21st-22nd Nov 2023. Both courses were organised by Asranet Ltd (UK), a maritime company for courses, conferences and research.

I have recently (March 2022) served as an external subconsultant for AMA Consulting Engineers (Nairobi, Kenya), where I was responsible for reviewing the Geotechnical Investigation Report and making recommendations for the geotechnical design and construction of the A2 dual carriageway (36 km) between Sagana and Marua towns in central Kenya.

I have also recently (2019) been involved with the joint EFFC-DFI (European Federation of Foundation Contractors and the Deep Foundation Institute) in developing a new design guide for the use of Support Fluids in deep foundation construction.

Qualifications and expertise

  • Civil Engineer, 30 years experience in academia and consultancy

Professional and scholarly affiliations

  • British Geotechnical Association (BGA), UK
  • Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), USA
  • Institution of Civil Engineers, UK

Leadership and management

As the department's Examinations and Assessment Tutor,  I am responsible for a positive student experience. My functions are:

(a) monitoring the assessment schedule for all modules, to avoid bunching of coursework submission deadlines.

(b) working with the Head of Department (HoD) and the School Director of Learning and Teaching (SDLT) in the implementation of the School's assessment policies.

(c) monitoring the timely release of marks and feedback to students.

(d) liaising with external examiners, allocating modules to them and preparing their schedules of work.

(e) working with module leaders to ensure that materials for moderation are availed to external examiners promptly.

(f) obtaining module summary reports from external examiners 

(g) monitoring of setting of camera-ready examination papers and internal moderation.

(h) collating coursework performance data in all modules, for discussion with HoD and course leaders (CL) regarding key performance indices and retention/ progression metrics.

(j) chairing academic misconduct hearings, and reviewing mitigating circumstances regulations.

(k) managing the reassessment process and support given to students, to maximise progression.