Dr. Shweta Goyal: Professor at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India
Dr. Shweta Goyal is an esteemed Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala, Punjab, India. She holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Thapar University, with a focus on the strength and durability of silica fume concrete. Over the past two decades, Dr. Goyal has become a leading figure in the fields of concrete technology, materials science, and structural engineering. Her pioneering research on corrosion protection, sustainable construction materials, and self-healing concrete has earned her national and international recognition. She is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by focusing on practical applications of her research to improve the durability and sustainability of concrete structures.
Online Profiles
Total Citations: 2,720 (2,283 since 2020)
h-index: 27
i10-index: 52
Dr. Goyal’s research has earned significant recognition, with over 2,700 citations and an h-index of 27, reflecting the high impact of her work in concrete technology and sustainability.
Dr. Goyal is active on various academic and professional platforms such as ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and LinkedIn, where she shares her publications, ongoing research, and professional insights. Her online profiles reflect a strong network of collaborations, conferences, and lectures across global forums, showcasing her extensive contribution to the civil engineering community. She is also a reviewer for several high-impact journals, including Cement and Concrete Research, Journal of Building Engineering, and Materials and Structures. Her engagement with these platforms ensures that her work reaches both academic circles and industry professionals.
Education
Dr. Goyal’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Engineering from Panjab University, where she graduated with a Gold Medal in 1996. She pursued her M.E. in Structural Engineering at Thapar University, Patiala, also securing a Gold Medal for her outstanding academic performance. Her thirst for deeper knowledge led her to pursue a Ph.D. at Thapar University, where she investigated the “Strength and Durability Studies on Silica Fume Concrete,” under the guidance of prominent scholars. Her dissertation has been cited in numerous research studies and continues to influence the field of concrete materials.
Research Focus
Dr. Goyal’s research primarily centers around understanding the mechanisms behind rebar corrosion and exploring innovative strategies for corrosion protection in reinforced concrete structures. She is also focused on developing sustainable construction materials that contribute to the global net-zero carbon targets. Her work on self-healing concrete and corrosion-inhibiting compounds aims to address some of the most critical issues in civil engineering, such as the longevity of concrete infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Dr. Goyal’s contributions extend to developing standards and guidelines for durability testing and materials specifications, particularly for concrete structures exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Experience
With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Goyal has built a legacy of excellence in both teaching and research. Since joining Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology in 2003, she has risen through the academic ranks from Lecturer to Professor. Her leadership roles at TIET include serving as the Warden of the Girls Hostel for several years and as the Faculty Coordinator for key institutional events like the Thapar Food Festival. She has also contributed to the development of curricular and extracurricular programs as the Department Coordinator of Experiential Learning Activities. Dr. Goyal has held visiting consultancy roles at institutions like IIT Madras and has been part of many high-profile industry and research collaborations.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Goyal’s research has evolved significantly over the years. Starting with the study of silica fume concrete in the early years of her career, her research trajectory shifted toward concrete durability and corrosion management as she gained expertise in the field. In recent years, her focus has expanded to include sustainable construction materials, self-healing concrete, and CO2 sequestration through accelerated carbonation curing of concrete. She has also pioneered the development of biocalcification and bio-mediated cementation processes for concrete repair, in collaboration with top researchers in the field. Dr. Goyal has been a principal investigator in several sponsored projects and has secured substantial funding from governmental and industrial bodies, such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC), and AICTE.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Goyal’s exceptional contributions to research have earned her numerous awards and honors. In 2025, she received the prestigious CII Corrosion Management Practices Award for New Technologies and Innovations in Corrosion Management. She also won the Directors Research Paper Award for Best Research Publication in 2023 for her pioneering work on low-carbon cementitious binders. Her accolades include multiple International Travel Grants to attend high-profile conferences such as the RILEM Week and the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement. Additionally, Dr. Goyal has received several performance incentives from her institution and multiple awards recognizing her excellence in teaching, research, and community service.
Top Noted Publication
One of Dr. Goyal’s most cited and influential publications is titled “Recycling of Calcined Low-Grade Limestone Slurry in Producing Low-Carbon Cementitious Binder Towards Sustainable Environment”, published in Environmental Development (2023). The study addresses the potential of using calcined low-grade limestone as an alternative to traditional cement, contributing to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. This work, co-authored with Anurag and Rajesh Kumar, was awarded the Directors Research Paper Award for its innovative approach to sustainable construction materials. Her contributions to the field of concrete technology have made her a recognized authority on durability, corrosion management, and sustainable building practices.
Microbial Healing of Cracks in Concrete: A Review
Joshi, S., Goyal, S., Mukherjee, A., Reddy, M.S.
Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 44(11), 1511-1525 (2017)
Citations: 235
This paper reviews the microbial healing mechanisms in concrete, offering innovative insights into bio-based repair technologies.Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Analysis of Cement Mortar Incorporating Marble Powder as Partial Replacement of Cement
Vardhan, K., Goyal, S., Siddique, R., Singh, M.
Construction and Building Materials, 96, 615-621 (2015)
Citations: 220
The study explores the feasibility of marble powder as a partial cement replacement, highlighting its impact on mechanical properties and microstructure.Accelerated Carbonation Curing of Cement Mortars Containing Cement Kiln Dust: An Effective Way of CO2 Sequestration and Carbon Footprint Reduction
Sharma, D., Goyal, S.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 192, 844-854 (2018)
Citations: 195
This publication discusses the role of cement kiln dust in accelerating carbonation curing for CO2 sequestration.Strength, Permeation, and Micro-structural Characteristics of Concrete Incorporating Waste Marble
Vardhan, K., Siddique, R., Goyal, S.
Construction and Building Materials, 203, 45-55 (2019)
Citations: 131
This paper investigates the use of waste marble in concrete, focusing on its effects on strength and permeability.Influence of Marble Waste as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates on Strength and Drying Shrinkage of Concrete
Vardhan, K., Siddique, R., Goyal, S.
Construction and Building Materials, 228, 116730 (2019)
Citations: 108
The study evaluates the influence of marble waste on concrete’s strength and drying shrinkage.Influence of Nutrient Components of Media on Structural Properties of Concrete During Biocementation
Joshi, S., Goyal, S., Reddy, M.S.
Construction and Building Materials, 158, 601-613 (2018)
Citations: 103
This research examines the impact of nutrient media on biocementation and its effects on concrete’s structural properties.
Strength for the Innovative Researcher Award
1. Pioneering Contributions to Sustainable Concrete Materials
Dr. Shweta Goyal has consistently led research that transforms industrial by-products and waste materials into viable components for concrete production. Her innovative use of calcined low-grade limestone slurry and marble powder as partial replacements for cement not only improves material efficiency but also significantly reduces the embodied carbon of construction. These contributions address one of the most pressing challenges in the industry — balancing structural performance with environmental responsibility — and place her work at the forefront of sustainable civil engineering innovation.
2. Innovation in Corrosion Protection and Durability Enhancement
Her pioneering investigations into rebar corrosion, chloride penetration, and deterioration mechanisms have led to practical solutions that improve the service life of reinforced concrete structures. By developing new corrosion-inhibiting admixtures, testing guidelines, and materials specifications, Dr. Goyal has provided industry-ready solutions that are already influencing practice. Her focus on durability has not only advanced theoretical understanding but has also offered cost-effective, real-world strategies for infrastructure resilience in harsh environmental conditions.
3. Development of Self-Healing and Bio-Mediated Concrete
Among her most innovative contributions is the application of microbial healing and biocalcification technologies to concrete. By harnessing biological processes to autonomously seal cracks, she has opened new pathways for creating “living” or self-healing construction materials. This groundbreaking approach reduces the need for frequent repairs, extends structural lifespan, and minimizes maintenance costs. Her work in this area demonstrates how interdisciplinary research, blending microbiology and civil engineering, can deliver transformative solutions for the construction sector.
4. Integration of Research with Global Sustainability Goals
Dr. Goyal’s research direction is deeply aligned with the global climate agenda, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the transition toward net-zero carbon construction. Her investigations into CO₂ sequestration through accelerated carbonation curing highlight her commitment to integrating materials science with carbon capture technologies. By advancing methods to reduce emissions while improving the durability of concrete, she has positioned herself as a leader in developing climate-smart infrastructure solutions.
5. High Research Impact and Knowledge Dissemination
With over 2,700 citations, an h-index of 27, and a strong record of publishing in high-impact journals, Dr. Goyal’s contributions have been widely recognized and cited by peers across the world. Her role as a reviewer for top journals like Cement and Concrete Research and Journal of Building Engineering further reflects her standing in the field. Beyond her publications, she has actively disseminated knowledge through international conferences, collaborative projects, and mentorship, ensuring that her innovations reach both academic circles and industry practitioners, amplifying their impact on a global scale.