Prof. Dr Kawther Al-Soudany: professor at University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.
Prof. Kawther Yaly Hussain Al-Soudany is a distinguished geotechnical engineer and professor at the University of Technology in Baghdad, Iraq. With over 20 years of academic, research, and practical experience, she has made significant contributions to soil mechanics, ground improvement, and environmental geotechnics. Her work focuses on developing sustainable and innovative engineering solutions tailored to the complex geotechnical challenges of soft and contaminated soils in Iraq and the broader Middle East region. Prof. Al-Soudany is widely recognized for her dedication to advancing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Online Profiles
Documents Indexed in Scopus: 25
Total Citations: 107
Cited By: 89 documents
h-index: 7
Prof. Al-Soudany’s research portfolio indexed in Scopus reflects a solid academic footprint in the field of geotechnical and environmental engineering. Her publications focus on soil stabilization, landfill liner performance, and the geotechnical behavior of contaminated and treated soils. With an h-index of 7, her work demonstrates consistent academic influence and relevance within the geotechnical engineering research community.
Education
Prof. Al-Soudany earned her Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad, in 2025, marking the culmination of years of focused research into soil stabilization and landfill liner systems. Prior to that, she completed an M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering in 2006, during which she investigated innovative ground improvement methods such as enlarged base stone columns. Her academic foundation was laid with a B.Sc. in Building & Construction Engineering in 2002 from the same institution, providing a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering principles and their practical applications.
Research Focus
Her research spans several critical areas of geotechnical engineering, including soil stabilization using waste materials like rice husk ash, silica fume, and polymer additives; ground improvement techniques such as stone columns and nanomaterials; and environmental geotechnics focusing on landfill liner performance and soil contamination by hydrocarbons. She is particularly interested in the sustainable reuse of industrial and agricultural by-products to enhance soil properties, reduce environmental impact, and improve infrastructure durability in regions with problematic soil conditions.
Experience
Over her two-decade career, Prof. Al-Soudany has progressed from demonstrator to full professor at the University of Technology, where she has taught and supervised courses in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and advanced soil laboratory techniques. Her academic roles are complemented by extensive hands-on experience conducting laboratory and field soil tests, ensuring that her teaching and research are grounded in practical applications. She has also actively contributed to curriculum development and mentoring students and junior researchers.
Research Timeline
Starting with her M.Sc. thesis on enlarged base stone columns in 2006, Prof. Al-Soudany’s research portfolio has steadily expanded to include soil improvement using various waste materials, assessment of soil contamination effects, and innovative stabilization methods involving nanotechnology. Her recent work focuses on landfill liner systems, exploring the use of magnesium oxide and water treatment sludge ash to improve clay liner performance, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through engineering.
Awards & Honors
Prof. Al-Soudany’s academic excellence is demonstrated through her extensive publication record in prestigious international journals and her presentations at key conferences worldwide. While specific awards are not listed, her election to professional societies and her leadership roles in geotechnical research projects highlight the high regard in which she is held by peers. Her ongoing contributions have positioned her as a leading expert in geotechnical engineering and environmental soil science in Iraq and beyond.
Top-Noted Publication
A landmark publication, “Model Tests of Enlarged Base Stone Columns,” presented at the 13th Asian Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (2007), showcases Prof. Al-Soudany’s innovative approach to ground improvement. This work has been influential in advancing practical solutions for enhancing soil bearing capacity and reducing settlement, widely cited by researchers and practitioners engaged in soil stabilization and foundation engineering projects across Asia and the Middle East.
1. Desiccation Crack and Volumetric Shrinkage of Magnesium Oxide-Treated Compacted Soil Liner in Landfill
Authors: Al-Soudany, K.Y.H., et al.
Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences, 2025
Summary: This study investigates how magnesium oxide additives affect desiccation cracking and shrinkage behavior in compacted clay liners used in landfill applications. The results highlight improved volumetric stability and crack resistance, suggesting magnesium oxide as a viable treatment method for enhancing liner durability in arid environments.
2. Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Stone Columns on Clay Barrier Liners in Landfills
Authors: Al-Soudany, K.Y.H., et al.
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2025
Summary: This paper assesses the potential environmental implications of installing stone columns in soft landfill liners, focusing on hydraulic conductivity changes and structural interaction. The findings underscore the importance of evaluating soil-column compatibility in landfill containment design.
Citations: 1