Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University
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PhD Dissertation Public Defense Held at BiT–BDU
[February 28, 2026 | Bahir Dar, ISC/BiT]
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Mr. Behailu Zerihun H/Mariam successfully defended his PhD dissertation at the Faculty of Civil and Water Resource Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University (BiT–BDU). His dissertation, titled “Development and Performance ptimization of Sustainable Mortar Incorporating Agricultural and Industrial Waste-Derived Pozzolanic Materials”
Research Overview
The primary objective of the study was to develop and optimize sustainable, low-carbon mortar systems by utilizing locally available agricultural and industrial waste materials—specifically barley husk ash (BHA), corn husk ash (CHA), eggshell powder (ESP), and steel slag (SS)—as supplementary cementitious materials.
The research specifically aimed to:
• Optimize alkali-activated mortars incorporating steel slag and eggshell powder
• Promote sustainable utilization of corn husk ash as a pozzolanic cement substitute for mortar production
• Evaluate the performance of barley husk ash as a pozzolanic supplementary material
• Enhance sustainability of barley husk ash-based mortar using a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach
Supervisory Team
The dissertation research was conducted under the supervision of:
• Dr. Mitiku Damtie, Bahir Dar University (Main Supervisor)
• Dr. Woubishet Taffese, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Co-Supervisor)
• Dr. Duy-Hai Vo, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Co-Supervisor)
External Examiners
The dissertation was evaluated by:
• Dr. Denamo Addissie, Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University
• Dr. Bahiru Bewket, Associate Professor, Adama Science and Technology University
During the defense session, examiners and members of the academic community raised critical questions and provided constructive feedback. Mr. Behailu Zerihun addressed these comments with clear, well-structured, and scientifically sound responses, demonstrating strong command of both the theoretical foundations and experimental methodologies of his research.
The Bahir Dar Institute of Technology extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Behailu Zerihun H/Mariam on his successful PhD dissertation defense and outstanding academic achievement.
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