Chairholders
Profile
Aminah Robinson Fayek
Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Alberta
Chair title
NSERC Industrial Research Chair in strategic construction modelling and delivery
Chair program
Industrial Research Chairs program
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2007
Summary
Over a career of more than 20 years, covering two successful terms as Associate and Senior Industrial Research Chairholder, University of Alberta professor Dr. Aminah Robinson Fayek has become internationally recognized as a leader in the development and application of fuzzy logic and fuzzy hybrid techniques for solving complex problems in construction engineering and management. Fuzzy logic–a precise mathematical modelling approach designed to handle natural language and to approximate human reasoning–is especially well-suited to applications in the construction industry, which often involve uncertainty stemming from processes involving human activities and subjective judgment. Renewed for its second term, the NSERC Industrial Research Chair (IRC) in Strategic Construction Modelling and Delivery is a collaborative university–industry partnership that seeks to advance the field of fuzzy logic by combining it with other forms of uncertainty modelling, artificial intelligence, and simulation techniques in order to develop practical applications for solving strategic, delivery-related issues in construction.
The IRC’s partner organizations are a broad cross-section of construction owners, contractors, labour groups, and associations. They contribute valuable insights regarding construction industry practices and issues, as well as supporting academic researchers by facilitating access to unique datasets and data-collection opportunities. In turn, partner organizations benefit from having their internal practices assessed by a team of experts as well as having direct access to the state-of-the-art tools and processes developed by the IRC. During the highly productive 2012–2016 term, the IRC had significant achievements in developing the following areas:
- fuzzy hybrid techniques that have enabled the production of accurate, flexible, and adaptable models for applications in labour productivity, risk assessment, organizational competencies and project performance assessment;
- a framework for hybrid fuzzy random discrete event simulation, to improve modelling of construction and fabrication processes;
- tools and practices to develop the construction-industry workforce and improve construction processes.
In the upcoming term, the IRC will further develop and optimize modelling methods and apply an enhanced understanding of industry needs and interests to exploring new lines of inquiry. Research will focus on three key themes:
- advancing fuzzy hybrid techniques for construction modelling and decision support;
- developing advanced fuzzy system-dynamics techniques to improve the certainty and performance of construction projects;
- developing advanced fuzzy agent-based modelling techniques to improve construction analysis and project delivery.
Under these research themes, IRC projects will focus on the following application areas: construction project productivity, including labour motivation and behaviour; construction organizational competencies and performance; risk analysis and mitigation; assessment of impacts of research and development; and applied project practices and industry tools.
The IRC’s effective collaborative environment and multiparty perspective allow it to pursue projects that will improve the performance and competitive advantages for partner organizations and the construction industry at large. Given that Alberta’s construction industry has long been a keystone of the Canadian economy, the significant and immediate improvements in project outcomes at the local level will create benefits for the rest of the country. On a broader scale, IRC research will lead to improved economic and social conditions for Canadians by contributing knowledge and tools for better construction work environments; more efficient project execution; and a more competitive, innovative and profitable construction industry. Moreover, the renewal term will provide an opportunity for the IRC to expand its reach and produce innovations that improve Canada’s overall level of technological sophistication and global economic performance.
Partners
- Capital Power
- Christian Labour Association of Canada
- Construction Owners Association of Alberta
- Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
- Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
- Suncor Energy
- Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association
- Merit Contractors Association
Contact information
Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Alberta
Email: aminah.robinson@ualberta.ca
Website:
www.uab.ca/stratcon
www.ualberta.ca/engineering/faculty/aminah-robinson-fayek
