Prabir Sarker

Professional Summary: Professor Prabir Sarker

Professor Prabir Sarker is a distinguished academic and researcher at Curtin University, Australia, with a globally recognized expertise in sustainable construction materials and civil engineering. His contributions to the development of eco-friendly concrete technologies have positioned him as a leader in his field, with a focus on advancing innovative solutions for infrastructure durability and environmental sustainability.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Sarker holds advanced degrees in civil engineering, reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to the discipline:

• PhD in Civil Engineering (specialization in concrete materials), University of Wollongong, Australia
• Master of Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Sarker’s research primarily focuses on sustainable construction materials, with an emphasis on the following areas:

• Geopolymer concrete and alkali-activated materials as alternatives to traditional cement-based concrete
• Durability of concrete structures in harsh environments
• Waste utilization in construction materials for environmental sustainability
• Structural behavior and performance of innovative concrete composites

Career History and Appointments

Professor Sarker has held several key academic and research positions, contributing to both teaching and innovation in civil engineering:

• Professor, School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia (current)
• Associate Professor, Curtin University, prior to current role
• Research and academic positions at various institutions, focusing on concrete technology and structural engineering

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Sarker’s pioneering work has been recognized through numerous accolades:

• Recipient of research excellence awards for contributions to sustainable construction materials
• Grants and funding from prestigious bodies such as the Australian Research Council (ARC) for projects on geopolymer concrete

Key Publications

Professor Sarker has authored and co-authored a significant number of peer-reviewed papers and articles in high-impact journals. Below are some notable publications:

• Sarker, P.K., 'A review of the development of geopolymer concrete and its structural applications' (2011), Construction and Building Materials
• Sarker, P.K., Haque, R., & Ramgolam, K., 'Fracture behaviour of heat cured fly ash based geopolymer concrete' (2013), Materials & Design
• Sarker, P.K., Kelly, S., & Yao, Z., 'Effect of fire exposure on cracking, spalling and residual strength of fly ash geopolymer concrete' (2014), Materials & Design
• Numerous other contributions in journals such as Cement and Concrete Research and Journal of Cleaner Production

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Sarker’s research on geopolymer concrete has had a transformative impact on the field of civil engineering, particularly in promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete. His work addresses critical global challenges such as reducing carbon emissions in construction and enhancing the durability of infrastructure in aggressive environments. His publications are widely cited, and he has collaborated with industry and academic partners to translate research into practical applications.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Sarker is actively involved in the academic community through various roles:

• Invited speaker at international conferences on sustainable construction materials
• Member of editorial boards and reviewer for leading journals in civil engineering and materials science
• Contributor to technical committees focused on concrete technology and standards development