CRI Director
Prof. Yasser El-Hakem is a Professor of Structural Engineering and currently is the Director of the Construction Research Institute at the National Water Research Center (NWRC) in Egypt. With more than 3 decades of Research and practical experiences. He is specialized in structural assessment, rehabilitation, and dams’ safety against seismic hazards, structural performance of barrages, and critical hydraulic infrastructure. His expertise spans seismic analysis of large water structures, vibration and stress monitoring, and the application of advanced numerical modeling tools. He has published more than 25 Articles in international journals and conferences.
Moreover, he has participating in training many generations of young engineers as well as collaborated with regional and international partners, and committees.
Throughout his career, Prof. El-Hakem has contributed to major national projects, including seismic assessment of the Aswan High Dam hydropower plant, the New Assiut Barrage, and the assessment of breakwater. He has also supervised the evaluation and strengthening of many historic Nile barrages, integrating modern technologies like Dynamic tests and 3D laser scanning for structural monitoring.
In addition to his research activities, Prof. El-Hakem has been certified as a consultant engineer since 2005.
One of the 12 scientific pillars of the National Water Research Center
CRI Overview
The institute aims to strengthen and advance the capabilities of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) in line with global developments in construction technology. This is accomplished by adopting, adapting, and developing modern design, construction, and management practices, while striving to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for its testing and laboratory services. The mission is fulfilled through the following:
- Enhancing and updating the design and maintenance approaches for irrigation structures, while identifying the most appropriate construction materials, techniques, and management practices.
- Implementing quality assurance and quality control systems, and defining the required safety standards for various irrigation structures.
- Improving and advancing the design and construction methods for different types of foundations and earth structures.
Assessing the impact of dynamic forces on irrigation and drainage structures and developing effective mitigation measures.
Area of Expertise
- The Construction Research Institute (CRI) specializes in advanced research and consultancy across key disciplines, including geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, concrete technology, nanomaterials, and construction project management.
- Conducting comprehensive geotechnical investigations and stability analyses for a wide range of irrigation and drainage channels and hydraulic structures using advanced analytical and numerical modeling techniques.
- Providing structural assessment, design, and performance evaluation of irrigation and drainage infrastructure in accordance with the latest international standards and best practices.
- Developing innovative and eco-friendly solutions for problematic soil conditions, including the use of sustainable and locally available materials to enhance soil stability and performance.
- Evaluating the condition and performance of canal linings through field inspections, laboratory testing, and advanced monitoring techniques, and proposing effective rehabilitation and maintenance strategies to extend their service life and improve hydraulic efficiency.
- Developing integrated rehabilitation and upgrading approaches for irrigation and drainage systems, ensuring improved durability, safety, and operational efficiency.
- Carrying out feasibility studies for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, incorporating technical, economic, environmental, and sustainability considerations.
- Building the capacity of MWRI staff through specialized training programs on the operation, monitoring, and management of advanced construction technologies and equipment.
CRI Vision
To be a center of excellence leading the region in the field of geotechnical and structural engineering and providing solutions and inventions for the construction and rehabilitation of water structures.
CRI Mission
Adapt and develop new design, construction, repair, retrofit, and construction management techniques of water canal networks and structures to cope with the international innovations in civil engineering. Promote knowledge transfer and capacity building to upgrade and enhance the capabilities of the MWRI in fulfilling its mandate of proper and efficient water resources management.
- Highlighting the strong affiliation with the parent center through a statement such as:
"One of the 12 scientific pillars of the National Water Research Center."
"As one of the twelve distinguished scientific pillars of the National Water Research Center (NWRC), the Construction Research Institute (CRI) plays a leading role in the design, assessment, and sustainable rehabilitation of water structures in Egypt."