Khaled Abaza

Khaled Abaza

Professor
Faculty Member - Department Of Civil And Environmental Engineering
PhD
University of Toledo
[email protected]
Extension: 
5451
Office: 
Aggad402

Dr Abaza earned his PhD in Transportation Engineering Systems from the University of Toledo, Ohio, 1990. Dr Abaza is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the State of California where he worked as a transportation engineer with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) from 1991 to 1997. Dr Abaza joined Birzeit University in 1997 and held different teaching and administrative positions including chairperson of the Civil Engineering Department and dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Dr Abaza has a main teaching interest in transportation and highway engineering while interested in teaching elementary mechanics courses such as statics and strength of materials. Dr Abaza can also teach engineering science courses such as engineering statistics, engineering economy, operations research and optimization. In addition, Dr. Abaza has substantial research and professional experiences in highway design, pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, and pavement management.

Dr Abaza has mainly applied his expertise in stochastic modelling, optimization methods, statistical analysis and pavement engineering to provide reliable solutions to many of the contemporary problems facing pavement engineers. The recent research efforts of Dr Abaza have mainly focused on pavement performance prediction using discrete-time heterogeneous Markov chains. This has led to the development of Empirical-Markovian models which are used in developing optimal pavement rehabilitation strategies and predicting resurfacing design thicknesses. Former research efforts had mainly focused on the development of pavement management models using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. The outcome was several publications in reputable international journals covering most areas of pavement engineering including pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, project priority ranking, pavement design, overlay design and life-cycle analysis. In addition, Dr Abaza had applied his expertise in regression analysis to develop and validate several multi-variable regression models used to predict flow characteristics in asymmetric compound rectangular channels. 

Refereed Journals

1)  Abaza, K. A. (2023). “Stochastic-based pavement rehabilitation model at the network level with prediction uncertainity considerations”. Road Materials and Pavement Design, Vol. 24, No.11, 2680-2698, Taylor and Francis.

2( Abaza, K. A. (2022). “Simplified Markovian-based pavement management model for sustainable long-term rehabilitation planning”. Road Materials and Pavement Design, published online, Taylor and Francis.

3) Abaza, K. A. (2022). “Simplified Exhaustive Search Approach for Estimating the Non-homogeneous Transition Probabilities for Infrastructure Asset Management”. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, Vol. 28, No. 1, 04021048, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

4) Issa, A., Sammaneh, H. & Abaza, K. (2022). “Modeling Pavement Condition Index Using Cascade Architecture: Classical and Neural Network Methods.” Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering, Vol. 46, No.1, pp. 483-495, Springer.

5) Abaza, K. A. (2021). “Optimal novel approach for estimating the pavement transition probabilities used in Markovian prediction models”. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, published online, Taylor and Francis.

6) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. (2021). “Simplified novel approach for estimating HMA overlay thickness schedule using long-term performance indicators”. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 22, No. 9, pp. 1077-1089, Taylor and Francis.

7) Abaza, K. A. (2021). “Empirical-Markovian approach for estimating the flexible .pavement structural capacity: Caltrans method as a case study”. International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology,Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 156-166, Elsevier.

8) Murad, M. M., and Abaza, K. A. (2019). “A Closer look at the locked-wheel pavement friction data in the LTPP database for selected states”. Cogent Engineering (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 1-14, Taylor and Francis.

9) Abaza, K. A. (2019). “Simplified empirical approach for estimating the remaining strength factor used in pavement rehabilitation applications”, Cogent Engineering (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Vol. 6, No.1, pp. 1-21, Taylor and Francis.

10) Abaza, K. A. (2018). “Empirical-Markovian model for predicting the overlay design thickness for asphalt concrete pavement”, Road Materials and Pavement Design, Vol. 19, No. 7, pp. 1617-1635, Taylor and Francis.

11) Abaza, K. A. (2018). “Optimal Empirical-Markovian approach for assessment of potential pavement rehabilitation strategies at the project level”, Road Materials and Pavement Design, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 646-667, Taylor and Francis.

12) Abaza, K. A. (2017). “Empirical Markovian-based models for rehabilitated pavement performance used in a life-cycle analysis approach”, Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 625-636, Taylor and Francis.

13) Abaza, K. A. (2017). “Empirical Approach for estimating the pavement transition probabilities used in non-homogeneous Markov chains.” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 130-139, Taylor and Francis.

14) Abaza, K. A. (2016). “Simplified staged-homogeneous Markov model for flexible pavement performance prediction.” Road Materials and Pavement Design, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 365-381, Taylor and Francis.

15) Abaza, K. A. (2016). “Back-calculation of transition probabilities for Markovian-based pavement performance prediction models.” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 253-264, Taylor and Francis.

16) Al-Khatib, I. A., Abaza, K. A., Al-Khatib J. I. (2015). “An empirical discharge prediction model for smooth asymmetric compound rectangular channel validated using area method.” ISH Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 21, No.3, pp. 231-241, Taylor and Francis.

17) Al-Khatib, I. A., and Abaza, K. A. (2015) “Multi-variable regression models for prediction of discharge and approach velocity coefficients in flow measurement flumes with compound cross-section.” ISH Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 21, No.1, pp. 65-84, Taylor and Francis.

18) Al-Khatib, I. A., Abaza, K. A., andAbu Fkhidah, I. (2014). “Prediction of zonal and total discharges in smooth straight prismatic compound channels using regression modelling.” Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, Vol. 38, pp. 40-48, Elsevier.

19) Al-Khatib, I. A., Abu Hassan, H., and Abaza, K. A. (2103). “Development of empirical regression-based models for predicting the mean velocities in asymmetric compound channels.” Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, Vol. 33, pp. 77-87, Elsevier.

20) Al-Khatib, I. A., Abu Hassan, H., and Abaza, K. A. (2013). “Application and validation of regression analysis in the prediction of discharge in asymmetric compound channels.” Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Vol. 139, No. 7, pp. 542-550, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

21) Abaza, K. A. (2011). “Stochastic approach for design of flexible pavement: a case study for low volume roads.” Road Materials and Pavement Design, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 663-685, Taylor and Francis.

22) Abaza, K. A., and Ashur, S. A. (2011). "Investigating the accelerated deterioration of flexible pavement using two-stage design analysis approach." European Transport Research Review, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 23-34, Springer.

23) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. (2010). “Pavement rehabilitation project ranking approach using probabilistic long-term performance indicators.” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Record No. 2153, pp. 3-12, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C.

24) Abaza, K. A., and Ashur, S. A. (2009). “Optimum microscopic pavement management model using constrained integer linear programming.” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 149-160, Taylor and Francis.

25) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. (2009). “Predicting flexible pavement remaining strength and overlay design thickness with stochastic modelling.” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Record No. 2094, pp. 62-70, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C.

26) Abaza, K. A. (2007). “Expected performance of pavement repair works in a global network optimization model.” Journal of Infrastructure Systems, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 124-134, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

27) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. (2007). “Dynamic probabilistic approach for a long-term pavement restoration program with added user cost.” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Record No. 1990, pp. 48-56, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C.

28) Abaza, K. A. (2006). “Iterative linear approach for non-linear non-Homogenous stochastic pavement management models.” Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 132, No. 3, pp. 244-256, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

29) Murad, M. M., and Abaza, K. A. (2006). “Pavement friction in a program to reduce wet-weather accidents at the network level.” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Record No. 1949, pp. 126-136, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C.

30) Abaza, K. A. (2005). “Performance-based models for flexible pavement structural overlay design.” Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 131, No. 2, pp. 149-159, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

31) Abaza, K. A. (2004). “Deterministic performance prediction model for rehabilitation and management of flexible pavement.” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 111-121, Taylor and Francis.

32) Abaza, K. A., Ashur, S. A., and Al-Khatib, I. A. (2004). “Integrated pavement management system with a Markovian prediction model.” Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 130, No. 1, pp. 24-33, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

33) Abaza, K. A., and Al-Khatib, I. A. (2003). “Generalization of shear stress distribution in rectangular compound channels.” Turkish Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 27, No. 6, pp. 409-421, Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey.

34) Abu-Eisheh, S. A., and Abaza, K. A. (2003). “Guidelines for a pavement management system and rehabilitation plan for village access roads in the West Bank, Palestine.” Dirasat: Engineering Sciences, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 235-248, University of Jordan.

35) Abaza, K. A., and Abu-Eisheh, S. A. (2003). “An Optimum design approach for flexible pavement.” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 1-11, Taylor and Francis.

36) Abaza, K. A. (2002). “Optimum flexible pavement life-cycle analysis model.” Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 128, No. 6, pp. 542-549, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

37) Abaza, K. A., Ashur, S. A., Abu-Eisheh, S. A., and Rabay’a, A. (2001). “Macroscopic optimum system for the management of pavement rehabilitation.” Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 127, No. 6, pp. 493-500, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

38) Abaza, K. A., and Ashur, S. A. (1999). “Optimum decision policy for management of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation.” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Record No. 1655, pp. 8-15, National Research Council, Washington, D.C.

Refereed Conferences

1) Abaza, K. A. “Prediction of asphaltic overlay thickness for rehabilitating flexible pavement using Empirical-Markovian approach.” Proceedings of the 96th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 8-12 January 2017.

2) Abaza, K. A. “Derivation of pavement transition probabilities using discrete-time Markov chain.” Proceedings of the 93rd Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 12-16 January 2014.

3) Abaza, K. A. “Empirical design approach for flexible pavement with performance-based design factors.” Proceedings of the 90th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 23-27 January 2011.

4) Abaza, K. A., and Shaheen, Q. H. “A non-destructive procedure for assessment of flexible pavement performance for rehabilitation and management applications.” First Meeting and Technical Conference, Middle East Society of Asphalt Technologies (MESAT), Beirut-Lebanon, 5-8 July 2010. 

5) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. “Pavement rehabilitation project ranking approach using probabilistic-based long-term performance indicators.” Proceedings of the 89th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 10-14 January 2010.

6) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. “Prediction of flexible pavement remaining strength and overlay design thickness using stochastic modelling.” Proceedings of the 88th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 11-15 January 2009.

7) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. “Probabilistic performance-based approach for prioritization of pavement rehabilitation project candidates.”Proceedings of the 87th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D.C., 13-17 January 2008.

8) Abaza, K. A. “Progressive deterioration of flexible pavement: can it be a design deficiency.” Proceedings of the 22nd Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) Conference, Canberra, Australia, 29 October-2 November 2006.

9) Murad, M. M., and Abaza, K. A. “Pavement friction in a program aimed at reducing wet-weather accidents at the network level.” Proceedings of the 85th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB)  of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 22-26 January 2006.

10) Abaza, K. A., and Murad, M. M. “An optimum dynamic probabilistic management model for a long-term pavement restoration program.” Proceedings of the 85th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 22-26 January 2006.

11) Abaza, K. A. “An optimum microscopic model for management of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation.” Proceedings of the 84th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 9-12 January 2005.

12) Abaza, K. A. “An optimum stochastic model for pavement management.” Proceedings of the 84th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 9-12 January 2005.

13) Abaza, K. A. “An optimum linear pavement management model for local governments.” Proceedings of the 83rd Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., 14-16 January 2004.

14) Abaza, K. A. “Performance-based model for flexible pavement structural overlay design.” Proceedings of the 9th Arab Structural Engineering Conference, pp. 609-620, Dubai, UAE, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2003.

15) Abaza, K. A., Ashur, S. A., and Rabay’a, A. “A macroscopic optimization system for the management of pavement rehabilitation.” Proceedings of the 20th Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 19-21 March 2001.

16) Abaza, K. A., and Ashur, S. A. “A discrete-time Markovian model for an integrated pavement maintenance management system.” Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Applications of Advanced Technologies in Transportation Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Singapore, 28-30 June 2000.

17) Ashur, S. A., Siridhara, S., Abaza, K. A. “Evaluation of traffic software in the signalization of congested roundabouts.” Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Applications of Advanced Technologies in Transportation Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Singapore, 28-30 June 2000.

18) Abaza, K. A., and Ashur, S. A. “Optimum decision policy for management of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation.” Proceedings of the 78th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies, Washington, D. C., January 1999.

19) Abaza, K. A., and Abu-Eisheh, S. A. “Implementation of a pavement management system (PMS) and a road rehabilitation plan (RRP) for village access roads in West Bank.” Seminar Proceedings on the Role of Scientific Research in Low Cost Road Projects, Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Arab Union of Scientific Research Councils, Amman, Jordan, 24-26 October 1998.

20) Ashur, S., M. Hadi, B., Crockett, B., and Abaza, K. “GIS as a support tool for effective decision-making in engineering management: two case studies from Arizona.” Proceedings of First International Conference on New Information Technologies for Decision Making in Civil Engineering, pp.601-612, Montreal, Canada, 11-13 October 1998.