IHT LAB | Infrastructure and Human Tech Lab

Research and Consulting Services grounded on Human-centred Technology to address Construction and Infrastructure Challenges

ABOUT US

We are a research lab that focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions for the AEC industry. The lab is led by three faculty members from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

Co-Director of the Lean Construction 4.0 Area

Dr. Gaang Lee

Co-Director of the Computer-driven Behavioural Area

Dr Qipei (Gavin) Mei

Co-Director of the Sensing and AI Area

Dr Ali Golabchi

Co-Director of Entrepreneurship and Industry Engagement

Learn More About Us

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Providing engineering consulting solutions

Productivity Optimization in Construction and Infrastructure Projects

Planning and Control Improvements to Construction and Infrastructure Projects

Structural Engineering and Health Monitoring

Occupational Health and Safety

Inspection and Assessment of Existing and “Under Construction” Facilities (e.g., process/product quality, structural integrity, productivity assessment)

Equity, diversity and inclusion in construction.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Every project has its unique impact

AI-based Generative Structural Design

This project aims to create smart AI technology that can automatically design structures that follow building codes and design standards.

Remote Construction and Infrastructure Management using XR and Robotics

This project aims to create a user-friendly smart project management tool that helps with making decisions about scheduling and resource allocation effectively.

Digital twinning for construction and infrastructure applications

This project aims to create an ecosystem where emerging digital and smart technologies can be easily used in construction practices.

Psychophysiological Monitoring for Field Workers’ Safety and Productivity

This project aims to monitor workers' internal signs of potential safety and productivity issues using affordable and non-invasive biosensors.

Monitoring of Heavy Equipment Operators’ Cognition for Field Safety

This project aims to employ a less-invasive form of brain sensor during heavy equipment operations to understand specific conditions that lead to sub-optimal cognitive states.

Wearable Biosensing to Improve Urban Equity

This project is to gather insights to promote inclusivity and equity in our cities.

Crowdsensing-based Infrastructure Condition Monitoring

This project aims to use sensors on smartphones owned by the public to monitor infrastructure elements.

Graduate Students

Meet our student researchers supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez, Dr. Gaang Lee and Dr. Qipei (Gavin) Mei

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Zhong Wang

I am currently working on the project of developing and validating an integrated smart project management tool for Real-Time Decision-Making in project monitoring and control.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Yulun Wu

I am investigating integrated solutions of User-Centric Real-Time Visualization, Collaboration and Communication in construction project management.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Kexin Liu

I am working on using digital twin based Extended Reality (VR, AR, and MR) to enhance fire safety management on construction sites, reducing construction workers' injuries and death and property loss.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Amira Saleh

I am developing a Predictive Analytics Model that can be used to support on-site safety, production planning, and control decisions holistically.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Zeyu Mao

I am currently engaged in research aimed at exploring how to use digital twin technology to improve the efficient management of construction constraints within the Lean Construction background.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Mohammed Sabek

I am building an AI-based model to recognize different construction activities and machinery.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

MSc in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Yuqi Zhang

I am researching the application of data analytics, AI, and machine learning to construction project data to increase productivity while reducing waste in the AEC industry based on Lean Construction 4.0.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

MSc in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Ameer Hamza

I am investigating the integration of BIM and Al for real-time monitoring and decision making in construction sites.

Supervised by Dr. Vicente Gonzalez

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Ghanim Saqib

I am currently engaged in the development of an ergonomic coaching framework for field workers, which utilises augmented reality and reinforcement learning.

Supervised by Dr. Gaang Lee

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Eren Shahrokhishahraki

I am interested in managing heavy equipment operators’ cognitive function to reduce equipment-related accidents by applying a head-cap type sensor and eye tracking sensor.

Supervised by Dr. Gaang Lee

MSc in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Nahom Abraham

I am focusing on advancing urban inclusion and equity by understanding marginalised people’s (e.g., older adults and the disabled) experience via affordable wearable biosensors and applying technical and social interventions

Supervised by Dr. Gaang Lee

MEng in Civil Engineering, University of Alberta

Parth Maheshkumar Jain

Degree: MEng in Civil Engineering
I am working on understanding construction field-specific team/organisation dynamics and developing psychological and socio-cognitive interventions to advance construction workers’ safety and productivity

Supervised by Dr. Gaang Lee

PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Alberta

Hao Xie

I am working on the application of computer vision and machine learning to extract information from engineering drawings and to automate structural design.