Civil and Structural Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering
29
Scopus Publications
221
Scholar Citations
8
Scholar h-index
8
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Machine learning framework for predicting and improving the unconfined compressive strength and california bearing ratio of lateritic soil stabilized with industrial wastes H. N. Sridhar, G. Shiva Kumar, H. K. Ramaraju, M. S. Ujwal, A. Vinay, et al. Discover Sustainability, 2026 Industrial waste materials are increasingly used in geotechnical engineering as partial replacements for cement, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of lateritic soil stabilized with red mud (RM), copper slag (CS), and iron ore tailings (IOT) in proportions of 5–45%. A systematic laboratory program generated 155 experimental datasets, which were further used to develop predictive models with machine learning algorithms including K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Decision Tree Regressor (DTR), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). Statistical indices the coefficient of determination (R 2 ), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) along with Taylor diagrams and Regression Error Characteristic (REC) curves were applied for model evaluation. RFR and MLP achieved R 2 values above 0.90, showing superior performance. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis highlighted curing period, maximum dry density (MDD), and CS dosage as the most influential features. Results confirmed that 30% CS significantly enhances both UCS and CBR, demonstrating its potential as a supplementary stabilizer. The study contributes a robust experimental machine learning framework that not only predicts UCS and CBR with high accuracy but also provides mechanistic insights, supporting circular economy practices and low-carbon pavement design.
Integration of performance testing and machine learning models for controlled low-strength material containing plastic waste aggregates M. Karthik, R. Anusha, M. S. Ujwal, G. Shiva Kumar, H. N. Sridhar, et al. Discover Sustainability, 2026 Global cement production reached approximately 4.1 billion metric tons in 2023, while global plastic production climbed to 413.8 million metric tons, projected to reach 590 million metric tons by 2050. This growth underscores the need for sustainable construction materials that can simultaneously divert plastic waste from landfills and reduce demand for virgin aggregates. Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM), or flowable fill, offers a promising platform by incorporating large volumes of industrial by-products. This study investigates the use of Recycled Plastic Coarse Aggregates (RPCA) produced from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), PP (Polypropylene) and mixed plastic waste via a semi-mechanized process as a full replacement for natural coarse aggregates in CLSM. Low-, medium- and high-strength mixes were prepared with Portland cement, fly ash, M-sand and pond ash, and their fresh, hardened and in-service properties were evaluated. Results showed that RPCA-based CLSM achieved flow values of 590–620 mm, wet density reductions of ~ 30%, compressive strength up to 13.4 MPa at 28 days span both excavatable (≤ 8.3 MPa) and structural fill (> 8.3 MPa) CLSM categories as per ASTM D6103, with all low- and medium-strength mixes meeting typical excavatability requirements, shrinkage as low as 0.032%, permeability reductions of 9–15%, and thermal conductivity reductions of ~ 90% leading to a 92% increase in thermal resistivity relative to natural aggregate mixes. An integrated machine learning approach was employed to predict compressive strength from 252 experimental data points using Decision Tree, Random Forest and XG Boost regressors. XG Boost achieved the best performance with R 2 =0.97, MSE 0.08 and MAE = 0.12, outperforming the other models. SHAP analysis revealed that curing age and pond ash content were the most influential variables, followed by fine aggregate and RPCA proportion. This combined experimental–computational framework demonstrates that RPCA-based CLSM can deliver measurable environmental and performance gains while enabling data-driven mix optimisation for sustainable infrastructure applications. Overall, the proposed RPCA-based CLSM aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), fostering industry innovation and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), supporting sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and contributing to climate action through material efficiency and reduced embodied energy (SDG 13).
Performance evaluation and machine learning-based prediction of black cotton soil stabilization with supplementary cementitious binders A. Vinay, H. N. Sridhar, G. Shiva Kumar, M. S. Ujwal, H. K. Ramaraju, et al. Discover Applied Sciences, 2026 Expansive black cotton (BC) soils pose significant challenges for pavement subgrades due to their high plasticity, low strength, and moisture sensitivity. This study investigates the stabilization of BC soil using cement, lime, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), combined with machine learning (ML) for predictive modeling of strength and bearing capacity. Laboratory experiments evaluated Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) across varying dosages and curing periods. The untreated soil exhibited poor performance (LL = 58%, PI = 31%, UCS ≈ 1.2 kg/cm², CBR ≈ 8.8%). Cement showed the greatest strength enhancement, with 8% cement achieving ~ 19 kg/cm² UCS and ~ 19% CBR after 28 days. Lime was most effective in improving subgrade performance, with 9% lime yielding ~ 7.7 kg/cm² UCS and the highest CBR of ~ 27–28%. GGBS at 30% provided ~ 8.9 kg/cm² UCS and ~ 9% CBR, while fly ash (40%) achieved only ~ 3 kg/cm² UCS and 6% CBR. To complement the experimental program, ML algorithms—Decision Tree, Random Forest, and XGBoost—were developed to predict UCS and CBR. Random Forest delivered the best accuracy for UCS (R² = 0.99, RMSE = 0.25, MAE = 0.13), while XGBoost excelled for CBR prediction (R² = 0.99, RMSE = 0.20, MAE = 0.11). SHAP analysis identified cement dosage and curing time as dominant factors for UCS, and lime as the most influential for CBR. The integration of laboratory data with ML models establishes a robust framework for optimizing stabilizer blends, reducing experimental effort, and promoting sustainable, low-carbon pavement design.
Performance optimization of black cotton soil stabilized with FGD gypsum and cement via response surface methodology Chidananda M. Linganagoudar, G. Shiva Kumar, M. S. Ujwal, Varun S. Ullur, Poornachandra Pandit Scientific Reports, 2025 The growing demand for sustainable infrastructure solutions has driven the exploration of alternative materials for soil stabilization, especially for problematic soils such as black cotton (BC) soil. Owing to its high shrink-swell behavior, BC soil poses significant challenges in construction and pavement applications. This study evaluated the potential use of cement (up to 9.24%), flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum (up to 3.41%), and industrial byproducts from thermal power plants as stabilizing agents to enhance the geotechnical properties of BC soil. A central composite design under the framework of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the mix proportions and assess the effects on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and plasticity index (PI). The findings demonstrated substantial improvements in soil strength and a significant reduction in plasticity. The optimum mixture of 9.24% cement and 3.41% FGD gypsum yielded a desirability score of 71%, indicating an effective balance between strength gain and workability. This study underscores the viability of using FGD gypsum as a sustainable and eco-friendly soil stabilizer, offering an economical and efficient method for improving subgrade performance in flexible pavement systems. The results contribute to advancing green construction practices by utilizing industrial waste in geotechnical applications.
FEASIBILITY OF USING EGG SHELL POWDER AS SUPPLEMENTARY CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL IN SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE Indian Concrete Journal, 2023
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
A review of eggshell and fish scale powders as sustainable supplementary cementitious materials for concrete MS Ujwal, G Shiva Kumar Discover Concrete and Cement 2 (1), 23 , 2026 2026
Experimental, Statistical, and Machine Learning Assessment of Basalt–Steel Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete RS Vengadeshwari, NCS Shekar, GS Kumar, MS Ujwal, R Mahesh, ... Results in Materials, 100953 , 2026 2026
A Data-Driven Framework for Predicting CDI and TDI from Mix Design Parameters using Interpretable Machine Learning GS Kumar, NCS Shekar, MS Ujwal, M Karthik, S Sunil, P Pandit Transportation Engineering, 100437 , 2026 2026
Influence of soft storeys, facade components, and shear walls on the seismic behavior of high-rise RC buildings MS Ujwal, NC Sanjay Shekar, A Prathap, CB Ranjan Gowda, ... Asian Journal of Civil Engineering, 1-25 , 2026 2026
Seismic vulnerability assessment of soft-story RC buildings on inclined terrain using machine learning models MS Ujwal, G Shiva Kumar, K Sahana Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 27 (4), 1601-1625 , 2026 2026
Integration of performance testing and machine learning models for controlled low-strength material containing plastic waste aggregates M Karthik, R Anusha, MS Ujwal, GS Kumar, HN Sridhar, P Pandit Discover Sustainability , 2026 2026
Performance evaluation and machine learning-based prediction of black cotton soil stabilization with supplementary cementitious binders A Vinay, HN Sridhar, G Shiva Kumar, MS Ujwal, HK Ramaraju, P Pandit Discover Applied Sciences , 2026 2026
Machine learning framework for predicting and improving the unconfined compressive strength and california bearing ratio of lateritic soil stabilized with industrial wastes HN Sridhar, G Shiva Kumar, HK Ramaraju, MS Ujwal, A Vinay, P Pandit Discover Sustainability , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Sustainable concrete development using groundnut shell ash: A response surface methodology approach R Mahesh, S Kumar, P Pandit Cleaner Waste Systems 12, 100379 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Seismic and wind load assessment of multistory RC structures with integrated machine learning-based prediction models R Shanthi Vengadeshwari, MS Ujwal, NC Sanjay Shekar, TN Akash, ... Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 26 (12), 4981-5001 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
SHAP-based prediction and optimization of compressive strength in M30 concrete with dry sewage sludge as fine aggregate replacement R Shanthi Vengadeshwari, MS Ujwal, G Shiva Kumar, R Mahesh, ... Discover Materials 5 (1), 183 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Laboratory Performance of Sustainable Stone Matrix Asphalt Mixtures Utilizing Electric Arc Furnace Slag and Waste Plastic HKR G Shiva Kumar, GC Nitin, G Gurudeep, S Sunil, MS Ujwal Journal of Road Engineering 5 (3), 343-352 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Enhancing performance of bituminous mixtures using digested sludge ash: A response surface methodology approach GS Kumar, R Mahesh, MS Ujwal, P Pandit, KN Rajiv, A Chandan, ... Case Studies in Construction Materials, e05113 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Toward Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete: Rheological, Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructural Evaluation of Biomaterial-Based Cement Substituents MS Ujwal, S Kumar, SH Pramod, HN Sridhar, P Pandit Results in Engineering, 106504 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Evaluating the role of steel mill scale in self-compacting concrete as partial fine aggregate replacement: Experimental and modelling insights HN Raghavendra, MS Ujwal, GS Kumar, TP Sanjeev, HSR Prajwal, ... Cleaner Waste Systems, 100360 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Performance optimization of black cotton soil stabilized with FGD gypsum and cement via response surface methodology CM Linganagoudar, GS Kumar, MS Ujwal, VS Ullur, P Pandit Scientific Reports 15 (1), 23580 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Modeling the unconfined compressive strength of lateritic soil treated with FGD gypsum as a partial cement replacement CM Linganagoudar, SK G, MS Ujwal, G Rohith, A Vinay, P Pandit Materials Research Express 12 (6), 065501 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
State of the art review of mix design parameters on the laboratory performance of cold patching mixtures GS Kumar, GC Nitin, G Gurudeep, MS Ujwal, HK Ramaraju Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation 10 (1), 51 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Modelling the mechanical properties of self compacting concrete with egg shell powder as supplementary cementitious material MS Ujwal, GS Kumar, R Mahesh, HK Ramaraju Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design 8 (4), 207 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
Prediction of moisture damage properties of asphalt mixtures using machine learning models HKR G Shiva Kumar, GC Nitin, G Gurudeep, MS Ujwal Journal of Structural Integrity and Maintenance 10 (2) , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Modelling the mechanical properties of concrete produced with polycarbonate waste ash by machine learning S Sathvik, R Kumar, N Ulloa, P Shakor, MS Ujwal, K Onyelowe, GS Kumar, ... Scientific Reports 14 (1), 11552 , 2024 2024 Citations: 34
Effect of soft story conditions on the seismic performance of tall concrete structures MS Ujwal, GS Kumar, S Sathvik, HK Ramaraju Asian journal of civil engineering 25 (4), 3141-3149 , 2024 2024 Citations: 32
Optimization of wheat straw ash for cement replacement in concrete using response surface methodology for enhanced sustainability YH Sudeep, MS Ujwal, R Mahesh, G Shiva Kumar, A Vinay, HK Ramaraju Low-carbon Materials and Green Construction 2 (1), 29 , 2024 2024 Citations: 19
Modelling the mechanical properties of self compacting concrete with egg shell powder as supplementary cementitious material MS Ujwal, GS Kumar, R Mahesh, HK Ramaraju Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design 8 (4), 207 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
Optimizing the properties of seashell ash powder based concrete using response surface methodology MS Ujwal, AN Rudresh, TP Sathya, G Shiva Kumar, A Vinay, HN Sridhar, ... Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 25 (8), 6021-6036 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
A step towards sustainability to optimize the performance of self-compacting concrete by incorporating fish scale powder: A response surface methodology approach MS Ujwal, GS Kumar Emergent Materials 7 (6), 3121-3142 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
FEASIBILITY OF USING EGG SHELL POWDER AS SUPPLEMENTARY CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL IN SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE KVR Ujwal, M.S., Ganesh, B., Darshan, M., Jyothi, T.K., Nagendra, R., Jois Indian Concrete Journal 97 (12), 37-47 , 2023 2023 Citations: 13
Comparative study of step-back and step-back setback configurations of multi-story buildings with varying height on sloped terrain S YH, U MS, S HN, S S, GS Kumar, HK Ramaraju Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 25 (7), 5067-5088 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Performance optimization of black cotton soil stabilized with FGD gypsum and cement via response surface methodology CM Linganagoudar, GS Kumar, MS Ujwal, VS Ullur, P Pandit Scientific Reports 15 (1), 23580 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Modeling the unconfined compressive strength of lateritic soil treated with FGD gypsum as a partial cement replacement CM Linganagoudar, SK G, MS Ujwal, G Rohith, A Vinay, P Pandit Materials Research Express 12 (6), 065501 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Evaluating the role of steel mill scale in self-compacting concrete as partial fine aggregate replacement: Experimental and modelling insights HN Raghavendra, MS Ujwal, GS Kumar, TP Sanjeev, HSR Prajwal, ... Cleaner Waste Systems, 100360 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Evaluating the impact of spent coffee grounds on concrete's workability and mechanical properties using response surface methodology GS Kumar, MS Ujwal, HA Kumar, YH Sudeep, G Venkatesha Innovative Infrastructure Solutions 10 (2), 70 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Enhancing performance of bituminous mixtures using digested sludge ash: A response surface methodology approach GS Kumar, R Mahesh, MS Ujwal, P Pandit, KN Rajiv, A Chandan, ... Case Studies in Construction Materials, e05113 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Machine learning framework for predicting and improving the unconfined compressive strength and california bearing ratio of lateritic soil stabilized with industrial wastes HN Sridhar, G Shiva Kumar, HK Ramaraju, MS Ujwal, A Vinay, P Pandit Discover Sustainability , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Sustainable concrete development using groundnut shell ash: A response surface methodology approach R Mahesh, S Kumar, P Pandit Cleaner Waste Systems 12, 100379 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Laboratory Performance of Sustainable Stone Matrix Asphalt Mixtures Utilizing Electric Arc Furnace Slag and Waste Plastic HKR G Shiva Kumar, GC Nitin, G Gurudeep, S Sunil, MS Ujwal Journal of Road Engineering 5 (3), 343-352 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
State of the art review of mix design parameters on the laboratory performance of cold patching mixtures GS Kumar, GC Nitin, G Gurudeep, MS Ujwal, HK Ramaraju Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation 10 (1), 51 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Prediction of moisture damage properties of asphalt mixtures using machine learning models HKR G Shiva Kumar, GC Nitin, G Gurudeep, MS Ujwal Journal of Structural Integrity and Maintenance 10 (2) , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Evaluating the impact of V-shaped columns on the dynamic behavior of RC buildings on sloped ground YH Sudeep, MS Ujwal, KR Purushotham, R Shanthi Vangadeshwari, ... Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 25 (8), 6203-6214 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Seismic and wind load assessment of multistory RC structures with integrated machine learning-based prediction models R Shanthi Vengadeshwari, MS Ujwal, NC Sanjay Shekar, TN Akash, ... Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 26 (12), 4981-5001 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3