PHD SCHOLAR at IIT JAMMU, India.
Manali Rathee 🎓 is a dedicated civil engineering researcher focused on sustainable construction materials. Born on 25 January 1997 in Sonipat, Haryana 🇮🇳, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Jammu, specializing in geopolymer concrete—a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement ♻️. Her work integrates advanced materials like MXenes and graphene to improve durability and reduce environmental impact 🌍. With global exposure from Japan’s SAKURA Science Program 🇯🇵 and numerous international conference presentations 🌐, Manali aims to contribute to India’s Net-Zero 2070 vision. She blends scientific rigor with practical innovation, contributing significantly to eco-conscious infrastructure solutions 🏗️📘.
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Suitability For Women Research Award – Ms.MANALI RATHEE
Manali Rathee is a promising and impactful young woman researcher in the domain of sustainable civil engineering 🏗️🌍. Her contributions to geopolymer concrete technology—an eco-friendly alternative to Portland cement—are crucial in advancing green construction practices and addressing climate change challenges ♻️. She has proven research expertise through international publications, a filed patent, and participation in global platforms such as Japan’s SAKURA Science Program 🇯🇵. As a doctoral scholar at IIT Jammu, Manali blends innovation with environmental stewardship, making her an ideal candidate for the Women Researcher Award 👩🔬✨.
Education & Experience
🎓 Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – IIT Jammu (2021–Present)
🔬 Research focus: Geopolymer concrete, durability, nano-materials
📚 M.Tech in Structural & Construction Management – NIT Jalandhar (2019–2021)
🧱 Thesis on low-cost paving blocks using waste materials (TEQIP-III funded)
📐 B.Tech in Civil Engineering – GL Bajaj Institute, Uttar Pradesh (2014–2018)
🚧 Final project: National Highway Design with NHAI
🛠️ Industry Experience – Internship at NTPC Netra Site & NBCC India
👩🏫 Teaching Assistant at IIT Jammu and NIT Jalandhar
Professional Development
Manali Rathee consistently pursues professional growth through academic, industrial, and international avenues 📈. She participated in the prestigious SAKURA Science Exchange Program in Japan 🇯🇵, enhancing her global perspective on sustainable materials. She’s attended top-tier international conferences in the UK 🇬🇧 and India 🇮🇳, showcasing her work in low-carbon construction 🌿. As a Teaching Assistant at both NIT Jalandhar and IIT Jammu 👩🏫, she’s contributed to developing academic curricula and mentoring peers. Her analytical skills in XRD, SEM, FTIR 🔬, and her software fluency in STAAD Pro and AutoCAD 💻 equip her to drive innovation in structural materials research 🏗️.
Research Focus
Manali’s research lies in the realm of sustainable civil engineering 🏗️🌍, focusing on geopolymer concrete—a low-emission, high-performance alternative to Portland cement. Her work contributes to carbon-neutral infrastructure by utilizing industrial waste like copper slag, fly ash, and zinc slag ♻️. She studies durability mechanics, chloride penetration, carbonation resistance, and thermal performance under aggressive environmental conditions 🌡️🌊. By integrating nanomaterials such as MXene and functional graphene, she enhances structural strength and longevity 🔬💎. Her research is aligned with India’s Net-Zero 2070 goals and the global push for greener urban development 🌱🌆, combining innovation with sustainability.
Awards and Honors
🏅 Among Top 3 in M.Tech Structural Engineering at NIT Jalandhar
📚 TEQIP-III Sponsored Project Grant – ₹4.85 Lakhs
🎓 B.Tech Civil Engineering with Honors
🎯 GATE Qualified – 97th Percentile in 2018, 2019, and 2020
🧪 Patent Filed – Polymerized Novel Cementitious Binder (2024)
🌍 SAKURA Science Exchange Program Participant – Japan (2023)
📖 Multiple High-Impact Publications – ACS, Elsevier, Springer Journals
🌐 International Conference Presenter – UK, Scotland, IIT Madras, NITJ
Publication Top Notes
1. Durability Properties of Copper Slag and Coal Bottom Ash Based I-shaped Geopolymer Paver Blocks
Authors: M. Rathee, N. Singh
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 347, Article 128461
Citations: 20 | Year: 2022
Summary:
This paper investigates the use of industrial by-products—copper slag and coal bottom ash—in the production of geopolymer-based I-shaped paver blocks. The study evaluates mechanical and durability properties including water absorption, abrasion, and resistance to aggressive environments, indicating that the blocks have potential for sustainable paving applications.
2. Carbonation Resistance of Blended Mortars and Industrial By-products: A Brief Review
Authors: N. Singh, B. Sharma, M. Rathee
Journal: Cleaner Materials, Vol. 4, Article 100058
Citations: 20 | Year: 2022
Summary:
This review focuses on the carbonation resistance of mortars incorporating supplementary cementitious materials and industrial wastes. It summarizes key influencing parameters, performance of different blends, and highlights the role of material chemistry in resisting carbonation-induced degradation in concrete structures.
3. Study of Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Mortar Prepared with Fly Ash and GGBS
Authors: M. Rathee, A. Misra, J. Kolleboyina
Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings, Vol. 93, pp. 377–386
Citations: 13 | Year: 2023
Summary:
This study assesses the mechanical performance—including compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength—of geopolymer mortar made using fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The results demonstrate superior early-age and long-term strength development, making it a viable alternative to conventional cement mortar.
4. Reviewing Geopolymer Concrete: A Possible Sustainable Structural Material of Future
Authors: M. Rathee, N. Singh
Journal: Environment, Development and Sustainability
Citations: 5 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This comprehensive review explores geopolymer concrete as a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. It discusses environmental benefits, mechanical properties, material constituents, and application challenges, positioning it as a future-forward material for eco-friendly construction.
5. Interfacial Chemistry of Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene in Aluminosilicate Geopolymers for Enhanced Mechanical Strength
Authors: M. Rathee, H.K. Surendran, C. Narayana, R. Lo, A. Misra, K. Jayaramulu
Journal: ACS Applied Engineering Materials, Vol. 2(8), pp. 2027–2037
Citations: 3 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This paper presents the novel integration of MXene nanomaterials (Ti₃C₂Tₓ) into geopolymer matrices. By analyzing the interfacial interactions, it shows that MXenes significantly enhance mechanical strength and microstructural integrity, making them promising additives for next-gen construction materials.
6. Performance of Alkali-Activated Aluminosilicate Geopolymer Mortar Under Exposure to Acid, Sulfate and High Temperature
Authors: M. Rathee, A. Misra
Journal: Magazine of Concrete Research, Vol. 77(3–4), pp. 209–227
Citations: 1 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This experimental study examines how alkali-activated geopolymer mortars perform under chemical attacks (acid, sulfate) and thermal exposure. The paper concludes that such mortars demonstrate excellent resistance to harsh environments, validating their application in aggressive field conditions like sewage systems or thermal industries.
Conclusion
Manali Rathee exemplifies the spirit of the Women Researcher Award by not only advancing cutting-edge research in sustainable materials but also by contributing to the broader mission of climate-conscious engineering 🌱🌎. Her interdisciplinary approach, academic excellence, and societal relevance firmly establish her as a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition 👏🏽🏆.