Research Experience
Masters Thesis
WYDOT Funded Project: Mitigating Employee Turnover and Enhancing Knowledge Retention at WYDOT: A Comprehensive Approach Using AI and Knowledge Management Systems
Supervised by: Dr. Ahmed Abdelaty, Associate Professor, University of Wyoming
This project focuses on mitigating employee turnover and enhancing knowledge retention at the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). High turnover, especially among employees with less than five years of service, threatens operational continuity and results in significant knowledge loss. To address this challenge, the research integrates organizational strategies with artificial intelligence–based knowledge management tools.
The work will begin with a comprehensive literature review on turnover and knowledge management, followed by surveys, interviews, and exit data analysis to identify the root causes of employee turnover across WYDOT divisions. Based on these findings, the team will develop tailored recommendations to improve retention, addressing issues such as supervision, culture, workload, and career development.
Simultaneously, the project will design a knowledge management framework supported by large language models (LLMs) to capture and preserve both explicit knowledge (manuals, guidelines) and tacit knowledge (employee insights). The centerpiece of this effort is the development of KNOWWY, an AI-driven chatbot that will allow WYDOT employees to easily access technical procedures, documents, and expertise. A pilot study will test and validate the chatbot’s usability and accuracy with employee feedback guiding refinements.
The key deliverables include: (1) a turnover analysis report with actionable recommendations, (2) the KNOWWY chatbot for knowledge management and transfer, and (3) a final technical report summarizing outcomes. Over a 24-month period (2025–2026), the project is expected to produce improved employee retention, reduced recruitment costs, preserved institutional knowledge, and greater operational efficiency across WYDOT
Undergraduate Thesis
Harden Properties Test
-Compressive strength test
-Splitting tensile strength test
-Modulus of elasticity test
-Water permeability test
NDT Test
-Rebound hammer test
-Ultrasonic pulse velocity test
-Electrical resistivity test
-Water permeability test (Co-efficient method)
Sustainability Assessment
-Embodied CO2 assessment
-Cost analysis
Journal Articles
Journal Articles
1. Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., Akid, A. S. M., & Islam, S. (2022). Influence of coarse aggregate size and content on the properties of recycled aggregate concrete using non-destructive testing methods. Journal of Building Engineering, 61, Article 105249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105249
2. Datta, S. D., Akter, J., Rhyme, A. N., Mamun, M. A., Rana, M. J., & Abdullah, M. S. (2025). Assessing and mitigating building fire risk based on the scenario clusters in Bangladesh. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(12), 1381-1394. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2024.2417569
3. Datta, S. D., Rana, M. J., Nafe Assafi, M., Mim, N. J., & Ahmed, S. (2023). Investigation on the generation of construction wastes in Bangladesh. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(13), 2260-2269. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2022.2050977
4. Datta, S. D., Tayeh, B. A., Hakeem, I. Y., & Abu Aisheh, Y. I. (2023). Benefits and barriers of implementing building information modeling techniques for sustainable practices in the construction industry: A comprehensive review. Sustainability, 15(16), Article 12466. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612466
5. Datta, S. D., Islam, M., Sobuz, M. H. R., Ahmed, S., & Kar, M. (2024). Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in the project lifecycle of the construction industry: A comprehensive review. Heliyon, 10(5), Article e26888. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26888
6. Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., Nafe Assafi, M., Sutan, N. M., Islam, M. N., Mannan, M. B., Akid, A. S. M., & Hasan, N. M. S. (2023). Critical project management success factors analysis for the construction industry of Bangladesh. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 41(3), 482-511. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-01-2022-0006
7. Datta, S. D., Sarkar, M. M., Rakhe, A. S., Aditto, F. S., Sobuz, M. H. R., Shaurdho, N. M. N., & et al. (2024). Analysis of the characteristics and environmental benefits of rice husk ash as a supplementary cementitious material through experimental and machine learning approaches. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 9(4), Article 121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-024-01423-7
8. Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., Mim, N. J., & Nath, A. D. (2023). Investigation on the effectiveness of using building information modeling (BIM) tools in project management: A case study. Revista de la Construcción, 22(2), 306-320. https://doi.org/10.7764/RDLC.22.2.306
9. Datta, S. D., & Mazumder, S. (2026). Effect of steam, carbonation, and autoclave curing on the mechanical, durability, and microstructure properties of UHPC: A comprehensive review. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2026, Article 9719452. https://doi.org/10.1155/adce/9719452
10. Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., Sutan, N. M., & Islam, S. (2023). Structural sustainable recycled aggregate concrete production under environmental conditions. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 15(9), 64-71.
11. Mottakin, M., Datta, S. D., Hossain, M. M., Sobuz, M. H. R., Rahman, S. M. A., & Alharthai, M. (2024). Evaluation of textile effluent treatment plant sludge as supplementary cementitious material in concrete using experimental and machine learning approaches. Journal of Building Engineering, 96, Article 110627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110627
12. Islam, M. H., Datta, S. D., Mondol, S., Sobuz, M. H. R., Ashraf, J., Aayaz, R., Akid, A. S. M., & Kabbo, M. K. I. (2025). Experimental and machine learning assessment of sustainable natural fiber reinforced concrete incorporating waste brick powder as an alternative binder materials. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 16(12), Article 103755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2025.103755
13. Hossain, M. A., Datta, S. D., Akid, A. S. M., Sobuz, M. H. R., & Islam, M. S. (2023). Exploring the synergistic effect of fly ash and jute fiber on the fresh, mechanical and non-destructive characteristics of sustainable concrete. Heliyon, 9(11), Article e21708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21708
14. Sobuz, M. H. R., Datta, S. D., Akid, A. S. M., Tam, V. W. Y., Islam, S., Rana, M. J., Aslani, F., Yalçınkaya, Ç., & Sutan, N. M. (2024). Evaluating the effects of recycled concrete aggregate size and concentration on properties of high-strength sustainable concrete. Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences, 36(3), 216-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksues.2022.04.004
15. Akter, J., Datta, S. D., Islam, M., Tayeh, B. A., Sraboni, S. A., & Das, N. (2025). Assessment and analysis of the effects of implementing building information modelling as a lean management tool in construction management. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 43(4), 877-894. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-08-2023-0118
16. Nath, A. D., Datta, S. D., Hoque, M. I., & Shahriar, F. (2022). Various recycled steel fiber effect on mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-07-2021-0102
17. Sobuz, M. H. R., Datta, S. D., & Akid, A. S. M. (2023). Investigating the combined effect of aggregate size and sulphate attack on producing sustainable recycled aggregate concrete. Australian Journal of Civil Engineering, 21(2), 224-239. https://doi.org/10.1080/14488353.2022.2088646
18. Haq, I., Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., Aditto, F. S., Abdullah, M. S., Rahman, F. M. T., & et al. (2024). Synergistic effect of fly ash and stone dust on foam concrete under saline environment: Mechanical, non-destructive and machine learning approaches. Advances in Concrete Construction, 18(4), 237-252. https://doi.org/10.12989/acc.2024.18.4.237
19. Uddin, M. S., Datta, S. D., Abdelaty, A., & Babar, M. (2026). Application of artificial intelligence in construction contract management: A systematic review. Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.1061/JLADAH.LADR-1536
20. Sobuz, M. H. R., Rahman, M. M., Aayaz, R., Al-Rashed, W. S., Datta, S. D., & et al. (2025). Combined influence of modified recycled concrete aggregate and metakaolin on high-strength concrete production: Experimental assessment and machine learning quantifications with advanced SHAP and PDP analyses. Construction and Building Materials, 461, Article 139897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.139897
21. Sobuz, M. H. R., Ahamed, M. M., Rahman, S. M. A., Kabbo, M. K. I., Alzlfawi, A., Datta, S. D., & et al. (2025). Experimental and machine learning evaluation of gamma versus non-gamma irradiated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste as a replacement of natural sand: Toward plastic waste recycling in sustainable concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 494, Article 143446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.143446
22. Sobuz, M. H. R., Khan, M. H., Kabbo, M. K. I., Alhamami, A. H., Aditto, F. S., Sajib, M. S., Datta, S. D., & et al. (2024). Assessment of mechanical properties with machine learning modeling and durability, and microstructural characteristics of a biochar-cement mortar composite. Construction and Building Materials, 411, Article 134281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134281
23. Maglad, A. M., Mydin, M. A. O., Datta, S. D., Abbood, I. S., & Tayeh, B. A. (2024). Impact of anionic surfactant-based foaming agents on the properties of lightweight foamed concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 438, Article 137119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137119
24. Maglad, A. M., Mydin, M. A. O., Datta, S. D., & Tayeh, B. A. (2023). Assessing the mechanical, durability, thermal and microstructural properties of sea shell ash based lightweight foamed concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 402, Article 133018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133018
25. Sobuz, M. H. R., Al-Imran, Datta, S. D., Jabin, J. A., Aditto, F. S., Hasan, N. M. S., Hasan, M., & Zaman, A. A. U. (2024). Assessing the influence of sugarcane bagasse ash for the production of eco-friendly concrete: Experimental and machine learning approaches. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 20, Article e02839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02839
26. Kashem, A., Karim, R., Das, P., Datta, S. D., & Alharthai, M. (2024). Compressive strength prediction of sustainable concrete incorporating rice husk ash (RHA) using hybrid machine learning algorithms and parametric analyses. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 20, Article e03030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e03030
27. Kashem, A., Karim, R., Malo, S. C., Das, P., Datta, S. D., & Alharthai, M. (2024). Hybrid data-driven approaches to predicting the compressive strength of ultra-high-performance concrete using SHAP and PDP analyses. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 20, Article e02991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e02991
28. Karim, R., Islam, M. H., Datta, S. D., & Kashem, A. (2024). Synergistic effects of supplementary cementitious materials and compressive strength prediction of concrete using machine learning algorithms with SHAP and PDP analyses. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 20, Article e02828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02828
29. Momshad, A. M., Islam, M. H., Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., Aayaz, R., Kabbo, M. K. I., & Khan, M. M. H. (2025). Assessing the engineering properties and environmental impact with explainable machine learning analysis of sustainable concrete utilizing waste banana leaf ash as a partial cement replacement. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 24, Article 100886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2025.100886
30. Sobuz, M. H. R., Aditto, F. S., Datta, S. D., Kabbo, M. K. I., Jabin, J. A., Hasan, N. M. S., Khan, M. M. H., Rahman, S. M. A., Raazi, M., & Zaman, A. A. U. (2024). High-strength self-compacting concrete production incorporating supplementary cementitious materials: Experimental evaluations and machine learning modelling. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, 18, Article 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-024-00707-7
31. Nafe Assafi, M., Hossain, M. M., Chileshe, N., & Datta, S. D. (2023). Development and validation of a framework for preventing and mitigating construction delay using 4D BIM platform in Bangladeshi construction sector. Construction Innovation, 23(5), 1255-1278. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-08-2021-0160
32. Mydin, M. A. O., Azman, N. Z. N., Awoyera, P. O., Özkılıç, Y. O., Fadugba, O. G., Abdullah, M. M. A. B., Omar, R., & Datta, S. D. (2025). Bamboo stem ash as a sustainable cement replacement in lightweight foam mortar enhancing mechanical thermal and microstructural properties. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 34677. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04447-w
33. Mydin, M. A. O., Awoyera, P. O., Taqieddin, Z. N., Özkılıç, Y. O., Fadugba, O. G., Datta, S. D., & et al. (2025). Green construction with sustainable foam mortar utilizing recycled polyethylene terephthalate waste for enhanced thermal insulation and durability properties. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 33633. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06141-3
34. Sobuz, M. H. R., Islam, M. S., Akid, A. S. M., Datta, S. D., Alahmari, T. S., Hasan, N. M. S., Khondoker, M. T. H., & Aditto, F. S. (2023). Mechanical properties and flexural response of palm shell aggregate lightweight reinforced concrete beam. Sustainability, 15(22), Article 15783. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215783
35. Kar, M., Jahan, S. M. H., Rahman, M. A., & Datta, S. D. (2024). Molecular identification and eco-friendly management of rice brown planthoppers in Bangladesh. Heliyon, 10(15), Article e35514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35514
36. Sobuz, M. H. R., Joy, L. P., Akid, A. S. M., Aditto, F. S., Jabin, J. A., Hasan, N. M. S., Meraz, M. M., Datta, S. D., & et al. (2024). Optimization of recycled rubber self-compacting concrete: Experimental findings and machine learning-based evaluation. Heliyon, 10(6), Article e27793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27793
37. Hasan, N. M. S., Sobuz, M. H. R., Shaurdho, N. M. N., Meraz, M. M., Datta, S. D., Aditto, F. S., Kabbo, M. K. I., & Miah, M. J. (2023). Eco-friendly concrete incorporating palm oil fuel ash: Fresh and mechanical properties with machine learning prediction, and sustainability assessment. Heliyon, 9(11), Article e22296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22296
38. Hasan, N. M. S., Sobuz, M. H. R., Khan, M. M. H., Mim, N. J., Meraz, M. M., Datta, S. D., & et al. (2022). Integration of rice husk ash as supplementary cementitious material in the production of sustainable high-strength concrete. Materials, 15(22), Article 8171. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15228171
39. Hoque, M. I., Hasan, M., & Datta, S. D. (2026). Undrained shear strength of soft clay reinforced with encapsulated stone dust columns. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 44(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-02-2023-0020
40. Abdul Sattar, A., Mydin, M. A. O., Özkılıç, Y. O., Awoyera, P. O., Abdullah, M. M. A. B., Datta, S. D., & Ramalingam, M. (2025). Sustainable use of copper slag as a partial sand replacement to optimize the fresh and hardened state properties of lightweight foamed mortar. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 10(8), Article 364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-025-02143-2
41. Akter, U., Ratul, M. J. P., & Datta, S. D. (2025). Optimized hybrid learning model for strength prediction of textile effluent sludge-based concrete. Engineering Reports, 7(12), Article e70516. https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.70516
42. Nadim, F., Hasan, R., Sobuz, M. H. R., Ashraf, J., Hasan, N. M. S., Datta, S. D., Islam, M. H., Islam, M. A., Awall, M. R., Rahman, S. A., Kabbo, M. K. I., & Yousif, S. Y. O. (2024). Effect of silica fume on the microstructural and mechanical properties of concrete made with 100% recycled aggregates. Revista de la Construcción, 23(2), 413-435. https://doi.org/10.7764/RDLC.23.2.413
43. Mannan, M. B., Sultana, J., Datta, S. D., Aditto, F. S., Mottakin, M., Sobuz, M. H. R., & Akid, A. S. M. (2025). Experimental and machine learning analysis of high-strength concrete incorporating waste slag and recycled steel fiber. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2025, Article 2041753. https://doi.org/10.1155/adce/2041753
44. Akter, J., Sultana, S., Hossain, M. M., Datta, S. D., & Tutul, M. T. E. (2026). A BIM-based simulation and evacuation assessment to improve fire safety management. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 11(1), Article 44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41024-025-00716-3
45. Aaron, G. H., Mydin, M. A. O., Tobbala, D. E., Jagadesh, P., Özkılıç, Y. O., Datta, S. D., & Abdullah, M. M. A. B. (2025). Experimental and machine learning approaches to investigate the properties of foamed concrete made with surkhi and dolomitic limestone as cement replacements. Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design, 8(2), Article 151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-025-00730-5
46. Akter, J., Islam, M., & Datta, S. D. (2025). Optimizing thermal insulation in subtropical monsoon climate religious buildings: Material selection and thickness assessment. World Journal of Engineering, 22(2), 407-418. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-07-2023-0241
47. Hoque, M. I., Hasan, M., & Datta, S. D. (2024). Effect of waste plastic strip on the shear strength and permeability characteristics of black cotton soil. Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 27(2), 2019-2028. https://doi.org/10.6180/jase.202402_27(2).0003
48. Hoque, M. I., Hasan, M., Meem, T. I., & Datta, S. D. (2023). Influence of silt content and void ratio on the properties of sand silt mixture. Journal of Advances in Geotechnical Engineering, 6(3), 8-21. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8281053
Conference Proceedings
1. Datta, S. D., Nirjona, A. S., Azam, M. R., Shah, M. S., & Abdullah, M. S. (2025). Evaluating the properties of mussel sea shell lightweight foam concrete: Emphasizing sustainability and waste reduction. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3262(1), Article 020007. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0247028
2. Datta, S. D., Sikder, A. M., Khan, T. A., & Aditto, F. S. (2024). Crack width prediction of self-healing concrete using machine learning approaches. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering (ICACE2024).
3. Datta, S. D., Mazumder, S., Hossain, S., & Goon, P. (2024). Evaluating barriers, benefits, and mitigation strategies for safety equipment in the construction industry. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering (ICACE2024), 33-40.
4. Datta, S. D., Rony, M. H., Sworna, S. A., Islam, S., Shourav, M., Parosh, A. R., & et al. (2024). Evaluating the site safety scenario of the construction industry in Khulna City. 7th International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development.
5. Datta, S. D., & Foysal Iqbal, M. A. I. (2024). Strategic analysis of ultra-high-performance concrete with nano-material integration emphasizing compressive strength analysis and embodied CO2 evaluation. Conference proceedings.
6. Datta, S. D., Al Meyad, M. A., Hoque, F. A. B., Anik, M. F. H., Shafi, D. M. F. S., & et al. (2024). Strategic formulation of ultra-high performance concrete emphasizing compressive strength analysis and sustainability evaluation. 7th International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development.
7. Datta, S. D., Akon, M. K., Nayan, M. R. I., & Ahmed, S. (2024). Sustainable production of 3D printed concrete in the construction industry based on compressive strength and embodied CO2 analysis. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering (ICACE2024), 17-24.
8. Datta, S. D., & Nafe Assafi, M. (2022). Offsite construction (OSC) in Bangladesh: Barriers and future prospects. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development.
9. Datta, S. D., Mannan, M. B., Islam, M. N., & Rahman Sobuz, M. H. (2021). Assessment of crisis factors in the construction industry of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. 6th International Conference on Engineering Research, Innovation and Education.
10. Datta, S. D., Sobuz, M. H. R., & Islam, S. (2021). Evaluation of sustainable recycled aggregate concrete quality using non-destructive testing technique. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Integrated Solid Waste and Faecal Sludge Management.
11. Shahariar, A. M., & Datta, S. D. (2025). A supervised machine learning approach to predict the compressive strength of eco-friendly concrete incorporating waste glass powder. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Engineering Research, Innovation and Education.
12. Mondol, S., Datta, S. D., & Islam, M. H. (2022). Effect of waste brick powder on jute fibre reinforced concrete. 6th International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering (ICACE-2022).
13. Sobuz, M. H. R., Datta, S. D., & Rahman, M. (2022). Evaluating the properties of demolished aggregate concrete with non-destructive assessment. Advances in Civil Engineering: Select Proceedings of ICACE 2020, 223-233. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5547-0_22
14. Shahriar, F., Datta, S. D., & Nath, A. D. (2022). Investigating the mechanical and non-destructive properties of steel fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete. 6th International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering (ICACE-2022).
15. Islam, M. F., Nijum, N. J., & Datta, S. D. (2024). From conventional to green building: A framework for green factory transformation in Bangladesh. 7th International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development.
16. Shahriar, F., Roy, B., & Datta, S. D. (2024). Mechanical properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced high-strength concrete exposed to elevated temperatures: An experimental and artificial neural network approach. 7th International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development.
17. Mottakin, M., Hossain, M. M., & Datta, S. D. (2023). Utilization of textile effluent treatment plant sludge as supplementary cementitious material in concrete. Proceedings of International Conference on Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering.
