Bridging Innovation Across Borders: NDMU Civil Engineering Alumni and Faculty Bring Smart Bridge Research to the International Stage

The pursuit of knowledge transcends geographical boundaries, and once again, the Civil Engineering community of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement through an outstanding international research presentation at the 6th International Conference on Innovative Research in Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (IRASET’2026). Representing the university on the international stage, NDMU Civil Engineering alumni and faculty brought innovation, research expertise, and institutional pride to a prestigious gathering of researchers and innovators from around the world.

Participating in the conference were NDMU Civil Engineering alumni Ayyah M. Baulo, Charles Julius D. Lozada, and Chrissiel May M. Mamon, together with Civil Engineering faculty members Engr. Rolly S. Tambe, Engr. Luke Mark B. Culili, and Engr. Arianne R. Recto. Through a virtual presentation, the team presented their research entitled, “Buckling Detection of Truss Members in Steel Bridges using Photogrammetric Principle with Computer Vision Technique.” Their participation reflects the growing contribution of NDMU researchers to international discourse on emerging engineering solutions and technological innovation.

Held on May 14–15, 2026, at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Fez, Morocco, IRASET’2026 gathered researchers, engineers, practitioners, and academic institutions to exchange ideas and present advancements in applied science and technology. The conference highlighted emerging developments in areas such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Signal Processing, Emerging Technologies, Wireless Communications, Smart Grid, and Green Communications. Beyond being a venue for presenting research outputs, IRASET’2026 served as a platform for fostering collaboration, building professional networks, and promoting interdisciplinary innovation among experts worldwide.

The research utilized MATLAB programming, computer vision, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology to develop a smart system capable of detecting bridge truss buckling in real time and providing warning alerts for engineers. Testing results showed the system successfully identified safe and buckled truss members through a visual monitoring and alert mechanism. The study specifically focused on detecting buckled truss members in steel bridges subjected to various loading conditions. Using camera-based technology founded on photogrammetric principles, the developed system was designed to identify and visualize actual bridge buckling behavior. Furthermore, the application incorporated an integrated warning mechanism capable of immediately alerting engineers whenever buckling conditions were detected, enabling faster response and preventive measures before structural conditions worsen.

The significance of this research extends beyond the confines of academic study. As infrastructure systems continue to age and transportation networks become increasingly vital, smart technologies for monitoring structural conditions can play an essential role in minimizing risks, improving maintenance practices, and strengthening public safety. The study offers a forward-looking approach toward modernizing bridge inspection processes and supporting engineers in making timely and informed decisions.

Adding to the significance of this achievement, the study is expected to be published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library and indexed in Scopus, further strengthening its potential contribution to the international body of engineering knowledge and expanding its impact within the global research community.

The international presentation of NDMU Civil Engineering alumni and faculty stands as a testament to the university’s continuing pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and academic collaboration. As NDMU continues to empower its students, graduates, and educators to engage with global communities of scholars and professionals, achievements such as this reinforce the university’s mission of producing transformative research that addresses real-world challenges and contributes to the advancement of society. Through innovation and collaboration, NDMU continues to build bridges—not only in engineering, but also in knowledge, opportunity, and global impact.