Dr Seongha Hwang

PhD

Pronouns: He/him
  • Lecturer in Digital Construction Management

Research groups and centres

Publications

Research and expertise

I focus on advancing digital transformation in the built environment through the integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven methods and emerging digital technologies. My research spans AI, BIM, digital twins, robotics, blockchain and quantum-enhanced security solutions, all aimed at improving sustainability, risk management and decision-making across construction and asset operation.

A key area of my work is the development of intelligent systems for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) management. This includes advancing computer vision and generative modelling techniques for defect detection, enhancing condition assessment workflows and creating data-integration frameworks that support transparent and consistent maintenance decisions for critical infrastructure.

I also investigate secure information management in digital construction environments, exploring how automated governance, trusted data exchange and quantum-resilient security models can strengthen collaboration and resilience in increasingly complex project ecosystems. My publications collectively cover AI-driven structural diagnostics, digital construction management, quantum-enabled information security and new governance models for industry digitalisation.

Overall, my work aims to bridge academic innovation and industry practice by delivering practical, scalable digital solutions that enhance safety, sustainability and operational efficiency in the built environment.

PhD opportunities

I welcome PhD applicants interested in advancing digital and intelligent technologies for the built environment. Proposed research areas include:

  • Digital Twins and Data-Driven Modelling for Buildings and Infrastructure
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications in Construction
  • Automation, Robotics and Intelligent systems for Construction Processes
  • Sustainable and Low-Carbon Construction through Digital Innovation
  • Advanced Apporach to Digital Security and Resilience, including Blockchain and Quantum Technologies
  • Smart Monitoring, Diagnostic and Predictive Maintenance for Civil Infrastructure

Students from civil engineering, construction management, computer science or related fields are encouraged to enquire.

Collaboration opportunities

I warmly welcome opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with academics and industry professionals who share an interest in shaping the future of digital construction and sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, I am open to exploring joint research projects, industry partnerships and supervision of high-quality doctoral candidates whose work aligns with my research interest in digital innovation, intelligent systems and resilient built-environment solutions.

Current research activity

  • Developing AI-driven data integration and decision-making systems for RAAC maintenance and operation

Recently completed research projects

  • Designed and implemented Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based data augmentation techniques to enhance RAAC crack segmentation accuracy

Recent publications

All publications

Teaching

I contribute to learning and teaching activities across the Schools programmes.

I deliver lectures, tutorials and mentoring across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, focusing on integrating digital technologies and sustainable practices into construction management and civil engineering education.

Through modules covering project initialisation, construction technology, cost estimating, measurement, digital design and BIM, I help students connect core principles with modern industry tools such as BIM, digital twins and AI-enabled workflows. My teaching emphasises practical application, critical thinking and digital literacy, supporting students to confidently engage with real project challenges and emerging practices in the built environment.

Undergraduate

  • CVA136 – Project Initialisation
  • CVB103 – Management of Design and Construction
  • CVB107 – Construction Technology 2
  • CVB110 – Planning, Estimating and Cost Management
  • CVB111 – Measurement of Complex Structures
  • CVB119 – Planning, Estimating and Cost Management
  • CVC104 – Digital Design, Construction and Operation (with Sustainability)
  • CVC129 – Digital Design, Construction and Operation

Postgraduate

  • CVP320 – Principles and Application of BIM
  • CVP322 – Principles of Design and Construction

Profile

I am a Lecturer in Digital Construction Management at Loughborough University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. My work focuses on advancing digital transformation in the built environment through the integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven methods and next-generation digital technologies to improve project delivery, operational performance and long-term asset resilience.

I completed my PhD at Loughborough University, where my research examined blockchain-enabled governance models for construction projects, with a focus on trust, transparency and collaborative decision-making. Building on this foundation, my postdoctoral work and Research Associate experience have centred on AI-driven solutions for the built environment—particularly computer vision for RAAC defect detection, intelligent maintenance decision support and digital-twin–based operational insights.

Before joining academia, I spent over nine years at Hyundai Engineering (Hyundai Motor Group), contributing to major construction and infrastructure projects in Algeria, Kenya and South Korea. My roles as a Control and Instrumentation (C&I) Design Engineer and Project Manager provided valuable insight into the technical, managerial and organisational challenges of large-scale engineering projects.

My background in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, specialising in computer science, provided strong programming expertise and hands-on experience with AI and software frameworks. I further strengthened my understanding of the industry through an MSc in Construction Economics and Management at University College London (UCL), where I explored the economics, management and digital transformation of construction enterprises.

My research now spans AI, digital twins, BIM, blockchain, robotics and quantum-resilient digital security. I aim to advance digital construction research and teaching, mentor the next generation of engineers and foster strong collaborations between academia and industry to drive innovation across the built environment.

Professional affiliations

  • Member, Istitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  • Member, America Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • Member, Association for Project Management (APM)
  • Member, Project Management Institute (PMI)

External activities

  • Peer Reviewer for Top-Tier Journals (Automation in Construction, Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering (ASCE) and Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (ASCE))

Key collaborators

My research and enterprise activities are conducted with a range of academic and stakeholder partners, including National Health Service (NHS) and Heathrow Airport.