Abitha Babu, a UQ-IITD Research Academy scholar, has become the first PhD candidate in the program to be granted an Indian patent, after developing a new foundation system designed to improve building performance on expansive soils.
The patent recognises Abitha Babu’s Composite Annular Sand-Pile system, developed through her PhD project, which introduces a practical and economical approach to reducing swelling-induced uplift in pile foundations.
Her PhD thesis, Conceptualisation and Experimental Investigation of an Innovative Foundation System for Lightly Loaded Buildings on Expansive Soils, was undertaken through the joint PhD program between The University of Queensland (UQ) and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD). The Academy of Research was established to enable students to gain a global qualification from both UQ and IITD, with access to world-class facilities, resources and international research networks.
Q&A with Abitha Babu
Tell us about your research. What was the focus of your PhD project?
My PhD focused on developing an innovative foundation system called the Composite Annular Sand-Pile, or CASP, for lightly loaded buildings on expansive soils.
Expansive soils can swell and shrink with changing moisture conditions, which can cause uplift and damage to foundations. The CASP system uses an annular sand layer around a conventional pile foundation to reduce swelling-induced uplift.
Through laboratory experiments, image-based analysis and analytical modelling, my research showed the system could reduce soil surface heave and pile uplift during soil swelling when compared with conventional pile foundations. It also established the optimum annular sand layer thickness and validated the system’s working mechanism.
What does the invention do?
The granted Indian patent recognises the Composite Annular Sand-Pile Foundation System, which offers a practical and economical foundation solution for reducing swelling-induced uplift in expansive soils.
The invention has the potential to improve the performance and serviceability of pile foundations in expansive soils, while being simpler to construct than many existing alternatives.
What inspired you to enrol in the UQ-IITD Research Academy joint PhD program?
The joint PhD program offered the opportunity to combine IIT Delhi’s expertise in geotechnical engineering with UQ’s strengths in advanced research.
It also provided international exposure, access to world-class facilities and the chance to learn from supervisors with complementary expertise.
Who supervised your research?
At UQ, my supervisor was Professor Alexander Scheuermann from the School of Civil Engineering. At IITD, I was supervised by Professor Ramanathan Ayothiraman and Dr Prashanth Vangla from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
What was the highlight of studying internationally at two universities?
It was an incredibly rewarding experience. Studying at two leading universities allowed me to access diverse expertise, advanced research facilities and different research cultures.
The highlight was collaborating internationally while developing research that progressed from a concept to a patented innovation.
What challenges did you face during your PhD?
Developing a new foundation concept required a rigorous literature review, as well as many iterations of experiments and analysis. I overcame these challenges through persistence, careful planning and continuous guidance from my supervisors.
My advice to other candidates is to stay patient, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and remain curious throughout the research journey.
What are your plans after finalising your PhD?
After submitting my thesis, I joined the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute as a Principal Project Associate. I am working on a National Technical Textiles Mission project focused on developing an eco-friendly biodegradable natural prefabricated vertical drain as a sustainable solution for ground improvement of soft soil.
I look forward to continuing research that translates innovative ideas into sustainable geotechnical solutions with real-world impact.
Find out about how to apply to the UQ-IITD Research Academy and upcoming events
The UQ–IITD Research Academy, formalised in 2018, is a flagship joint PhD partnership between UQ and IIT Delhi. It advances multidisciplinary research, strengthens academic mobility across UQ faculties, and enables graduates to receive a jointly awarded PhD from both institutions.
PhD enrolments and completions (as of 31 July 2026)
- 513 PhD projects advertised
- 144 current PhD students
- 23 graduates employed in academia and industry across India, Australia and globally
- 18 Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) recipients
- 29 PhD candidates to be conferred in August 2026, bringing the Academy to 52 total graduates.