Dr Soma Somasundaraswaran

Dr Soma Somasundaraswaran
NameDr Soma Somasundaraswaran
Email Addresssoma.somasundaraswaran@unisq.edu.au
Job TitleSenior Lecturer (Transport Engineering)
QualificationsBScEng Peradeniya, MEng Asian IT, DEng Yokohama
DepartmentSchool of Engineering
AffiliationsInstitute for Resilient Regions
Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences
Centre for Health Research
Centre for Future Materials
ORCIDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-4491-1987
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Biography

Dr Kathirgamalingam (Soma) Somasundaraswaran obtained his Doctorate from the Yokohama National University, Japan; Master's degree from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand; and Bachelor's Degree from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He is currently a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) and a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) in Australia and International Professional Engineers Australia (IntPE(Aus)).

Soma is currently working as Senior Lecturer in Transport Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Prior to migrating to Australia in 2008, his eighteen years of academic involvement included Senior Lecturer at University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka; Senior Research Fellow at University College of London, UK; Visiting Scholar at University of Calgary, Canada; and Research Associate, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand.

He is currently teaching Transportation Engineering courses and conducting research in Road safety, Highway Design, Traffic Engineering, and Engineering Education.

Employment

PositionOrganisationFromTo
Senior Lecturer (Transport Engineering)University of Southern Queensland2008

Expertise

Road safety

Highway design

Traffic studies and modelling

Teaching

Transportation Engineering

Geometric Design of Roads

Pavement Design and Analysis

Traffic Engineering

Municipal Services

Civil Material Practice

Fields of Research

  • 330409. Transport planning
  • 400502. Civil geotechnical engineering
  • 400512. Transport engineering

Professional Membership

Professional MembershipYear
Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Member of Engineers Australia (EA)
Member of Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE)
Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland (RPEQ)
National Engineering Register (NER)
BScEng
Peradeniya
1990
MEng
Asian IT
1993
DEng
Yokohama
1997

Supervision Interests

Road safety

Traffic studies and modelling

Traffic Simulation

Current Supervisions

Research TitleSupervisor TypeLevel of StudyCommenced
Principal Supervisor
Investigating the role of spatial configuration on pedestrian movement behaviour in commercial streetsPrincipal SupervisorDoctoral2022

Completed Supervisions

Research TitleSupervisor TypeLevel of StudyCompleted
The impact of road and parking pricing on traffic congestion in the major shopping areas of regional citiesAssociate SupervisorDoctoral2020
Optimisation of Road Safety Treatment Strategies through Crash Modification Factors and SimulationPrincipal SupervisorDoctoral2018

A review of the state-of-the-art methods in estimating crash modification factor (CMF)

Al-Marafi, Mohammad Nour and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2023. "A review of the state-of-the-art methods in estimating crash modification factor (CMF)." Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2023.100839

The impact of COVID-19 on visitors’ wayfinding within healthcare centers

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham, Askarizad, Reza, Mehrinejad, Maryam, Nasab, Sara Nourmusavi and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2023. "The impact of COVID-19 on visitors’ wayfinding within healthcare centers." Ain Shams Engineering Journal. 14 (5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2022.101957

Investigating the role of spatial configuration on pedestrians' spatial cognition

Mehrinejad, Elham and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2022. "Investigating the role of spatial configuration on pedestrians' spatial cognition." 26th Annual Technological Advances in Science, Medicine and Engineering Conference (2022). Toronto, Canada 28 Aug 2022 Toronto, Canada.

Investigating the role of spatial configuration on visitors’ spatial cognition in health-care spaces: case studies in Gilan, Iran

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham, Safari, Hossein, Askarizad, Reza and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2022. "Investigating the role of spatial configuration on visitors’ spatial cognition in health-care spaces: case studies in Gilan, Iran." Facilities. 40 (9-10), pp. 617-637. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-07-2021-0067

Development of crash modification factors for Intersections in Toowoomba city

Al-Marafi, Mohammad Nour, Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Bullen, Frank. 2021. "Development of crash modification factors for Intersections in Toowoomba city." International Journal of Urban Sciences. 25 (1), pp. 104-123. https://doi.org/10.1080/12265934.2020.1743739

Developing crash modification factors for roundabouts using a cross-sectional method

Al-Marafi, Mohammad Nour, Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Ayers, Ron. 2020. "Developing crash modification factors for roundabouts using a cross-sectional method." Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering. 7 (3), pp. 362-374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtte.2018.10.012

Optimisation of signal timing for improving traffic flow on a highway segment using TRANSYT7F

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Terramsetti, Anoosha. 2019. "Optimisation of signal timing for improving traffic flow on a highway segment using TRANSYT7F." Advances in Transportation Studies. https://doi.org/10.4399/9788255233488

Review of crash prediction models and their applicability in black spot identification to improve road safety

Al-Marafi, Mohammad and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2018. "Review of crash prediction models and their applicability in black spot identification to improve road safety." Indian Journal of Science and Technology. 11 (5), pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.17485/ijst/2018/v11i5/119291

Experience in the delivery of an engineering capstone design course for Associate Degree program at the University of Southern Queensland

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2016. "Experience in the delivery of an engineering capstone design course for Associate Degree program at the University of Southern Queensland." Asia Pacific Journal of Contemporary Education and Communication Technology. 2 (3), pp. 64-73.

Rehabilitation works in Queensland using foamed bituminous stabilisation

Logitharan, Lokanantham R., Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Ramanujam, Jothi M.. 2015. "Rehabilitation works in Queensland using foamed bituminous stabilisation." International Journal of GEOMATE. 8 (16), pp. 1308-1315.

Analysis of road crashes at roundabout in Toowoomba

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Russell, Lauren. 2015. "Analysis of road crashes at roundabout in Toowoomba." Conference of ASEAN Road Safety (CARS2015). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 03 - 06 Nov 2015 Malaysia.

Recent design strategies adapted for foamed bituminous stabilisation in flexible pavement rehabilitation works in Queensland

Logitharan, R. L., Somasundaraswaran, K. and Ramanujam, J. M.. 2015. "Recent design strategies adapted for foamed bituminous stabilisation in flexible pavement rehabilitation works in Queensland." Oka, Fusao, Murakami, Akira, Uzuoka, Ryosuke and Kimoto, Sayuri (ed.) 14th Conference of the International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics (IACMAG 2014). Kyoto, Japan 22 - 25 Sep 2014 London, United Kingdom.

Evaluation of strength characteristics of recycled asphalt pavement materials

Neumann, Philip M. and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2014. "Evaluation of strength characteristics of recycled asphalt pavement materials." 26th Australian Road Research Board Conference (ARRB 2014): Research Driving Efficiency. Sydney, Australia 19 - 22 Oct 2014 Sydney, Australia.

Recent foamed bituminous stabilisation works in Queensland

Logitharan, Lokanantham, Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Ramanujam, Jothi M.. 2014. "Recent foamed bituminous stabilisation works in Queensland." Hossain, Zakaria and Shiau, Jim (ed.) 4th International Conference on Geotechnique, Construction Materials and Environment (GEOMATE 2014). Brisbane, Australia 19 - 21 Nov 2014 Mie, Japan.

The safety benefit of wide centerline treatments utilizing audio-tactile line-marking on undivided highways

Whittaker, Adam and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2013. "The safety benefit of wide centerline treatments utilizing audio-tactile line-marking on undivided highways." 14th Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia Conference (REAAA 2013): The Road Factor in Economic Transformation. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 26 - 28 Mar 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Traffic flow modelling for an urban arterial road in Brisbane City

Al-Nuaimi, Hamdi, Ayers, Ron and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2013. "Traffic flow modelling for an urban arterial road in Brisbane City." 14th Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia Conference (REAAA 2013): The Road Factor in Economic Transformation. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 26 - 28 Mar 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The effectiveness of using variable speed limit on the performance of an interrupted flow

Al-Nuaimi, Hamdi, Ayers, Ron and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2012. "The effectiveness of using variable speed limit on the performance of an interrupted flow." Chen, B. M., Khan, M. T. and Tan, K. -K (ed.) IASTED International Conference on Engineering and Applied Science (EAS 2012): Applications for the 21st Century. Colombo, Sri Lanka 27 - 29 Dec 2012 Calgary, Canada. https://doi.org/10.2316/P.2012.785-065

Impact of the application of international quality processes on engineering education at universities in Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2012. "Impact of the application of international quality processes on engineering education at universities in Sri Lanka." Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice. 138 (3), pp. 193-197. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000100

The use of road safety target setting in fatality and injury reduction

Somasundaraswaran, K., Bullen, F. and Ayers, R.. 2010. "The use of road safety target setting in fatality and injury reduction." 24th Australian Road Research Board Conference (ARRB 2010): Building on 50 Years of Road and Transport Research. Melbourne, Australia 12 - 15 Oct 2010 Melbourne, Australia.

The road safety: a special sign for unfamiliar drivers

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2010. "The road safety: a special sign for unfamiliar drivers." Goh, Steven C. and Wang, Hao (ed.) 2010 Southern Region Engineering Conference (SREC 2010). Toowoomba, Australia 11 - 12 Nov 2010 Toowoomba, Australia.

The need for safety targets in south Asian developing countries

Somasundaraswaran, K., Bullen, Frank, Ayers, Ron and Heydecker, Benjamin. 2009. "The need for safety targets in south Asian developing countries." 4th International Road Traffic and Accident Database Conference (IRTAD 2009). Seoul, South Korea 16 - 17 Sep 2009 Paris, France.

An overview of engineering education in Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2009. "An overview of engineering education in Sri Lanka." Kestell, Colin, Grainger, Steven and Cheung, John (ed.) 20th Annual Conference for the Australasian Association of Engineering Education (AAEE 2009). Adelaide, Australia 06 - 09 Dec 2009 Adelaide, Australia.

Development and traffic flow at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, K.. 2008. "Development and traffic flow at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka." Aerlines.

Results of surveys among drivers and customers of for-hire three-wheelers in five small towns in Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, A. K.. 2008. "Results of surveys among drivers and customers of for-hire three-wheelers in five small towns in Sri Lanka." Asia Pacific Development Journal. 15 (1), pp. 119-135.

Overview of reconstruction and redevelopment of key infrastructure facilities in Galle, Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, A. K., Subashini, W.H., Abeyratne, P.K., Wickramage, W.S. and Thuduwage, A.P.. 2007. "Overview of reconstruction and redevelopment of key infrastructure facilities in Galle, Sri Lanka." Liyanage, M. de S (ed.) 3rd Academic Sessions. Matara, Sri Lanka Dec 2006 Galle, Sri Lanka.

Evaluation of level of service for transfer passengers at airports

de Barros, Alexandre G., Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Wirasinghe, S. C.. 2007. "Evaluation of level of service for transfer passengers at airports." Journal of Air Transport Management. 13 (5), pp. 293-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2007.04.004

Addressing difficulties in rural estates with limited education facilities: a research study for uplifting social harmony

Ranasinghe, R. H. C. C. and Somasundaraswaran, A. K.. 2006. "Addressing difficulties in rural estates with limited education facilities: a research study for uplifting social harmony." Liyanage, M. de. S. (ed.) Third Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna. Galle, Sri Lanka Dec 2005 Galle, Sri Lanka.

Self-reported differences between crash-involved and non-crash-involved three-wheeler drivers in Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, A. K. and Tay, Richard. 2006. "Self-reported differences between crash-involved and non-crash-involved three-wheeler drivers in Sri Lanka." IATSS Research. 30 (1), pp. 68-72.

Accident statistics in Sri Lanka

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2006. "Accident statistics in Sri Lanka." IATSS Research. 30 (1), pp. 115-117.

Examination of the geometric design parameters contributing to heavy vehicle stability and rollover effects at roundabouts in high-speed areas

Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam and Arndt, Owen. 2024. Examination of the geometric design parameters contributing to heavy vehicle stability and rollover effects at roundabouts in high-speed areas. Australia. University of Southern Queensland.

Comparison of common methods for determining hazardous locations for improving road safety

Al-Marafi, Mohammad Nour and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2024. "Comparison of common methods for determining hazardous locations for improving road safety." Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2024.101196

The role of spatial configuration on pedestrian walkability in commercial streets: A review of Space Syntax Analysis

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2023. "The role of spatial configuration on pedestrian walkability in commercial streets: A review of Space Syntax Analysis ." Royal Geographical Societies Annual International Conference 2023 (AC2023). London, United Kingdom United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JWAHU

Exploring the Dynamics of Pedestrian Behavior in Crowded Walking Streets: A Conceptual Review of Space Syntax Analysis

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2023. "Exploring the Dynamics of Pedestrian Behavior in Crowded Walking Streets: A Conceptual Review of Space Syntax Analysis." 27th Annual Technological Advances in Science, Medicine, and Engineering Conference (TASME 2023) . Toronto, Canada 01 - 02 Jul 2023 Canada.

Relationship between spatial arrangement and pedestrian’s wayfinding ability

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham and Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam. 2022. "Relationship between spatial arrangement and pedestrian’s wayfinding ability." 29th Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Group Researcher Symposium . Toowooba, Australia 18 - 18 Nov 2022 Australia.

The influence of spatial configuration on pedestrian movement behaviour in commercial streets of low-density cities

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham, Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam, Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy and Yu, Rongrong. 2025. "The influence of spatial configuration on pedestrian movement behaviour in commercial streets of low-density cities." Ain Shams Engineering Journal. 16 (1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2024.103184

The walkable environment: a systematic review through the lens of Space Syntax as an integrated approach

Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Elham, Yu, Rongrong, Somasundaraswaran, Kathirgamalingam, Askarizad, Reza and Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy. 2025. "The walkable environment: a systematic review through the lens of Space Syntax as an integrated approach." Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-02-2024-0049