Zhou Ji | FRP reinforced concrete structure | Best Researcher Award

Zhou Ji | FRP Reinforced Concrete Structure | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Nanjing Forestry University | China

Zhou Ji is a dedicated civil engineering researcher specializing in steel–concrete composite structures and marine or offshore concrete systems, with extensive academic and practical expertise in structural performance and durability. As a doctoral researcher at Guangxi University under Professor Zongping Chen, Zhou has contributed significantly to the understanding of mechanical behaviors, bond characteristics, and seismic performance of advanced composite materials. Zhou has led one Guangxi postgraduate education innovation project and participated in six national and provincial-level research programs focusing on areas such as high-temperature damage assessment, corrosion-resistant marine concrete, and long-lifespan transport hub structures. The research has resulted in 9 SCI-indexed papers and 10 EI-indexed papers as the first author, including publications in high-impact journals like Engineering Structures, Construction and Building Materials, and Journal of Composites for Construction-ASCE. Zhou’s studies on CFRP-steel composite bars in coral sea-sand seawater concrete have provided key insights into bond behavior, structural strength, and post-fire performance, contributing to sustainable marine construction. In addition to academic publications, Zhou has secured four national patents and participated in developing a Guangxi provincial standard. Recognition of excellence includes numerous national and provincial scholarships and awards, such as the Liu Huixian Earthquake Engineering Award and multiple National Scholarship distinctions. The research achievements reflect a deep commitment to advancing composite structural technologies that enhance resilience and sustainability in coastal infrastructure. With a strong foundation in both experimental and numerical analysis, Zhou continues to explore innovative materials and design approaches that address environmental challenges in modern civil engineering. 409 Citations, 16 Documents, and an h-index of 11

Chen, Z., Zhou, J., Jing, C., & Tan, Q. (2021). Mechanical behavior of spiral stirrup reinforced concrete filled square steel tubular columns under compression. Engineering Structures, 226, 111377.

Chen, Z., Xu, W., & Zhou, J. (2022). Mechanical performance of marine concrete filled CFRP–aluminum alloy tube columns under axial compression: Experiment and finite element analysis. Engineering Structures, 272, 114993.

Chen, Z., Li, S., Zhou, J., Xu, R., & Dai, S. (2022). Flexural behavior of GFRP bars reinforced seawater sea sand concrete beams exposed to marine environment: Experimental and numerical study. Construction and Building Materials, 349, 128784.

Chen, Z., Pang, Y., Xu, R., Zhou, J., & Xu, W. (2022). Mechanical performance of ocean concrete-filled circular CFRP–steel tube columns under axial compression. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 198, 107514.

Zhou, J., Chen, Z., Chen, Y., Song, C., Li, J., & Zhong, M. (2022). Torsional behavior of steel reinforced concrete beam with welded studs: Experimental investigation. Journal of Building Engineering, 48, 103879.

Zoma Fati – Materials Science and Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Zoma Fati - Materials Science and Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Yembila Abdoulaye TOGUYENI University - Burkina Faso

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

RESEARCH BACKGROUND

Zoma Fati has consistently contributed to civil engineering through a multidisciplinary approach combining physics and sustainable material science. His work focuses on local construction techniques and energy-efficient materials, aligning with environmental and thermal regulation goals. At the Université Yembila Abdoulaye TOGUYENI, he has played a leadership role in fostering engineering education and research, especially in material formulation using geo- and bio-sourced components. His efforts have expanded the understanding of thermally adaptive structures like Nubian vaults, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, ecological sustainability, and performance in extreme climates.

INNOVATIVE MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

Zoma Fati’s research has led to the development of environmentally friendly materials tailored to local contexts. He has proposed scientifically validated criteria for selecting soil suitable for energy-efficient construction. His work also extends into plastic waste-based concrete innovations, targeting civil applications such as roads, sewage systems, and low-cost buildings. These innovations aim to reduce carbon footprints while leveraging abundant local and recycled resources. Though some findings await publication, his progressive direction reflects a commitment to both technical advancement and ecological responsibility, particularly in under-resourced regions.

SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS

Zoma Fati has authored 12 journal articles indexed in SCI and Scopus, reflecting the academic rigor and relevance of his contributions. His presence on platforms like ResearchGate, with an h-index of 4, shows active engagement with the scientific community. He holds editorial appointments and regularly participates in peer collaborations, enabling cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. He has contributed to technical development in Burkina Faso and broader regions by aligning scientific pursuits with local socioeconomic needs, offering practical applications in construction technology and energy conservation strategies.

COLLABORATION AND LEADERSHIP

An influential figure beyond academia, Zoma Fati serves as a board member at ANEREE and holds key roles in organizations such as ABAPEE and SBSIA. These positions enhance his ability to shape policy and professional practices related to energy efficiency and engineering. His leadership at the Université Yembila Abdoulaye TOGUYENI as Dean and previously Assistant Dean exemplifies his administrative capability and strategic vision. Through these roles, he has built frameworks for sustainable research initiatives and fostered interdisciplinary cooperation among scholars, engineers, and policy-makers.

PUBLICATION

Assessment of the embodied energy and carbon footprint of vibration-compacted adobe brick

Authors: Fati Zoma, Noufou Zongo, Etienne Malbila, David Yemboini Kader Toguyeni

Journal: Journal of Building Engineering