Xiaojiang Ye – New Building Materials – Green Building Excellence Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Xiaojiang Ye - New Building Materials - Green Building Excellence Award

Researcher at Wuhan Institute of Technology

Specializing in refrigeration, cryogenics, and HVAC systems, Xiaojiang Ye has demonstrated substantial expertise in energy-efficient building technologies and thermal environmental control. With a strong foundation in both engineering and applied research, the primary focus lies in building envelope design, HVAC system optimization, and simulation-based performance analysis. Years of academic training and hands-on engineering experience have enabled contributions to a variety of scientific and industrial projects, particularly in air conditioning systems and artificial environment regulation. Ye's career trajectory reflects a balance of academic rigor and practical innovation in energy and environmental engineering.

Professional Profile

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Education

Completed doctoral studies in Refrigeration and Cryogenics Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and earned a Master’s degree in HVAC Engineering from Xi’an University of Architecture & Technology. The academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from the same institution, with a strong focus on environmental and municipal engineering. These qualifications have provided the technical backbone for applied research in building energy systems and thermal engineering. Also received foundational engineering training at the Wuhan Safety & Environment Protection Research Institute, laying the groundwork for subsequent practical applications and academic inquiry.

Professional Experience

With considerable experience at Wuhan Institute of Technology, Ye has actively engaged in the design, research, and simulation of HVAC systems and building structures. Played key roles in the development of environmental control systems and energy-saving technologies in buildings. Involved in multiple national and institutional research projects at both Master's and PhD levels, covering aspects like performance optimization, environmental regulation, and system design. Professional activities span both academic mentorship and the advancement of sustainable building technologies, positioning Ye as a key contributor in applied thermal engineering and passive climate control systems.

Research Interest

Research focuses include passive temperature control using advanced composite materials, phase change materials (PCMs), air conditioning system simulation, and artificial thermal environment regulation. Ye explores optimization strategies for refrigeration and HVAC integration, contributing to smarter, more efficient building envelopes. Current interests also involve using expanded perlite with composite PCMs for enhanced thermal storage and efficiency in sustainable buildings. The scope extends into environmental adaptability, especially in urban and industrial architecture. Through experimental and simulation-based approaches, the work aims to innovate building thermal management under dynamic climate conditions.

Award And Honor

Recognized for contributions to building thermal engineering and energy optimization, Ye has received commendations related to innovative PCM applications and HVAC system performance studies. Active participation in leading research forums and technical committees reflects the academic and professional recognition earned through consistent contributions to energy-saving technologies. Awards also acknowledge collaborative research and development efforts with institutions and enterprises aimed at low-energy architecture and smart building designs. These honors illustrate a commitment to enhancing building comfort, sustainability, and engineering excellence through scientifically validated approaches.

Research Skill

Ye demonstrates proficiency in computational modeling, performance simulation, and thermal system optimization for building environments. Skilled in integrating phase change materials into structural elements for enhanced passive temperature control, especially using binary mixtures and natural porous materials like expanded perlite. Well-versed in developing and evaluating advanced HVAC systems for dynamic thermal regulation and efficiency improvements. Employs tools and techniques for environmental performance assessment and experimental validations. Capable of leading complex multidisciplinary research initiatives with a focus on real-world applications in energy-efficient design.

Publications

Ye has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles addressing thermal performance in cold plates, forecasting models using neural networks, and the role of PCMs in sustainable construction. Key publications include work on binary decanoic acid-paraffin composite PCMs and their performance in expanded perlite for building envelopes, as well as studies utilizing variational mode decomposition and LSTM neural networks for power forecasting. Additional research on heat transfer in grid-channeled cold plates has also gained academic attention. These studies contribute meaningful insights into both theoretical models and practical innovations in applied thermal engineering.

Title: Binary decanoic acid-paraffin composite PCMs in expanded perlite and passive temperature control in building envelopes
Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, 2025

Title: Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Based on Variational Mode Decomposition and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network
Journal: Energies, 2025

Title: Study on heat transfer performance of cold plate with grid channel
Journal: Scientific Reports, 2024

Conclusion

Xiaojiang Ye’s work embodies a cross-disciplinary approach that bridges building science, material innovation, and environmental control. With a strong academic foundation, numerous research contributions, and proven expertise in HVAC systems, Ye continues to push the frontiers of sustainable building technologies. Ongoing research targets the integration of smart materials and simulation methods to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The professional trajectory suggests an enduring commitment to impactful, solution-driven engineering research. Through academic collaborations and practical implementation, Ye is contributing to the evolution of energy-resilient infrastructures.

MANALI RATHEE | Geopolymer Concrete | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Ms.MANALI RATHEE | Geopolymer Concrete | Women Researcher Award

PHD SCHOLAR at IIT JAMMU, India.

Manali Rathee 🎓 is a dedicated civil engineering researcher focused on sustainable construction materials. Born on 25 January 1997 in Sonipat, Haryana 🇮🇳, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT Jammu, specializing in geopolymer concrete—a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement ♻️. Her work integrates advanced materials like MXenes and graphene to improve durability and reduce environmental impact 🌍. With global exposure from Japan’s SAKURA Science Program 🇯🇵 and numerous international conference presentations 🌐, Manali aims to contribute to India’s Net-Zero 2070 vision. She blends scientific rigor with practical innovation, contributing significantly to eco-conscious infrastructure solutions 🏗️📘.

Professional Profile

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Suitability For Women Research Award – Ms.MANALI RATHEE

Manali Rathee is a promising and impactful young woman researcher in the domain of sustainable civil engineering 🏗️🌍. Her contributions to geopolymer concrete technology—an eco-friendly alternative to Portland cement—are crucial in advancing green construction practices and addressing climate change challenges ♻️. She has proven research expertise through international publications, a filed patent, and participation in global platforms such as Japan’s SAKURA Science Program 🇯🇵. As a doctoral scholar at IIT Jammu, Manali blends innovation with environmental stewardship, making her an ideal candidate for the Women Researcher Award 👩‍🔬✨.

Education & Experience 

🎓 Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – IIT Jammu (2021–Present)
🔬 Research focus: Geopolymer concrete, durability, nano-materials
📚 M.Tech in Structural & Construction Management – NIT Jalandhar (2019–2021)
🧱 Thesis on low-cost paving blocks using waste materials (TEQIP-III funded)
📐 B.Tech in Civil Engineering – GL Bajaj Institute, Uttar Pradesh (2014–2018)
🚧 Final project: National Highway Design with NHAI
🛠️ Industry Experience – Internship at NTPC Netra Site & NBCC India
👩‍🏫 Teaching Assistant at IIT Jammu and NIT Jalandhar

Professional Development 

Manali Rathee consistently pursues professional growth through academic, industrial, and international avenues 📈. She participated in the prestigious SAKURA Science Exchange Program in Japan 🇯🇵, enhancing her global perspective on sustainable materials. She’s attended top-tier international conferences in the UK 🇬🇧 and India 🇮🇳, showcasing her work in low-carbon construction 🌿. As a Teaching Assistant at both NIT Jalandhar and IIT Jammu 👩‍🏫, she’s contributed to developing academic curricula and mentoring peers. Her analytical skills in XRD, SEM, FTIR 🔬, and her software fluency in STAAD Pro and AutoCAD 💻 equip her to drive innovation in structural materials research 🏗️.

Research Focus

Manali’s research lies in the realm of sustainable civil engineering 🏗️🌍, focusing on geopolymer concrete—a low-emission, high-performance alternative to Portland cement. Her work contributes to carbon-neutral infrastructure by utilizing industrial waste like copper slag, fly ash, and zinc slag ♻️. She studies durability mechanics, chloride penetration, carbonation resistance, and thermal performance under aggressive environmental conditions 🌡️🌊. By integrating nanomaterials such as MXene and functional graphene, she enhances structural strength and longevity 🔬💎. Her research is aligned with India’s Net-Zero 2070 goals and the global push for greener urban development 🌱🌆, combining innovation with sustainability.

Awards and Honors

🏅 Among Top 3 in M.Tech Structural Engineering at NIT Jalandhar
📚 TEQIP-III Sponsored Project Grant – ₹4.85 Lakhs
🎓 B.Tech Civil Engineering with Honors
🎯 GATE Qualified – 97th Percentile in 2018, 2019, and 2020
🧪 Patent Filed – Polymerized Novel Cementitious Binder (2024)
🌍 SAKURA Science Exchange Program Participant – Japan (2023)
📖 Multiple High-Impact Publications – ACS, Elsevier, Springer Journals
🌐 International Conference Presenter – UK, Scotland, IIT Madras, NITJ

Publication Top Notes

1. Durability Properties of Copper Slag and Coal Bottom Ash Based I-shaped Geopolymer Paver Blocks

Authors: M. Rathee, N. Singh
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 347, Article 128461
Citations: 20 | Year: 2022
Summary:
This paper investigates the use of industrial by-products—copper slag and coal bottom ash—in the production of geopolymer-based I-shaped paver blocks. The study evaluates mechanical and durability properties including water absorption, abrasion, and resistance to aggressive environments, indicating that the blocks have potential for sustainable paving applications.

2. Carbonation Resistance of Blended Mortars and Industrial By-products: A Brief Review

Authors: N. Singh, B. Sharma, M. Rathee
Journal: Cleaner Materials, Vol. 4, Article 100058
Citations: 20 | Year: 2022
Summary:
This review focuses on the carbonation resistance of mortars incorporating supplementary cementitious materials and industrial wastes. It summarizes key influencing parameters, performance of different blends, and highlights the role of material chemistry in resisting carbonation-induced degradation in concrete structures.

3. Study of Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Mortar Prepared with Fly Ash and GGBS

Authors: M. Rathee, A. Misra, J. Kolleboyina
Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings, Vol. 93, pp. 377–386
Citations: 13 | Year: 2023
Summary:
This study assesses the mechanical performance—including compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength—of geopolymer mortar made using fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The results demonstrate superior early-age and long-term strength development, making it a viable alternative to conventional cement mortar.

4. Reviewing Geopolymer Concrete: A Possible Sustainable Structural Material of Future

Authors: M. Rathee, N. Singh
Journal: Environment, Development and Sustainability
Citations: 5 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This comprehensive review explores geopolymer concrete as a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. It discusses environmental benefits, mechanical properties, material constituents, and application challenges, positioning it as a future-forward material for eco-friendly construction.

5. Interfacial Chemistry of Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene in Aluminosilicate Geopolymers for Enhanced Mechanical Strength

Authors: M. Rathee, H.K. Surendran, C. Narayana, R. Lo, A. Misra, K. Jayaramulu
Journal: ACS Applied Engineering Materials, Vol. 2(8), pp. 2027–2037
Citations: 3 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This paper presents the novel integration of MXene nanomaterials (Ti₃C₂Tₓ) into geopolymer matrices. By analyzing the interfacial interactions, it shows that MXenes significantly enhance mechanical strength and microstructural integrity, making them promising additives for next-gen construction materials.

6. Performance of Alkali-Activated Aluminosilicate Geopolymer Mortar Under Exposure to Acid, Sulfate and High Temperature

Authors: M. Rathee, A. Misra
Journal: Magazine of Concrete Research, Vol. 77(3–4), pp. 209–227
Citations: 1 | Year: 2024
Summary:
This experimental study examines how alkali-activated geopolymer mortars perform under chemical attacks (acid, sulfate) and thermal exposure. The paper concludes that such mortars demonstrate excellent resistance to harsh environments, validating their application in aggressive field conditions like sewage systems or thermal industries.

Conclusion

Manali Rathee exemplifies the spirit of the Women Researcher Award by not only advancing cutting-edge research in sustainable materials but also by contributing to the broader mission of climate-conscious engineering 🌱🌎. Her interdisciplinary approach, academic excellence, and societal relevance firmly establish her as a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition 👏🏽🏆.