Chito Villanueva | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr Chito Villanueva | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Student at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippines

Chito M. Villanueva is a highly accomplished Structural Engineer and Technical & QA/QC Manager with over 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Based in Dubai, he holds multiple professional memberships, including ASCE-SEI, ACI, AISC, and PICE-UAE. He is a licensed civil engineer in the Philippines and Dubai, with expertise in seismic design, resilience-based engineering, and structural analysis. Chito is proficient in various engineering software and has contributed to high-profile projects such as Damac Heights Tower and Al Ghurair Mall Expansion. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, specializing in Structural Engineering. A dedicated professional, Chito is passionate about integrating practical site execution with innovative design solutions to deliver cost-effective and timely projects.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education šŸŽ“

Chito Villanueva is currently pursuing aĀ Master of Science in Civil EngineeringĀ at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, specializing in Structural Engineering (2022–present). He earned hisĀ Bachelor of Science in Civil EngineeringĀ from the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Manila (1998–2003), where he graduated as a scholar of Makati. His technical foundation was laid at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati City (1993–1998), where he completed his high school education with a focus on Industrial Drafting Technology, earning him four consecutive Top 10 Technical awards. Chito’s academic journey reflects his strong commitment to technical excellence and continuous learning in the field of structural engineering.

Experience šŸ’¼

With over 20 years of experience, Chito Villanueva has held key roles in prominent organizations. Currently, he serves asĀ Technical & QA/QC Manager – Structural EngineerĀ at Bu Haleeba Contracting L.L.C., Dubai (2018–present), overseeing quality management and value engineering. Previously, he worked as aĀ Technical Engineer – StructuralĀ at Al Rostamani Pegel L.L.C. (2016–2017) and as aĀ Structural EngineerĀ at Arabtec Construction L.L.C. (2011–2016), contributing to projects like Damac Heights Tower and Tiarra Tower. He also served at Habtoor Leighton Group (2008–2011) and Prisma Spaceframe (2005–2008), specializing in glazing structures and high-rise designs. His expertise spans structural design, site supervision, and interdisciplinary coordination, ensuring project success.

Awards and Honors šŸ†

Chito Villanueva has been recognized for his technical prowess and academic excellence. During high school at Don Bosco Technical Institute, he was aĀ 4-time consecutive Top 10 Technical awardeeĀ and aĀ Don Bosco Youth Center Scholar. He graduated as aĀ scholar of MakatiĀ during his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. His professional achievements include holding aĀ Dubai Municipality License (U/L)Ā and being anĀ IRCA CQI Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015. Chito’s dedication to continuous learning is evident through his active participation in seminars and webinars offered by ASCE, ACI, AISC, and PICE.

Research Focus šŸ”

Chito Villanueva’s research focuses onĀ resilience-based seismic designĀ and the application ofĀ nonlinear fluid viscous dampersĀ in structural engineering. He is particularly interested inĀ linear and nonlinear modeling,Ā LRHA (Linear Response History Analysis), andĀ NLRHA (Nonlinear Response History Analysis). His work emphasizes integrating practical site execution with advanced structural design solutions to enhance building resilience against seismic events. Chito’s research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical design and real-world applications, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable construction practices.

Publication Top Notes šŸ“š

  1. The application of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers in resilience-based seismic design: A systematic reviewĀ (Structures, 2025)

Conclusion 🌟

Chito M. Villanueva is a seasoned Structural Engineer with a proven track record in design, construction, and quality management. His extensive experience, coupled with his academic pursuits and research focus on seismic resilience, positions him as a valuable contributor to the engineering field. Chito’s dedication to innovation, practical solutions, and continuous learning makes him a standout professional in the industry.

 

Silvia Pinasco | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Silvia Pinasco | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD student,University of Genoa, Italy

Silvia Pinasco is a dedicated researcher in civil engineering, specializing in risk and resilience engineering for natural, industrialized, and built environments. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Genoa, focusing on structural vulnerability and seismic risk assessment of masonry buildings. She has actively contributed to multiple research projects and conferences in the field of earthquake engineering. With a strong academic background and professional experience in structural analysis, she has worked on building modeling, cost estimation, and engineering assessments. Her research is published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences. Silvia’s expertise lies in numerical simulations, seismic fragility assessment, and machine learning applications for structural vulnerability analysis. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in earthquake engineering is evident in her numerous contributions to academia.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Strong Educational Background šŸŽ“ – Silvia Pinasco holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with top honors (110/110) and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Risk and Resilience Engineering, demonstrating academic excellence.
  2. Specialized Research Focus šŸ“š – Her research on seismic vulnerability, risk assessment, and machine learning applications in structural engineering is crucial for disaster resilience.
  3. High-Impact Publications šŸ“– – She has authored multiple papers in reputed journals and conferences, such as Procedia Structural Integrity, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, and WCEE.
  4. Practical Experience šŸ—ļø – Hands-on work in building modeling and cost estimation complements her academic research, bridging theory with real-world applications.
  5. International Recognition šŸŒ – Collaborations with international researchers and participation in global conferences position her research at a high level.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

  • Broader Application of Research šŸ”¬ – Expanding her work beyond seismic vulnerability to include climate resilience or AI-driven predictive models could enhance impact.
  • Industry Collaborations šŸ¤ – Strengthening partnerships with engineering firms and government agencies can increase the practical applications of her findings.
  • Funding & Leadership Roles šŸ’° – Leading large-scale funded research projects or mentoring young researchers would solidify her reputation.

EDUCATION šŸŽ“

  • Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering – University of Genoa, Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering (Graduated: March 30, 2021, Final Grade: 110/110)
  • State Examination for Civil and Environmental Engineer Qualification – University of Genoa (First session, 2021, Final Score: 50/50)
  • Certification of 24 CFU for Teaching – University of Genoa (Completed: July 15, 2020)
  • Ph.D. in Risk and Resilience Engineering for the Natural, Industrialized, and Built Environments – University of Genoa, Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering (37th Cycle, Ongoing since November 2021)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE šŸ—ļø

  • Building Modeling & Structural Analysis – Utilized Edilclima software for structural modeling and analysis.
  • Cost Estimation & Metric Calculations – Conducted financial assessments and material calculations for construction projects.
  • Engineering Consultancy – Worked at General Engineering SRL, Genoa, Italy (April 2021 – October 2021), contributing to various civil engineering projects.
  • Seismic Vulnerability Studies – Focused on earthquake engineering, particularly seismic fragility and resilience of masonry structures.
  • Numerical Simulations & Machine Learning – Applied computational techniques for structural safety assessments.

AWARDS AND HONORS šŸ…

  • Best Research Contribution Award – Recognized for outstanding work in earthquake engineering.
  • Scholarship for Doctoral Studies – Awarded funding for Ph.D. research in seismic vulnerability.
  • Conference Presentation Recognition – Acknowledged for high-impact presentations at international conferences.
  • Top Performer in Civil Engineering – Achieved top academic ranking in master’s degree (110/110).
  • Publication Excellence Award – Recognized for contributions to computational modeling and structural risk assessment.

RESEARCH FOCUS šŸ”¬

Silvia Pinasco’s research primarily focuses on seismic vulnerability assessment of historical masonry buildings, with a special emphasis on structures in urban aggregates. She applies numerical simulations, fragility curves, and machine learning to predict structural behavior under seismic loads. Her work aims to develop resilient engineering solutions for mitigating earthquake damage. She collaborates on international research projects addressing earthquake-induced risks, structural dynamics, and safety assessments. Her research contributions are widely recognized in earthquake engineering conferences and journals, helping advance structural resilience methodologies.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTESšŸ“š

  • On the vulnerability features of historical masonry buildings in aggregate – Procedia Structural Integrity, 2023
  • Numerical investigation of the seismic response of an unreinforced masonry residential building hit by the Zagreb earthquake in 2020 – 2CroCEE, 2023
  • Machine learning-based identification of vulnerability factors for masonry buildings in aggregate: The historical centre of Casentino hit by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake – COMPDYN 2023
  • Development of fragility curves of masonry buildings built in a regular row aggregate – 18th WCEE, 2024
  • Seismic fragility assessment of existing masonry buildings in aggregate located in Zagreb – Under review, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, Springer
  • Unreinforced Masonry Buildings in Aggregate of Urban Settlements: Current Approaches and Critical Issues for the Seismic Vulnerability Assessment – Under review, Structures, Elsevier

CONCLUSION

Silvia Pinasco is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her expertise in structural dynamics, seismic risk assessment, and advanced engineering methodologies. While expanding her research scope and industry ties could further elevate her profile, her current achievements already place her among the top researchers in her field. šŸš€

Vahid Jahangiri | Probabilistic Seismic Evaluation | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Vahid Jahangiri | Probabilistic Seismic Evaluation | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran

Vahid Jahangiri is an Associate Professor at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, located in Ardabil, Iran. With a strong focus on structural engineering, seismic performance, and advanced engineering technologies, he has become a prominent figure in civil engineering research. He has contributed to numerous groundbreaking studies related to the seismic behavior of structures, risk evaluation, and vibration control systems. His extensive work in the field has earned him recognition in both national and international academic circles. Jahangiri is actively involved in research collaborations, contributing to the advancement of engineering science through innovative methodologies and techniques.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Dr. Vahid Jahangiri demonstrates strong qualifications for the Best Researcher Award due to several key strengths:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Jahangiri has conducted extensive research on crucial areas such as seismic performance, vibration control, and risk evaluation of civil infrastructure. His work involves cutting-edge techniques like machine learning to predict seismic responses and the application of semi-active tuned mass dampers for structural systems. These innovations are at the forefront of improving structural safety and resilience, particularly in earthquake-prone regions.
  2. Extensive Impact: With 198 citations from 167 documents, Dr. Jahangiri’s research is widely recognized in the field of civil engineering. His publications have appeared in top-tier journals such as Engineering Structures, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, and Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, indicating high-quality contributions to the field. His research also addresses practical engineering issues, such as progressive collapse mitigation and seismic risk assessment for aging infrastructure, making his work highly relevant to current engineering challenges.
  3. Collaborative Work: Jahangiri’s research is characterized by collaboration with a diverse group of co-authors, including prominent researchers in the field. This not only highlights his ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams but also shows the global impact of his research through various international collaborations.
  4. Recent Publications: His recent work (2024, 2023) shows a commitment to staying at the cutting edge of civil engineering research, with papers like “Machine learning-based prediction of seismic response of elevated steel tanks” and “Vibration control of steel frames with setback irregularities” showcasing his focus on applying new technologies to solve real-world problems.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Topics: While Dr. Jahangiri excels in seismic engineering, his research could benefit from expanding to other key areas of civil engineering, such as sustainable construction practices, smart city infrastructure, and environmental impact assessment. Broadening his research scope could enhance his contributions to the field.
  2. Visibility in Other Engineering Disciplines: Although his work is widely cited within seismic and structural engineering, increasing visibility in broader engineering forums and interdisciplinary journals could help amplify the societal impact of his work, especially in the fields of sustainability and climate resilience.
  3. Public Outreach and Knowledge Dissemination: Dr. Jahangiri has a significant academic presence, but improving the dissemination of his research to practitioners and policy-makers could elevate the real-world impact of his work. Engaging in more public outreach, industry partnerships, and translating research into practical applications could be areas for growth.
  4. Mentorship and Leadership Roles: Though Dr. Jahangiri has shown strong leadership in research, there may be further opportunities to mentor young researchers and students, and to lead large, multi-disciplinary research teams or national-level projects, enhancing his academic legacy.

Education

Vahid Jahangiri completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. He later earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, specializing in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. During his academic journey, he gained expertise in various advanced areas, including seismic response analysis, vibration control, and risk evaluation of infrastructure. His dedication to the field of engineering led him to pursue extensive research and hands-on work to address real-world challenges in structural safety and resilience.

Experience

Dr. Vahid Jahangiri has over a decade of experience in academia and research. He has taught various civil engineering courses, including structural analysis, earthquake engineering, and seismic design. As a researcher, his work spans a wide range of topics, from advanced structural behavior to innovative solutions in vibration control systems for tall buildings and bridges. He has also collaborated with industry leaders on major projects, bringing his academic expertise to practical applications in civil infrastructure. Jahangiri’s work has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his significant contributions to the advancement of the field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Jahangiri has received numerous accolades for his research and contributions to civil engineering. He has been recognized for his innovative work in seismic risk assessment, vibration control, and structural performance evaluation. His research has earned him multiple awards at national and international conferences, along with recognition from prestigious journals. As a leading researcher, he has received grants to support his work in earthquake engineering and structural safety. These honors reflect his consistent commitment to advancing the field and his ability to bridge academic research with real-world applications.

Research Focus

Dr. Vahid Jahangiri’s research primarily focuses on seismic performance, risk evaluation, and vibration control in civil engineering structures. He is particularly interested in the response of buildings, bridges, and pipelines to earthquake-induced forces. His work includes developing predictive models, evaluating the reliability of structural systems, and designing solutions to mitigate progressive collapse and improve structural resilience. Jahangiri is also exploring the use of machine learning in structural engineering to predict seismic behavior and optimize design strategies. His research aims to improve the safety, reliability, and sustainability of infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Machine learning-based prediction of seismic response of elevated steel tanks šŸ¤–šŸŒ
  2. Effect of Chevron, Single and Cross Bracing in Optimized Planar Steel Braced Frames on the Mitigating Progressive Collapse šŸ—ļøāš™ļø
  3. Vibration control of steel frames with setback irregularities equipped with semi-active tuned mass dampers šŸ¢šŸ”§
  4. Seismic performance comparison of tall buildings equipped with viscous, viscoelastic, friction, and metallic yielding dampers including the effect of foundation flexibility šŸ™ļøšŸ’”
  5. Appropriate intensity measures for probabilistic seismic demand estimation of steel diagrid systems šŸŒšŸ”
  6. Seismic reliability and limit state risk evaluation of plain concrete arch bridges šŸ°šŸ’„
  7. Evaluation of Plasco Building fire-induced progressive collapse šŸ”„šŸ¢
  8. Correlation of spectral acceleration values in Iranian ground motions šŸŒšŸ“ˆ
  9. Intensity measure-based probabilistic seismic evaluation and vulnerability assessment of ageing bridges šŸŒ‰āš ļø
  10. Reliability-based seismic evaluation of buried pipelines subjected to earthquake-induced transient ground motions šŸŒšŸ’§

Conclusion

Dr. Vahid Jahangiri is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award for his innovative contributions to the field of civil engineering. His research, particularly in seismic risk assessment, structural reliability, and vibration control, addresses critical challenges in infrastructure safety and resilience. His ability to apply advanced technologies, like machine learning, to solve real-world problems reflects his leadership in engineering innovation. However, expanding his research focus to encompass broader areas and increasing the public visibility of his work could further elevate his impact. With his current trajectory, Dr. Jahangiri is poised to remain a key figure in civil engineering research, making significant strides toward improving global infrastructure and safety.

Zouatine Mohamed – Earthquake Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Zouatine Mohamed - Earthquake Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Rheinland-PfƤlzische Technische UniversitƤt Kaiserslautern - Germany

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

šŸŽ“ EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Zouatine Mohamed is a distinguished academic with a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary, where he graduated with a GPA of 4.75/5, earning the highest honors. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Works Engineering from the University Abdelhamid Ibn Badis of Science and Technology, Algeria, where he also excelled with a GPA of 16.51/20. His educational background is rooted in civil engineering, with a strong focus on structural analysis, seismic design, and advanced engineering methodologies.

šŸ”¬ RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Zouatine currently serves as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Static and Dynamic at Rhineland-Palatinate University of Technology (RPTU), Germany. His research is integral to the Metis European Project, where he contributes to improving seismic risk assessment tools and methodologies for nuclear safety. He has engineered advanced numerical models, conducted sensitivity analyses, and developed simplified formulas for linear and nonlinear floor response spectra. His work is pivotal in enhancing the safety and reliability of nuclear power plant structures, with a particular focus on seismic risk and aftershock events.

šŸ›ļø INNOVATIVE PROJECTS IN SEISMIC ENGINEERING

Throughout his career, Zouatine has been involved in several groundbreaking projects, including the Seismic Base Isolation Project and the SMATCH International Benchmark. His work in predicting seismic ground motions at the Cruas Nuclear Power Plant in France and assessing the seismic response of base-isolated NPPs has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of seismic base isolation systems. Additionally, his innovative design methods for rocking structures equipped with friction ring springs have set new standards in structural performance and safety.

šŸ’» TECHNICAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Zouatine possesses a robust technical skill set that includes advanced knowledge of numerical modeling, seismic analysis, and machine learning. His expertise in implementing methodologies in open-source software and conducting comprehensive seismic risk assessments has made him a valuable asset in his field. He continues to expand his knowledge through continuous learning, with recent courses in Machine Learning, Bayesian Statistics, and Reliability Engineering.

šŸ† ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

Zouatine’s academic and professional achievements are a testament to his dedication and excellence in the field of civil engineering. His ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications has earned him recognition in the academic community. His contributions to seismic engineering, particularly in the context of nuclear safety, are highly regarded, and his work continues to influence the development of safer and more reliable engineering practices.

šŸŒ INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND COLLABORATIONS

Zouatine’s international experience, including his studies in Hungary and his research in Germany, has provided him with a global perspective on civil and structural engineering. His collaborations on European projects such as the Metis European Project have allowed him to work alongside leading experts in seismic risk assessment, further enhancing his expertise and expanding his professional network.

šŸ“š CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Committed to lifelong learning, Zouatine has completed several advanced courses to enhance his expertise in engineering and data science. His recent certifications in Machine Learning with Python and R, Bayesian Statistics for Data Science, and Reliability Engineering and Fatigue Analysis reflect his dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and applying these skills to his research in structural engineering.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Seismic Performance and Design of an Innovative Structure with Controlled Rocking Shear Wall Using Ring Springs
Authors: Zouatine, M., Helm, L., Sadegh-Azar, H.
Year: 2024
Journal: Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Development of a Progressive Approach to the Assessment of the Seismic Risk of European Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Goldschmidt, K., Zouatine, M., Sadegh-Azar, H.
Year: 2023
Journal: Bauingenieur