Chito Villanueva | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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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 (2022ā€“present). He earned hisĀ Bachelor of Science in Civil EngineeringĀ from the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Manila (1998ā€“2003), where he graduated as a scholar of Makati. His technical foundation was laid at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati City (1993ā€“1998), where he completed his high school education with a focus on Industrial Drafting Technology, earning him four consecutive Top 10 Technical awards. Chitoā€™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 ā€“ Structural EngineerĀ at Bu Haleeba Contracting L.L.C., Dubai (2018ā€“present), overseeing quality management and value engineering. Previously, he worked as aĀ Technical Engineer – StructuralĀ at Al Rostamani Pegel L.L.C. (2016ā€“2017) and as aĀ Structural EngineerĀ at Arabtec Construction L.L.C. (2011ā€“2016), contributing to projects like Damac Heights Tower and Tiarra Tower. He also served at Habtoor Leighton Group (2008ā€“2011) and Prisma Spaceframe (2005ā€“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 bachelorā€™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. Chitoā€™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 Villanuevaā€™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. Chitoā€™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 šŸŒŸ

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. Chitoā€™s dedication to innovation, practical solutions, and continuous learning makes him a standout professional in the industry.

 

Biao Wei | Earthquake Engineering | Best Paper Award

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Prof Biao Wei | Earthquake Engineering | Best Paper Award

Central South University, China

Wei Biao is a distinguished professor in the Department of Bridge Engineering at the School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China. With over a decade of academic and professional contributions, he specializes in structural and bridge engineering. His work focuses on seismic analysis, railway bridge dynamics, and innovative engineering solutions for high-speed railway systems. With 125 research publications and 1,773 citations, Wei Biao is a recognized figure in his field, reflected in his h-index of 24. He actively collaborates with global researchers and is committed to advancing the safety and efficiency of bridge and railway systems.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Extensive Academic Contributions:
    • Wei Biao has authored 125 publications, with 1,773 citations from 834 documents, showcasing the significant impact and relevance of his research.
    • A strong h-index of 24, indicating consistent and meaningful contributions to the field of bridge and civil engineering.
  2. Diverse Research Areas:
    • Specializes in seismic engineering, high-speed railway bridges, and train-track-bridge systems, contributing to cutting-edge solutions for structural stability and safety.
    • Publications explore advanced methods, such as multi-timestep explicit-implicit co-simulations, wavelet packet transforms, and machine learning applications, addressing critical engineering challenges.
  3. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Extensive collaborations with 134 co-authors highlight his ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.
  4. Professional Development:
    • Progressed from Lecturer (2010ā€“2013) to Professor (2018ā€“present) at the prestigious Central South University, demonstrating consistent career advancement and expertise recognition.
    • Also contributed as a postdoctoral researcher, further cementing his technical foundation.
  5. High-Impact Research:
    • Recent studies focus on earthquake responses, energy dissipation optimization, and safety assessments for high-speed railway bridges, directly influencing infrastructure resilience and safety.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. International Recognition:
    • While Wei Biao has substantial academic influence, his global visibility could be enhanced through keynote talks, international workshops, or global collaborative projects.
  2. Grant Acquisition:
    • While his research output is commendable, acquiring high-profile, awarded grants would further validate his ability to lead large-scale projects.
  3. Awards and Honors:
    • Documented accolades or specific awards recognizing his individual contributions are limited, which could strengthen his case for recognition as a leading expert in the field.

EDUCATION

Wei Biao completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Civil Engineering at Central South University. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his expertise in bridge engineering, with a focus on seismic performance and dynamic analysis. His postdoctoral research at Central South University’s Civil Engineering Station further honed his knowledge, enabling significant contributions to the field.

EXPERIENCE

Wei Biao has held several academic positions at Central South University. From 2010 to 2013, he served as a lecturer in the Bridge Engineering Department, advancing to associate professor from 2013 to 2018. Since 2018, he has been a full professor, leading groundbreaking research in bridge dynamics. Additionally, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Civil Engineering Postdoctoral Station from 2011 to 2014, where he contributed extensively to railway bridge safety under seismic conditions.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Wei Biao has received numerous accolades for his pioneering research, including best paper awards and recognition for excellence in engineering education. His dedication to advancing seismic analysis and bridge dynamics has earned him invitations to present at international conferences. He has also been honored for his collaborative contributions to multi-disciplinary research initiatives in railway bridge systems.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Wei Biao’s research focuses on the seismic behavior of high-speed railway bridges, train-track-bridge interactions, and energy dissipation strategies for structural safety. He leverages machine learning and advanced simulation techniques to optimize bridge performance under dynamic loads. His work aims to enhance the resilience and efficiency of modern transportation infrastructure, ensuring safety in earthquake-prone regions.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  • šŸŒ‰ Research on modeling method for connectors in the train-track-bridge system based on multi-timestep explicit-implicit co-simulation
  • šŸŒ Structure reactions and train running safety on CFST arch bridges under different kinds of near-fault earthquakes
  • šŸ“ˆ Effect of ground motion time-frequency non-stationarity on seismic response of high-speed railway simply supported bridges
  • šŸš† Energy response analysis and seismic isolation strategy optimization of high-speed railway bridge-track system under earthquake action
  • šŸ”„ An improved model for nonlinear simulation of high-speed vehicle-track-bridge coupling system under seismic shaking
  • šŸ—ļø Influence of pier height and ground motion parameters on seismic response and energy dissipation of isolated railway bridges
  • šŸ› ļø Experimental and numerical study on honeycomb T-beam bridge deck
  • šŸ”— Scale model test and numerical analysis on the anchorage zone of a cable-stayed bridge with a cross-anchor structure
  • āš” The impact of dissipative algorithms on high-speed train running safety on railway bridges
  • šŸ¤– Seismic response prediction and fragility assessment of high-speed railway bridges using machine learning technology

CONCLUSIONĀ 

Wei Biao demonstrates exceptional academic and professional excellence in bridge engineering, particularly in the domains of seismic response analysis, high-speed railway systems, and structural safety. His substantial research output, high citation count, and career trajectory make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

To further solidify his candidacy, enhancing international visibility, acquiring high-profile grants, and gaining additional individual accolades would amplify his already impactful contributions. Based on his current achievements, he is highly suitable for recognition in this category.

Vahid Jahangiri | Probabilistic Seismic Evaluation | Best Researcher Award

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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 Bachelorā€™s and Masterā€™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. Jahangiriā€™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 Jahangiriā€™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

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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 Masterā€™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 Bachelorā€™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

Zouatineā€™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

Zouatineā€™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