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 🎓

Chito Villanueva is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, specializing in Structural Engineering (2022–present). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering 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 đź’Ľ

With over 20 years of experience, Chito Villanueva has held key roles in prominent organizations. Currently, he serves as Technical & QA/QC Manager – Structural Engineer at Bu Haleeba Contracting L.L.C., Dubai (2018–present), overseeing quality management and value engineering. Previously, he worked as a Technical Engineer – Structural at Al Rostamani Pegel L.L.C. (2016–2017) and as a Structural Engineer 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 🏆

Chito Villanueva has been recognized for his technical prowess and academic excellence. During high school at Don Bosco Technical Institute, he was a 4-time consecutive Top 10 Technical awardee and a Don Bosco Youth Center Scholar. He graduated as a scholar of Makati during his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. His professional achievements include holding a Dubai Municipality License (U/L) and being an 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 🔍

Chito Villanueva’s research focuses on resilience-based seismic design and the application of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers in structural engineering. He is particularly interested in linear and nonlinear modeling, LRHA (Linear Response History Analysis), and 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 đź“š

  1. The application of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers in resilience-based seismic design: A systematic review (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.

 

Jumana Hasina | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Ms Jumana Hasina | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD scholar, UAE university, United Arab Emirates

Jumana Hasina is a PhD scholar in Civil Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). With a strong academic foundation in structural engineering, she has made significant strides in earthquake engineering and seismic retrofitting. Her research focuses on improving the resilience of transportation infrastructure in seismic regions, specifically retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) bridges. Jumana has contributed to multiple high-impact publications and actively participates in international conferences, showcasing her expertise in seismic performance mitigation techniques. Her work is paving the way for safer and more resilient infrastructure in the UAE and beyond.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google scholar

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARDS

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Jumana Hasina’s work on the seismic retrofitting of RC bridges demonstrates a clear focus on solving practical and critical issues related to earthquake engineering and infrastructure resilience. This aligns well with the objectives of research excellence.
  2. Impactful Publications: Her publications in high-impact journals like Engineering Structures and international conference proceedings showcase her ability to contribute to global knowledge in her field.
  3. Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration with esteemed co-authors and institutions reflects her ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, a key strength for impactful research.
  4. Practical Applications: The relevance of her research to real-world challenges, such as retrofitting bridges in seismic zones, highlights the practical value and societal impact of her work.
  5. Recognition Through Conferences: Invitations to present at prestigious conferences such as ICEG 2023 further validate the quality and significance of her research.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. Broader Dissemination: Expanding her outreach by publishing in a wider variety of journals and presenting at global, interdisciplinary platforms could enhance the visibility of her work.
  2. Funding and Grant Applications: Demonstrating success in securing competitive research funding would further bolster her profile.
  3. Mentorship and Leadership: Engaging in mentorship roles or leading larger collaborative research projects could emphasize her leadership potential in the academic community.

EDUCATION

🎓 Currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering at UAEU since January 2022.
🎓 Graduated with a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, India, in 2017.
🎓 Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, India, in 2015.

EXPERIENCE

🔍 Worked as a Research Assistant at the Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai, India, for six months.
đź’Ľ Contributed to a project titled “Seismic Behavior of Elevated Water Tanks,” gaining hands-on experience in earthquake engineering.
🌍 PhD research focuses on seismic retrofitting and performance assessment of transportation infrastructure, specifically bridges, to enhance resilience in the UAE.

AWARDS AND HONORS

🏆 Recognized for her impactful research on seismic retrofitting and earthquake engineering.
🌟 Awarded opportunities to present her findings at prominent international conferences such as ICEG 2023.
đź“š Published extensively in prestigious journals and proceedings, reflecting her dedication to advancing structural engineering.

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔬 Specializes in earthquake engineering, focusing on seismic retrofitting techniques for RC bridges.
🌉 Current research aims to enhance the resilience and safety of transportation infrastructure in seismic regions, particularly in the UAE.
⚙️ Explores hybrid retrofitting strategies and performance mitigation measures to minimize damage during earthquakes.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  1. Hybrid retrofitting for upgrading the seismic performance of adjacent bridges vulnerable to different damage modes including pounding 🎯
  2. Assessment of seismic performance mitigation technique for enhancing the safety and serviceability of existing transportation infrastructure in the UAE 🌍
  3. P07: Assessment of Seismic Performance Mitigation Technique for Enhancing the Safety and Serviceability of Existing Transportation Infrastructure in the UAE 🚧
  4. SEISMIC RETROFIT OF SUBSTANDARD RC BRIDGES USING CONTEMPORARY MITIGATION MEASURES 🏗️

CONCLUSION

Jumana Hasina is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her innovative research contributions, impactful publications, and commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges. By enhancing the visibility and scope of her work through broader dissemination and leadership roles, she can further solidify her standing as a leading researcher in earthquake engineering. Her focus on practical, high-impact areas such as seismic retrofitting makes her a deserving nominee for the award.

Zouatine Mohamed – Earthquake Engineering – Best Researcher Award

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Zouatine Mohamed - Earthquake Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern - Germany

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓 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.

🔬 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.

🏛️ 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.

đź’» 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.

🏆 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.

🌍 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.

đź“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