Sadjad Naderi | Rock Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr Sadjad Naderi | Rock Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Sadjad Naderi is a Senior Research Scientist/Engineer at Imperial College London, specializing in applied solid mechanics and microstructural analysis. With over 9 years of postdoctoral experience, he holds a PhD in failure analysis of reinforced polymer composites and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Dr. Naderi has made significant contributions to AI-enhanced simulations, digital twin systems, and advanced stress analysis across aerospace, civil engineering, and geothermal drilling. His work integrates AI, FEM, DEM, and multiphysics modeling to solve complex engineering challenges. He is also an experienced mentor, educator, and advocate for EDI in academia.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Naderi earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Malaya (2011-2015), focusing on failure analysis of polymer composites. He holds an MSc in Applied Mechanics from K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran (2006-2009), and a BEng in Solid Mechanics from Islamic Azad University, Iran (2001-2006). His academic journey has equipped him with expertise in computational mechanics, material characterization, and advanced simulation techniques, laying the foundation for his impactful research career.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Naderi has held key research roles at Imperial College London, University College London, and the University of Sheffield. At Imperial, he leads projects on digital twinning, AI-enhanced simulations, and geothermal drilling optimization. His work includes developing neural network-integrated DEM models, multiphysics frameworks for rock breakage, and surrogate models for real-time drilling optimization. Previously, he pioneered concrete fracture modeling at UCL and analyzed multi-layered ceramic capacitors at Sheffield. His industry collaborations include Fervo Energy, where he developed digital twin systems for geothermal drilling.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Naderi has received numerous accolades, including the Best Paper Award at the American Rock Mechanics Association (2024) and an £80k Impact Acceleration Account grant from Imperial College (2023). He was awarded a tuition waiver and High Impact Research grant by the University of Malaya (2012-2015). His work on AI-driven simulations and digital twins has been recognized internationally, cementing his reputation as a leader in computational solid mechanics.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Naderi’s research focuses on AI-enhanced simulations, digital twin systems, and multiphysics modeling for material and structural analysis. He specializes in fracture mechanics, fatigue, and impact damage, with applications in aerospace, civil engineering, and geothermal drilling. His work integrates machine learning with traditional methods like FEM and DEM to optimize material design, predict structural integrity, and develop real-time monitoring systems. He is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers in computational mechanics.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Optimised Hammer Drilling Bit Design using Artificial Neural Networks trained by FDEM
  2. A Discrete Element Solution Method Embedded within a Neural Network
  3. Three-Dimensional Numerical Study of DTH Bit-Rock Interaction with HPWJ Downhole Slotting
  4. 3D meso-scale modelling of tensile and compressive fracture behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete
  5. Meso-scale modelling of compressive fracture in concrete with irregularly shaped aggregates
  6. Meso-scale modelling of static and dynamic tensile fracture of concrete accounting for real-shape aggregates
  7. Two-scale modelling of fracture of magnesium phosphate cement under bending using X-ray computed tomography characterisation
  8. A novel framework for modelling the 3D mesostructure of steel fibre reinforced concrete
  9. An integrated framework for modelling virtual 3D irregulate particulate mesostructure
  10. Three-dimensional virtual microstructure generation of porous polycrystalline ceramics
  11. Morphology characterisation of inclusions to predict the breakdown strength in electro-ceramic materials: Microstructure modelling
  12. Thermomechanical advantages of functionally graded dental posts: A finite element analysis
  13. Modeling of porosity in hydroxyapatite for finite element simulation of nanoindentation test
  14. Alternative methods to determine the elastoplastic properties of sintered hydroxyapatite from nanoindentation testing
  15. Low-velocity impact damage of woven fabric composites: Finite element simulation and experimental verification
  16. An empirical modified fatigue damage model for impacted GFRP laminates
  17. Effect of curvature and thickness of aluminum shells on the energy absorption in low velocity impact
  18. ORCHYD: Combination of High-Pressure Water Jet and Percussion to Improve Drilling Performance in Hard Rocks

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Sadjad Naderi is a distinguished researcher and engineer whose work bridges AI, computational mechanics, and real-world engineering challenges. His innovative approaches to digital twinning, AI-enhanced simulations, and multiphysics modeling have advanced fields ranging from aerospace to geothermal drilling. With a strong commitment to mentoring and education, Dr. Naderi continues to inspire the next generation of engineers while pushing the boundaries of computational solid mechanics. His contributions have earned him international recognition, making him a leader in his field.

 

Kapila Ranjith Withanage – Geotechnical Engineering – Innovations in Materials Engineering Award

Kapila Ranjith Withanage - Geotechnical Engineering - Innovations in Materials Engineering Award

Yokohama National University - Japan

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

👨‍🔧 DEDICATED CIVIL ENGINEER

Kapila Ranjith Withanage is a skilled Civil Engineer with over 15 years of experience. Currently pursuing his PhD at Yokohama National University in Japan, he specializes in geotechnical engineering, focusing on unsaturated soils in slopes. His extensive academic journey has equipped him with practical and research-based expertise in managing complex engineering challenges.

🌍 GEOTECHNICAL RESEARCH FOCUS

Kapila's research delves into the behavior of unsaturated soils, particularly in slope deformation during rain infiltration. His work contributes to better understanding soil mechanics and developing techniques for slope stability, which is crucial for preventing landslides and ensuring infrastructure safety in geologically vulnerable regions.

🏗️ PROJECT ENGINEERING EXPERTISE

As a Project Engineer, Kapila has overseen significant projects in Sri Lanka, including road construction and hospital building developments. His role in these large-scale projects involved meticulous design, supervision, and quality assurance, showcasing his ability to lead complex engineering initiatives from planning to execution.

📚 ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS

Kapila has published several influential papers on slope stability, unsaturated soil behavior, and shear deformation. His research findings have been presented at international conferences, contributing to the global body of knowledge in geotechnical engineering. His work continues to influence the academic and professional engineering communities.

🏅 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

A Chartered Engineer (M-7898) with the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, Kapila has built a strong professional reputation. He holds key memberships in various engineering councils and actively participates in industry conferences and workshops, ensuring he stays at the forefront of civil engineering advancements.

🛠️ CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND TRAINING

Throughout his career, Kapila has consistently engaged in professional development. He has attended numerous workshops and training programs, including advanced courses on road maintenance, asphalt pavement construction, and structural design for dynamic loads. His commitment to lifelong learning ensures he applies the latest methodologies to his projects.

🏆 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Kapila's achievements in the engineering field have been recognized through various awards and accolades. His dedication to his craft, combined with his innovative research and leadership in engineering projects, positions him as a respected figure in both the academic and professional engineering spheres.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Failure Behaviors of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides: Insights from a Novel Large Angle-Adjustable Plane Shear Apparatus
Authors: Xie, J., Chen, J., Withanage, K.R., Tang, J., Fang, K.
Journal: Landslides
Year: 2024

Title: Shear Deformation and Failure of Unsaturated Sandy Soils in Surface Layers of Slopes During Rainwater Infiltration
Authors: Chen, Y., Withanage, K.R., Uchimura, T., Mao, W., Nie, W.
Journal: Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation
Year: 2020

Yun-Tae Kim – Geotechnical Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Yun-Tae Kim - Geotechnical Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Pukyong National University - South Korea

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

YUN-TAE KIM 🌍

Yun-Tae Kim is a distinguished professor at Pukyong National University in Busan, Korea, with extensive experience in geotechnical engineering. His career spans academia and industry, having worked as a manager at LG Engineering and Construction Corp and conducting post-doctoral research in Canada and Korea. His contributions to civil engineering and hazard mitigation have earned him international recognition.

RESEARCH ON LANDSLIDES 🌧️

Yun-Tae Kim’s research focuses on developing advanced landslide susceptibility and vulnerability assessment techniques. He incorporates hazard-based rainfall and earthquake models into his studies, aiming to improve the prediction of landslide risks. His work addresses the challenges of natural disasters in mountainous terrains, offering practical solutions for mitigating these hazards.

INNOVATIONS IN SOIL MECHANICS 🌱

Another key area of his research is the mechanical behavior of reinforced lightweight soil, particularly for recycling dredged clay. Kim's investigations into soil consolidation and drainage systems enhance the sustainability of construction practices. His work contributes to the efficient use of materials in geotechnical engineering, benefiting both the environment and infrastructure.

TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP 📚

As a professor at Pukyong National University, Yun-Tae Kim has mentored numerous students and led groundbreaking research in civil engineering. His role as an educator extends beyond the classroom, where he engages with the international academic community through research collaborations. His students benefit from his wealth of experience and practical knowledge.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏆

Throughout his career, Yun-Tae Kim has received numerous awards, including the Minister of Public Administration and Security Award in 2018. He has also been recognized internationally, being featured in Marquis Who's Who in the World and earning accolades such as the International Educator of the Year. His achievements underscore his leadership in civil engineering research.

PUBLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS 🖋️

Kim has published extensively in top-tier journals, covering topics from landslide susceptibility to deep learning applications in hazard detection. His work combines traditional engineering principles with cutting-edge technologies like machine learning. These publications not only advance the field but also provide critical insights into addressing complex environmental challenges.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS 🌐

Yun-Tae Kim maintains strong global connections through collaborative projects and conferences. His post-doctoral research experiences in Canada and Korea have shaped his international perspective, allowing him to contribute to global advancements in geotechnical engineering. His work continues to influence researchers and practitioners worldwide.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Development of an Empirical Equation that Predicts Local Scour Around a Single Cube-Type Artificial Reef under a Steady Current
Authors: Nguyen, T.-N., Yun, D.-H., Kim, Y.-T.
Journal: Ocean Engineering
Year: 2024

Title: Enhancements in Image Quality and Block Detection Performance for Reinforced Soil-Retaining Walls under Various Illuminance Conditions
Authors: Ha, Y.-S., Oh, M., Pham, M.-V., Lee, J.-S., Kim, Y.-T.
Journal: Advances in Engineering Software
Year: 2024

Title: Fabrication and Assessment of Port Block Pavement Based on the Deflection and Settlement Characteristic
Authors: Ha, Y.-S., Kim, Y.-T., Pham, M.-V., Park, H., Oh, M.
Journal: Case Studies in Construction Materials
Year: 2024

Title: An Ensemble Model of Logistic Regression, Naïve Bayes, and Adaboost for Assessing the Landslide Spatial Probability—Study Case: Phuoc Son, Quang Nam, Vietnam, and Umyeon, Seoul, Korea
Authors: Nguyen, B.-Q.-V., Ho, L.-H.-P., Kim, Y.-T.
Journal: Civil Engineering and Architecture
Year: 2024

Title: Development of Structural Type-Based Physical Vulnerability Curves to Debris Flow Using Numerical Analysis and Regression Model
Authors: Lee, J.-S., Song, C.-H., Pradhan, A.M.S., Ha, Y.-S., Kim, Y.-T.
Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
Year: 2024

MohammadAli Izadifar – Geotechnical Engineering – Best Researcher Award

MohammadAli Izadifar - Geotechnical Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Louisiana State University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

RESEARCH INTERESTS 🧪

MohammadAli Izadifar’s research predominantly revolves around Geosynthetic Reinforced Piles-Supported Embankments (GRPS), Numerical Modeling using Finite Element Methods (FEM), Soil-Rubber Mixtures, and Geosynthetics. His work focuses on improving the performance and design of geotechnical systems through advanced modeling techniques and innovative materials.

PUBLICATIONS 📚

Izadifar has authored several influential papers, including “Performance Evaluation of Design Methods for Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankments,” published in the Transportation Research Record (2023). His other notable publications include studies on soil-rubber mixtures, geogrid reinforcement effects, and consolidation behaviors of geopolymer-treated soil, showcasing his extensive contributions to the field.

PRESENTATIONS 🎤

He has presented his research at prestigious conferences such as the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 102nd Conference and the Louisiana EPSCoR RII LAMDA 2022 Symposium. His work on geosynthetic-reinforced embankments and database management systems has been recognized with top honors, including a 1st ranked poster presentation.

REVIEWING EXPERIENCE 📝

Izadifar has served as a reviewer for numerous academic journals, including Geosynthetics International, Case Studies in Construction Materials, and Transportation Research Record. His review contributions span topics such as geocell-reinforced subgrades, asphalt mixture evaluation, and experimental research on HSS model parameters.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 🔬

His research experience includes leading field instrumentation projects for monitoring highway performance in Louisiana and evaluating design guidelines for GRPS using numerical modeling. His research on the isolation effect of soil-rubber mixtures around buried pipes further highlights his expertise in geotechnical engineering.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE 📖

Izadifar has served as a Teaching Assistant for several courses, including "Soil Mechanics Lab," "Concrete Structures," and "Earthquake Resistant Masonry Structures" at LSU and AUT. His role in teaching these courses has enriched the educational experiences of undergraduate students in civil engineering.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 🤝

He is actively involved in the academic community, contributing to the development and evaluation of design methodologies and educational resources in his field. His professional service reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in geotechnical and civil engineering.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

 

Abdelazim Mustafa Mohamed – Civil Engineering – Environmental Leadership in Civil Engineering Award

Abdelazim Mustafa Mohamed - Civil Engineering - Environmental Leadership in Civil Engineering Award

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University - Saudi Arabia

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Abdelazim Mustafa Mohamed commenced his academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with Honors from Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University, Malaysia, where he achieved an outstanding GPA of 3.83. He furthered his academic pursuits by completing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the University Technology Malaysia, where he graduated with a GPA of 3.82, earning first-class honors. Abdelazim continued his academic journey by obtaining dual PhD degrees in Civil Engineering, one from Alzeam Alazhari University in Khartoum, Sudan, and the other from the University Technology Malaysia in Skudai, Malaysia.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Abdelazim Mohamed has accumulated extensive professional experience in the field of Civil Engineering. He has served as a Civil Engineer at Zaytona Engineering & Contracting Co. Ltd. in Khartoum, Sudan. Additionally, he has held academic positions as a lecturer in the Civil Engineering Departments at Future Technology in Khartoum, Sudan, and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Abdelazim Mustafa Mohamed has made significant contributions to the field of Civil Engineering through his research endeavors. His research primarily focuses on concrete technology, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of Arabic Gum Biopolymer as an admixture to enhance the durability, microstructure properties, permeability, and tensile strength of concrete. He has published several research articles in reputable journals, addressing various aspects of concrete technology and construction project management.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Abdelazim's research findings have contributed to advancements in concrete technology, providing valuable insights into the use of biopolymer admixtures for enhancing the performance and durability of concrete structures. His research has the potential to influence construction practices and promote sustainable solutions in the civil engineering industry.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Abdelazim Mustafa Mohamed's research articles have been cited in various academic publications, reflecting the significance and impact of his contributions to the field of Civil Engineering, particularly in the domain of concrete technology.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Abdelazim Mohamed's legacy in the field of Civil Engineering is characterized by his dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing practical challenges in construction materials and project management. His future contributions are poised to further enrich the field, with continued research endeavors aimed at enhancing the performance, sustainability, and resilience of civil infrastructure.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Predicting ultra-high-performance concrete compressive strength using gene expression programming method.   2023 (19)