Dr SunJae Yoo | Concrete Structure | Best Scholar Award

Postdoctoral Researcher, Korea University, South Korea

Dr. Yoo Sun-Jae is a dedicated researcher specializing in advanced materials and structural engineering, particularly focusing on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars, ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), and fire-resistant concrete structures. With a Ph.D. from Korea University, his work explores bonding behaviors, impact resistance, and fire-damaged concrete rehabilitation. Dr. Yoo has contributed significantly to the development of lightweight high-strength concrete using nanotechnology and innovative shelter-in-place (SIP) infrastructure. His research combines experimental and analytical approaches to advance sustainable and resilient construction technologies. Recognized for his excellence, he has received awards such as the Best Poster Award from the Korean Society of Civil Engineers and the Best Paper Award from the Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation. Dr. Yoo is also an active contributor to international conferences and holds patents for concrete reinforcement technologies.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Yoo Sun-Jae earned his Bachelor’s (2019), Master’s (2021), and Ph.D. (2025) in Civil Engineering from Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. His Ph.D. dissertation focused on the bond performance of ribbed CFRP bars in UHPFRC after exposure to elevated temperatures, achieving a GPA of 4.23/4.50. During his Master’s, he investigated strengthening methods for two-way slabs under low-velocity impact loading, graduating with a GPA of 3.85/4.50. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in structural engineering, reinforced by his advisor, Professor Young Soo Yoon. Dr. Yoo’s education has equipped him with expertise in advanced materials, concrete behavior, and innovative construction techniques.

Experience 🔧

Dr. Yoo Sun-Jae has extensive research experience, including projects funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement. His work spans the development of smart strengthening techniques for fire-damaged concrete structures, CFRP reinforcements with zero corrosion, and lightweight high-strength concrete using nanotechnology. He has also contributed to the development of SIP infrastructure and DfMA-based modules for curved bridges. Dr. Yoo’s hands-on experience includes experimental analysis, material development, and structural optimization, making him a versatile researcher in civil engineering and construction materials.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Yoo Sun-Jae has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to civil engineering. In 2023, he received the Best Poster Award from the Korean Society of Civil Engineers. Earlier, in 2021, he was honored with the Best Paper Award from the Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation. His academic excellence was acknowledged in 2018 with the Academic Achievement Excellence Award from Korea University. These accolades highlight his dedication to advancing research in structural engineering and innovative construction materials.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Yoo Sun-Jae’s research focuses on the bonding behavior of CFRP bars in UHPFRC, particularly under elevated temperatures and fire conditions. He investigates the impact resistance, fire resistance, and development length of concrete structures reinforced with advanced materials. His work also includes the development of lightweight high-strength concrete using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the optimization of SIP infrastructure. Dr. Yoo’s research integrates experimental and analytical approaches to enhance the durability, safety, and sustainability of modern construction materials and techniques.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Flexural behavior of ribbed CFRP bars in UHPFRC beams with lap-splice connection.
Degradation of flexural bond of CFRP bar in UHPFRC after exposure to elevated temperature.
Reinforcing effect of CNT on the microstructure and creep properties of high-strength lightweight concrete.
Flexural bond behavior and development length of ribbed CFRP bars in UHPFRC.
Structural benefits of using carbon nanotube reinforced high-strength lightweight concrete beams.
Bonding behavior and prediction of helically ribbed CFRP bar embedded in UHPC.
Comparative bond-slip response of ribbed CFRP bar to UHPC after exposure to high temperature.
Evaluation of residual bond behavior of CFRP and steel bars embedded in UHPC after elevated temperature.
Effect of design code and evacuation information on strategic location of SIP in light rail stations.
Effect of strengthening methods on two-way slab under low-velocity impact loading.
Effect of internal curing on shrinkage and creep of self-compacting lightweight concrete.
Post-heating flexural performance of UHPFRC members reinforced with ribbed CFRP bar.
Influence of elevated temperature on the flexural behavior of spliced CFRP bars in UHPFRC beams.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Yoo Sun-Jae is a highly accomplished researcher whose work in CFRP bars, UHPFRC, and fire-resistant concrete structures has significantly advanced the field of civil engineering. His innovative approaches to material development and structural optimization have earned him numerous accolades and patents. Through his research, Dr. Yoo continues to contribute to the development of sustainable, resilient, and high-performance construction technologies, ensuring safer and more durable infrastructure for the future.

Mr Wei Chen | 3D printing of concrete | Best Researcher Award

Student/Member, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, China

Wei Chen is a dedicated researcher specializing in 3D printed low-carbon concrete and loess mechanics. He has contributed to multiple scientific research projects, including the development of 3D printing extrusion devices and innovative concrete materials. His work integrates material science, structural engineering, and sustainability, making significant advancements in construction technology. He has participated in various national and international collaborations, particularly in China-Australia innovation projects. With expertise in data analysis, mechanical testing, and material formulation, Wei Chen has published impactful research in top journals.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD 🏆

✅ Extensive Research Contributions – Wei Chen has participated in multiple high-impact research projects, including national and international collaborations, demonstrating a strong research portfolio.
✅ Innovation in 3D Printing and Low-Carbon Concrete – His work on 3D printed low-carbon concrete and extrusion devices aligns with sustainability and advanced construction technology.
✅ Publications in High-Impact Journals – His research has been published in Construction and Building Materials and Journal of Building Engineering, both reputable journals in the field.
✅ Interdisciplinary Expertise – His contributions span material science, structural engineering, and environmental sustainability, showcasing a diverse research skill set.
✅ Collaboration with Industry & Government – His involvement in enterprise cooperation projects and government-funded research highlights the real-world impact of his work.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT 📈

🔹 Expanding Research Outreach – Increasing citations and presenting research findings at international conferences could further solidify his reputation.
🔹 Broader Collaboration – Engaging with a wider network of international researchers may enhance interdisciplinary innovation.
🔹 Patent Development – Protecting and commercializing his innovations in 3D printing technology could enhance his research impact.

EDUCATION 🎓

📍 Southeast University, Nanjing, China (2021-2025)
Pursuing a doctoral degree, Wei Chen is deeply engaged in research on low-carbon concrete and its applications in 3D printing technology. His academic journey focuses on material behavior, mechanical properties, and sustainability in construction engineering. He has developed expertise in experimental techniques, mix design, and extrusion-based concrete applications, contributing to advancing sustainable building materials.

EXPERIENCE 🏗️

🔹 Central Universities Fund Project (2014-2015) – Data collection and analysis of flow/slip damage in loess.
🔹 Ming Great Wall Repair Project (2014-2015) – Restoration planning and data collection.
🔹 Highway Engineering in Wet Loess Areas (2014-2017) – Conducted mechanical property testing.
🔹 China-Australia Bilateral Innovation Project (2020-2022) – Developed mix ratios for 3D printed concrete.
🔹 Enterprise R&D Project on 3D Printed Concrete (2023-2024) – Innovating low-carbon concrete materials.
🔹 National Natural Science Foundation of China Project – Studying plastic state behavior of 3D printed concrete.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏆

🏅 Recognized for contributions to 3D printed construction materials.
🏅 Recipient of research funding from national and provincial projects.
🏅 Active participant in prestigious international collaborations.
🏅 Acknowledged for innovations in low-carbon concrete applications.
🏅 Contributor to high-impact scientific publications.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

🔬 3D Printed Low-Carbon Concrete – Advancing sustainable construction techniques.
🔬 Geopolymer Concrete – Enhancing mechanical properties and durability.
🔬 Loess Mechanics – Investigating flow and slip damage in saturated soils.
🔬 Extrusion-Based 3D Printing – Developing advanced printing technologies.
🔬 Structural Performance of Printed Concrete – Improving strength and resilience.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES📚

📖 Influence of extruded strip shape and dimension on the mechanical properties and pore characteristics of 3D printed geopolymer concrete – Construction and Building Materials (2025)
📖 Improving mechanical properties of 3D printable ‘one-part’ geopolymer concrete with steel fiber reinforcement – Journal of Building Engineering (2023)

CONCLUSION 🔍

Wei Chen is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to 3D printed low-carbon concrete, mechanical behavior of construction materials, and sustainable building technologies. His interdisciplinary approach, research output, and industry collaborations make him well-suited for this recognition. With increased international visibility and commercialization efforts, he could further strengthen his case for prestigious research awards

SunJae Yoo | Concrete Structure | Best Scholar Award