Pengfei Ma | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pengfei Ma | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Reacher, Lanzhou Institute of Technology, China

Pengfei Ma is an Associate Professor in Structural Engineering at Lanzhou Institute of Technology, China. Born on November 2, 1991, in Gansu, he is currently working toward completing his Doctoral Degree at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), with an expected graduation date of July 2024. His research interests focus on seismic performance, masonry structures, and structural reinforcement using advanced materials. He has an impressive track record with numerous patents related to concrete structures and shear testing devices. He has received multiple academic accolades for his groundbreaking work in earthquake engineering and structural innovation. His research aims to develop cost-effective and efficient methods for retrofitting damaged buildings, especially in earthquake-prone areas.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Pengfei Ma completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Shaanxi University of Technology. He further pursued his Master’s and Doctorate at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT). His academic journey is focused on Structural Engineering, with a special emphasis on the seismic performance and repair techniques for masonry structures. His doctoral research investigates advanced methodologies for reinforcing and repairing damaged buildings, particularly using ferrocement overlays and composite materials. Throughout his academic career, he has been involved in numerous research projects and has contributed significantly to enhancing the understanding of structural behavior in seismic conditions. As a highly motivated researcher, he continuously explores innovative solutions in earthquake engineering, seeking both academic and real-world applications.

Awards and Honors

Pengfei Ma’s contributions to the field of earthquake engineering have earned him significant recognition. He received the First Prize of the 2022 Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology Science and Technology Award, which is a testament to his impactful research in seismic performance and structural reinforcement. Additionally, he earned the First Prize of the 2021 Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology Doctoral Scholarship, highlighting his academic excellence and dedication. His outstanding report at the 2020 Jiangsu Province Postgraduate Smart Infrastructure Academic Innovation Forum earned him the First Prize for Excellent Report, reflecting his ability to communicate complex research in a compelling manner. These awards underscore his commitment to advancing the field of structural engineering, particularly in earthquake-resistant design and rehabilitation techniques.

Research Focus

Pengfei Ma’s primary research focus lies in the field of Earthquake Engineering, specifically the seismic performance and retrofit of masonry structures. He investigates innovative reinforcement techniques, such as grout-injected ferrocement overlays and composite materials, to improve the resilience of buildings in earthquake-prone regions. His work also explores the failure modes of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures and the bond behavior between composite materials and substrates like brick and concrete. Additionally, he is involved in developing practical applications for structural retrofitting, such as rapid repair methods for earthquake-damaged structures. His ongoing work has significant implications for enhancing the earthquake resistance of existing buildings, with a particular emphasis on cost-effective and sustainable solutions to protect both lives and property.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Experimental investigation on the in-plane seismic performance of damaged masonry walls repaired with grout-injected ferrocement overlay 🏗️
  2. Assessment of failure mode and seismic performance of damaged masonry structures retrofitted with grout-injected ferrocement overlay reinforcement (GFOR) 🧱
  3. Numerical analysis of different influencing factors on the in-plane failure mode of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures 📊
  4. Discussion on Calculation Method of Magnification Factor of Toggle-Brace-Viscous Damper 🔧
  5. An investigation of bond behavior between composite materials (CFRP, GWMM, KPGC) and substrates (Brick and Concrete) for strengthening existing masonry structures 💪
  6. Identifying damage in shear panel dampers using Gaussian curvature mode difference 📉

 

Binqi Xiao | Seismic Isolation of High-speed Railway Bridge | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Binqi Xiao | Seismic Isolation of High-speed Railway Bridge | Best Researcher Award

Central South University, China

Binqi Xiao is a doctoral candidate in Civil Engineering at Central South University (CSU), specializing in Bridge Engineering. With a strong foundation in engineering mechanics, Xiao has demonstrated academic excellence, ranking first in their undergraduate program. Their research interests include structural dynamics, seismic isolation systems, and high-speed railway bridge damage control. Xiao has contributed to impactful research projects funded by prestigious national foundations and has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS  FOR THE AWARDS

  1. Exceptional Academic Performance:
    • Consistent excellence during undergraduate and doctoral studies at Central South University, one of China’s top institutions.
    • Ranked first in major during undergraduate studies, with an outstanding GPA of 90.11/100.
  2. Research Contributions:
    • Active participation in multiple high-impact projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundations of China.
    • Key focus areas include structural dynamics, seismic isolation systems, and damage control for high-speed railway bridge systems.
    • Published extensively, with 9 documents cited 86 times, demonstrating significant influence in the field.
  3. Practical Impact of Research:
    • Focus on critical infrastructure resilience, such as high-speed railway bridges, under seismic effects.
    • Contributions to seismic isolation strategies and advanced bearing systems ensure real-world applicability and potential societal benefits.
  4. Recognition and Awards:
    • Recipient of multiple scholarships and accolades, such as the National Scholarship of China and the “Xu Zhilun Mechanics Outstanding Student” Award.
    • Recognized as an “Outstanding Student” and selected for Central South University’s “Bachelor – PhD” top innovative talent training program.
  5. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Collaborated with renowned researchers and institutions, contributing to a diversified research environment.
    • Engagement in interdisciplinary projects, such as friction coupling mechanisms and seismic damping systems.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. Broader International Collaboration:
    • Expanding collaborations with international research teams could enhance global visibility and impact.
  2. Enhanced Outreach:
    • Participating in global conferences and presenting findings could strengthen professional networks and attract further funding opportunities.
  3. Diversity of Research Topics:
    • While the focus on seismic resilience is commendable, diversifying research into other pressing areas in civil engineering could broaden expertise and recognition.

EDUCATION

🎓 Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Central South University (2021 – Present)

  • Specialization: Bridge Engineering
  • GPA: 3.64/4.0
  • Focus: Structural dynamics, seismic isolation systems, high-speed railway bridges

🎓 Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Mechanics, Central South University (2017 – 2021)

  • GPA: 90.11/100 (Rank 1/52)
  • Key Courses: Mechanics of Materials (98), Fluid Mechanics (94), Structural Mechanics (93), Finite Element Method (94), and Bridge Vibration (94)

EXPERIENCE

💼 Research Assistant, Central South University

  • Participated in national projects on seismic response and isolation systems for railway bridges.
  • Developed numerical analysis methods for damage control in bridge systems under near-fault earthquakes.

📊 Project Leader

  • Graduate Innovation Project (2023-2026): Investigating track-bridge system damage response under seismic effects.

HONORS AND AWARDS

🏅 National Scholarship of China (2018-2019)
🏆 National “Xu Zhilun Mechanics Outstanding Student” Award (2020)
🎖️ First-Class Scholarships (2018-2020)
🥇 First Prize in Structural Design Competition (2019)
🌟 Outstanding Graduate, Central South University (2021)

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔍 Structural Dynamics: Numerical analysis and optimization of high-speed railway bridge systems.
🌐 Seismic Isolation Systems: Development and application of adaptive friction pendulum bearings.
🛤️ Damage Control: Strategies for track-bridge resilience under near-fault earthquakes.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

📖 Research on modeling method for connectors in the train-track-bridge system based on multi-timestep explicit-implicit co-simulation
📖 Energy response analysis and seismic isolation strategy optimization of high-speed railway bridge-track system under earthquake action
📖 Influence of pier height and ground motion parameters on seismic response and energy dissipation of isolated railway bridges
📖 Seismic displacement response analysis of Friction Pendulum Bearing under friction coupling and collision effects
📖 Effect of Subsequent Subgrade on Seismic Response of the High-Speed Railway Track–Bridge System
📖 Simplified design theory of variable curvature friction pendulum bearing with adaptive capability and its application in railway bridge
📖 Shaking table test of the seismic performance for railway simply-supported girder bridge isolated by self-centering bearing
📖 Damage control analysis of components in high-speed railway bridge-track system based on combined seismic isolation design under earthquake
📖 Effect of simulation accuracy of shear keys shear state on seismic response of friction pendulum bearing

CONCLUSION

Xiao Binqi is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional academic background, impactful research contributions, and recognition by peers and institutions. His work addresses critical challenges in civil engineering, particularly in high-speed railway infrastructure and seismic resilience, making significant advancements with real-world implications. While there is room for enhanced international collaboration and outreach, his achievements demonstrate a strong foundation for continued success and innovation in the field.