Frank Ikechukwu Aneke | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Frank Ikechukwu Aneke | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Dr. Frank Aneke is a distinguished geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineer with extensive expertise in soil mechanics, ground improvement, and sustainable construction materials. He holds a Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering and has contributed significantly to academia and industry. Currently, he serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where he mentors students and leads groundbreaking research. Dr. Aneke is a member of prestigious organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. His work focuses on solving geotechnical challenges using innovative methods, including artificial intelligence and sustainable materials.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Frank Aneke earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria, in 2004. He pursued a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, graduating in 2016. In 2019, he completed his Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering at the Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on soil mechanics, pavement design, and sustainable construction materials.

Experience 💼

Dr. Aneke has over 15 years of experience in geotechnical and structural engineering. He has worked as a Structural and Geotechnical Design Engineer at Badip Engineering Consultants and Project Design Consultant, where he led projects like the design of UBA Banking complexes and water-retaining structures. Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, mentoring postgraduate students and conducting research. His prior roles include Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg and Site Engineer at MotherCat Construction, where he managed large-scale infrastructure projects, including road construction and airport development.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Aneke has received numerous accolades, including the JW Nelson Productivity Funding (2020-2022) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka Grant (2023). He was awarded the NRF Knowledge, Interchange, and Collaboration Programme (KIC) Grant in 2021 and 2022. His research output has been recognized with Research Output Generated Funds (RIG) in 2021 and 2022. Dr. Aneke is also a leading founding member of the Geomechanics, Geotechnics, and Geomaterials Research Group, showcasing his commitment to advancing geotechnical engineering.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Aneke’s research focuses on soil-structure interaction, soil reinforcement, and the application of artificial intelligence in geotechnical engineering. He explores sustainable construction materials, including the use of industrial waste in building materials. His work also addresses geohazards, pavement geotechnics, and the stabilization of expansive soils. Dr. Aneke is particularly interested in the development of green materials and the optimization of soil properties for infrastructure projects, contributing to environmental sustainability and innovative engineering solutions.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. “Green-efficient masonry bricks produced from scrap plastic waste and foundry sand”
  2. “Strength and Durability Performance of Masonry Bricks Produced with Crushed Glass and Melted PET Plastics”
  3. “Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water using Leachate Modular Tower”
  4. “Resilient modulus and microstructure of unsaturated expansive subgrade stabilized with activated fly ash”
  5. “Swelling stress effects on shear strength resistance of subgrades”
  6. “Pre-compression and capillarity effect of treated expansive subgrade subjected to compressive and tensile loadings”
  7. “Durability Assessment and Microstructure of High-Strength Performance Bricks Produced from PET Waste and Foundry Sand”
  8. “Predicting Nanobinder-Improved Unsaturated Soil Consistency Limits Using Genetic Programming and Artificial Neural Networks”
  9. “AI (ANN, GP, and EPR)-based predictive models of bulk density, linear-volumetric shrinkage & desiccation cracking of HSDA-treated black cotton soil for sustainable subgrade”
  10. “Assessing the extent of pavement deterioration caused by subgrade volumetric movement through moisture infiltration”

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Frank Aneke is a leading figure in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, with a career marked by academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful industry contributions. His work in sustainable construction materials, soil stabilization, and AI applications in geotechnics has set new benchmarks in the field. Through his teaching, mentorship, and research, Dr. Aneke continues to inspire the next generation of engineers while addressing critical global challenges in infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

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

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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

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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