Hong Zheng | Computational Geomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hong Zheng | Computational Geomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Beijing University of Technology, China

Professor Hong Zheng is a leading scholar in engineering numerical analysis, renowned for his groundbreaking work in computational geotechnical mechanics. Currently serving as a professor at Beijing University of Technology, he holds titles such as Beijing Scholar and recipient of the prestigious National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars. He has played a significant role in shaping academic and practical geotechnical research in China and internationally, contributing extensively through high-impact publications, software development, and national engineering projects such as the Three Gorges Project. Recognized globally, he has been named among the top 2% of scientists in engineering and applied mathematics and consistently appears on the Elsevier Highly Cited Authors list.

Profile

ORCID

EDUCATION

Professor Zheng began his academic journey at Northeastern University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1985. He continued at the same university, completing his master’s degree in solid mechanics in 1988. His academic pursuits culminated with a Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2000. This comprehensive education provided the technical and analytical foundation that has enabled him to lead advancements in computational geomechanics and solid mechanics modeling.

EXPERIENCE

Professor Zheng has built a prolific career combining academic leadership with hands-on engineering experience. In addition to his professorship at Beijing University of Technology, he previously served as director of the Geotechnical Mechanics Committee under the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. He has led research and consulting initiatives on nationally significant infrastructure projects, most notably the Three Gorges Project, offering expertise in soil-structure interaction and stability analysis. His professional efforts have been instrumental in forming national standards and improving commercial geotechnical software systems.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Professor Zheng’s research is primarily focused on computational geotechnical mechanics. His expertise lies in numerical simulations of geotechnical systems, including finite element methods, constitutive modeling, and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical analysis. He is especially interested in geotechnical reliability, slope stability, and soil-structure interaction, and has developed innovative models that are widely used in academia and practice. His work bridges engineering theory and application, resulting in methodologies that are integrated into educational textbooks and adopted in international engineering standards.

AWARD

In recognition of his scientific excellence, Professor Zheng has received multiple prestigious awards. Notably, he is a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars. His work has earned him continued placement on the Elsevier Highly Cited Researchers list and inclusion in Stanford University’s list of the top 2% of global scientists in engineering and applied mathematics. These accolades reflect his consistent contributions to high-impact research, academic leadership, and engineering innovation, both nationally and internationally.

PUBLICATION

Professor Zheng has published nearly 100 SCI-indexed articles in renowned journals. Highlighted works include: (1) “A novel strength reduction method for slope stability analysis based on finite element limit analysis,” Computers and Geotechnics, 2014, cited by 350+ articles; (2) “Three-dimensional slope stability analysis considering progressive failure,” Int. J. for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 2016, cited by 220+ articles; (3) “Nonlinear analysis of tunnel excavation-induced ground settlement,” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2013, cited by 180+ articles; (4) “Numerical investigation of the bearing behavior of pile groups in layered soils,” Soils and Foundations, 2015, cited by 160+ articles; (5) “A coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model for saturated porous media,” Acta Geotechnica, 2017, cited by 200+ articles; (6) “Implementation of a user-defined constitutive model in commercial geotechnical software,” Geomechanics and Engineering, 2018, cited by 110+ articles; (7) “Analysis of soil-structure interaction under dynamic loading conditions,” Engineering Geology, 2012, cited by 190+ articles.

CONCLUSION

Given his exceptional academic qualifications, influential research, high-impact publications, prestigious recognitions, and sustained leadership in engineering mechanics and geotechnics, Professor Hong Zheng is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His career not only demonstrates excellence but also reflects a profound and lasting impact on both national and international scales.

Frank Ikechukwu Aneke | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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

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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.

Hytham Elwardany | Earthquake and Dynamic Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Hytham Elwardany | Earthquake and Dynamic Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Delta university for science and technology, Egypt

Hytham Elwardany is an Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at Delta University for Science and Technology, Egypt. With 25 years of experience in structural engineering, he specializes in earthquake engineering, seismic analysis, and structural dynamics. He is the General Manager and owner of Power Building for Engineering and Design Services and has served as an expert engineer in Egypt’s Ministry of Justice. His academic contributions include extensive research on seismic pounding and mitigation techniques, with multiple publications in leading engineering journals.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google Scholar

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Structural Engineering – Tanta University (2015)
  • M.Sc. in Structural Engineering – Tanta University (2007)
  • B.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Tanta University (2000) (Graduated with Very Good, Project Grade Excellent, Ranked 8th in the Department)

EXPERIENCE 🏗

  • Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, Delta University (2016–Present)
  • General Manager & Owner, Power Building for Engineering and Design Services (2019–Present)
  • Expert Engineer, Ministry of Justice, Egypt (2005–2016)
  • Senior Engineer (Part-Time), Consulting Engineering Co. (CEC) (2008–2016)
  • Structural Engineer, General Authority for Educational Buildings, Egypt (2001–2005)

AWARDS & HONORS 🏆

  • Egyptian Engineers Syndicate Honor Ship (2001)
  • Congratulation from President Hosni Mubarak (2001)

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Hytham Elwardany’s research expertise includes earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, seismic pounding, experimental methods, and reinforced concrete & steel structures. His studies emphasize the behavior of buildings under seismic loads and innovative strategies for mitigating earthquake-induced damages.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES📚

  • Seismic pounding behavior of multi-story buildings in series considering the effect of infill panels (2017)
  • Influence of soil–structure interaction on seismic pounding between steel frame buildings (2019)
  • Experimental study on pounding between structures during damaging earthquakes (2015)
  • Mitigating seismic pounding of multi-story buildings using viscous dampers (2021)
  • New alternative techniques for strengthening deep beams with openings (2023)
  • Effect of earthquake-induced pounding on four adjacent buildings (2022)
  • Comprehensive review on seismic pounding between adjacent buildings (2024)
  • Shear strengthening of wide-shallow beams by inserted fasteners (2022)

CONCLUSION 🏅

Hytham Elwardany is a distinguished academic and expert in structural and earthquake engineering. His research on seismic pounding and mitigation techniques has made significant contributions to the field. Through teaching, consulting, and engineering practice, he continues to shape the future of structural engineering in Egypt and beyond.

Nurhan Ecemis | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Nurhan Ecemis | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Civil Engineering, Izmir Institute of technology, Turkey

Dr. Nurhan Ecemis is a distinguished professor in Civil Engineering, specializing in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has made significant contributions to soil liquefaction, soil dynamics, and earthquake engineering. With extensive academic and industry experience, Dr. Ecemis has worked as a professor at Izmir Institute of Technology and a visiting professor at the University of British Columbia. His research has been published in leading journals, focusing on seismic liquefaction, numerical modeling, and geotechnical applications.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering), State University of New York at Buffalo, USA (2004-2008)
  • M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering), Istanbul Technical University, Turkey (2001-2003)
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering, First-Class Honors), Istanbul Kultur University, Turkey (1997-2001)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 🏗️

  • Professor & Department Chair (from August 2024), Civil Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey (2021-Present)
  • Visiting Professor, Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada (2022-2023)
  • Associate Professor, Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey (2015-2021)
  • Assistant Professor, Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey (2009-2015)
  • Staff Engineer III, LANGAN Engineering and Environmental Services, USA (2008-2009)
  • Research & Teaching Assistant, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA (2004-2008)
  • Geotechnical Engineer, ENAR Geotechnical Engineering, Turkey (2002-2003)

AWARDS & HONORS 🏅

  • Recognized for outstanding research in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
  • Multiple Best Paper Awards in top geotechnical and earthquake engineering journals
  • Recipient of Marie Curie Fellowship under the EU 7th Framework Program
  • Acknowledged for contributions to seismic liquefaction modeling & soil dynamics

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Dr. Ecemis focuses on geotechnical earthquake engineering, soil liquefaction, seismic soil behavior, and numerical modeling. His expertise includes experimental and computational studies on liquefaction resistance, seismic-induced ground deformation, and geotechnical hazard mitigation. His work aims to develop innovative solutions for earthquake resilience in infrastructure.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

  • Laminar box system for 1-g physical modeling of liquefaction and lateral spreading
  • Simulation of seismic liquefaction: 1-g model testing system and shaking table tests
  • Time-dependent physicochemical characteristics of Malaysian residual soil stabilized with magnesium chloride solution
  • Sand-granulated rubber mixture to prevent liquefaction-induced uplift of buried pipes: a shaking table study
  • The use of neural networks for CPT-based liquefaction screening
  • Experimental and numerical modeling on the liquefaction potential and ground settlement of silt-interlayered stratified sands
  • Influence of consolidation properties on the cyclic re-liquefaction potential of sands
  • Influence of non-/low plastic fines on cone penetration and liquefaction resistance
  • The use of neural networks for the prediction of cone penetration resistance of silty sands
  • Soil liquefaction-induced uplift of buried pipes in sand-granulated-rubber mixture: Numerical modeling
  • Effects of permeability on liquefaction resistance and cone resistance
  • Effects of permeability and compressibility on liquefaction screening using cone penetration resistance
  • Effect of soil-type and fines content on liquefaction resistance—shear-wave velocity correlation
  • Liquefaction remediation in silty soils using dynamic compaction and stone columns
  • Geotechnical reconnaissance findings of the October 30, 2020, Mw7.0 Samos Island (Aegean Sea) earthquake
  • Usage of Tyre Derived Aggregates as backfill around buried pipelines crossing strike-slip faults; model tests
  • CPT-based liquefaction resistance of clean and silty sands: a drainage conditions-based approach
  • Validation of porosity in 2D-DEM CPT model using large-scale shaking table tests in saturated sands
  • Effects of permeability and compressibility on liquefaction assessment of silty soils using cone penetration resistance
  • Effects of fines on liquefaction screening using penetration resistance

Feng Gao – Geotechnical Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Feng Gao - Geotechnical Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Changsha University of Science and Technology - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Feng Gao's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Liaoning University of Science and Technology, laying the foundation for his subsequent studies in geotechnical engineering. His commitment to academic excellence propelled him towards advanced degrees, culminating in a joint doctoral program between Central South University and the University of Technology Sydney.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Gao's professional trajectory encompasses both academic and industry roles, reflecting his multidimensional expertise in geotechnical engineering. As a professor at Changsha University of Science and Technology and deputy director of the Science and Technology Information Department of Qinghai Provincial Communications Holding Group Co., Ltd, he has demonstrated leadership and innovation in the field of roadbed hazard prevention and control technology.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Gao's research focus on geotechnical engineering has led to significant contributions in the study of mud pumping mechanisms and service performance evolution of highways in hot and humid areas of Southern China. His chaired projects, including the National Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program, underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing practical challenges in transportation infrastructure.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Gao's research endeavors have garnered recognition and accolades, including awards such as the Bronze Award in the First Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition of Hunan Province and the Outstanding Paper Award of the China Railway Society. His publications, patents, and involvement in industry and local standards compilation highlight his influence in shaping best practices and driving innovation in geotechnical engineering.

ACADEMIC CITES

As a respected researcher and scholar in geotechnical engineering, Gao's work has likely been cited in academic literature, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of the field. His research findings and contributions to industry standards serve as valuable resources for academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Gao's legacy in geotechnical engineering is characterized by his commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. As he continues his academic and professional journey, he is poised to make further contributions to the field, inspiring future generations of researchers and engineers to address the complex challenges facing transportation infrastructure.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Feng Gao's expertise in geotechnical engineering is evident throughout his academic and professional endeavors. From his master's thesis on geotechnical engineering to his current research focus on roadbed hazard prevention and control technology, Gao's contributions have advanced the field and positioned him as a leader in geotechnical research and practice.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Experimental study of fine particles migration mechanism of sand-silt mixtures under train load  2020 (8)