Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Mr. Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Researcher | Housing research centre | Malaysia

Mr. Azunna Sunday Ugochukwu has established a strong professional and research background in civil and structural engineering, with notable expertise in sustainable construction materials, structural analysis, and project management. His career includes extensive work in both academic and industrial settings, where he contributed to the design and execution of major infrastructure projects such as residential complexes, university facilities, religious centers, and extensive road networks across Nigeria. At Universiti Putra Malaysia, his research has focused on innovative materials for civil engineering applications, including coconut shell, palm kernel shell, recycled bricks, granite powder, and rubberized geopolymer concrete, leading to multiple publications in reputable international journals. His scholarly contributions span experimental and review studies, addressing compressive strength, stress-strain behavior, and dynamic response of advanced concrete materials, demonstrating his capacity to integrate environmental sustainability with engineering performance. Beyond research, Azunna has engaged in professional workshops on structural modeling, design, and detailing, sharing expertise with institutions such as Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. His memberships with COREN, the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers affirm his commitment to professional standards and development within the engineering community. With experience as an assistant structural engineer, assistant project manager, and doctoral researcher, he has consistently demonstrated versatility in applying theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges. His skill set includes advanced structural design software, AutoCAD, drone operation, and engineering instrumentation, underscoring his technological adaptability. The scope of his executed projects—from institutional buildings to healthcare facilities and leisure parks—highlights his versatility and capacity to manage diverse engineering assignments effectively. His growing academic output, combined with practical project delivery, positions him as a significant contributor to advancing civil engineering knowledge and practice. Engr. Azunna Sunday Ugochukwu has achieved 120 Citations, 8 Documents, and 5 h-index.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID
Featured Publications:

Azunna, S. U. (2019). Compressive strength of concrete with palm kernel shell as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate. SN Applied Sciences, 1(4), 342.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Rashid, R. S. M., & Bakar, N. B. A. (2024). Review on the characteristic properties of crumb rubber concrete. Cleaner Materials, 12, 100237.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Cun, P. M., & Elhibir, M. M. O. (2019). Characterization of lightweight cement concrete with partial replacement of coconut shell fine aggregate. SN Applied Sciences, 1(6), 649.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Bakar, N. A., & Nasir, N. A. M. (2018). Mechanical properties of concrete with coconut shell as partial replacement of aggregates. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 431(3), 032001.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. B. A., Al-Ghazali, N. A., Rashid, R. S. M., & Bakar, N. A. (2024). Review on the mechanical properties of rubberized geopolymer concrete. Cleaner Materials, 11, 100225.

Ming Xie – Structural Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Ming Xie - Structural Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Assistant to the president at Xijing University | China

Ming Xie is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with expertise in civil engineering, specializing in structural analysis and advanced material behavior. With years of dedication to innovative engineering solutions, Ming has contributed significantly to research and education, advancing knowledge in structural performance and damage mechanics. Recognized for producing impactful studies and contributing to the academic community, Ming has developed a reputation for precision and depth in research. Through numerous publications and leadership roles, Ming continues to push the boundaries of civil engineering innovation and inspire emerging scholars in the field.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Ming Xie completed a doctoral degree in civil engineering, demonstrating expertise in structural mechanics and material behavior analysis. The academic journey built a strong foundation in advanced engineering principles and problem-solving strategies. With specialized studies in structural isolation and damage modeling, Ming cultivated a strong research orientation early in their career. This educational background serves as the cornerstone of professional growth, contributing to innovative approaches in engineering research. The academic experience has allowed Ming to seamlessly integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, positioning them as a leader in the civil engineering research domain.

Professional Experience

Ming Xie has extensive professional experience, holding a prominent role as a professor and director at a leading academic institution. In this role, Ming has guided academic programs, contributed to curriculum development, and mentored numerous graduate and postgraduate students. With expertise in structural engineering and material science, Ming has established a robust portfolio of impactful research and practical engineering applications. Responsibilities include overseeing research initiatives, leading projects, and fostering collaboration with industry experts. Ming’s leadership and dedication to academic excellence have helped shape innovative teaching strategies and advanced the institution’s engineering research standards.

Research Interest

Ming Xie focuses research on structural mechanics, damage modeling, and material behavior in civil engineering. Areas of expertise include negative Poisson’s ratio structural isolation, ultrasonic rock characterization, and bond-slip constitutive relationships in steel-reinforced concrete. Ming is deeply interested in exploring material properties under varying stress conditions and predicting structural performance. Through experimental studies and analytical modeling, Ming’s research aims to enhance safety and durability in infrastructure. Ming continues to investigate novel engineering solutions that optimize performance and resilience, contributing to the development of sustainable and innovative engineering designs that benefit society.

Award And Honor

Ming Xie has earned recognition for exceptional contributions to civil engineering research and academic leadership. With achievements spanning multiple publications and influential projects, Ming is widely acknowledged for advancing engineering science. Ming’s innovative work has brought attention to structural performance under challenging conditions and materials with unique mechanical properties. Honors reflect a dedication to scholarly excellence and commitment to education and research advancement. These achievements have positioned Ming as a key figure in engineering innovation, inspiring peers and future researchers to embrace creativity, persistence, and technical expertise in solving complex engineering challenges.

Research Skill

Ming Xie demonstrates strong expertise in structural analysis, experimental testing, and advanced simulation techniques. Skilled in developing mathematical models, Ming applies theoretical frameworks to solve practical engineering problems. Proficiency extends to material property characterization, stochastic modeling, and prediction of structural damage evolution. Ming’s research methodology integrates field observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations to deliver robust engineering solutions. A focus on precision and innovation ensures impactful results across multiple research areas. Ming is adept at guiding research teams, analyzing complex data, and producing actionable engineering insights that support infrastructure advancement and academic excellence.

Publications

Ming Xie has authored multiple peer-reviewed research articles in internationally recognized journals, addressing innovative solutions in civil engineering. Key studies include the performance of elliptical negative Poisson’s ratio isolation bearings, ultrasonic property prediction in rock materials, and stochastic modeling of steel-reinforced concrete bond-slip. These publications showcase technical mastery and problem-solving expertise, contributing significantly to advancing engineering research. Ming’s body of work reflects a strong commitment to exploring new material properties and enhancing structural design methodologies. Each paper demonstrates rigorous analysis, offering insights that inspire further exploration and collaboration within the engineering field.

Title: Study on the Performance of Elliptical Negative Poisson’s Ratio Structural Isolation Bearing
Authors: Ming Xie, Xiangdong Wu
Journal: Buildings, 2025

Title: Study on Ultrasonic Characteristics and Prediction of Rock with Different Pore Sizes
Authors: Lei Wang, Wen Nie, Ming Xie, Zi Wang, Wei Lu, Dongmei Chen, Weinan Lin, Carlo Rosso
Journal: Shock and Vibration, 2024

Title: Stochastic Damage Constitutive Relationship of Steel‐Reinforced Concrete Bond‐Slip
Authors: Ming Xie, Jiahao Liu, Peng Wang, Zi Wang, Jingjing Zhou, Roberto Nascimbene
Journal: Shock and Vibration, 2021

Conclusion

Ming Xie’s academic journey reflects exceptional dedication to research and teaching in civil engineering. Combining advanced knowledge, leadership, and a visionary approach, Ming continues to make significant contributions through innovative projects and scholarly work. Recognized for precision and originality, Ming plays an influential role in shaping engineering education and promoting research excellence. Publications and leadership roles underscore the impact Ming has made on infrastructure safety and material science. As a researcher and mentor, Ming sets a standard of excellence, advancing both scientific understanding and practical engineering applications for future generations.

Ting-Yu Fan – Structural Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Ting-Yu Fan | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National Atomic Research Institute - Taiwan

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

SCOPUS

SUMMARY

Ting-Yu Fan is a dedicated engineer and researcher at the National Atomic Research Institute, Taiwan. His expertise spans seismic analysis, soil-structure interaction, and thermal-hydraulic coupling, with a strong focus on nuclear and renewable energy infrastructures. Having contributed to international collaborative projects like DECOVALEX, he brings global perspective and depth to structural safety assessments. Through multidisciplinary research, industry consultancy, and cutting-edge modeling work, Fan continues to make notable advances in the safety and performance of critical energy systems under extreme environmental conditions.

EDUCATION

Ting-Yu Fan completed his Master of Engineering at National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. His academic foundation centers on structural integrity assessment, seismic performance, and coupled thermal-hydraulic analysis. These areas laid the groundwork for his contributions to national and international research, especially in structural modeling and nuclear energy safety. His education provided the theoretical and technical base to tackle complex challenges in energy systems, particularly those involving fault mechanics, soil-structure interaction, and the behavior of engineered systems under extreme stress conditions.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Currently serving at the National Atomic Research Institute, Fan leads and participates in several government and industry-funded projects on nuclear safety and structural resilience. His prior engagements include critical work on offshore wind turbine support structures and safety cases for spent nuclear fuel disposal. He has contributed to structural evaluations against natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. His professional journey reflects a continuous effort to bridge theoretical modeling with real-world engineering solutions in high-risk and sensitive infrastructures.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Ting-Yu Fan’s research interests span seismic performance evaluation of nuclear infrastructure, structural integrity under multi-hazard conditions, safety case development for spent nuclear fuel disposal, and advanced numerical modeling. He is particularly engaged in soil-structure interaction studies and fault reactivation modeling. His work also includes pioneering research in seismic isolation technologies for small modular reactors and extreme load responses of offshore wind support systems. These themes converge in his quest to enhance the safety, reliability, and sustainability of modern energy infrastructures.

AWARD AND HONOR

Ting-Yu Fan’s selection and participation in the DECOVALEX international research initiative reflect peer recognition of his expertise. His leadership roles in high-stakes government-funded projects further demonstrate his standing in Taiwan’s nuclear and structural engineering communities. His publications and project outcomes have contributed significantly to both academic knowledge and practical advancements in infrastructure safety, earning him a reputation as a trusted expert in the seismic and structural behavior of critical energy systems.

RESEARCH SKILL

Ting-Yu Fan brings advanced skills in seismic analysis, THM modeling, structural integrity evaluation, and numerical simulations. His toolkit includes fault activation modeling, soil-structure interaction analysis, and safety case development for complex nuclear systems. He is proficient in handling multidisciplinary data for integrated assessments of structural and geotechnical systems under environmental stressors. His ability to interpret seismic and thermal data and simulate real-world behaviors under extreme conditions stands as a cornerstone of his research success.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: Modeling the Influence of Soil-Structure-Interaction on Seismic Response of Jacket Substructure for the DTU 10MW Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Fan, T.-Y.; Lin, C.-Y.; Huang, C.-C.
Journal: International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering (2022)

Title: Strength Analysis for a Jacket-Type Substructure of an Offshore Wind Turbine under Extreme Environment Conditions
Authors: Fan, T.-Y.; Chen, S.-H.; Huang, C.-C.
Journal: International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering (2020)

Title: Time-Domain Fatigue Analysis of Multi-Planar Tubular Joints for a Jacket-Type Substructure of Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Fan, T.-Y.; Lin, C.-Y.; Huang, C.-C.; Chu, T.-L.
Journal: International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering (2020)

Title: Fatigue Analysis for Jacket-Type Substructure of 5MW Offshore Wind Turbine in Time Domain and Evaluation of Fatigue Damage
Authors: Fan, T.-Y.; Lin, C.-Y.; Huang, C.-C.; Chu, T.-L.
Journal: Journal of the Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering (2018)

Title: Numerical Fatigue Analysis for Jacket-Type Substructure of Offshore Wind Turbines under Local Environmental Conditions in Taiwan
Authors: Fan, T.-Y.; Lin, C.-Y.; Huang, C.-C.; Chu, T.-L.
Journal: Proceedings of the International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference (2018)

Title: Fatigue Analysis for Jacket-Type Support Structure of Offshore Wind Turbine under Local Environmental Conditions in Taiwan
Authors: Fan, T.-Y.; Huang, C.-C.; Chu, T.-L.
Journal: Proceedings of the International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference (2017)

Title: Reissner's Mixed Variational Theorem-Based Finite Cylindrical Layer Methods for the Three-Dimensional Free Vibration Analysis of Sandwich Circular Hollow Cylinders with an Embedded Functionally Graded Material Layer
Authors: Wu, C.-P.; Fan, T.-Y.; Li, H.-Y.
Journal: Journal of Vibration and Control (2014)

CONCLUSION

Ting-Yu Fan exemplifies a modern researcher committed to public safety and energy resilience. His interdisciplinary approach blends engineering rigor with policy-oriented research outcomes. Through his contributions to nuclear safety, renewable energy systems, and geotechnical modeling, he enhances the scientific foundations for infrastructure design in seismically active and environmentally challenging regions. His work continues to impact engineering practices, regulatory standards, and academic collaboration, positioning him as a key contributor to the evolving field of energy systems engineering.

Theo Glashier – Structural Health Monitoring – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Theo Glashier - Structural Health Monitoring - Best Researcher Award

Imperial College London - United Kingdom

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR
SCOPUS
ORCID

SUMMARY

Theo Glashier is a motivated PhD student at Imperial College London specializing in infrastructure monitoring and structural health assessment. His research focuses on data-driven strategies for interpreting measurement data from civil infrastructure under varying environmental conditions. With a keen interest in applying statistical methods and machine learning, Theo aims to advance real-time performance evaluations of critical structures. His hands-on experience includes working with the MX3D 3D-printed steel bridge and mentoring Master’s students. He is actively involved in academic dissemination and conference participation, laying the foundation for a promising research career in civil infrastructure health monitoring.

EDUCATION

Theo is currently completing his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London (2021–2024), with a thesis focused on temperature-based measurement interpretation in critical civil infrastructure. He holds a First-Class Honours MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sheffield (2015–2019). His academic path includes a strong foundation in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, and nonlinear system analysis. His undergraduate and postgraduate studies have consistently emphasized research-led innovation, reflected in high-impact projects and publications. He has developed specialized expertise in regression models, machine learning applications, and sensor-based structural monitoring techniques.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Theo’s experience spans academia and industry. He worked at Total Energies in France (2019–2020) managing large-scale sensor data from offshore assets, leading a CO₂ monitoring initiative, and building a data infrastructure in PI System. He also contributed to NASA’s High-Altitude Student Platform via Project Sunbyte, launching a balloon-mounted solar flare imaging system. His research career includes fieldwork on the MX3D Bridge in Amsterdam and multiple in-person large-scale structural tests. He has developed strong communication skills through presenting at global conferences and managing collaborative research efforts with both academic and industrial stakeholders.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Theo is passionate about structural health monitoring and real-time infrastructure assessment. His core research explores data preparation techniques to filter environmental and operational variability from structural measurements. He integrates statistical regression, machine learning, and high-performance computing to derive accurate and interpretable predictions from complex datasets. Current projects focus on temperature-based interpretations and long-term monitoring strategies for steel bridges. His work advances the application of smart sensors and computational modeling in civil engineering, aiming to enhance the resilience, safety, and longevity of critical infrastructure systems through automated diagnostics and predictive analytics.

AWARD AND HONOR

Theo has earned several academic honors, including the Skempton PhD Scholarship and 2nd Prize at the Imperial College PhD Summer Showcase 2023. He received research travel grants such as the Milija Pavlovic Fund and institutional support to attend leading conferences like EWSHM and IABMAS 2024. His presentation skills led to an invitation to speak at the 25th Young Researchers Conference. These accolades reflect his exceptional contributions to structural monitoring research, recognized by both academic peers and industry professionals. They also underscore his ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.

RESEARCH SKILL

Theo has advanced technical proficiency in Python, Matlab, and C, alongside hands-on expertise in SolidWorks, Ansys, and PI System for data acquisition. He is well-versed in machine learning for regression analysis, statistical data filtering, and signal visualization. His practical experience includes designing and deploying sensor networks, conducting in-situ structural testing, and high-performance computing for large datasets. He is multilingual, fluent in English and French, and conversational in Italian and Spanish. His interdisciplinary skill set equips him to manage complex infrastructure datasets and lead data-centric engineering projects with both academic and commercial stakeholders.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: Temperature-based measurement interpretation of the MX3D Bridge
Authors: T. Glashier, R. Kromanis, C. Buchanan
Journal: Engineering Structures, Vol. 305, Article 116736, 2024

Title: An iterative regression-based thermal response prediction methodology for instrumented civil infrastructure
Authors: T. Glashier, R. Kromanis, C. Buchanan
Journal: Advanced Engineering Informatics, Vol. 60, Article 102347, 2024

Title: Temperature-based Damage Detection for the Commissioning Dataset of the MX3D Bridge
Authors: T. Glashier, R. Kromanis, C. Buchanan
Journal: 11th European Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring (EWSHM), 2024

Title: Thermal response prediction of the MX3D bridge's operational dataset
Authors: T. Glashier, C. Buchanan, R. Kromanis
Journal: Bridge Maintenance, Safety, Management, Digitalization and Sustainability, 2024

Title: Predicting the environmental response of critical infrastructure, using the first metal 3D printed structure as a case study
Author: T. Glashier
Journal: Proceedings of the 25th Young Researchers Conference, 2023

CONCLUSION

Theo Glashier exemplifies the new generation of civil engineers driving innovation in structural health monitoring. His blend of technical skill, academic dedication, and practical experience positions him as a rising contributor to resilient infrastructure systems. With a clear vision for a research-led career, he seeks to bridge the gap between data science and civil engineering. His work not only provides scientific insight but also addresses real-world challenges in maintaining and assessing the health of built environments. Theo’s research trajectory reflects excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to societal infrastructure advancement.