Guipeng Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Guipeng Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ocean University of China | China

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Guipeng Chen embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the China University of Petroleum, graduating in 2016. His passion for structural engineering led him to pursue both a Master’s (2016-2019) and a Ph.D. (2019-2023) in Structural Engineering at the Dalian University of Technology. During this time, Dr. Chen specialized in enhancing structural performance using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials, focusing on composite structures incorporating FRP, concrete, and steel. His early academic endeavors laid a strong foundation for his future contributions in engineering research.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

In October 2023, Dr. Chen was appointed as a Lecturer at the College of Engineering at Ocean University of China. In this role, he is committed to educating the next generation of engineers while also advancing his research in structural performance improvements. Dr. Chen has been actively involved in both academia and applied research. His work spans the theoretical modeling of composite structures and practical applications of advanced materials like FRP in construction. His work experience and collaborations with experts in the field have equipped him with deep expertise in improving infrastructure resilience using cutting-edge materials. His role as a lecturer also allows him to mentor students and engage in leading research initiatives.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Chen's primary research focus is on improving the structural performance of materials using Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP). His work examines the behavior and mechanisms of composite structures incorporating FRP, concrete, and steel, exploring how these combinations enhance structural durability and strength. His research has produced numerous high-impact papers in renowned journals like Engineering Structures and Journal of Composites for Construction. Notably, Dr. Chen has contributed groundbreaking work on FRP-confined concrete, elliptical FRP-concrete-steel tubular columns, and the use of advanced materials to withstand cyclic and axial loading. Beyond theoretical research, Dr. Chen has been the principal investigator in multiple significant projects, including the Qingdao Postdoctoral Applied Research Project and the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation. These projects aim to push the boundaries of material science and structural engineering.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Chen's academic excellence has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards. In 2022, he was awarded the National Scholarship and was named an Excellent Graduate of Liaoning Province, not once but twice, in 2018 and 2022. His growing expertise has earned him a place among the top-cited scientists globally, with a percentile rank of 2%. His career-long scientific impact, measured through an H-index of 11 on both Web of Science and Scopus, further cements his stature in the engineering community. Additionally, his academic contributions extend beyond research. Dr. Chen holds a position on the Youth Editorial Board of the Sustainable Structures journal, reflecting his influence on the future direction of structural engineering research.

Impact and Influence 🌟

With 16 SCI papers and over 396 citations on Google Scholar, Dr. Chen’s work is recognized both nationally and internationally. His research on the cyclic loading and performance of FRP-reinforced materials has profound implications for the construction of more resilient infrastructure, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. Dr. Chen has not only advanced engineering knowledge but also mentored and collaborated with future engineers and scientists, influencing their academic paths. His role as a researcher and lecturer allows him to shape the trajectory of his field and inspire the next generation of structural engineers.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🏛️

Dr. Guipeng Chen’s work is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of structural engineering. His research, particularly on the use of advanced FRP materials, has the potential to revolutionize how modern structures are built and maintained, making them more sustainable and resilient. With his growing portfolio of published works and ongoing projects, Dr. Chen is poised to make even greater contributions to the field in the years to come. As he continues his career at Ocean University of China, his influence will likely extend across new frontiers in material science and engineering, ensuring that his legacy as a pioneer in structural performance improvement endures for generations.

 

Publications


  • 📄 Static Performance of Pre-Fabricated and Cast-in-Place Joints Formed by Inserting Steel Secondary Beam into Concrete Girder
    Authors: Sun, X., Yang, S., Chen, G., Liu, Z., Yang, Q.
    Journal: Buildings
    Year: 2024

  • 📄 Seismic Performance of Elliptical FRP-Concrete-Steel Tubular Columns under Combined Axial Load and Reversed Lateral Load
    Authors: Zhang, B., Peng, Y., Gao, Y., Zhou, C., Zhang, N.
    Journal: Engineering Structures
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Cyclically Loaded Elliptical FRP-Confined Concrete: Behavioral Characteristics and Modeling
    Authors: Chen, G., Wang, Y., Yu, T., Zhang, B., Zhang, Y.
    Journal: Engineering Structures
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Elliptical FRP-Concrete-Steel Double-Skin Tubular Columns: Axial Behavior, Interaction Mechanism, and Modeling
    Authors: Chen, G., Wang, Y., Yu, T., Zhang, B., Han, B.
    Journal: Journal of Composites for Construction
    Year: 2022

  • 📄 Performance and Modeling of FRP-Steel Dually Confined Reinforced Concrete under Cyclic Axial Loading
    Authors: Chen, G., Wang, Y., Cai, G., Wan, B., Hao, Q.
    Journal: Composite Structures
    Year: 2022

 

Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar | Engineering | Best Paper Award

University of Birmingham | United Arab Emirates

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, which he completed with First Class Honors in 2012 from Brunel University London (BUL), UK. His early commitment to excellence was evident as he won the prestigious Graham Hawkes award for the best final year project in his department, along with the Institute of Structural Engineers Prize for the best structural engineering solution. He continued his studies at BUL, obtaining a PhD in Civil Engineering Material Sciences in 2016, fully sponsored by the Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (CASE). His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future endeavors in sustainable construction and innovative materials.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Ghaffar's professional career is marked by his rapid ascent in academia and research. He began as a Research Assistant at BUL, working on EU-funded projects before progressing to a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. In 2017, he was appointed as a Lecturer in Civil Engineering at BUL, where he advanced to Senior Lecturer and then Reader (Associate Professor). In September 2023, he joined the University of Birmingham, Dubai, as an Associate Professor and Programme Director of MSc Construction Management. His roles have extended beyond academia; from 2021 to 2024, he served as the Head of Sustainable Materials and R&D at Print4D, Czech Republic, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in 3D printing and sustainable materials.

🏗️ Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ghaffar's contributions to civil engineering are significant, particularly in the realm of sustainable construction. As the founder and director of the 'Additive Manufacturing Technology in Construction' (AMTC) research center, he has been at the forefront of integrating low-carbon materials and valorizing construction and demolition waste through materials science and 3D printing. His research, which has been supported by over £2 million in grants, focuses on circular economy management, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable construction. Prof. Ghaffar has been both the principal and co-investigator on various high-impact projects, resulting in more than 75 publications that have shaped the discourse in construction technology.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Prof. Ghaffar has received numerous awards and recognition for his work. In 2019, he received the Award for Excellence and Teaching Support of the Year at BUL. His leadership in research and education has also been acknowledged through his election as a Fellow Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE) in 2023, Chartered Engineer status with the ICE, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Additionally, his role as an expert evaluator for Horizon Europe by the European Commission underscores his standing as a respected authority in his field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Ghaffar's impact extends beyond academia, influencing the construction industry and policy through his research on sustainable materials and low-carbon technologies. His work aligns with global efforts to promote a circular economy, making him a key figure in the push towards more sustainable construction practices. As an educator, his initiatives, such as the Continuing Communication & Engagement program, have significantly improved student satisfaction and engagement, further solidifying his influence in academic leadership.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Ghaffar's legacy is likely to be defined by his pioneering work in sustainable construction and his commitment to advancing the field through innovation. His ongoing research at the AMTC research center, along with his leadership roles, positions him to continue making transformative contributions to civil engineering. His work not only shapes current practices but also paves the way for future advancements, ensuring a lasting impact on the industry and academia alike.

 

Publications 📚


📄 Pathways to Circular Construction: An Integrated Management of Construction and Demolition Waste for Resource Recovery

Author: Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar, Matthew Burman, Nuhu Braimah
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
Year: 2020


📄 Overcoming Barriers to Implementing Building Information Modelling in Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works: A Framework for Sustainable Construction

Author: Al-Raqeb, H., Ghaffar, S.H., Haitherali, H., Gopakumar, A.
Journal: Buildings
Year: 2024


📄 Alkali Activated Materials with Recycled Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride Aggregates for Sand Replacement

Author: El-Seidy, E., Sambucci, M., Chougan, M., Valente, M., Ghaffar, S.H.
Journal: Construction and Building Materials
Year: 2023


📄 Recycled Brick Aggregates in One-Part Alkali-Activated Materials: Impact on 3D Printing Performance and Material Properties

Author: Al-Noaimat, Y.A., Chougan, M., Albar, A., Al-Kheetan, M., Ghaffar, S.H.
Journal: Developments in the Built Environment
Year: 2023


📄 Upcycling End-of-Life Bricks in High-Performance One-Part Alkali-Activated Materials

Author: Al-Noaimat, Y.A., Chougan, M., Al-Kheetan, M.J., Wong, H.S., Ghaffar, S.H.
Journal: Developments in the Built Environment
Year: 2023


 

Mohammed Meddour | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammed Meddour | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Université de Bejaia | Algeria

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Mohammed Meddour began his academic journey with a strong foundation in the sciences, earning his Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences in 2010. His passion for civil engineering led him to pursue a Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structures, which he completed in 2015. Dr. Meddour's academic excellence and commitment to his field were evident early on, laying the groundwork for his future research and professional endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Meddour has a robust teaching background, having served as a teacher in several secondary schools in Algeria. His teaching career began at the Secondary School of Mohamed El Aid Al Khalifa from September 2017 to July 2020. He continued his teaching at the Secondary School of MAAMIR Belkacem until September 2022, and he is currently teaching at the Secondary School of BOUKMICH El Haouas. In the academic year 2023-2024, Dr. Meddour expanded his teaching repertoire to the University of Biskra, where he instructs graduate courses on Strength of Materials and Structural Analysis.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Meddour's research primarily focuses on the experimental analysis and modeling of sandwich panels, specifically those based on Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) waste core and PVC facing. His doctoral thesis, titled "Contribution to the Modeling of the Behavior of Sandwich Panels Based on FRP Composite Material Waste," highlights his dedication to sustainable engineering practices. Dr. Meddour aims to valorize FRP waste to design innovative and efficient sandwich beams, contributing significantly to the field of civil engineering and material science.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Meddour has presented his research at numerous prestigious conferences. His work has been featured in international journals and conference proceedings, demonstrating his active engagement with the global scientific community. His research presentations span various international and national conferences, showcasing his expertise in numerical modeling and structural analysis of sandwich panels.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Meddour's research has had a significant impact on the field of civil engineering, particularly in the development of sustainable materials and the modeling of sandwich panel behaviors. His studies on the flexural behavior of GFRP waste core panels and the static bending response of metal foam core sandwich beams have provided valuable insights for both academic researchers and industry professionals. His innovative approach to material utilization and structural modeling is paving the way for more sustainable engineering solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Meddour is poised to continue his influential work in civil engineering. His ongoing research projects, including the finite element modeling of double-layer metal foam sandwich beams and the comparative study of numerical analysis of plates under bending, promise to further advance the field. Dr. Meddour's commitment to education, research, and sustainable engineering practices ensures that his contributions will have a lasting impact on future generations of engineers and researchers. His legacy will be marked by his dedication to improving structural materials and fostering sustainable development within the engineering community.

 

Notable  Publications

Bending behavior of new composited sandwich panels with GFRP waste based-core and PVC facesheets: Experimental design, modeling and optimization 2024