Sun Jae Yoo | Civil Engineering | FRP Engineering Excellence Award

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Dr. Sun Jae Yoo | Civil Engineering | FRP Engineering Excellence Award

Researcher | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | United States

Dr. Sun-Jae Yoo is a leading researcher in advanced FRP engineering, with a strong focus on the structural performance, bond behavior, and durability of CFRP bars used in concrete systems under normal and extreme conditions. His work significantly advances understanding of helically ribbed CFRP bar bonding, development length, flexural behavior, and lap-splice mechanics in UHPC and UHPFRC matrices, providing crucial insights for enhancing structural safety and design efficiency. He has conducted extensive research on the residual bond behavior of CFRP and steel reinforcements after elevated-temperature exposure, contributing to improved fire-resilience strategies for modern infrastructure. Dr. Yoo’s research portfolio further includes development of smart strengthening techniques for fire-damaged concrete structures using hybrid FRP bars and advanced cementitious composites, alongside major contributions to CNT-reinforced lightweight high-strength concrete, DfMA-based modular bridge systems, and electrically conductive concretes for EMP protection. His publications in high-impact journals highlight innovative findings on microstructural enhancement, creep reduction, and structural performance gains enabled by CNT and FRP technologies. Through participation in multiple national research programs, he has advanced solutions for zero-corrosion CFRP reinforcement, sustainable shelter-in-place systems, and next-generation composite materials. His achievements, supported by multiple awards for outstanding papers and research excellence, demonstrate his leadership in developing resilient, high-performance FRP-integrated structural systems.

Profile:  ORCID  |  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Yoo, S. J., Hong, S. H., & Yoon, Y. S. (2023). Bonding behavior and prediction of helically ribbed CFRP bar embedded in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Case Studies in Construction Materials, 19, e02253.

  • Yoo, S. J., Kim, Y. H., Yuan, T. F., & Yoon, Y. S. (2022). Evaluation of residual bond behavior of CFRP and steel bars embedded in UHPC after exposure to elevated temperature. Journal of Building Engineering, 56, 104768.

  • Hong, S. H., Choi, J. S., Yoo, S. J., Yoo, D. Y., & Yoon, Y. S. (2024). Reinforcing effect of CNT on the microstructure and creep properties of high-strength lightweight concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 428, 136294.

  • Yoo, S. J., Hong, S. H., Yoo, D. Y., & Yoon, Y. S. (2024). Flexural bond behavior and development length of ribbed CFRP bars in UHPFRC. Cement and Concrete Composites, 146, 105403.

  • Hong, S. H., Choi, J. S., Yoo, S. J., & Yoon, Y. S. (2023). Structural benefits of using carbon nanotube reinforced high-strength lightweight concrete beams. Developments in the Built Environment, 16, 100234.

Abishek G L | Civil Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Mr. Abishek G L | Civil Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Mar Ephraem College of Engineering and Technology | India

Dr. G. L. Abishek has established himself as a dedicated researcher in the field of Civil and Structural Engineering, with a primary focus on the performance, durability, and innovation of construction materials and structural systems. His research contributions emphasize the experimental and analytical investigation of advanced materials such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), self-curing concrete, geopolymer concrete, and sustainable waste-based composites. He has published impactful works in high-quality international journals, including Elsevier’s Journal of Building Engineering and Computers and Concrete, addressing critical issues in enhancing structural performance, load-bearing capacity, and the long-term reliability of reinforced concrete systems. His recent studies on the lateral load behavior of aramid (Kevlar) and CFRP-strengthened concrete piles provide valuable insights into improving infrastructure resilience and service life under complex loading conditions. Dr. Abishek’s academic career is marked by a balance between theoretical understanding and practical application, bridging research and engineering practice. Beyond publishing, he actively engages in professional development through participation in national workshops focused on earthquake-resistant structures, finite element modeling, optimization, and modern computational tools such as MATLAB and Python for structural analysis. His continuous exploration of sustainable construction materials and innovative strengthening techniques underscores his commitment to advancing the field of structural engineering and promoting environmentally responsible design solutions. Dr. Abishek’s research reflects a forward-looking approach aimed at improving the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of civil infrastructure systems through material innovation and scientific rigor.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Abishek, G. L. (2016). Experimental investigation of high-strength characteristics of self-curing concrete. International Journal for Modern Trends in Science and Technology, 2(7), 61–65.

Abishek, G. L. (2016). Experimental investigation in effect of low-calcium fly ash geopolymer concrete. International Journal of Engineering Research, 5(9), 762–767.

Abishek, G. L. (2017). Experimental study on behaviour of paper sludge concrete. Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology Journal (IIOABJ), 8(S3), 73–78.

Abishek, G. L., Murugesan, R., & Murugan, M. (2025). Performance analysis of aramid (Kevlar) fiber reinforced polymer wrapped concrete piles under lateral loads. Journal of Building Engineering, 106, 112336.

Abishek, G. L., Murugesan, R., & Murugan, M. (2025). Reliability and performance of CFRP-strengthened RC piles under static lateral loads: Enhancing durability and load-bearing capacity. Computers and Concrete, 36(3), 351–360.

Lysa Benaddache | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Lysa Benaddache | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Lysa Benaddache | University Of Bordj Bou Arreridj | Algeria

Lysa Benaddache is a PhD student jointly affiliated with the LIMEEDD Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Mohamed El-Bachir El-Ibrahimi University of Bordj Bou Arreridj in Algeria, and the L2MGC Laboratory at CY Cergy Paris Université in France. She holds a Master’s degree in Hydraulic Constructions and Developments and is currently engaged in doctoral research focusing on the development of sustainable eco-composite materials for the repair and strengthening of concrete structures under the effects of climate change. she has also served as a part-time lecturer, contributing to academic teaching and the supervision of final-year projects. Her research integrates areas such as reinforced concrete corrosion, eco-material design, and geopolymer technology aimed at sustainable structural repair. With an h-index of 3 on Scopus and seven published journal articles, her scientific contributions emphasize the use of natural fibers, industrial waste, and biowaste in developing eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic composites. Her studies demonstrate that certain natural fibers can match or even surpass the mechanical properties of traditional glass fibers, enhancing structural durability and sustainability. She is an active member of both the LIMEEDD and L2MGC laboratories, collaborating on innovative research in fiber-reinforced eco-composites, particularly focusing on optimizing date palm fiber treatment to improve mechanical performance and environmental resilience. Dedicated to advancing sustainable construction materials, Lysa Benaddache’s research contributes significantly to eco-innovation and the future of resilient infrastructure systems.

Profile:  Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Benaddache, L., Belkadi, A. A., Berkouche, A., Hadzima-Nyarko, M., et al. (2025). Modeling and optimization for the combined valorization of calcined sediments and ground blast-furnace slag in eco-mortar formulations: Rheological, mechanical, microstructural, and environmental assessments. Structures.

Benaddache, L., Belkadi, A. A., Berkouche, A., Aggoun, S., et al. (2025). Advancing structural flexural reinforcement with natural and synthetic fiber composites: Optimization of EBR and EBROG methods supported by DIC. Structures.

Berkouche, A., Belkadi, A. A., Benaddache, L., Aggoun, S., et al. (2025). Enhancing physical, mechanical, and durability properties of slag-based geopolymers through ceramic waste incorporation: A comprehensive optimization study. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Benaddache, L., Belkadi, A. A., Berkouche, A., Amziane, S., Alomayri, T., Achour, Y., & Benammar, A. (2024). Experimental optimization of low-carbon cellular foam geopolymers incorporating crushed stone sand and flax fiber using central composite design. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering, 4, 3999–4019.

Benaddache, L., Belkadi, A. A., Kessal, O., Tayebi, T., & Aggoun, S. (2024). Comparative study on externally bonded heat-treated jute and glass fiber reinforcement for repair of pre-cracked high performance concrete beams.

Jiao-Long Zhang | underground structures | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao-Long Zhang | underground structures | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Dean of International Affairs, Tongji University, China

Dr. Jiao-Long Zhang is an Associate Professor in the College of Civil Engineering at Tongji University and Assistant Dean of International Affairs. Born on August 31, 1988, in China, he holds a distinguished academic career. After completing his undergraduate studies at Zhejiang University and a master’s degree at Tongji University, he pursued doctoral studies at the Vienna University of Technology, Austria, under the supervision of Herbert Mang and others. With a strong focus on material science and structural engineering, Dr. Zhang has contributed significantly to research on cement-based composites, carbon nanotubes, and reinforced concrete. As a recognized expert, he has received numerous awards and held leadership roles in various scientific organizations. His work emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and practical applications in the civil engineering field. Dr. Zhang is also actively involved in international collaborations and talent programs, shaping the future of engineering research.

Profile

Education

Dr. Jiao-Long Zhang began his educational journey at Zhejiang University, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering and Architecture from September 2007 to June 2011. He then continued his studies at Tongji University, earning a master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering between September 2011 and January 2014. His academic aspirations led him to Vienna University of Technology, where he pursued doctoral studies from March 2014 to March 2018. Under the guidance of renowned scholars Herbert Mang, Yong Yuan, and Bernhard Pichler, Dr. Zhang earned his PhD at the Institute for Mechanics of Materials and Structures. His diverse academic background across prestigious institutions, along with his specialized research in civil engineering, laid a strong foundation for his career in teaching and scientific inquiry. His education has not only equipped him with theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, positioning him as a leading figure in his field.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Jiao-Long Zhang’s outstanding contributions to civil engineering have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. In 2024, he won the gold medal at the 76th Nuremberg International Invention Exhibition in Germany and the 7th China (Shanghai) International Invention and Innovation Exhibition. These awards highlight his innovative contributions to the field. Additionally, he received the first prize in the China Invention and Entrepreneurship Award by the China Invention Association, showcasing his impactful research in civil engineering. His work was further acknowledged with the first prize in the Science and Technology Innovation Award by the China Association for the Promotion of Science and Technology Industrialization. He also earned the Individual Outstanding Contribution Award from the same association. Earlier, Dr. Zhang was awarded the Scientific and Technological Progress Award by the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government and the Shanghai Society of Civil Engineering. These honors underscore his leadership in advancing scientific and technological progress.

Research Focus 

Dr. Jiao-Long Zhang’s research focuses on the development of advanced materials for civil engineering, specifically cement-based composites, reinforced concrete, and innovative materials enhanced with carbon nanotubes. His work aims to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of construction materials, contributing to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. By using polymer emulsions to improve the dispersion and mechanical properties of cement-based materials, Dr. Zhang seeks to optimize material performance in challenging environments. He also investigates the composite effect mechanisms of polymers and fibers, integrating molecular dynamics simulations to better understand the behavior of cement-based composites. His research on permeability models for reinforced concrete under tension offers crucial insights into improving the longevity of structures. Furthermore, Dr. Zhang explores the impact of geothermal environments on concrete, enhancing the material’s performance in extreme conditions. His research contributes to the integration of cutting-edge technology in civil engineering to meet future demands for sustainability and innovation.

Publications 

  1. Enhancing dispersion and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced cement-based material using polymer emulsions 🏗️📚
  2. Enhancing toughness in cement-based composites: Unraveling the composite effect mechanisms of polymers and fibers through physic testing and molecular dynamics simulations 🔬🧱
  3. Dimensionless analysis-based permeability model of reinforced concrete under tension 📊🔍
  4. Multiscale model for concrete cured under geothermal environment: Theoretical analysis and experimental validation 🌍🏞️

Conclusion

Dr. Jiao-Long Zhang is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher
Award. His academic credentials, groundbreaking research, and significant contributions to
advancing engineering technology highlight his suitability for this prestigious honor