Sun Jae Yoo | Civil Engineering | FRP Engineering Excellence Award

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.

Meysam Jalali | Fiber Reinforced Concrete | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Meysam Jalali | Fiber Reinforced Concrete | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Shahrood University of Technology | Iran

Mr. Hao Shuai is a promising researcher in composites, advanced materials, and sustainable polymer engineering, currently pursuing doctoral research at Cranfield University after successfully transitioning from a research master’s programme. He holds an engineering background in macromolecular materials, complemented by substantial laboratory and industrial experience across polymer synthesis, material formulation, and composite processing. His early research work involved developing artificial cores for petroleum reservoir simulation, synthesising polymer microspheres for enhanced oil recovery, and optimising corrosion and scale inhibitors for pipeline applications. He later contributed to eco-friendly innovations such as aldehyde-free construction adhesives and improved waterproof coatings commissioned by industry partners. At Cranfield, his research is focused on sustainability-oriented material engineering, particularly transforming natural fibres such as cotton, jute, flax and hemp into functional reinforcements and embedded sensing elements for structural health monitoring. His investigations also extend to environmentally conscious textile dyeing methods designed to reduce chemical and water usage while improving colour durability. Skilled in experimental design, process optimisation and performance evaluation, he demonstrates a rare ability to bridge scientific research with industrial applicability. He has gained professional exposure through intensive chemical engineering placements within petrochemical facilities, where he observed large-scale material production and recycling systems. Recognised through multiple academic awards for outstanding performance, he continues to build a multidisciplinary research profile that integrates polymer chemistry, materials science and sustainable manufacturing. With his strong foundation in both experimental research and practical problem-solving, he is well positioned to contribute to advancements in green composite technologies.

Profile:  Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Jalali, M., Sharbatdar, M. K., Chen, J. F., & Alaee, F. J. (2012). Shear strengthening of RC beams using innovative manually made NSM FRP bars. Construction and Building Materials, 36, 990–1000.

Zahrai, S. M., & Jalali, M. (2014). Experimental and analytical investigations on seismic behavior of ductile steel knee braced frames. Steel and Composite Structures, 16(1), 1–21.

Hemmatian, A., Jalali, M., Naderpour, H., & Nehdi, M. L. (2023). Machine learning prediction of fiber pull-out and bond-slip in fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. Journal of Building Engineering, 63, 105474.

Jalali, M. (2018). Tunnel rehabilitation in fault zone using sequential joints method: Case study of Karaj water conveyance tunnel. International Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering, 52(1), 87–94.

Hajsadeghi, M., Jalali, M., Chin, C. S., Zirakian, T., & Bahrebar, M. (2021). Flexural characteristics of fibre reinforced concrete with an optimised spirally deformed steel fibre. International Journal of Engineering, Transactions C: Aspects, 34(6), 1390–1397.

Peyvandi, A. H., Jalali, M., Hajsadeghi, M., & Das, S. (2022). Experimental investigation on the performance of engineered spiral fiber: Fiber pull-out and direct tension tests. Construction and Building Materials, 347, 128569.

Ataee, S., Jalali, M., & Nehdi, M. L. (2024). Pull-out behavior of twin-twisted steel fibers from various strength cement-based matrices. Construction and Building Materials, 445, 137855.