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.

Alper Bideci | Cementitious Materials | Best Review Paper Award

Prof. Dr. Alper Bideci | Cementitious Materials | Best Review Paper Award

Academician | Düzce University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Alper Bideci is a distinguished researcher specializing in building materials, with a particular focus on concrete, cement, composite materials, and coated aggregates. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of sustainable construction materials, especially in the development and application of polymer-coated lightweight aggregates and concretes that enhance mechanical performance, durability, and environmental efficiency. Dr. Bideci’s investigations encompass experimental and analytical studies on waste materials, polymer modifications, and the use of alternative aggregates to promote eco-friendly construction practices. His published works in leading journals such as Construction and Building Materials and Composites Part B: Engineering explore critical topics including the effects of hemp fibers on mortar performance, the influence of polymer admixtures on high-strength concretes, and life cycle assessment analyses of composite façade panels. Through his studies, he provides valuable insights into the chemical, mechanical, and petrographic characteristics of traditional and modern building materials, contributing to the advancement of sustainable material science and heritage restoration techniques. His findings on polymer-coated pumice aggregates and the utilization of industrial and agricultural waste materials in concrete have provided innovative solutions for both modern construction and environmental conservation. By integrating experimental rigor with sustainability principles, Dr. Bideci’s work bridges the gap between performance optimization and ecological responsibility, positioning him as a leading figure in the global research community dedicated to green construction technologies and advanced building material innovations.

Profile:  Scopus  |  ORCID Google Scholar  |  ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Çomak, B., Bideci, A., & Bideci, Ö. S. (2018). Effects of hemp fibers on characteristics of cement-based mortar. Construction and Building Materials, 169, 794–799.

Doğan, M., & Bideci, A. (2016). Effect of Styrene Butadiene Copolymer (SBR) admixture on high-strength concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 112, 378–385.

Bideci, A., Öztürk, H., Salli Bideci, Ö., & Emiroğlu, M. (2017). Fracture energy and mechanical characteristics of self-compacting concretes including waste bladder tyre. Construction and Building Materials, 149, 669–678.

Yılmaz, E., Arslan, H., & Bideci, A. (2019). Environmental performance analysis of insulated composite facade panels using life cycle assessment (LCA). Construction and Building Materials, 202, 806–813.

Bideci, Ö. S., Bideci, A., Gültekin, A. H., Oymael, S., & Yildirim, H. (2014). Polymer coated pumice aggregates and their properties. Composites Part B: Engineering, 67, 239–243.

Wensong Xu | Structural Mechanics of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wensong Xu | Structural Mechanics of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Anhui university of science and technology, China

Dr. Xu Wensong is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in rock mechanics, safety engineering, and applied physics. Currently serving as an associate professor and master’s supervisor at Wuhan Institute of Technology, he has significantly contributed to the field of geotechnical engineering. His research primarily focuses on the mechanical properties of rock materials, energy evolution mechanisms, and safety assessment methodologies. Over the years, Dr. Xu has earned recognition for his pioneering studies in industrial safety, material behavior under stress, and engineering risk evaluation.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Xu Wensong obtained his Doctorate in Engineering, solidifying his expertise in rock mechanics and safety science. With a strong academic background in applied physics and material mechanics, he has developed a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex engineering problems. His educational journey has been instrumental in shaping his research interests and equipping him with the knowledge necessary to tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Experience

With extensive experience in academia and research, Dr. Xu has played a pivotal role in guiding graduate students and advancing studies related to rock mechanics. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Safety Management Science, Oil and Gas Safety Technology, and Engineering Mechanics, demonstrating his diverse expertise. As a mentor, he has supervised numerous postgraduate students, nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers. He has also collaborated with multiple institutions and research organizations, contributing to national and international engineering projects.

Research Interest

Dr. Xu’s research is primarily centered around rock mechanics, energy evolution mechanisms, safety engineering, and industrial hazard analysis. His work delves into the impact of stress conditions on rock behavior, leading to innovative safety assessment models and experimental frameworks. His studies on the effects of unloading rate on energy evolution mechanisms in single-sided rock mass failure have been widely cited. His research contributions have enhanced the understanding of material stability and mechanical failure in industrial applications.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Xu Wensong has been the recipient of several awards and accolades, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of engineering safety and applied physics. Notably, he has received national and provincial-level awards for his research excellence, including distinctions for his innovations in safety science. His work in energy dissipation models and safety control mechanisms has earned him recognition in esteemed academic and professional circles.

Selected Publications

Dr. Xu has authored numerous high-impact research papers in reputable journals. Some of his notable publications include:

Xu Wensong, Zhao Guangming, Meng Xiangrui, Kao Siming, Huang Shunjie, Liu Chongyan (2020) – “Effects of Unloading Rate on Energy Evolution Mechanism in the Single-Side Unloading Failure of Highly Stressed Rock Masses,” Advances in Civil Engineering.

Xu Wensong, Wu Peng, and Li Zhen (2019) – “Energy Dissipation Mechanism of Deep Rock Mass Under High-Stress Conditions,” Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.

Xu Wensong, Yang Jing, and Zhang Wei (2018) – “Triaxial Stress Impact on Rock Mass Behavior: A Study of Industrial Applications,” Journal of Mining Science.

Xu Wensong, Liu Bo, and Zhang Min (2023) – “Experimental Analysis of Rock Fracture Evolution in High-Pressure Environments,” Rock and Soil Mechanics.

Xu Wensong, Chen Hua, and Zhao Yi (2022) – “Numerical Simulation of Rock Failure in Underground Mining Conditions,” International Journal of Mining Science and Technology.

Xu Wensong, Li Feng, and Wang Rong (2021) – “Application of Micro-CT Imaging in Evaluating Rock Fracture Patterns,” Engineering Geology.

Xu Wensong, Wu Peng, and Zhang Hong (2023) – “Seismic Response of Deep Rock Masses: Insights from Laboratory Testing,” Tectonophysics.

Conclusion

Dr. Xu Wensong’s dedication to research, academic excellence, and industrial application makes him a perfect candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His high-impact publications, groundbreaking findings, mentorship, and leadership in engineering safety research establish him as a leading figure in geotechnical and safety engineering. Awarding him this honor would be a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to scientific and technological advancement.