Sophia Immanuel | Textile-Reinforced Concrete | FRP Product Development Excellence Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Mrs. Sophia Immanuel | Textile-Reinforced Concrete | FRP Product Development Excellence Award

Research Scholar| National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli|India

Mrs. Sophia Immanuel is an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher in Textile-Reinforced Concrete with strong expertise in structural engineering and sustainable construction materials. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from 2011 to 2015, followed by a Master of Technology in Structural Engineering with excellent academic performance, and a Doctor of Philosophy focused on advanced composite materials from 2022 to 2025. Additionally, she pursued an MBA in Human Resource Management through correspondence between 2020 and 2022. Her research expertise covers Textile-Reinforced Concrete, fibre reinforced composites, impact dynamics, structural dynamics, and magnetorheological dampers for seismic-resistant structures. Sophia has significant experimental experience in tensile behaviour of TRC composites, coir fibre characterization, tensile testing of Textile-Reinforced Concrete, and has received training in Digital Image Correlation technology. Her professional journey includes roles as a Project Intern at Flinders University, Assistant Professor (Guest) at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology where she also served as NBA Coordinator and Faculty Advisor, and Project Officer at IIT Madras in the BTCM division. She has taught key structural engineering subjects to undergraduate students and was recognized with the Best Faculty Award in 2018. Sophia has published impactful research articles in reputed international journals such as Elsevier and Springer, contributing to the advancement of innovative TRC systems and sustainable low-cost housing. Proficient in tools like MATLAB, ABAQUS, AutoCAD, and Python basics, she continues to build strong collaborations with leading researchers while upholding integrity, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility in her scientific pursuits.

Featured Publications

Immanuel, S., & Baskar, K. (2025). Low-velocity impact induced damage and dynamic response of two-way textile reinforced concrete slabs. Structures, 80, 110164.

Immanuel, S., & Baskar, K. (2025). Investigating the effect of textile layers on the flexural response of textile reinforced concrete panels. Structures, 71, 1108112.

Immanuel, S., O., Aniket, Baskar, K., & Arun, M. (2023). A state-of-art review on the mechanical performance of basalt textile reinforced concrete (BTRC). The Journal of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, 18(4), 593–618.

Immanuel, S., & Baskar, K. (2023). A state-of-the-art review on sustainable low-cost housing and application of textile reinforced concrete. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 8(1), 1–16.

Immanuel, S., & Kaliyamoorthy, B. (2023). Comparative study on the flexural behavior of BTRC and CTRC panels. In Structural Engineering Convention (pp. 569–579). Springer Nature Singapore.

Cruze, D., Gladston, H., Immanuel, S., Loganathan, S., Dharmaraj, T., & Solomon, S. M. (2018). Experimental investigation on magnetorheological damper for RCC frames subjected to cyclic loading. Advances in Civil Engineering Materials, 7(3), 413–427.

Alper Bideci | Building Materials | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Bideci | Building Materials | Editorial Board Member

Architecture | Düzce University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Bideci is a leading researcher in construction materials, recognized for his extensive contributions to lightweight concrete technology, polymer-coated aggregates, sustainable building materials, and the performance optimization of cement-based composites. His scholarly work spans mechanical behavior, thermal performance, durability enhancement, fracture energy, shrinkage, creep, and microstructural characterization of advanced concretes, supported by experimental testing and image-processing-based evaluation methods. Dr. Bideci has published numerous high-impact articles in SCI-Expanded journals, including significant studies on polyester-coated pumice aggregates, fiber-reinforced calcium aluminate concrete under elevated temperatures, homogeneity assessment in EPS-integrated mortars, environmental performance of insulated façade panels using life cycle assessment, and the influence of hemp fibers, waste tyre additives, and polymer modifications on strength and fracture properties. His investigations have advanced understanding of eco-efficient composites, permeability control, color and structural homogeneity, and the integration of industrial by-products in construction materials. Dr. Bideci’s research additionally encompasses polymer coatings for lightweight aggregates, the structural behavior of self-compacting concretes containing waste materials, and performance assessments of historical brick and concrete systems through experimental methods. He has led and contributed to funded research projects on polymer-coated aggregates and historical building materials and has achieved substantial international recognition, with over 350 citations reflecting his global impact. His consistent achievements have been honored repeatedly with the Scientific Encouragement Awards of the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), recognizing his sustained advancements in high-performance, durable, and sustainable construction materials.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bideci, A., Sallı Bideci, Ö., & Ashour, A. (2023). Mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight concrete produced with polyester-coated pumice aggregate. Construction and Building Materials, 394.

Sallı Bideci, Ö., Yilmaz, H., Gencel, O., Bideci, A., Çomak, B., & Nodehi, M. (2023). Fiber-reinforced lightweight calcium aluminate cement-based concrete: Effect of exposure to elevated temperatures. Sustainability, 15, 4722.

Çomak, B., Aykanat, B., Sallı Bideci, Ö., Bideci, A. (2022). Determination of homogeneity index of cementitious composites produced with EPS beads by image processing techniques. Computers and Concrete, 29, 107–115.

Çomak, B., Bideci, A., Aykanat, B., & Sallı Bideci, Ö. (2021). Determination of color homogeneity by image processing in cement-based mortars. Romanian Journal of Materials, 51, 552–557.

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.

Meysam Jalali | Fiber Reinforced Concrete | Best Researcher Award

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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.