Fernando Branco | Civil Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco | Civil Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco, Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco, born in 1953 in Coimbra, Portugal, is a Distinguished Full Professor at IST – University of Lisbon and an Advisory Professor at Tongji University, China. With expertise in bridge engineering, maintenance, rehabilitation, and composite materials, he has significantly contributed to structural engineering. As a global leader, he has held prominent positions in international organizations like IABSE and ECCE. Prof. Branco has supervised numerous theses, authored books and research papers, and led major engineering projects. His contributions have earned him prestigious awards, making him a renowned figure in civil engineering.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Structures) from IST – University of Lisbon in 1976. He obtained his Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 1981. In 1985, he earned a PhD in Civil Engineering (Structures) from IST – University of Lisbon. Additionally, he achieved the title of Agregado in Civil Engineering in 1991. His extensive academic background has shaped his expertise in structural engineering, leading to significant contributions in research, innovation, and education.

Experience

Prof. Branco has served as a Full Professor at IST – University of Lisbon from 1996 to 2021, leading the Civil Engineering Department and the Construction Division. He was the Director of the PhD Program in Civil Engineering and the Structures Research Center. Internationally, he held leadership roles as the President of IABSE and ECCE, contributing to engineering advancements. His expertise was pivotal in major bridge projects like the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the S. João Railway Bridge, demonstrating exceptional leadership in structural design and construction management.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Branco’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades. Notable honors include the Harting Award from the Society for Experimental Mechanics, the Personality of the Year in Civil Engineering by CONSTRUIR Prizes, and the Polish Government Award for European Engineering quality. He received the Innovation in Construction Award in 2023 and was named an Honorary Member of IABSE. His excellence in teaching earned him the Diploma of Teaching Excellence from IST – University of Lisbon. These awards highlight his outstanding contributions to civil engineering.

Research Focus

Prof. Branco’s research spans bridge engineering, structural rehabilitation, and the application of new materials like composites. His notable contributions include advanced seismic and wind resistance studies for major cable-stayed and suspension bridges. He has explored the use of glass fiber-reinforced concrete in hybrid structures and developed optimization algorithms for bridge maintenance. His interdisciplinary research integrates sustainable practices and structural resilience, driving innovations in engineering applications and infrastructure longevity.

Publication Top Notes

📚 Thermal Effect of Firebrand Accumulation in Ceramic Roof Tiles – Fire (2025) – 0 citations
📚 Thermal Reaction of Firebrand Accumulation in Construction Materials – Case Studies in Construction Materials (2024) – 3 citations
📚 Ignition Locations and Simplified Design Guidelines for Enhancing the Resilience of Dwellings against Wildland Fires – Fire (2024) – 2 citations
📚 DIGITALIZATION AND TENDER EVALUATION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A BIM-INTEGRATED MCDA APPROACH SUPPORTED BY MACBETH – Journal of Information Technology in Construction (2024) – 0 citations
📚 DIGITALIZATION AND PROCUREMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: AN INTEGRATED BIM-BASED APPROACH – Journal of Information Technology in Construction (2024) – 2 citations
📚 Proposal of a Fireproof Design Code for Dwellings against the Action of Wildland Fires – Resilient Cities and Structures (2023) – 3 citations
📚 Numerical Assessment of Standard Firebrand Accumulation Curve When Transferring Temperature to Contact Surfaces – Applied Sciences (Switzerland) (2023) – 5 citations
📚 Monotonic and Cyclic Sway Behaviour of 2-Dimensional Frames Made of Pultruded GFRP I-Section Profiles – Structures (2023) – 2 citations
📚 Structural Assessment of a Water Reservoir Masonry Vaulted Roof from the Nineteenth Century – Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities (2023) – 1 citation
📚 Report on Existing Fireproof Construction Guidelines for Dwellings against Wildfires – CivilEng (2023) – 5 citations

 

Nurdaulet Bakytuly | Geotechnical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Nurdaulet Bakytuly | Geotechnical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Laboratory Technician, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan

Nurdaulet Bakytuly (b. 2000) is a dedicated researcher in Geotechnical Engineering, focusing on expansive soil behavior and unsaturated soil theory for infrastructure resilience in Kazakhstan. He holds a BSc (2022) and MSc (2024) in Engineering Systems and Networks from L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Currently, he serves as a Laboratory Assistant at Nazarbayev University, conducting geotechnical experiments and data analysis. His research contributions include centrifugal pump modeling and green cover systems for slope stabilization. With expertise in BIM software, MATLAB, and geotechnical testing, he is committed to advancing sustainable engineering solutions. 📚🔬✨

Publication Profile

Orcid

Research Interests

Nurdaulet Bakytuly’s research focuses on Geotechnical Engineering, particularly in expansive soil behavior and its impact on infrastructure in Kazakhstan. He explores innovative mitigation strategies to minimize soil-induced structural damage, ensuring stability and longevity. His work also delves into the application of unsaturated soil theory, developing adaptive solutions for geotechnical challenges in diverse climatic conditions. By integrating advanced modeling techniques and experimental approaches, he aims to enhance sustainable engineering practices. His research contributes to improving soil stabilization methods, optimizing construction materials, and advancing geotechnical resilience. 🔬🏢💡

 

Education

Nurdaulet Bakytuly pursued his academic journey at L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, Kazakhstan, specializing in Engineering Systems and Networks. He earned his Bachelor’s degree (2018-2022) with a thesis on designing a heating and ventilation system for a 1,000-student school building, tailored to the climatic conditions of Kokshetau. Continuing his passion for engineering, he is completing his Master’s degree (2022-2024), focusing on the design and modeling of domestic centrifugal pumps. His academic work integrates sustainable infrastructure solutions with innovative mechanical designs, contributing to modern engineering advancements. 📚🔧🏢

 

Research Focus

Nurdaulet Bakytuly’s research spans Geotechnical Engineering and Fluid Mechanics, with a focus on slope stabilization and hydraulic system optimization. His work on green cover systems explores sustainable soil stabilization methods, improving land resilience against erosion and instability. Additionally, his research on domestic centrifugal pump design applies the Taguchi method to enhance efficiency and performance in fluid mechanics. By integrating geotechnical solutions with engineering innovations, he contributes to infrastructure sustainability, environmental protection, and optimized hydraulic systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges soil mechanics, sustainability, and mechanical systems for better engineering outcomes. 🔬🌍💡

Publication Top Notes

Harnessing Green Cover Systems for Effective Slope Stabilization in Singapore

Design optimization of a domestic centrifugal pump using Taguchi Method

 

 

 

 

Muhammet Sari | Civil engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammet Sari | Civil engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammet Sari, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Turkey

Mr. Muhammet Sari is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, specializing in Civil Engineering. With a strong academic background, including a master’s degree (GPA: 3.56/4.00) and a bachelor’s degree (GPA: 3.82/4.00), his research interests span cemented paste backfill technology, mine waste management, geotechnics, and the reuse of industrial and agricultural waste. He has published numerous articles in top-tier journals, focusing on cemented mine backfills, their properties, and sustainability. Mr. Sari also has valuable industry experience as an R&D engineer. 🌍📚🔬🚧🌱

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background 📚🎓

Mr. Muhammet Sari is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Civil Engineering at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (2020-present). He completed his Master’s degree in the same field at the same university, achieving a GPA of 3.56/4.00 between 2017 and 2020. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Karadeniz Technical University, where he graduated with an impressive GPA of 3.82/4.00. His academic journey demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing his expertise in civil engineering, particularly in geotechnics and sustainable construction materials. 🌍💡🚧📘

Professional Experience 💼🔧

Mr. Muhammet Sari currently works as a Research Assistant in the Geotechnical Division at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University’s Department of Civil Engineering, a position he has held since 2020. During this time, he has contributed to various research projects related to geotechnics and civil engineering. Prior to this role, he served as an R&D Engineer at Dynamic Academy Software Construction Industry Trade Limited Company from 2018 to 2020. His industry experience equipped him with valuable practical skills, enabling him to apply his academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. 🏗️🔍📊

Research Interests 🌍🔬

Mr. Muhammet Sari’s research focuses on various critical aspects of civil engineering, including Cemented Paste Backfill Technology, mine waste management, and the re-evaluation of mine waste. His work also delves into Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, and understanding soil properties and behavior through experiments. He is passionate about soil improvement techniques and the reuse of industrial and agricultural waste in construction materials. Additionally, he applies Finite Element Analysis to assess the structural and geotechnical performance of materials. His research contributes to developing sustainable solutions in civil engineering, with a strong emphasis on waste recycling and soil improvement. 🌱🏗️⚙️

Publications Top Notes

  • Physico-chemical and micro-structural behavior of cemented mine backfill: Effect of pH in dam tailingsT Kasap, E Yilmaz, M Sari, Journal of Environmental Management, 77 citations, 2022 📊
  • Long-term ageing characteristics of cemented paste backfill: Usability of sand as a partial substitute of hazardous tailingsM Sari, E Yilmaz, T Kasap, Journal of Cleaner Production, 61 citations, 2023 ♻️
  • Strength and microstructure evolution in cemented mine backfill with low and high pH pyritic tailings: Effect of mineral admixturesM Sari, E Yilmaz, T Kasap, NU Guner, Construction and Building Materials, 61 citations, 2022 🏗️
  • Effects of mineral additives and age on microstructure evolution and durability properties of sand-reinforced cementitious mine backfillsT Kasap, E Yilmaz, M Sari, Construction and Building Materials, 54 citations, 2022 🧱
  • Exploring the link between ultrasonic and strength behavior of cementitious mine backfill by considering pore structureM Sari, E Yilmaz, T Kasap, S Karasu, Construction and Building Materials, 41 citations, 2023 🔬
  • Recycling dam tailings as cemented mine backfill: Mechanical and geotechnical propertiesT Kasap, E Yilmaz, NU Guner, M Sari, Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 35 citations, 2022 ♻️
  • Cementitious backfill with partial replacement of Cu-rich mine tailings by sand: Rheological, mechanical and microstructural propertiesNU Guner, E Yilmaz, M Sari, T Kasap, Minerals, 20 citations, 2023 🔄
  • Predicting long-term impact of cementitious mine fill considering sand as a copper-tailings substitutionT Kasap, E Yilmaz, M Sari, S Karasu, Powder Technology, 11 citations, 2023 📈
  • Toward viable industrial solid residual waste recycling: A review of its innovative applications and future perspectivesT Keskin, E Yilmaz, T Kasap, M Sari, S Cao, Minerals, 3 citations, 2024 🌿
  • Cementitious fills with varying sand content as tailings replacement: Links to rheological, mechanical and microstructural propertiesT Kasap, E Yilmaz, M Sari, 2023 🏗️

 

 

 

Try Meng | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Try Meng | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Try Meng, Autorité de sûreté nucléaire et de radioprotection (ASNR), France

Dr. Try Meng, born on December 5, 1991, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a Civil Engineer with expertise in finite element methods, thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling, and non-linear concrete and steel behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from INSA-Rennes and works as a researcher at ASNR/DES/LMAPS. His research focuses on seismic behavior of nuclear reinforced concrete structures and numerical modeling of concrete containment buildings. Dr. Meng has contributed to various publications, including in Engineering Structures and Kerntechnik. He is fluent in Khmer, French, English, and Chinese. His technical skills include Castem, Fortran, Abaqus, and more. 🌍📐

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Educational Background

Dr. Try Meng completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at INSA-Rennes from 2017 to 2021, focusing on advanced engineering techniques. Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Science for Engineers at INSA-Rennes (2016-2017). He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Institute of Technology Cambodia (ITC), completed between 2011 and 2016. Dr. Meng’s extensive academic background has equipped him with deep expertise in civil engineering and research, particularly in structural behavior and numerical modeling. 🎓🔧🌍

Professional Experience

Dr. Try Meng is currently a Research Engineer at ARSN/DES/LMAPS (2023-present), where he updates parameters using Bayesian approaches to analyze reinforced concrete structures under seismic loading, applying it to the SMART2013 model. He also works on explosion calculations for nuclear facility structures and impact analysis in the IMPACT projects. From 2021-2023, he worked at ASNR/DES/LMAPS and CEA/LM2S, focusing on mechanical behavior studies of nuclear reactor buildings and participated in the VERCORS benchmark and SMiRT26 conference. Earlier, Dr. Meng worked in civil and mechanical engineering research, publishing articles and completing internships on hybrid columns and structural analysis. 🔬🏗️

Technical Skills

Dr. Try Meng is a Civil Engineering Research Engineer specializing in finite element methods, thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling, and nonlinear behavior of concrete (damage models) and stainless steel (elasto-plasticity models). He works on nuclear reactor building simulations and leakage rate post-processing. In industry, he performs reinforced concrete and steel structure calculations based on Eurocode 2 and 3, including beam and column section design and reinforcement. He is fluent in Khmer (native), French (B1), English (TOEFL 500), and Chinese (B1). His technical expertise includes Castem, Fortran, MFront, Matlab, Abaqus, AutoCAD, and Latex. 💻🔧

Research Focus

Dr. Try Meng specializes in numerical modeling and mechanical behavior of prestressed reinforced concrete structures in the context of nuclear engineering. His research focuses on creep, aging, and leakage phenomena, particularly in concrete containment buildings, and applies these studies to real-world mock-ups like VERCORS. He also explores thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling to study the impact of climatic actions on buildings with internal insulation and thermal breaks. His expertise bridges structural mechanics, concrete technology, and climate impact studies for energy infrastructure and building performance. 🌍🏗️

Publication Top Notes

  • “Numerical modelling of creep, aging, and leakage of the prestressed reinforced concrete structure. Application to concrete containment building” (2024) – Kerntechnik 🏗️
  • “Numerical methodology on prestressed reinforced concrete containment building: Creep, aging, and leakage. Application to VERCORS mock-up” (2023) – Engineering Structures 🏢 – 8 citations
  • “Effect of climatic actions on buildings with internal insulation and thermal breaks: Multi-scale approach and thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling” (2021) – World Congress in Computational Mechanics and ECCOMAS Congress 🌍
Conclusion

Dr. Try Meng’s innovative research in structural engineering, particularly in nuclear reactor buildings, along with his advanced simulation techniques (such as FEM and Bayesian methods), makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His academic credentials, ongoing research contributions, and impact on the field underscore his suitability for this award.

 

 

Okan Mert Katipoğlu | Civil Engineering Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Okan Mert Katipoğlu | Civil Engineering Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Okan Mert Katipoğlu, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Turkey

Dr. Okan Mert Katipoğlu, a Turkish civil engineer, holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Atatürk University. Specializing in disaster and emergency management, his research focuses on analyzing meteorological and hydrological droughts in the Fırat basin. With expertise in statistical analysis, GIS, and AI, he explores various fields including hydraulic engineering and surface water management. Proficient in languages like English and Russian, he’s also certified in aquanaut diving. Dr. Katipoğlu’s diverse skill set includes software proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and ArcGIS. 🌐📊🛠️

 

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

With a lifelong dedication to engineering, Dr. Okan Mert Katipoğlu’s academic journey reflects his passion for construction and disaster management. Beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Atatürk University, he delved deeper into the field through his Master’s and Doctorate studies, also at Atatürk University. His doctoral research focused on analyzing droughts in the Fırat basin, showcasing his commitment to understanding and mitigating environmental challenges. Currently pursuing a degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, his educational path exemplifies a relentless pursuit of knowledge in engineering and resilience-building. 🏗️🌊📚

Research Focus

Dr. Okan Mert Katipoğlu’s research primarily focuses on hydrological and meteorological phenomena, particularly droughts, in the Euphrates Basin, Turkey. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, he investigates spatiotemporal variations, trends, and impacts of droughts using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques. His work extends to predicting streamflow drought indices, filling missing data gaps, and forecasting flood routing in various regions of Turkey. Through innovative methodologies like wavelet transform, artificial intelligence, and signal processing, he contributes significantly to understanding and managing water resources in semi-arid environments. Dr. Katipoğlu’s research embodies a commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience. 🌊📊🔍

Publication Top Notes

 

Arun Kumar Ammasi | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Arun Kumar Ammasi | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Arun Kumar Ammasi, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India

Dr. Arun Kumar Ammasi is a dedicated researcher and educator with a robust background in civil engineering. His research focuses on innovative applications of concrete materials, including the incorporation of plastic, rubber, and electronic wastes into concrete production. His work extends to using treated sewage sludge in manufacturing bricks, pavement, and solid blocks, contributing to sustainable construction practices. Dr. Ammasi explores Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) and Smart Dynamic Concrete (SDC) for enhanced structural performance. Additionally, his expertise encompasses the utilization of coal combustion products and the development of engineered geo-polymeric cementitious composites. In teaching, he emphasizes advanced concrete technology, construction materials, structural analysis, and more. Dr. Ammasi employs a dynamic teaching methodology, incorporating Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Research-Based Learning (RBL) to engage students effectively. He adopts a flipped classroom pedagogy, integrates contemporary assignments, and emphasizes continuous assessment for comprehensive learning. As the Head of the Department for Civil and Structural Engineering at VIT Chennai Campus, Dr. Ammasi also excels in administrative roles, demonstrating leadership and commitment to academic excellence. 🏗️🔬📚

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Arun Kumar Ammasi’s academic journey reflects a profound commitment to excellence in civil engineering. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on the effects of fly ash on concrete properties, through an integrated Ph.D. program at VIT University from 2009 to 2015. 🏗️ His undergraduate studies were equally impressive, earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Integrated degree with a remarkable 8 CGPA from Vellore Institute of Technology. 📚 Dr. Ammasi’s foundation in civil engineering began with a B.Tech. degree from Sona College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, where he achieved an outstanding overall percentage of 81%. 🎓 His academic prowess extends to his secondary education, showcasing exceptional performance in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology. 🏫

Research Experience:

During his tenure as a Research Assistant at VIT University from 2009 to 2014, Dr. Arun Kumar Ammasi delved into innovative studies in green concrete 🌱. His research encompassed experimental investigations, evaluating the viability of substituting traditional components with coal ashes. Through meticulous analysis, he assessed concrete strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, contributing significantly to sustainable construction practices. Dr. Ammasi’s expertise extended to developing predictive models for drying shrinkage in green concrete over a decade, enhancing long-term performance. Additionally, he pioneered the manufacture of artificial cold-bonded fly ash aggregates, a breakthrough in designing high-strength green concrete structures. 🧪🔬

Teaching Experience:

As an Associate Professor at VIT University Chennai Campus since July 2014, Dr. Arun Kumar Ammasi has demonstrated a passion for imparting knowledge in civil engineering disciplines 🏫. His extensive teaching portfolio includes courses for both B.Tech. Civil Engineering and M.Tech. Structural Engineering programs. Dr. Ammasi’s expertise encompasses a wide array of subjects such as Advanced Concrete Technology, Structural Analysis, and Finite Element Analysis, among others. 📚 Additionally, his role as a Teaching Assistant from 2010 to June 2014 involved conducting laboratory classes, where he facilitated hands-on learning experiences in RCC, limit state design of steel and concrete, and finite element analysis using Auto CAD, Staad Pro, and FORTRAN. 🖥️🧱

Awards:

Dr. Arun Kumar Ammasi’s contributions to the field of civil engineering have been recognized through several prestigious awards 🏆. Notably, he received the Best Paper Award at the IEEE conference held at EGS Pillay Engineering College, Nagapattinam, in March 2013, affirming the quality and significance of his research. Furthermore, Dr. Ammasi has been honored with Research Publication Awards for his publications in international peer-reviewed journals, spanning the years 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These accolades underscore his dedication to producing impactful scholarly work and advancing knowledge in his field. 📝🌐

 Research Focus :

Dr. Arun Kumar Ammasi’s research focus primarily lies in sustainable construction materials and innovative applications in civil engineering 🌱. He has made significant contributions to the utilization of industrial by-products such as fly ash and sewage sludge in concrete production, emphasizing the enhancement of strength and durability while promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, Dr. Ammasi’s work extends to eco-efficiency evaluations of self-compacting concrete using unconventional materials like magnesite mine waste, further highlighting his commitment to advancing eco-friendly construction practices. Through his interdisciplinary research efforts, he continually seeks to address contemporary challenges in the construction industry, paving the way for more sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions. 🏗️🔬

Publication Top  Notes: