Fuat Aras | Structural Engineering | Research Excellence in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Fuat Aras | Structural Engineering | Research Excellence in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award

Istanbul Medeniyet University | Turkey

Prof. Fuat Aras is a distinguished civil engineer whose academic and research trajectory demonstrates substantial contributions to structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, and the protection of historical and modern infrastructures. With extensive experience as Professor in the Civil Engineering Department at Istanbul Medeniyet University, he has built a strong research portfolio grounded in experimental and numerical analyses of reinforced concrete and masonry structures, dynamic characterization, structural health monitoring, and seismic retrofitting. His scholarly accomplishments include numerous SCI/SCIE-indexed journal publications, books, and international conference papers, reflecting a consistent commitment to advancing global knowledge in earthquake-resistant design and the preservation of cultural heritage structures. Prof. Aras has coordinated several national research projects funded by TUBITAK, focusing on innovative technologies for improving building performance, dynamic behavior evaluation, and damage assessment, while also contributing to major European Union–supported initiatives on seismic protection. He has supervised multiple graduate theses on structural monitoring, retrofitting strategies, and seismic performance, indicating strong mentorship and academic leadership. His long-standing collaborations with national and international institutions, including partnerships with researchers in Türkiye, Europe, and the United States, highlight his interdisciplinary and global impact. In addition to his research excellence, he has held key administrative roles such as department chair and vice dean, strengthening institutional development and academic governance. His body of work has supported safer community infrastructures by providing evidence-based insights into building behavior, seismic vulnerabilities, and preservation strategies, thereby contributing significantly to societal resilience. With extensive teaching experience in core structural engineering courses and expertise in advanced analytical tools, Prof. Aras continues to shape the next generation of engineers while expanding research frontiers in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, positioning him as a highly influential figure with strong future potential for further impact in his field.

Profile: Google Scholar | ORCID
Publications

Aras, F., Krstevska, L., Altay, G., & Tashkov, L. (2011). Experimental and numerical modal analyses of a historical masonry palace. Construction and Building Materials, 25(1), 81–91.

Namli, M., & Aras, F. (2020). Investigation of effects of dynamic loads in metro tunnels during construction and operation on existing buildings. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13(11), 424.

Aras, F., & Altay, G. (2015). Investigation of mechanical properties of masonry in historic buildings. Građevinar, 67(5),

Aras, F., & Altay, G. (2015). Seismic evaluation and structural control of the historical Beylerbeyi Palace. Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 22(2), 347–364.

Aras, F., & Düzci, E. (2018). Seismic performance of traditional stone masonry dwellings under Çanakkale seismic sequences. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 32(4), 04018029.

Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | University of Buraimi | Oman

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Salah Edeen Nassef is an accomplished Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at Helwan University, Egypt, and the University of Buraimi, Oman, where he also served as Acting Dean and Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering. With over two decades of academic and professional experience, his expertise spans structural analysis, reinforced concrete and steel design, nonlinear structural behavior, and sustainability in construction materials. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from Cairo University and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Helwan University. Dr. Nassef has authored numerous publications in international journals and conferences, covering topics such as buckling of columns, nonlinear damage mechanics, composite structures, and eco-friendly concrete using palm tree and medical waste materials. His research contributions, reflected in a growing citation record, demonstrate his global engagement and innovation in sustainable structural systems. He has led and mentored multiple funded research projects supported by institutions such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MOHERI) of Oman and Najran University, addressing practical engineering challenges and advancing materials recycling and durability enhancement. Beyond research, Dr. Nassef has been deeply involved in academic leadership, serving as Chair of Research and Ethics Committees, ABET and OAAA accreditation coordinator, and quality assurance leader for civil engineering programs. His scholarly excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the University of Buraimi’s Scholarship and Teaching Excellence Awards (2022, 2023) and Best Student Research Paper Awards at national symposiums. His extensive collaborations and mentorship have significantly contributed to capacity building and research culture in the Middle East. Through his sustained efforts in integrating innovation, sustainability, and quality education, Dr. Nassef continues to make a notable global impact in civil and structural engineering research and higher education.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar
Publications:

Nassef, A. S. E. (2015). Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio in new formula of predicting cracks propagation in reinforced concrete tie. International Journal of Damage Mechanics, 24(8), 1214–1226. 
(Cited by: 5)

Nassef, A. S. E., & Dahim, M. A. (2016). New bi-modular material approach to buckling problem of reinforced concrete columns. [Journal name unavailable]. (Cited by: 6)

Nassef, A. S. E., Nassar, M. M., & El-Refaee, M. M. (2019). Dynamic response of Timoshenko beam resting on nonlinear Pasternak foundation carrying sprung masses. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering. 
(Cited by: 9)

Nassef, A. S. E., Al-Maqbali, K. H., & Al Naqabi, S. M. (2021). Effects of replacing cement by date palm trees wastes on concrete performance. Proceedings of the International Structural Engineering and Construction, 8(1). 
(Cited by: 5)

Nassef, A. (2022). Non-prismatic model for laterally loaded pile in granular soil resisted by ultimate lateral reaction. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 16(4), 400–407. 
(Cited by: 4)