Dongwook Kim | Construction Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Dongwook Kim | Construction Management | Best Researcher Award

DL E&C | South Korea

Dr. Dongwook Kim is a distinguished civil engineer and senior manager at DL E&C’s Civil Smart Engineering Team, specializing in smart construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and modular infrastructure systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Chung-Ang University with exceptional academic performance, following master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the same institution. With over 18 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Kim has significantly contributed to the integration of digitalization, automation, and AI-based predictive maintenance in infrastructure engineering. His expertise spans modular composite structures, precast bridge systems, and machine learning applications for structural performance prediction. Dr. Kim has authored more than 25 SCI/SCIE-indexed papers and multiple domestic publications, and has contributed to three book chapters and several national patents on structural innovation and BIM applications. He has been a key technical advisor and committee member for leading Korean organizations such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Korea Expressway Corporation (EX), and Korea National Railway (KR), helping develop BIM standards, digital construction guidelines, and smart infrastructure frameworks. His collaborative research includes international engagements with experts from Europe and Asia, fostering global knowledge exchange in smart civil engineering. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Kim has received prestigious honors including the Ministerial Best Innovation Award (2021) and the International Young Scientist Best Researcher Award (2024), and has been listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the World for multiple consecutive years. His research continues to advance sustainable, data-driven infrastructure management and the implementation of AI-empowered digital twin technologies, contributing to the global transition toward resilient and intelligent civil engineering systems.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Publications:

Kim, D. (2025, September). Corrugated inner wall connections for composite Rahmen bridges: Advancing design and construction efficiency. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering.

Kim, D., Matos, J., & Dang, S. N. (2025, February 23). Development of BIM platform for semantic data based on standard WBS codes. Buildings, 15(5), 711.

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)

Poloju Kiran Kumar | Structural Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Poloju Kiran Kumar | Structural Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Middle East College | Oman

Dr. Poloju Kiran Kumar is a distinguished researcher and academician in civil and environmental engineering, presently serving as Senior Lecturer at Middle East College, Muscat, Oman, and Committee Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Oman region. With over thirteen years of academic and research experience, his expertise encompasses structural engineering, sustainable construction materials, and advanced geopolymer concrete technology. Dr. Kiran has authored more than 80 research papers in Web of Science and Scopus-indexed journals and contributed eight book chapters published by Springer, Taylor & Francis, and Nova Publishers. His research achievements include five patents in India and Oman focusing on innovative sustainable concrete materials and artificial intelligence applications in structural performance analysis. He has successfully completed four externally funded research projects worth 16,000 OMR from The Research Council of Oman and leads collaborative projects with Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. His scholarly influence is reflected through over 250 Google Scholar citations with an h-index of 12. Dr. Kiran’s academic leadership is evident in his role in program accreditation, quality assurance, and development of modern teaching pedagogies integrating digital tools. His commitment to sustainable construction and community engagement has earned multiple accolades, including four Best Academic Staff Awards, the INSO Young Scientist Award (2022), and recognition as ICE Oman’s Committee Member (2025). A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), Dr. Kiran has delivered numerous keynote lectures and workshops across Oman, India, and beyond on geopolymer concrete, sustainable infrastructure, and pedagogical innovation. His research contributes significantly to the advancement of low-carbon construction technologies, enhancing environmental resilience and promoting sustainable development in alignment with global engineering goals.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar
Publications:

Poloju, R. K. M. K., & Anil, V. (2017). Properties of concrete as influenced by shape and texture of fine aggregate. American Journal of Applied Scientific Research, 3(3), 28–36.
(Cited by: 22)

Poloju, K. K., & Srinivasu, K. (2021). Impact of GGBS and strength ratio on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete under ambient curing and oven curing. Materials Today: Proceedings, 42, 962–968. 
(Cited by: 60)

Rollakanti, C. R., Prasad, C. V. S. R., Poloju, K. K., Al Muharbi, N. M. J., & Arun, Y. V. (2021). An experimental investigation on mechanical properties of concrete by partial replacement of cement with wood ash and fine sea shell powder. Materials Today: Proceedings, 43, 1325–1330. 
(Cited by: 56)

Poloju, V. R. K. K., & Naidu, [First initial unavailable]. (2022). New method of data collection using the Kobo Toolbox. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 1527–1535.
(Cited by: 39)

Al Abri, S. A. S., Rollakanti, C. R., Poloju, K. K., & Joe, A. (2022). Experimental study on mechanical properties of concrete by partial replacement of cement with eggshell powder for sustainable construction. Materials Today: Proceedings, 65, 1660–1665. 
(Cited by: 25)

Xiao Jiayu | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Xiao Jiayu | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Central South University of Forestry and Technology | China

Xiao Jiayu is an emerging researcher from Central South University of Forestry and Technology, specializing in the interdisciplinary fields of landscape architecture and civil and hydraulic engineering. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 2024, ranking within the top 30% of her cohort, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil and Hydraulic Engineering at the same institution, continuing her academic excellence with a strong research orientation. Her academic foundation integrates aesthetic, ecological, and structural design principles, reflected through outstanding performance in subjects such as landscape engineering, environmental psychology, urban green space planning, and advanced concrete and steel structure theories. Demonstrating exceptional analytical and technical abilities, she has developed a keen interest in sustainable design, structural safety, and green infrastructure systems that contribute to environmental resilience and urban livability. Her current research direction focuses on the integration of engineering precision with ecological sensitivity, aiming to advance innovative solutions for sustainable urban development and landscape restoration. Xiao Jiayu’s strong command of design software, numerical analysis, and experimental techniques enables her to bridge creative design with scientific rigor effectively. Throughout her academic journey, she has exhibited strong teamwork and leadership skills through university projects, collaborative design workshops, and interdisciplinary studies. Her academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to fostering harmony between built environments and natural ecosystems, highlighting her potential to make significant contributions to sustainable construction and landscape innovation. With a growing academic profile and dedication to continuous learning, she represents the new generation of scholars poised to shape the future of civil engineering and environmental design through research-driven, socially responsible, and technologically informed approaches.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications:

Yuan, J., Xiao, J., & Huang, D. (2025, December). Experimental research on bond behavior of high-strength reinforcement in unconfined fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Case Studies in Construction Materials.

Changbai Wang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Changbai Wang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Vice-Dean | Anhui University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Changbai Wang, affiliated with Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China, is a distinguished researcher recognized for his significant contributions to the field of construction materials and sustainable concrete technologies. With a robust publication record of 20 scholarly documents, his research has achieved over 343 citations across 326 documents, reflecting a notable h-index of 10, underscoring the consistent quality and influence of his academic work. Dr. Wang’s research primarily focuses on high-performance concrete (HPC), internal curing mechanisms, and the innovative utilization of industrial by-products, particularly coal gangue aggregates, to enhance the sustainability and performance of civil engineering materials. His recent works, such as studies on pore-regulated coal aggregates and self-compacting tunnel concrete, demonstrate his commitment to advancing environmentally responsible construction practices. Collaborating with over 40 co-authors, he has fostered interdisciplinary partnerships that bridge material science, civil engineering, and environmental sustainability. Through his extensive research collaborations, Dr. Wang contributes to the global discourse on low-carbon construction, emphasizing circular economy principles and resource optimization in infrastructure development. His scholarly influence extends beyond academia, as his findings have practical implications for industries aiming to reduce ecological footprints while maintaining material performance. The societal impact of his work lies in promoting sustainable material innovation aligned with modern infrastructure needs. With ongoing projects and emerging studies in high-performance concrete applications, Dr. Wang demonstrates strong potential for further breakthroughs in green construction materials and structural durability research. His academic trajectory and commitment to addressing global environmental challenges position him as a key contributor to the future of sustainable construction and materials engineering.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications:

  • Updated internal curing for HPC using pore-regulated coal aggregates. Case Studies in Construction Materials.

  • Internal curing for tunnel self-compacting concrete using pre-soaked coal gangue: A promising way for spot utilization of coal gangue. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology Transactions of Civil Engineering.

Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Researcher | Housing research centre | Malaysia

Mr. Azunna Sunday Ugochukwu has established a strong professional and research background in civil and structural engineering, with notable expertise in sustainable construction materials, structural analysis, and project management. His career includes extensive work in both academic and industrial settings, where he contributed to the design and execution of major infrastructure projects such as residential complexes, university facilities, religious centers, and extensive road networks across Nigeria. At Universiti Putra Malaysia, his research has focused on innovative materials for civil engineering applications, including coconut shell, palm kernel shell, recycled bricks, granite powder, and rubberized geopolymer concrete, leading to multiple publications in reputable international journals. His scholarly contributions span experimental and review studies, addressing compressive strength, stress-strain behavior, and dynamic response of advanced concrete materials, demonstrating his capacity to integrate environmental sustainability with engineering performance. Beyond research, Azunna has engaged in professional workshops on structural modeling, design, and detailing, sharing expertise with institutions such as Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. His memberships with COREN, the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers affirm his commitment to professional standards and development within the engineering community. With experience as an assistant structural engineer, assistant project manager, and doctoral researcher, he has consistently demonstrated versatility in applying theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges. His skill set includes advanced structural design software, AutoCAD, drone operation, and engineering instrumentation, underscoring his technological adaptability. The scope of his executed projects—from institutional buildings to healthcare facilities and leisure parks—highlights his versatility and capacity to manage diverse engineering assignments effectively. His growing academic output, combined with practical project delivery, positions him as a significant contributor to advancing civil engineering knowledge and practice. Engr. Azunna Sunday Ugochukwu has achieved 120 Citations, 8 Documents, and 5 h-index.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID
Featured Publications:

Azunna, S. U. (2019). Compressive strength of concrete with palm kernel shell as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate. SN Applied Sciences, 1(4), 342.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Rashid, R. S. M., & Bakar, N. B. A. (2024). Review on the characteristic properties of crumb rubber concrete. Cleaner Materials, 12, 100237.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Cun, P. M., & Elhibir, M. M. O. (2019). Characterization of lightweight cement concrete with partial replacement of coconut shell fine aggregate. SN Applied Sciences, 1(6), 649.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Bakar, N. A., & Nasir, N. A. M. (2018). Mechanical properties of concrete with coconut shell as partial replacement of aggregates. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 431(3), 032001.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. B. A., Al-Ghazali, N. A., Rashid, R. S. M., & Bakar, N. A. (2024). Review on the mechanical properties of rubberized geopolymer concrete. Cleaner Materials, 11, 100225.

Kundan Yadav – Construction Materials – Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Kundan Yadav | Construction Materials | Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges Award

Research Scholar | Lovely Professional University | Nepal

Mr. Kundan Yadav has established a strong research and professional profile in the field of civil engineering and construction management with a focus on sustainable practices, low-carbon materials, and resilient infrastructure solutions. His work integrates both academic research and practical implementation, spanning hydropower, bridges, urban water supply, sanitation systems, and building construction. A key area of his research revolves around eco-friendly materials, particularly the use of supplementary cementitious materials, plastic bricks, and biochar as innovative alternatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote circular construction. Publications in peer-reviewed journals highlight his exploration of carbon quantification methods and best practices for emission reduction, reflecting a commitment to advancing sustainability in construction. Professionally, Kundan Yadav has taken progressive roles from Site Engineer to Project Manager, contributing to projects funded by organizations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, ensuring quality control, safety compliance, and project efficiency. His leadership in managing hydropower retrofitting, bridge construction, trauma center building, and large-scale infrastructure projects demonstrates expertise in structural stability, resilience, and sustainable project delivery. By combining technical knowledge in AutoCAD, Staad Pro, MS Project, MATLAB, and sustainability assessment with practical construction management skills, he bridges the gap between theory and practice. His work emphasizes transforming waste into valuable construction resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting innovation in materials science. The consistent focus on resilience and carbon reduction showcases his vision of sustainable infrastructure development tailored to the needs of South Asia, where rapid urbanization demands eco-conscious solutions. Through both research and professional practice, Kundan Yadav contributes to advancing civil engineering toward a future that prioritizes environmental sustainability, efficient resource utilization, and long-term durability of infrastructure systems, marking him as a significant contributor to sustainable construction research and practice.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  1. Sustainable development by carbon emission reduction and its quantification: An overview of current methods and best practices. (2023). Cited by 21.

  2. Transforming waste into innovation: A review of plastic bricks as sustainable construction materials. (2024). Cited by 13.

  3. Sustainable solutions: Exploring supplementary cementitious materials in construction. (2025). Cited by 7.

  4. Comparative study of biochar and charcoal and their application in the construction industry. (2024). Cited by 5.

  5. Waste water characteristics and its management in and around HSTU campus of Bangladesh. (2021).

Mehran Makhsusy – Construction Management – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mehran Makhsusy - Construction Management - Best Researcher Award

Roudehen Islamic Azad University | Iran

Dr. Mehran Makhsusy has established a research focus in civil engineering with a specialization in construction management, emphasizing customer satisfaction, project quality, and stakeholder engagement. His work consistently integrates modern approaches such as decision-making systems, artificial intelligence, and building information modeling to optimize construction processes and improve efficiency. Publications such as his book on customer-oriented construction and his journal articles in international and regional outlets highlight his commitment to developing frameworks that align construction practices with end-user needs. By addressing legal perspectives in construction contracts and analyzing decision-making models, he broadens the research impact beyond engineering to encompass managerial and legal dimensions of construction. Mehran Makhsusy has contributed to both theoretical advancements and practical methodologies, offering solutions for sustainable and customer-centered urban development. His dissertation and subsequent studies further reinforce his efforts to create construction models that enhance productivity while ensuring long-term satisfaction for users. Through his engagement in conferences, peer-reviewed journals, and academic collaborations, he has provided valuable contributions to the evolving dialogue on improving construction project outcomes. With a clear focus on innovative construction patterns, optimization of urban development, and enhanced integration of digital tools, Mehran Makhsusy’s research demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach that combines engineering principles, managerial strategies, and technology-driven decision-making. This consistent trajectory illustrates his dedication to advancing civil engineering practices by aligning them with the demands of modern urban environments and the expectations of stakeholders, ensuring that projects are not only technically sound but also socially responsive and customer-oriented.

Profile: ORCID
Publications: 

  1. Finding the optimal pattern of customer-oriented urban construction. (2025).

  2. Integrating building information modeling and artificial intelligence to improve the planning and control process of construction projects. (2025).

  3. Customer-centered construction patterns. (2024).

  4. A legal perspective on the general conditions of the contract from the perspective of administrative contracts. (2024).

  5. Optimization of decision-making in customer-oriented construction management using intelligent decision-making systems. (2023).

  6. Optimizing urban construction patterns to increase user satisfaction. (2022).

Pei Bida – Construction Management – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Pei Bida | Construction Management | Best Researcher Award

Lecture | Changsha University of Science & Technology | China

Pei Bida has focused research efforts on advancing the field of civil and environmental engineering with a strong emphasis on modern methods and technologies that enhance the performance, safety, and sustainability of large-scale infrastructure systems. His primary interests include Building Information Modeling (BIM), which he employs to improve project coordination, optimize resource use, and advance the integration of digital solutions into engineering practices. A significant portion of his work is devoted to the numerical simulation of large-span bridges, where he applies computational techniques to analyze structural responses under varying conditions, thereby providing more accurate assessments of safety, serviceability, and durability. This direction in research contributes to the efficient design, construction, and maintenance of bridge systems, ensuring that they meet the increasing demands of modern transportation networks. Another key area of his expertise lies in the fatigue analysis of steel bridges, where he examines the long-term behavior of materials and structural components subjected to cyclic loading. Through such investigations, he seeks to address critical issues of degradation and performance loss, thereby extending the service life of important infrastructure while reducing maintenance costs. His research not only contributes to academic understanding but also has direct practical applications in engineering practice, offering solutions to pressing challenges faced in bridge construction and management. By integrating BIM, advanced simulations, and fatigue studies, Pei Bida is shaping a holistic approach to modern civil engineering that bridges theoretical insights with engineering applications. His contributions demonstrate a commitment to advancing safe, efficient, and technologically driven infrastructure solutions that align with the evolving needs of society. This ongoing body of work underlines his role as a significant contributor to civil engineering research, and his scholarly impact is reflected in 231 Citations by 217 documents, 23 Documents, and a 9 h-index View.

Profile: Scopus
Publications

  1. Experimental and analytical study on the flexural behavior of a novel steel-NC-UHPC composite bridge deck system. (2025).

  2. Experimental study on negative bending resistance of steel-NC-UHPC composite bridge deck. (2025).

Javad Mokari – Concrete Design and Retrofit – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Javad Mokari | Concrete Design and Retrofit | Best Researcher Award

Civil Engineering | Urmia University of Technology | Iran

Javad Mokari Rahmdel has developed a strong research career in civil and earthquake engineering, focusing on seismic performance evaluation, rehabilitation, and structural control. His work emphasizes the resilience of reinforced concrete and steel structures, retrofitting techniques, and advanced materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and shape memory alloys. Publications demonstrate his expertise in both experimental and numerical approaches, addressing challenges like confinement, retrofitting, and dynamic response of structures under seismic loads. He has contributed to seismic rehabilitation strategies through analytical modeling, innovative jacketing systems, and performance-based assessment of structures. Javad Mokari Rahmdel has extended his research to geotechnical aspects, structural dynamics, and seismic hazard mitigation, presenting findings at national and international conferences. His authored books on steel and concrete construction monitoring showcase his ability to link theoretical concepts with practical engineering applications. He has supervised numerous postgraduate theses and participated in multiple funded research projects, reinforcing his commitment to advancing earthquake-resistant design. His teaching portfolio, covering advanced mathematics, elasticity, structural stability, reinforced concrete design, and hazard analysis, highlights his role in shaping future engineers. In addition, his professional activities include leadership positions in academic and technical committees, active membership in engineering associations, and delivering specialized workshops and lectures on seismic safety. His recent collaborations explore high-strength materials, nonlinear modeling, and innovative retrofitting strategies to address modern challenges in structural engineering. Through multidisciplinary engagement and consistent scholarly output, Javad Mokari Rahmdel has built a comprehensive research profile that contributes significantly to seismic risk reduction, resilient infrastructure design, and sustainable urban development, establishing him as a recognized academic and practitioner in earthquake engineering and structural mechanics.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar
Publications: