Caoyuan Niu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Caoyuan Niu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Senior Engineer‌ | China Railway No.4 Engineering Group Co., Ltd | China

Dr. Caoyuan Niu is a dynamic researcher specializing in bridge and tunnel engineering, with a strong focus on the mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of rock and composite materials under complex environmental and loading conditions. Currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow jointly supervised by China Railway No.4 Engineering Group Co., Ltd. and Hefei University of Technology, he obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Sichuan University in 2021. His scholarly output demonstrates a robust contribution to the field, with six SCI-indexed publications as the first author in high-impact international journals such as Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, and Cold Regions Science and Technology. In addition to his academic publications, Dr. Niu holds ten authorized invention patents, reflecting a strong orientation toward practical innovation and technology transfer. His research on the bearing capacity of rock-anchored anchorage systems and the deterioration of rock materials under freeze-thaw and hydrochemical effects has advanced the understanding of infrastructure resilience and safety in extreme conditions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in material mechanics, structural engineering, and geotechnics, he has contributed to developing safer, more sustainable design principles for large-scale bridge and tunnel projects. Dr. Niu’s scientific endeavors not only enhance theoretical insights into rock fracture mechanics but also provide applied engineering solutions that support national infrastructure development and global knowledge exchange in civil and geotechnical engineering.

Profile: Scopus
Publications:

Influence of the interlaced holes on crack propagation behavior under impact loads. International Journal of Impact Engineering. 
(Cited by: 17)

Deterioration of dynamic fracture properties of granite under the coupled effects of hydrochemical solutions and freeze–thaw cycles. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 
(Cited by: 8)

Zahid Ur Rehman | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zahid Ur Rehman | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zahid Ur Rehman is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of Mining Engineering, specializing in rock mechanics, tunnel design, and numerical modeling for geotechnical analysis. His scholarly contributions emphasize the study of rock mass behavior under varied loading conditions, focusing on the stability and safety of underground structures in complex geological environments. Through extensive research on the Lowari Tunnel and Kohat Tunnel projects in Pakistan, Zahid Ur Rehman has developed advanced modeling techniques using FEM and DEM approaches to predict deformation, stress distribution, and support system performance. His work integrates theoretical and empirical methods to optimize tunnel support systems, enhance slope stability, and mitigate risks associated with rock bursts and collapses. Beyond tunnel engineering, his studies extend to dimension stone mining, ore reserve estimation, explosive engineering, and sustainable mineral extraction. His collaborative publications explore artificial intelligence applications for rock mass characterization, risk assessment in mining operations, and the environmental management of mineral industries. Zahid Ur Rehman has supervised multiple undergraduate projects investigating geotechnical variability, squeezing potential, and predictive modeling in tunnel environments, demonstrating a commitment to fostering research innovation. His proficiency with tools such as RocLab, RS2, and Matlab strengthens his expertise in simulation and modeling for ground support design. Additionally, his involvement with the Society of Mining Engineers and Pakistan Engineering Council highlights active engagement in professional development and academic leadership. His academic output, including journal articles and a co-authored book chapter on slope engineering, contributes significantly to advancing mining and geotechnical sciences. Zahid Ur Rehman has 92 citations across 11 research documents with an h-index of 6, reflecting substantial influence and research impact in the mining engineering discipline.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications

Jan, M. S., Hussain, S., Zahra, R. E., Emad, M. Z., Khan, N. M., Rehman, Z. U., Cao, K., Alarifi, S. S., Raza, S., Sherin, S., et al. (2023). Appraisal of different artificial intelligence techniques for the prediction of marble strength. Sustainability.

Hussain, S., Khan, N. M., Emad, M. Z., Naji, A. M., Cao, K., Gao, Q., Rehman, Z. U., Raza, S., Cui, R., Salman, M., et al. (2022). An appropriate model for the prediction of rock mass deformation modulus among various artificial intelligence models. Sustainability.

Gul, A., Shahzada, K., Alam, B., Badrashi, Y. I., Khan, S. W., Khan, F. A., Ali, A., & Rehman, Z. U. (2020). Experimental study on the structural behavior of cast in-situ hollow core concrete slabs. Civil Engineering Journal (Iran).

Hussian, S., Mohammad, N., Rehman, Z. U., Khan, N. M., Shahzada, K., Ali, S., Tahir, M., Raza, S., & Sherin, S. (2020). Review of the geological strength index (GSI) as an empirical classification and rock mass property estimation tool: Origination, modifications, applications, and limitations. Advances in Civil Engineering.

Tahir, M., Rehman, Z. U., Husain, S., Muhammad, N., Nazir, M., Sadiq, M., & Hussain, I. (2020). Up-gradation of black shale of Chimiari region of Pakistan by flotation scheme. Journal of Himalayan Earth Sciences.

Jibin Sun – Geotechnical Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Jibin Sun - Geotechnical Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Research Associate | Tianjin University | China

Dr. Jibin Sun has established a strong research foundation in geotechnical and civil engineering, focusing on the stability, performance, and safety of underground and foundation structures. His work addresses critical challenges in tunneling engineering, including progressive failure mechanisms, local failure impacts on adjacent structures, and the effects of contact loss under shield tunnel inverts. Through both experimental and numerical studies, he has contributed to advancing knowledge in tunnel safety, ground-structure interaction, and pile behavior under cyclic loading in dry sand. His studies integrate innovative modeling techniques such as Eulerian finite element methods and Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian simulations, demonstrating a balance of theoretical analysis and applied engineering solutions. Jibin Sun’s research outputs, published in high-impact journals like Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Acta Geotechnica, Géotechnique, and Engineering Failure Analysis, showcase his consistent focus on addressing complex geotechnical problems with practical relevance for infrastructure safety and resilience. Recognition through awards such as the Tianjin Science and Technology Progress Award and the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award of Tianjin University highlights the value and influence of his contributions. Supported by prestigious funding programs, his ongoing work continues to expand the frontiers of geotechnical engineering, particularly in underground construction and failure mechanism analysis, positioning him as an impactful contributor to the field. 342 Citations by 288 documents, 20 Documents, 9 h-index View.

Profile: Scopus
Featured Publications: 
  1. Experimental study of the effects of contact loss under a shield tunnel invert. (2024). Cited by 2.

  2. Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian simulation of progressive failure in shield tunnels induced by developing contact loss. (2024). Cited by 8.