Fei Liu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Fei Liu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associated Professor | Qingdao University of Technology | China

Fei Liu has built a strong research profile centered on rock mechanics, rockburst mechanisms, microseismic monitoring, and the stability of deep underground structures, combining extensive project experience with advanced analytical approaches to understand failure behavior in complex geological environments. His work spans true-triaxial unloading conditions, microseismicity evolution, jointed rock mass behavior, and deep excavation performance, contributing valuable insights into predicting and mitigating rockburst hazards in tunnels, hydropower stations, metro systems, and large-scale water conveyance projects. Through projects such as the study of rockburst initiation mechanisms under high-stress unloading, catastrophic strainburst failure processes, and multi-source precursory signatures, he has advanced both theoretical understanding and engineering applications by integrating discrete element modeling, field monitoring, and data-driven analysis. His leadership in projects funded by provincial foundations, national engineering research centers, and industry commissions highlights his capability to translate scientific concepts into practical solutions, particularly in supporting excavation safety and developing early warning technologies for high-risk underground environments. His published work covers failure characteristics of jointed rock, observed performances of deep excavations, collapses in large tunnels, and microseismic monitoring-based rockburst prediction, reflecting a consistent focus on coupling mechanical behavior with early-warning indicators. By linking numerical simulation results with real-world monitoring data, he contributes to improving the reliability of hazard prediction models, optimizing excavation strategies, and enhancing risk-control frameworks in deep engineering construction. Across his research trajectory, he continues to explore the dynamic behavior of rocks, precursory energy evolution before failure, and innovative monitoring techniques that enhance the safety and resilience of underground infrastructure. This integrated research approach positions him at the forefront of rockburst mechanism studies and deep engineering risk assessment, driving ongoing advancement in underground construction safety and rock mechanics research.

Profile: Scopus
Publications:

Xin Zhenhua | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Xin Zhenhua | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Deputy department head | Advact | South Korea

Dr. Xin Zhenhua has built extensive expertise across geotechnical engineering, offshore foundation systems, tunnel drainage performance, and advanced ground-improvement technologies, contributing through diverse projects, industrial roles, patents, and high-impact publications. His work at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology focused on developing erection methods for large marine bridge foundations, including a 20-m-diameter steel pipe construction technique designed to reduce offshore bridge approach costs. At DenverKorea E&C, he advanced the development and commercialization of a smart super-diameter high-pressure jet-grouting system, expanding practical applications of soil stabilization technologies in challenging subsurface conditions. His current role at Advact Co., Ltd. involves designing, fabricating, and installing offshore wind support structures and leading engineering applications of suction bucket foundations and suction anchors, further strengthening his capabilities in offshore and renewable-energy infrastructure. His research output spans ultrasonic energy–based soil improvement, tunnel drainage enhancement using PVDF-film vibrations, magnetic-field-assisted grouting, gap-graded granular particle manipulation for jamming-based soil reinforcement, and suction-based foundation installation, evidenced by numerous SCIE, SCOPUS, and KCI publications between 2014 and 2024, many of which he authored or co-authored as first or corresponding author. His conference presentations highlight global dissemination of findings on particulate jamming, tunnel reinforcement materials, and jet-grouting applicability, while his patents—including devices for drainage-scale adhesion measurement, hybrid dust-collection systems, real-time quality monitoring for ultra-large-diameter jet-grouting, and automatic control systems for tripod suction buckets—demonstrate strong innovation capacity and practical impact in civil and geotechnical engineering. His research interests consistently integrate advanced energy-based soil treatment, offshore foundation optimization, soil–structure interaction, jet-grouting technologies, and smart monitoring systems aimed at improving construction efficiency, safety, and long-term performance in both onshore and offshore environments.

Profile: Scopus
Publications

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2019). Ultrasonically enhanced physical properties of milky cement for ground improvement. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering.