Faustyn Recha | Civil Engineering | Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award

Dr. Faustyn Recha | Civil Engineering | Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award

Assistant professor at Academy of Silesia, Poland.

Dr. Faustyn Recha, PhD, C.Eng, is a passionate civil engineering researcher and practitioner from Poland 🇵🇱. With expertise in reinforced concrete durability and structural mechanics 🏗️, he merges academic rigor with practical design. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering and Transport in 2021, focusing on modeling reinforcement corrosion 🧪. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Silesia, where he teaches and conducts innovative research 👨‍🏫. Dr. Recha is the author of over 200 technical designs and multiple scientific publications 📚. He collaborates internationally with institutions in Germany, Slovakia, China, and the USA 🌍. In addition to research, he is involved in structural inspections, prefabrication innovations, and has developed a patented balcony slab connection system 🔧. His career is a blend of science, teaching, and hands-on engineering — continuously pushing boundaries in civil infrastructure 💡.

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Suitability for Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award – Dr. Faustyn Recha

Dr. Faustyn Recha exemplifies what this award represents — exceptional academic performance, original research, and meaningful impact on civil engineering education and practice. He demonstrates consistent scholarly excellence, leadership in academic settings, and contributions that merge scientific advancement with industry relevance. From high-level research to real-world design, his career highlights a dedication to elevating civil engineering standards.

Education 

Dr. Faustyn Recha began his academic journey by graduating with distinction from high school in Psary in 2010 🎓. He earned his B.Eng. (2014) and M.Sc. (2015) in Civil Engineering from the Częstochowa University of Technology 🏫, specializing in Building and Engineering Structures 🏗️. Passionate about deeper inquiry, he pursued a PhD at the Silesian University of Technology, completing it in 2021 🧠. His doctoral thesis focused on modeling the degradation of reinforced concrete due to reinforcement corrosion, combining thermomechanical theory and experimental verification 🔬📐. This solid educational foundation underpins his academic and engineering expertise.

Professional Development 

Dr. Recha’s professional journey began in 2015 in a reinforced concrete design studio 🏢. Alongside his doctoral studies from 2016, he gained hands-on experience in design offices and achieved full construction qualifications in 2018 🔧📐. Since 2021, he has served as an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Silesia, teaching subjects such as concrete structures, mechanics, and corrosion science 👨‍🏫. He has also coordinated the Civil Engineering discipline at the academy since 2022 🏛️. Internationally active, Dr. Recha completed scientific internships in Germany 🇩🇪 and Slovakia 🇸🇰, and maintains collaborations with researchers in China and the USA 🌐. His dual role as an academic and practicing engineer bridges research with real-world construction applications. As a designer, he has authored over 200 construction designs, assessments, and structural analyses 🧱🧮. His contributions reflect a dynamic blend of research, education, and professional engineering excellence 💼📊.

Research Focus Area 

Dr. Faustyn Recha’s research primarily focuses on the durability and degradation of reinforced concrete structures under corrosion effects 🏗️⚙️. His work centers around modeling corrosion-induced damage in reinforced concrete elements, with an emphasis on thermomechanical and electrochemical processes 🔬🧪. He has developed advanced numerical models to predict crack propagation and structural degradation using parameters like corrosion current density and volumetric strain tensors 💡📊. Dr. Recha’s studies also include non-invasive diagnostic methods, aiming to estimate corrosion current based on deflection – a significant step in preventive infrastructure maintenance 🛠️. His research is deeply relevant to sustainable construction, extending the life of concrete structures and reducing repair costs 🔍♻️. With collaborations across Europe and Asia 🌍, he bridges scientific theory with structural safety and real-world application, ensuring his research contributes meaningfully to the field of civil engineering infrastructure and materials science 🧱🌐.

Research Skills 

Dr. Recha brings an impressive array of research skills to the civil engineering domain 📘🧪. He excels in numerical modeling, particularly Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for analyzing stress, deflection, and crack propagation in reinforced concrete elements 💻🔍. He is skilled in experimental verification, having conducted advanced lab testing to correlate corrosion levels with structural behavior ⚗️📏. His work in thermo-mechanical coupling and electrochemical modeling reflects high proficiency in cross-disciplinary research 🔄🧠. Dr. Recha is also proficient in probabilistic simulation methods such as Monte Carlo analysis for assessing model sensitivity under uncertainty 🎲📈. In addition to technical modeling, he demonstrates strong analytical writing, technical reporting, and journal publication skills 📝📚. His ability to integrate theoretical models with real-world applications — including construction diagnostics and structural design — makes him a rare blend of researcher and practitioner ⚙️🏗️. He also actively contributes to academic peer review and interdisciplinary collaborations 🤝🌍.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Faustyn Recha’s dedication to civil engineering has earned him multiple honors and recognitions 🏆. He received a prestigious Rector’s Scholarship from the Silesian University of Technology for academic excellence 🎓🌟. In 2020, he was awarded second place in the poster session for young scientists at the 66th Conference of the Polish Academy of Sciences 🖼️🥈. His achievements also include top placements in the “Modern Engineer” competition organized by the Silesian Chamber of Construction Engineers, securing 4th and 7th places in 2018 and 2019 respectively 🏗️🎯. His growing reputation as a researcher and educator has led to international internship invitations and reviewer roles in scientific journals 📄🌍. In addition, his patent-pending innovation for prefabricated slab connections underlines his contribution to practical engineering and technological advancement ⚙️📑. These awards reflect his consistent pursuit of excellence in both academic and industrial domains.

Publication Top Notes

1. A Cracking Model for Reinforced Concrete Cover Taking Account of the Accumulation of Corrosion Products in the ITZ Layer, and Including Computational and Experimental Verification
  • Authors: T. Krykowski, T. Jaśniok, F. Recha, M. Karolak

  • Journal: Materials, 13(23), Article 5375

  • Year: 2020

  • Citations: 16

  • Summary:
    This paper presents a comprehensive model for simulating the cracking of reinforced concrete (RC) covers, with special attention to the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the steel and concrete. It accounts for the accumulation of corrosion products, which induces expansive stresses leading to cracking. Both computational simulations and experimental results are provided, confirming the model’s effectiveness in predicting crack initiation and propagation due to rebar corrosion.

2. The Simulation of Corrosion Degradation of Concrete Specimen in Stationary Heat and Moisture Conditions
  • Authors: F. Recha, T. Jaśniok, T. Krykowski

  • Journal: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environment, 10(4)

  • Year: 2018

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary:
    This study uses numerical simulations to analyze the degradation of concrete due to corrosion under constant thermal and moisture conditions. The results show how environmental stability influences the rate of corrosion and crack formation. The simulation helps in understanding the long-term performance of RC structures exposed to consistent environmental stressors.

3. Estimation Method of Corrosion Current Density of RC Elements
  • Author: F. Recha

  • Journal: Open Engineering, 13(1), Article 20220430

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    The paper introduces a new method to estimate corrosion current density in RC elements. The method is based on measurable physical parameters and provides a practical tool for engineers to assess corrosion levels without invasive testing. It contributes to better monitoring and prediction of RC degradation.

4.Numerical simulation of the load-bearing capacity decrease of reinforced concrete structure due to reinforcement corrosion
  • Authors: F. Recha, T.J. Krykowski, T. Jaśniok

  • Conference: 15th Int. Conf. on New Trends in Statics and Dynamics of Buildings

  • Year: 2017

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    This conference paper details a numerical study of how reinforcement corrosion reduces the load-bearing capacity of RC structures over time. The simulation includes the progressive loss of cross-section and bond strength, providing insight into long-term structural performance and failure risks due to corrosion.

5.Principles for conducting periodic technical inspections of buildings in terms of safety and use
  • Authors: F. Recha, P. Nagel

  • Journal: BUILDER, 295(2), pp. 12–14

  • Year: 2022

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary:
    A practical article outlining procedures and legal requirements for routine inspections of buildings. It emphasizes safety, usability, and the early detection of degradation phenomena such as corrosion. The paper serves as a guideline for engineers and inspectors to ensure compliance and structural integrity.

6. Application of Interval Analysis to Assess Concrete Cover Degradation in Accelerated Corrosion Tests
  • Authors: F. Recha, K. Yurkova, T. Krykowski

  • Journal: Materials

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 2

  • Summary:
    This research explores the use of interval analysis to model and evaluate the degradation of concrete covers during accelerated corrosion testing. The interval approach allows for uncertainty in material properties and measurement data, offering a more robust assessment tool for interpreting test results in corrosion studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Faustyn Recha is an ideal recipient of the Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award. His blend of rigorous research, innovative thinking, and educational leadership defines him as a transformative figure in modern civil engineering academia. With a PhD that breaks new ground, significant teaching responsibilities, and global collaboration, Dr. Recha not only achieves academic excellence — he inspires it in others. Recognizing his work would honor a career committed to advancing civil engineering knowledge, resilience, and practice.

Miguel Sagaseta de Ilurdoz Cortadellas | Water science and technology / Water treatment | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Miguel Sagaseta de Ilurdoz Cortadellas | Water science and technology / Water treatment | Best Researcher Award

University professor at Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Miguel Sagaseta de Ilurdoz Cortadellas is an accomplished industrial engineer, educator, and researcher known for his contributions to renewable energy systems, environmental engineering, and applied mathematics. With over 15 years of diverse experience in both academia and technical consultancy, he has played a critical role in advancing sustainable energy technologies and enhancing engineering education in Spain. His unique blend of practical knowledge, academic insight, and innovative research makes him a standout professional in his field.

Profile

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EDUCATION

Miguel earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from the Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2008. His studies emphasized multidisciplinary engineering, blending mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems with advanced analytical tools. He further honed his expertise in engineering applications through software like AutoCAD, Matlab, and mathematical modeling. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his research and teaching in technical and environmental fields, allowing him to approach complex energy and infrastructure challenges with precision and creativity.

EXPERIENCE

Following his graduation, Miguel began his career in May 2009 as a technical consultant and expert in industrial energy systems, particularly focusing on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Over time, he transitioned into academia, where he has held several key teaching and research roles. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Complutense University of Madrid, he teaches mathematics and statistics to business and engineering students. Previously, he served at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and participated in major regional projects such as “Gran Canaria, Experimental Island,” where he coordinated research on energy efficiency and environmental innovation. His teaching portfolio spans subjects like aerodynamics, elasticity, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis, reflecting his wide-ranging expertise.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Miguel’s research interests focus on environmental and energy engineering, particularly in the context of island ecosystems and sustainability. He is deeply engaged in studies related to renewable energy systems, water desalination technologies, environmental impact assessments, and energy efficiency optimization. He has also contributed significantly to the analysis of fluid-structure interaction, elasticity theory, and environmental systems modeling. His interdisciplinary research bridges engineering and environmental science, with a consistent emphasis on real-world applications and societal impact.

AWARD

Miguel’s dedication to sustainability, education, and interdisciplinary innovation has earned him nominations and recognition in academic and research communities. His work in combining technical research with environmental objectives, particularly in the Canary Islands, has been praised for its practical utility and policy relevance. His ability to collaborate across scientific domains and his leadership in educational innovation strengthen his position as a strong candidate for awards recognizing academic and scientific excellence.

PUBLICATION

Miguel has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in the fields of environmental and energy engineering. Notably, he co-authored “Antibiotic removal processes from water & wastewater for the protection of the aquatic environment – a review”, published in the Journal of Water Process Engineering in 2022, which has been widely cited for its insights into sustainable water treatment technologies. Another major contribution is “Primary energy consumption in desalination: The case of Gran Canaria”, published in Desalination in 2019, which evaluates energy use in island-based water infrastructure. His earlier work, including conference papers such as those presented at the International Conference on Renewable Energies and Power Quality, reflects a consistent focus on sustainable development. Each of these works has been cited by fellow researchers, underscoring their impact on the field.

CONCLUSION

Miguel Sagaseta de Ilurdoz Cortadellas exemplifies a holistic researcher—excelling in academic instruction, industrial consulting, applied research, and scientific dissemination. His impactful work in renewable energies, sustainable systems, and advanced engineering education makes him exceptionally well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to innovation, education, and sustainability embodies the core values that the award aims to honor.