Assist. Prof. Dr. Manea Almatared | Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering Award

Assist. Prof. Dr.Manea Almatared | Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Manea Almatared | Najran University | Saudi Arabia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Manea Mohammed Saleh Almatared is an Assistant Professor in the Civil Engineering Department at the Engineering School, Najran University, specializing in the application of advanced technologies in infrastructure, construction, and facility management. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Western Michigan University, USA, and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Najran University, KSA. His research interests encompass Digital Twin technologies in construction and infrastructure, Building Information Modeling (BIM), real-time virtual and physical data integration, and predictive maintenance driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Almatared has produced impactful scientific contributions with 121 citations from 117 citing documents, 4 published documents, and an h-index of 4, reflecting the academic strength and relevance of his work. His research aims to improve efficiency, sustainability, and safety in built environments through the adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions in civil engineering. Alongside his research, he has contributed to academic and administrative roles, including involvement in scientific research committees, accreditation and quality teams, student development, and community engagement. With both academic and practical experienceโ€”enhanced by his work as Assistant Project Manager and Research Assistant at Western Michigan Universityโ€”Dr. Almatared remains dedicated to academic excellence, technological innovation, and preparing the next generation of civil engineers to meet future industry challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Hakimi, O., Liu, H., Abudayyeh, O., Houshyar, A., Almatared, M., & Alhawiti, A. (2023). Data fusion for smart civil infrastructure management: A conceptual digital twin framework. Buildings, 13(11), 2725.

Almatared, M., Liu, H., Abudayyeh, O., Hakim, O., & Sulaiman, M. (2023). Digital-twin-based fire safety management framework for smart buildings. Buildings, 14(1), 4.

Almatared, M., Liu, H., Tang, S., Sulaiman, M., Lei, Z., & Li, H. X. (2022). Digital twin in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry: A bibliometric review. Construction Research Congress 2022, 670โ€“678.

Tang, S., Liu, H., Almatared, M., Abudayyeh, O., Lei, Z., & Fong, A. (2022). Towards automated construction quantity take-off: An integrated approach to information extraction from work descriptions. Buildings, 12(3), 354.

Almatared, M. (2024). An integrated digital twin framework and evacuation simulation system for enhanced safety in smart buildings. Doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University.

Mr. Chaohui Zhao | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chaohui Zhao | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chaohui Zhao | shanghai dianji university | China

Mr. Chaohui Zhao is a distinguished researcher specializing in power electronics, motion control, and the design and control of special electric machines. His work encompasses advanced motion control systems, high-performance power conversion technologies, and energy-efficient electric machine design. He has contributed to multiple research projects focused on integrating power electronics with motion control to improve system performance, reliability, and efficiency. Professor Zhao has authored several technical publications and holds patents such as CN119834502A, demonstrating his focus on translating research into practical engineering solutions. His research has impacted the development of intelligent drive technologies, precision control of electromechanical devices, and optimization of industrial electrification systems. By bridging theoretical innovation with applied engineering, his work advances knowledge in power electronics and specialized electric machines while addressing practical challenges in automation and electrical system design.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Gao, H., Zhao, C., & Cao, Z. (2025). Research on motor torque performance of AHRPM motor based on MFS effect. IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Advance online publication.

Tan, F., Ma, Y., & Zhao, C. (2025). Research on speed control of PMSM based on super-twisting sliding mode corrected differential linear active disturbance rejection. Energies, 18(17455).

Cao, Z., Zhao, C., & Gao, H. (2025). Structural optimization and characteristic analysis of TMPS-HEG based on particle swarm optimization algorithm. Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology. Advance online publication.

Xie, S., Zhang, W., Feng, X., Zhang, W., Gu, P., Lei, Z., & Zhao, C. (2025). Torque ripple suppression of open-winding permanent magnet synchronous motor with common DC bus based on field circuit coupling method. International Journal of Circuit Theory and Applications. Advance online publication.

Ma, Y., Zhao, C., Gu, P., Lei, Z., & Zhang, W. (2025). Speed control of PMSM based on series lead correction doubly fed differential LADRC. International Journal of Circuit Theory and Applications. Advance online publication.

Cao, Z., Zhao, C., & Gao, H. (2025). Research on the four-quadrant operating mechanism of a hybrid excitation generator with magnetic field modulation and the power distribution ratio between permanent magnet and magnetic field modulation. International Journal of Circuit Theory and Applications. Advance online publication.

Dr. Bin Zhang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bin Zhang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bin Zhang | Chongqing University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Bin Zhang holds a Doctorate in Engineering and has completed postdoctoral research. He is a lecturer and masterโ€™s supervisor in the Department of Road and Bridge Engineering, School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, and a youth committee member of the World Transport Convention. His research focuses on the dynamic characteristics of underground and tunnel structures, the development of new materials and technologies for structural reinforcement, and intelligent monitoring of structural health. His research output includes 26 documents, 171 citations, 146 citing documents, and an h-index of 8. He teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Tunnel Engineering, Engineering Surveying, Tunnel Mechanics, and Frontier Technologies in Civil Engineering, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications to advance innovation in civil and tunnel engineering. Additionally, he has developed advanced experimental methods for studying tunnel lining mechanics, contributing to safer and more efficient tunnel design practices.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Study on the Stability of Buildings During Excavation in Urban Core Areas, Applied Sciences, 2025. Contributors: Kang Liu, Huafeng Liu, Yuntai Gao, Zijian Wang, Yunchuan Wang, Qi Liu, Chaolin Jia, Zihang Huang, Bin Zhang.

  • Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model, Buildings, 2025. Contributors: Li-Ming Wu, Hong-Kun Li, Feng Gao, Zi-Jian Wang, Bin Zhang, Wen-Jie Luo, Jun-Jie Li.

  • Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Tunnel Secondary Lining Structure and Optimization of Support Parameters, Buildings, 2025. Contributors: Zijian Wang, Yunchuan Wang, Xiaorong Wang, Baosheng Rong, Bin Zhang, Liming Wu, Chaolin Jia, Zihang Huang.

  • Crystallization Blockage in Highway Tunnel Drainage System Based on Molecular Dynamics, AIP Advances, 2025. Contributors: Shiyang Liu, Xuefu Zhang, Bin Zhang.

  • Experimental Study on Grouting Diffusion Law of Tunnel Secondary Lining Cracks Based on Different Slurry Viscosities, Applied Sciences, 2025. Contributors: Bin Zhang, Peng Liu, Yi Wu, Liming Wu, Chen Li, Shiyang Liu, Yuanfu Zhou.

  • Experimental Study on Grouting Diffusion Law of the Different Crack Widths in Tunnel Lining, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 2023. Contributors: Bin Zhang, Yuanfu Zhou, Xuefu Zhang, Zijian Wang, Wei Yang, Yixuan Ban.

  • Anti Crystallization Blocking of Flocking Drainage Pipe Based on Natural Phenomenon, Materials Science, 2022. Contributors: Xuefu Zhang, Shiyang Liu, Feng Gao, Yuanfu Zhou, Bin Zhang.

Mr.M. Irsad Ozkaynak | Transportation Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

Mr.M. Irsad Ozkaynak | Transportation Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

Mr.M. Irsad Ozkaynak , General Directorate of Highways of the Republic of Turkiye , Turkey.

M. Irsad Ozkaynak ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท is a dedicated civil engineer ๐Ÿ—๏ธ and PhD candidate ๐ŸŽ“ specializing in transportation geotechnics. With over a decade of experience at the General Directorate of Highways R&D Department, he blends fieldwork, lab analysis, and advanced data modeling to improve highway infrastructure resilience ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ. His MSc research focused on strength evaluation through triaxial testing ๐Ÿงช, while his PhD centers on resilient modulus modeling using AI and FWD data ๐Ÿค–๐Ÿ“Š. He also contributed to post-earthquake road and bridge assessments after the 2023 Turkiye earthquakes ๐ŸŒโš ๏ธ. He actively collaborates with academic institutions and serves as a journal reviewer ๐Ÿ“š.

Professional Profile

Scopus
Google Scholar

Education and Experienceย 

๐ŸŽ“ Education:
  • BSc in Civil Engineering (2009) ๐Ÿ—๏ธ

  • MSc in Geotechnical Engineering (2017) ๐Ÿงฑ

  • PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering โ€“ Focus: Transportation Geotechnics ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience:
  • Site Engineer โ€“ Bechtel-Enka Kosovo Motorway Project (1.5 years) ๐Ÿž๏ธ

  • Site Engineer & Chief โ€“ Various road and dam projects in Turkiye โ›๏ธ

  • Engineer to Deputy Director โ€“ General Directorate of Highways R&D (2013โ€“present) ๐Ÿข

  • Researcher in resilient modulus models and post-earthquake assessments ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š

Summary Suitability

M. Irsad Ozkaynak, MSc and PhD candidate in Civil Engineering, is nominated for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his impactful research and professional contributions in geotechnical and highway engineering. With over 15 years of experience, he serves at the General Directorate of Highways R&D Department in Tรผrkiye, combining fieldwork, academic research, and engineering leadership. His work focuses on transportation geotechnics, resilient infrastructure design, and post-earthquake performance assessments, contributing to safer and more durable road networks. His dedication to applied research and innovation makes him a strong candidate for this prestigious award.

Professional Developmentย 

M. Irsad Ozkaynak continuously enhances his expertise through active research, collaboration, and professional memberships ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ”. He has contributed to three R&D projects, including a current transportation geotechnics initiative funded by his institution ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿšง. He serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Earthquake Engineering ๐Ÿ“– and collaborates with Istanbul and Gazi Universities ๐Ÿค. He is an active member of esteemed organizations such as TMMOB-IMO, ISSMGE, IGS, and the Turkish Earthquake Engineering Association ๐Ÿ›๏ธ. His development journey emphasizes interdisciplinary growth, blending academic research, practical applications, and AI-based innovations ๐Ÿค–๐Ÿ“ˆ for geotechnical and transportation engineering.

Research Focusย 

Ozkaynakโ€™s research is rooted in transportation geotechnics and geotechnical earthquake engineering ๐Ÿšง๐ŸŒ. His work bridges theory and practice, targeting soil behavior, pavement design, and foundation performance under dynamic and static loads ๐Ÿงฑ๐Ÿ›ค๏ธ. He employs both lab techniques (e.g., triaxial tests) and data modeling tools (AI and statistical analysis) ๐Ÿค–๐Ÿ“Š to forecast pavement responses like resilient modulus, using inputs like FWD data. His post-earthquake field assessments aid infrastructure recovery efforts following seismic events โš ๏ธ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ. Ozkaynakโ€™s work is highly interdisciplinary, reinforcing safer, cost-effective, and sustainable highways across seismic and variable terrain conditions โ™ป๏ธ๐ŸŒ.

Awards and Honorsย 

๐Ÿ… Participated in nationally recognized R&D projects in collaboration with top Turkish universities ๐ŸŽ“
๐Ÿ“ฃ Reviewer for the Journal of Earthquake Engineering ๐Ÿ“
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Recognized for contributions to post-earthquake road and bridge evaluations following the 2023 Turkiye earthquakes ๐ŸŒ
๐Ÿ’ผ Held leadership roles as Unit Chief and Deputy Director at the General Directorate of Highways R&D Department ๐Ÿข

Publication Top Notes

๐Ÿ“˜ Journal Articlesย 
  1. Ozkaynak, M.I., & Cetin, K.O. (2024). The performance of Karasu Bridge following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaras-Turkiye earthquake sequence. Engineering Geology, 335, 107512. [Citations: 7]
    ๐Ÿ”— [SCI, Q1 Journal] | ๐ŸŒ Earthquake Engineering, Structural Analysis

  2. Ozkaynak, M.I., & Yilmaz, Y. (2024). Prediction of resilient modulus with pre-post experimental data of undisturbed subgrade soils using machine learning algorithms. Transportation Geotechnics, 49, 101396. [Citations: 1]
    ๐Ÿ”— [SCI, Q1 Journal] | ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Transportation Geotechnics, AI Modeling

๐Ÿ“— Conference Proceedings:
  1. Ozkaynak, M.I., & Altiok, ลž. (2023). Betonarme Duvarlar ฤฐรงin Web Tabanlฤฑ Yazฤฑlฤฑm GeliลŸtirme: Tasarฤฑmฤฑn GรผvenliฤŸini ve VerimliliฤŸini ฤฐyileลŸtiren Teknolojik Bir Adฤฑm. Karayolu 5. Ulusal Kongresi ve Sergisi, 115โ€“124.
    ๐Ÿ’ป Structural Engineering, Software Tools

  2. Ozkaynak, M.I., & Yilmaz, Y. (2018). Farklฤฑ Kompaksiyon Enerjilerinde SฤฑkฤฑลŸtฤฑrฤฑlan Kilin Serbest Basฤฑnรง Dayanฤฑmฤฑnฤฑn Tahmin Edilmesi. Zemin MekaniฤŸi ve Geoteknik MรผhendisliฤŸi 17. Ulusal Konferansฤฑ.
    ๐Ÿงฑ Soil Mechanics, Unconfined Compression Strength

๐Ÿ“• Technical Standards/Book Contributions:
  1. Durukan, A., ร‡evik, Y., Yalรงฤฑn, B., ฤฐlginoฤŸlu, M., Ozkaynak, M.I., Temiz, R., … (2023). Bรถlรผm 250 – Dayanma Yapฤฑlarฤฑ ve ลževlerin Desteklenmesi. In Karayolu Teknik ลžartnamesi – 2023.
    ๐Ÿ“˜ National Highway Technical Standards, Retaining Structures

  2. Ozkaynak, M.I. (2017). SฤฑkฤฑลŸtฤฑrฤฑlmฤฑลŸ ara zeminlerin drenajlฤฑ ve drenajsฤฑz kayma dayanฤฑmฤฑ parametrelerinin iliลŸkilendirilmesi / Investigating the correlation between the drained and undrained shear strength parameters of compacted intermediate soils. Masterโ€™s Thesis, Gazi รœniversitesi.
    ๐Ÿ“š Soil Mechanics, Shear Strength

  1. Yilmaz, Y., & Ozkaynak, M.I. (2015). SฤฑkฤฑลŸtฤฑrma Enerji Dรผzeyinin Kohezyonlu Bir Taban Zemininin Esneklik Modรผlรผne Etkisinin AraลŸtฤฑrฤฑlmasฤฑ. Zemin MekaniฤŸi ve Temel MรผhendisliฤŸi 15. Ulusal Kongresi, 975โ€“984.
    ๐Ÿงช Soil Compaction, Elastic Modulus

Conclusion

M. Irsad Ozkaynakโ€™s blend of academic excellence, engineering practice, and dedication to infrastructure resilience strongly positions him as a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to transportation geotechnics and geotechnical earthquake engineering have advanced both the scientific community and practical applications in Tรผrkiyeโ€™s national highway systems. Through innovation, leadership, and collaboration, he continues to make a lasting impact on the field of civil engineering.

Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador.

Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ is a civil and structural engineering expert with deep roots in academia and industry. Currently a professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito ๐ŸŽ“, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ, where he also served as a teaching assistant. His work blends theory and practice, focusing on performance-based earthquake engineering ๐ŸŒโš™๏ธ. With experience spanning construction inspection, design, and education, Dr. Torres Rodas has contributed significantly through research publications and teaching ๐Ÿ“š. His dedication to seismic safety and structural reliability positions him as a leader in engineering resilience ๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฌ.

Publication Profile

Scopus
Google Scholar

Education & Experienceย 

๐ŸŽ“ Education:
  • ๐Ÿ“… 2018: Ph.D. in Civil/Structural Engineering โ€“ University of California, Irvine

  • ๐Ÿ“… 2015: M.S. in Civil/Structural Engineering โ€“ University of California, Irvine

  • ๐Ÿ“… 2011: Specialist in Structural Engineering โ€“ Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador

  • ๐Ÿ“… 2009: B.S. in Civil Engineering โ€“ Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ Teaching Experience:
  • ๐Ÿ“ Geometry TA โ€“ Universidad de Cuenca (2005โ€“2007)

  • ๐Ÿงฑ Lecturer: Concrete & Statistics โ€“ Universidad de Cuenca (2013)

  • ๐ŸŒ Earthquake Eng. TA โ€“ UC Irvine (2016)

  • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Steel Design TA โ€“ UC Irvine (2017)

  • ๐ŸŒฒ Timber Design TA โ€“ UC Irvine (2018)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Structural Engineering Lecturer โ€“ USFQ (2018โ€“present)

๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ Professional Experience:
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Civil Construction Inspector โ€“ Coca-Codo-Sinclair Dam

  • ๐Ÿงฑ Construction Supervisor โ€“ Municipio de Nabรณn

  • ๐Ÿšง Infrastructure Projects โ€“ Cuenca, Ecuador

  • ๐Ÿข Structural Design โ€“ Various buildings in Cuenca

Summary Suitability

Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas is a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to the field of structural and earthquake engineering. As a professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Dr. Torres Rodas has consistently demonstrated research excellence, academic leadership, and impactful innovation. His work focuses on the development of analytical and numerical models that advance Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) โ€” a critical area for building resilience in seismic-prone regions.

Professional Developmentย 

Dr. Torres Rodas is committed to ongoing professional growth through teaching, research, and real-world structural engineering ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ—๏ธ. At Universidad San Francisco de Quito, he educates future engineers while advancing analytical and numerical modeling in seismic performance studies ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ“˜. His international academic journey, from Ecuador to the U.S., reflects a dedication to excellence and cross-cultural collaboration ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿค. His published research in leading ASCE journals ๐Ÿ“„๐Ÿง  contributes to safer, more resilient structures. He actively bridges theoretical knowledge with applied engineering, emphasizing innovative methods in structural analysis and design under seismic loading conditions ๐ŸŒ‹๐Ÿ“.

Research Focusย 

Dr. Torres Rodasโ€™s research lies in Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE), a field that seeks to enhance structural safety and resilience during seismic events ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿข. His work centers on developing both analytical and numerical models to simulate how structures respond to earthquake-induced forces ๐Ÿ“‰๐Ÿ’ฅ. By exploring column base connection behaviors and embedded connection stiffness, he contributes critical knowledge to structural engineering design standards ๐Ÿ“šโš™๏ธ. His insights help engineers design buildings that can better withstand tremors, minimizing damage and saving lives. His goal is to merge academic rigor with real-world safety innovation ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ—๏ธ.

Awards and Honors

  • ๐ŸŽ“ SENESCYT Scholarship โ€“ Awarded by the Ecuadorian government for doctoral studies abroad (2013โ€“2017)

  • ๐Ÿ… Best Lecturer Award โ€“ College of Science and Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (2019โ€“2020)

Publication Top Notes

  • Torres-Rodas, P., Fayaz, J., Medalla, M. (2024). Statistical evaluation of steel moment frames response under crustal and subduction seismic environments. Journal of Building Engineering.

  • Torres-Rodas, P., Flores, F., Pozo, S., Astudillo, B.X. (2021). Seismic performance of steel moment frames considering the effects of column-base hysteretic behavior and gravity framing system. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 144, 106654.

  • Hassan, A.S., Torres-Rodas, P., Giulietti, L., Kanvinde, A. (2021). Strength characterization of exposed column base plates subjected to axial force and biaxial bending. Engineering Structures, 237, 112165.

  • Torres-Rodas, P., Fayaz, J., Zareian, F. (2020). Strength resistance factors for seismic design of exposed base plate connections in special steel moment resisting frames. Earthquake Spectra, 36(2), 537โ€“553.

  • Villacreses, J.P., Granados, J., Caicedo, B., Torres-Rodas, P., Yรฉpez, F. (2021). Seismic and hydromechanical performance of rammed earth walls under changing environmental conditions. Construction and Building Materials, 300, 124331.

Conclusion

Dr. Torres Rodas exemplifies the qualities of a best-in-class researcher: innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact. His groundbreaking work enhances the global understanding of seismic design, making infrastructure safer and more resilient. With a strong publication record, international engagement, and ongoing contributions to engineering science, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.