International Research Award on Civil and Environmental Engineering

Accidents in the construction sector are widely studied from the perspective of occupational safety, with emphasis on fatalities and injuries. However, construction accidents also have profound impacts on construction processes, project continuity, and structural integrity. Among these, steel structure collapses during construction represent critical events that require systematic investigation. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the causes of steel structure collapses during construction. Steel Structure Collapses as Process Failures Structural collapses during construction are not isolated incidents but complex failures arising from multiple interacting factors. These events often disrupt construction workflows, cause economic losses, and undermine public confidence in engineering practices. Understanding collapses as process-related failures allows for a broader safety perspective beyond individual worker-related incidents. AcciMap Framework f...

Over the past two decades, biocementation has emerged as a promising technique for ground improvement, crack healing, and the restoration of building materials and heritage stones. Most existing research has focused on calcite-based biocements produced through urea-hydrolysis pathways. However, the generation of ammonia by-products and limited durability in acidic environments restrict the large-scale and sustainable application of these methods. This review introduces phosphate biomineralisation as a novel and environmentally favorable alternative. Limitations of Conventional Calcite-Based Biocementation Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzymatically induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) rely heavily on urea hydrolysis, which produces ammonia that must be treated or removed. This not only increases environmental risk but also raises operational costs. Additionally, carbonate-based biocements exhibit reduced durability under acidic conditions, limiting their ap...

Interpreting ultrasonic waveforms in civil engineering structures is inherently complex, particularly when tilted boundaries cause multiple reflections, mode conversions, and overlapping echoes. Wavefield simulations have become an essential tool for analyzing such complex signal behavior and supporting non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. This study focuses on evaluating the accuracy and computational efficiency of commonly used numerical simulation methods for ultrasonic wave propagation in civil engineering contexts. Challenges in Ultrasonic Waveform Interpretation Ultrasonic inspections of large civil engineering structures often involve heterogeneous materials and complex geometries that distort waveforms. Tilted interfaces and internal defects introduce signal interference that complicates interpretation. Accurate numerical simulations are therefore critical for understanding wave behavior, validating experimental measurements, and improving defect detection reliability...

The rapid growth of electronic waste has made the recycling of non-metallic fractions of waste printed circuit boards (NMF-WPCBs) a pressing environmental challenge. Due to their complex composition, NMF-WPCBs are often landfilled or incinerated, leading to secondary pollution and loss of valuable resources. This review addresses the urgent need for sustainable reuse pathways by examining the potential of NMF-WPCBs as functional materials in civil engineering applications. Multiscale Composition and Material Characteristics NMF-WPCBs are composed of polymers, glass fibers, and residual fillers arranged in a multiscale structure that governs their mechanical and chemical behavior. Understanding these characteristics is essential for their effective integration into construction materials. The review analyzes their physical, thermal, and microstructural properties, which influence bonding, durability, and overall performance in civil engineering systems. Enhancement Methods and Theore...

  The rapid growth of electronic waste has intensified the environmental burden associated with improper disposal of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs). In particular, non-metallic fractions of WPCBs (NMF-WPCBs) are frequently discarded or incinerated due to their complex composition, leading to secondary pollution and resource loss. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the potential for incorporating NMF-WPCBs into sustainable civil engineering materials as an effective strategy for waste valorization and environmental protection. Composition and Characteristics of NMF-WPCBs NMF-WPCBs consist of a multiscale composite of polymers, glass fibers, and residual fillers, which collectively influence their mechanical, chemical, and thermal behavior. Understanding these characteristics is fundamental for evaluating their compatibility with construction materials. The review examines the microstructural features and material properties that govern performance when NMF-WPCBs a...

Subsurface characterization is a critical component of civil engineering projects, directly influencing the safety, design, and longevity of infrastructure systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of geophysical methods applied to civil engineering site investigations, drawing insights from more than 75 peer-reviewed journal publications. The review emphasizes how geophysical techniques contribute to understanding subsurface conditions that are otherwise difficult or costly to assess using conventional intrusive methods. Geological Conditions in Engineering Site Characterization Civil engineering projects are often developed over complex geological settings, including fractured rock masses, soft soils, cavities, and heterogeneous strata. The reviewed studies demonstrate how accurate identification of these conditions is essential for foundation design, slope stability, tunneling, and groundwater assessment. Geophysical investigations provide non-destructive and spatially ...