Ali Akbarpour | Construction Materials | Best Researcher Award
Mr. Ali Akbarpour, University of Oklahoma, United States.
Ali Akbarpour 🎓 is a Ph.D. student in Structural Engineering at the University of Oklahoma 🏛️, passionate about bridge rehabilitation, construction materials, and structural design 🏗️. With international experience across Iran and the U.S., he has worked on cutting-edge research involving CFRP, GFRP, and polymer concrete. His expertise includes experimental testing, slip-lining, and machine learning applications in geotechnics 🤖. As a dedicated mentor, instructor, and researcher, Ali also plays a vital role in student engagement and education 🌍. He is actively contributing to the academic community through peer-reviewed publications and service as a journal reviewer 📚.
Publication Profiles
Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar
Education & Experience
🎓 Education:
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Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – Structures (Expected Dec 2025) – University of Oklahoma, USA 🇺🇸
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M.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Geotechnics (Feb 2018) – Imam Khomeini International University, Iran 🇮🇷
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B.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Shahid Beheshti University, Iran 🏛️
💼 Experience:
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Research & Teaching Assistant, University of Oklahoma (2022–Present) 👨🔬
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Civil Engineer, PIANC International Cooperation Commission (2021–2022) 🌍
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Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Firm, Tehran (2012–2015) 🏗️
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Intern, Wastewater Treatment Plant 💧
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Soil Nailing & Underpass Stabilization Projects 🧱
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Teaching Assistant, Soil Mechanics & Concrete Technology, IKIU (2016–2017) 📏
Suitability for the Award
Mr. Ali Akbarpour, a distinguished Ph.D. candidate in Structural Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a dynamic portfolio of research in structural design, material innovation, and sustainable engineering practices, he has emerged as a promising leader in civil and structural engineering. His research record, academic excellence, mentorship experience, and recognized scholarly impact make him a standout contender for this prestigious recognition.
Professional Development
Ali Akbarpour continuously enhances his professional development through teaching, mentorship, and interdisciplinary research 🔍. As a Teaching Assistant and mentor at the University of Oklahoma 👨🏫, he has guided students in lab-based experiments and supported graduate and undergraduate research efforts. He also participated in NSF’s RET program, mentoring high school STEM teachers 👩🔬👨🔬. Through his role in the Iranian Student Association 🇮🇷, he has organized events to strengthen academic and cultural networks. Actively reviewing for top journals 📑, he stays engaged with emerging trends and technologies in structural and materials engineering, expanding his academic and professional horizons 🌐.
Research Focus
Ali Akbarpour’s research centers on structural rehabilitation and innovative construction materials 🏗️🧪. He investigates the flexural and shear enhancement of reinforced concrete (RC) beams using CFRP and evaluates GFRP pipes for slip-lining corroded steel pipelines with various grouts 🧱. His work on polymer concrete reinforced with carbon nanotubes contributes to advancements in material performance 💡. Additionally, he applies machine learning models such as ANN and GMDH 🤖 to predict soil-water retention behavior, bridging geotechnical and structural disciplines. His holistic research approach aims to improve infrastructure resilience and durability in aging and critical facilities 🏛️🌉.
Awards & Honors
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🏆 Best Reviewer Award (2023) – Materials and Structures journal
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🎓 Alumni & Foundation Recruitment Fellowship (2022–2023) – University of Oklahoma (Top Ph.D. student across engineering)
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📚 Active Reviewer for 9 international journals including ASCE & Elsevier
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🌍 Top 0.21% Civil Engineers Worldwide – Based on citation impact (OpenAlex database)
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🥇 Most Cited Paper (Last 12 Months) – Journal of Composite Materials
Publication Top Noted
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📘 Mechanical behavior and permeability of plastic concrete containing natural zeolite under triaxial and uniaxial compression – 83 citations, 2022
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🌍 Effects of natural zeolite and sulfate environment on mechanical properties and permeability of cement–bentonite cutoff wall – 79 citations, 2023
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🔬 Effects of natural zeolite and sulfate ions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of plastic concrete – 71 citations, 2022
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🤖 Prediction of stress-dependent Soil Water Retention using machine learning – 24 citations, 2024
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🧱 An Experimental study incorporating carbon fiber composite bars and wraps for concrete performance and failure insight – 17 citations, 2024
Having earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from Kunsan National University, he has made significant contributions to sustainable construction through innovations in concrete materials, structural behavior, and thermal energy storage technologies.
His work extends to 3D printing applications and photocatalyst-based solutions for environmental challenges, with over 14 SCI-indexed publications.
Passionate about advancing civil engineering, Ji-Hun’s contributions bridge foundational research and practical applications. 
Current Position: Researcher at the Department of Structural Engineering Research, KICT
With expertise in 3D printing technologies and structural material advancements, Ji-Hun has proposed innovative properties of concrete materials and assessed their structural behavior. His SCI-indexed publications serve as a testament to his commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge solutions in construction and materials science. 

His work emphasizes the properties and behavior of concrete materials, the development of sustainable structural materials, and innovative thermal energy storage solutions.
Additionally, he explores the use of 3D printing technologies in construction and investigates photocatalyst-based methods for fine dust reduction.
Ji-Hun’s efforts aim to advance material science and create practical solutions for environmental sustainability and modern engineering challenges. 


