Prof. Dr. Erfeng zhao | Hydraulic structure | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Erfeng zhao | Hydraulic structure | Best Researcher Award

Hohai University | China 

Author Profile 

Scopus 

Summary 

Erfeng zhao is a dedicated scholar and professor in geotechnical engineering at hohai university, with a robust academic background rooted in hydraulic structure engineering. his career includes roles as lecturer, associate professor, professor, and international research fellow. his work focuses on dam safety, real-time structural health monitoring, and stability analysis of hydraulic infrastructures. with active involvement in multiple engineering societies and ongoing research funding, zhao has made significant contributions to advancing safety and innovation in hydraulic engineering. he also plays a key role in socializing and mentoring newcomers within the academic and professional community.

Early academic pursuits

Erfeng Zhao embarked on his academic journey at hohai university, where he earned his bachelor of engineering mechanics. with a strong foundation in structural and mechanical principles, he pursued higher studies at the same institution, obtaining a doctorate in hydraulic structure engineering. this consistent academic trajectory through a prestigious university shaped his deep understanding of geotechnical engineering and set the stage for his research-driven career.

Professional endeavors

Erfeng zhao has held multiple esteemed academic and research positions, including lecturer, associate professor, and currently professor at hohai university, reflecting a progressive and impactful teaching career. his international experience as a research fellow at the university of technology sydney highlights his global academic outlook and collaborative approach. these roles have allowed him to cultivate a strong network in the geotechnical engineering community, advancing both education and practical research applications.

Contributions and research focus

His research is deeply embedded in monitoring safety of hydraulic engineerings, focusing on the entire lifecycle from construction to operation. health diagnosis on dams using multi-source information fusion, static and dynamic analysis of sluice structures built on soft soil composite pile foundations, stability evaluation of surrounding rock in water conveyance tunnels. his current funded projects address pressing challenges in dam safety,  formulation of spatio-temporal critical regions for dam monitoring, real-time health evaluation models for hydraulic structures in digital twin projects, parameter inversion and deformation analysis of landslides in hydropower station reservoir areas. these efforts demonstrate his role in enhancing the resilience and safety of hydraulic infrastructure, especially in the context of geotechnical engineering.

Impact and influence

Erfeng zhao plays a significant role in shaping geotechnical research and policy in china. he is actively engaged in professional communities, youth working committee of jiangsu hydropower engineering society, special committee of hydraulic structure and hydraulic vibration within the jiangsu water conservancy society, industry-university-research working committee of jiangsu mechanics society. his presence in these societies enhances cross-sector collaboration and supports the integration of academic knowledge with industry needs, furthering the scope of geotechnical engineering innovations.

Academic cites

As a prolific researcher in geotechnical engineering, zhao's work is frequently cited by fellow engineers and scholars in china and beyond. his contributions to real-time safety monitoring and digital twin modeling are particularly recognized for their originality and practical value. by integrating static and dynamic analysis with advanced information fusion, his research outputs contribute significantly to both theoretical models and engineering applications.

Legacy and future contributions

Erfeng zhao is building a lasting academic and engineering legacy through his interdisciplinary projects that bridge hydraulic engineering, information technology, and structural analysis. looking ahead, his focus on digital transformation in dam safety through real-time health diagnostics and spatio-temporal modeling aims to future-proof water infrastructure projects against natural disasters and climate-induced stressors. as a mentor, educator, and innovator in geotechnical engineering, he is nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Publications 

Title: Assessment on safety and performance of super-high arch dam with asymmetric foundation and its reinforcement effect identification
Author(s): [Unavailable in preview]
Journal: Structures, 2024

Title: Health diagnosis of ultrahigh arch dam performance using heterogeneous spatial panel vector model
Author(s): [Unavailable in preview]
Journal: Water Science and Engineering, 2024

Title: Hybrid reliability evaluation of arch dam during long-term service with multi-dimensional parallelepiped convex model
Author(s): [Unavailable in preview]
Journal: Engineering Failure Analysis, 2024

Title: Deep learning model for deformation prediction of dam based on dual-stage attention mechanism
Author(s): [Unavailable in preview]
Journal: Journal of Hohai University (Natural Sciences), 2023

Conclusion 

Through his impactful research, professional service, and mentorship, erfeng zhao is shaping the future of geotechnical engineering. his integration of digital technologies with structural safety methods addresses modern challenges in hydraulic infrastructure. as he continues to lead pioneering projects and support emerging engineers, his contributions will leave a lasting legacy in the engineering domain and strengthen global standards in dam and tunnel safety.