We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Research Award. This prestigious honor is presented annually by the Advisory Board of Research on Engineering Structures and Materials (RESM) to papers that demonstrate highest scientific quality, originality, and the potential for high impact in both academia and engineering practice.
This year’s winning studies share a strong commitment to sustainability and advanced material performance, offering innovative solutions for the construction industry through the use of recycled materials, fiber reinforcement, and industrial by-products.
The Advisory Board has selected the following three papers as the winners of the 2025 Excellence in Research Award:
Sustainable Concrete Optimization
Title: Statistical modeling and optimization of recycled concrete properties enhanced with marble fines using response surface methodology
Authors: Tarek Djedid, Tahar Zerig, Messaoud Abbas, Mohamed Zohaïr Kaab, Mouloud Belachia
Significance: This study effectively utilizes statistical models to transform waste marble fines into high-performance recycled concrete additives.
Advanced Structural Reinforcement
Title: Structural application of fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Kalapala Vijay Babu, CH. Mallika Chowdary, Lingeshwaran N, Ikkurthi Siva Kishore
Significance: A critical investigation into enhancing the structural integrity and ductility of concrete elements through innovative fiber reinforcement techniques.
Eco-Friendly Multifunctional Materials
Title: Lightweight SCC with coal bottom ash: Investigating fresh, mechanical, and thermal properties through multifunctional integration
Authors: Ibtissam Boulahya, Abdulkadir Makani, Ahmed Tafraoui
Significance: This research pioneers the use of coal bottom ash to develop lightweight, self-compacting concrete that offers superior thermal insulation without compromising mechanical strength.
A Legacy of Impact
These studies reflect RESM’s core mission: to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application while addressing global challenges such as resource conservation and structural resilience.
We congratulate the authors for their outstanding contributions to the scientific community and for setting a benchmark of excellence in their respective fields.
