Jinfang Hou, Professorial Senior Engineer

Tianjin Water Transport Engineering Association, China

Jinfang Hou is a director of the China Technical Association on Geosynthetics and a director of the Port Engineering Branch of the China Civil Engineering Society. She has won the honorary titles of National May Day Women's Model, Tianjin Model Worker, Tianjin Woman Pace-Setter, Chinese Dredging Young Talent, and Chinese Dredging Industry Technical Expert. She has undertaken more than 30 scientific research projects such as the national science and technology support plan, as well as provincial, ministerial, and bureau projects, and won more than 10 scientific and technological awards from provincial and ministerial departments, China Communications Construction, and China Communications First Aviation Bureau. She has participated in the compilation of many specifications such as "Code for Foundation of Port Engineering" and "Technical Specification for Application of Geosynthetics in Waterway Engineering", many of which have been incorporated into industry specifications. Meanwhile, she has published over 20 papers in prestigious journals, and her many patents for inventions and utility models have been authorized. Her main research interest includes: 1. Soft soil foundation reinforcement (improved soil, composite foundation theory, numerical analysis, and test detection) 2. Wave-structure-soil interaction (port wharf slope stability, offshore oil platform foundation, offshore wind power foundation stability analysis).

Title: Key Technologies for Construction of Final Joints of Submarine Immersed Tube Tunnels

The ultimate joint, a pivotal segment in subsea immersed tube tunnel projects, profoundly influences their success or failure. Presently, four globally recognized ultimate joint schemes are in use: the traditional water-stop plate method, onshore dry construction method, V-block method, and end block method. The Dalian Bay Subsea Tunnel stands as China's inaugural large-scale subsea immersed tube tunnel project within a cold climate zone in the northern region. This project confronts challenges like constrained construction areas, significant construction disturbances, expansive cross-sections, and tight curvature radii (R1050 meters). The existing ultimate joint schemes substantiate unsuitable due to the complexities in construction control and waterproofing within these project limitations. Thus, the pressing need arises to innovate a novel ultimate joint structure that maximizes the benefits of current dry construction methods to ensure the paramount objectives of reliability and safety—a watertight ultimate joint. This report aims to introduce a fresh type of ultimate joint scheme tailored for subsea immersed tube tunnel projects, amalgamating the entire construction process specifically for the Dalian Bay Subsea Tunnel's ultimate joint. It will encompass a comprehensive analysis, including scheme comparisons, model testing, identification of key parameters, construction control strategies, and implementation effectiveness. The goal is to offer valuable insights applicable to similar immersed tube tunnel projects in the future.

YUEN Ka Veng, Professor

University of Macau, China

Prof. Yuen was a representative of Macao for the 32nd and 33rd International Mathematics Olympics and he received the honorary student title from the Pui Ching Middle School in 1993. He received his BSc in Civil Engineering from the National Taiwan University in 1997 with no.1 ranking among 152 students and his MPhil in Civil Engineering from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with CGA 12/12 (i.e. straight A+). With the Harold-Hellwig fellowship, he entered at the California Institute of Technology and finished his doctorate study in 2 years and 7 months with GPA 4.1 (A+). His academic great grandfather was Prof. GW Housner, who was recognized as the “Father of Earthquake Engineering.” He was also the first recipient of the Housner’s fellowship.

Prof. Yuen is a Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). He is also visiting Chair Professor of the South China University of Technology. He is a member of the 8th Science and Technology Commission of the Ministry of Education. He also serves as a Council Member of the University of Macau and the Escola Superior das Forças de Segurança de Macau (ESFSM) and Member of Board of Trustee of the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) of the Macau SAR Government. He was the Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Associate Dean (Academic Affairs), Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies) and Interim Dean of FST; and the Registrar and the Dean of Graduate School of the University of Macau. He also serves/served as the Chair of Information and Education Technology Committee and Scholarship Committee of the Senate and the Panel of Intellectual Property Rights. He was Member of the Administrative Committee of UMTEC Limited and Academic Advisor of Research & Development Administrative Office. His major achievements in administration include: being the spokesman of Joint Admission Examination and managing its establishment; in charge of HKIE accreditation for four FST undergraduate programmes in the capacity as Associate Dean during 2010-2012; establishing 3+2 programmes; drafting the first intellectual properties guidelines and regulations; and analyzing university ranking, etc.

Prof. Yuen’s research interest includes Bayesian inference, model selection, model updating, structural health monitoring, structural reliability, and structural vibration control. His H-index is 39 (according to the Core database of Web of Science), which is considered extremely high at the age of 47 in Civil Engineering. His paper “Model selection using response measurements: Bayesian probabilistic approach” (coauthored with J.L. Beck) is one of the top 10 most cited papers among all papers published in the Journal of Engineering Mechanics (established since 1983) of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Furthermore, his single-author book “Bayesian methods for structural dynamics and civil engineering” (published by John Wiley & Sons in 2010) has attracted great attention of Bayesian methods for structural dynamics. It has become a classical reading in this research field. In 2010 and 2018, he became the youngest UM full professor and distinguished professor, respectively. In 2012, he was elected in the National Science and Technology Award Panel Expert Bank and the National Science and Technology Programs Expert Bank of the Ministry of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China. His major awards include: Young Investigator Award, International Chinese Association on Computational Mechanics; QIAN Weichang programme scholar, K.C. Wong Education Foundation; and Phi-Tau-Phi Honorary member.

Title: Broad Bayesian Learning for Disaster Mitigation Management

Abstract: Deep learning has already become a common tool for various science and engineering disciplines. However, the return periods for severe disasters are long so it is difficult to obtain big data required in the training of a deep network. Broad learning provides another alternative for this purpose. It is suitable for data of small, medium and big size. Furthermore, it has superb efficiency in network updating. Specifically, when new data points are available, the broad networks can be updated very efficiently. This is appealing for pre-disaster and in-disaster measures in emergency management. In this presentation, I will introduce some applications of broad Bayesian learning in seismic attenuation relationship analysis, missing data reconstruction and tropical cyclone genesis detection.

Bin Hu, Associate Professor

Beijing University of Technology, China

Hu Bin, born in June 1972, graduated from the School of Architecture at Harbin Institute of Technology in 2002, majoring in Architecture. He holds a PhD, associate professor, and master's supervisor. He is also the director of the Underground Space Planning and Design Research Institute at Beijing Institute of Technology, a national first-class registered architect, and the deputy chief architect of the school's design institute. Young and middle-aged backbone teachers in Beijing, outstanding talents in the Organization Department.

Main research areas: public building design and theory, urban design, underground space planning and design, rail transit and urban integration development, etc. Engaged in architectural design and urban design theory and practice for over 20 years. Responsible for and participated in more than 10 national, provincial, and ministerial level scientific research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation of China, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission Fund, and the Beijing Municipal Planning and Self Commission Special Topics. Published over 50 papers as the first author, including more than 20 papers in the core journals of Peking University.

Member of the Underground Space Academic Committee of the Chinese Society of Architecture, Member of the Accessibility Special Committee of the Chinese Society of Architecture, Member of the Building Fire Prevention and Zoning Committee of the Chinese Society of Architecture, and Member of the Underground Space Branch of the Chinese Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering.

Expert in thesis review at the Degree and Graduate Education Development Center of the Ministry of Education, expert in the National Undergraduate Thesis (Design) Sampling Review Expert Database, and expert in review at the Beijing Natural Science Foundation. Member of the Senior Professional and Technical Qualification Evaluation Committee of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, member of the China Architecture Society, and member of the Beijing Urban Planning Society. Expert reviewers for journals such as "New Architecture", "Journal of Underground Space Engineering", and "Journal of Beijing Jianzhu University".

Title: Evaluation Method for Metro Station-area Integration in Capital Functional Core Areas

Abstract: 1. This report explores the evaluation needs and guiding goals of subway station-area integration in the core areas. Through the investigation of worldwide theory and practice and basic research of subway station-area integration in the core areas, this report proposes the specific needs of station-area integration evaluation and four orientations for station-area integration evaluation, namely, functional integration, spatial integration, traffic integration, and humanistic integration. 

2. The evaluation system for subway station-area integration in the core areas is constructed. Based on the guiding goal of station-area integration evaluation and combined with the actual situation of the core areas, four levels of evaluation indexes, namely, the target layer, criterion layer, first-level index layer, and second-level index layer, are selected, and the weight value of each evaluation index, the calculation method of evaluation results, and the priority of integration renewal are determined. 

3. The integration evaluation of Beijing Station, Beihai North Station, Caishikou Station, and Chaoyangmen Station is carried out. Through the evaluation, it is concluded that the integration degree of Beihai North Station and Caishikou Station is at a poor level, that of Beijing Station is at a general level, and that of Chaoyangmen Station is at a good level. Meanwhile, some targeted integration renewal suggestions are put forward for the four stations.

Chao Liang, Lecturer

Tianjin University, China

Chao Liang, born in December 1989, graduated from the School of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, specializing in Geotechnical Engineering. With a Ph.D. under his belt, he currently holds the position of lecturer and is esteemed as a National Excellent Postdoctoral Fellow in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His professional endeavors predominantly center on marine geotechnical engineering. Liang's contributions to this field are substantial, evident through his authorship of 28 academic papers and the acquisition of over ten patents. As a principal investigator, he has spearheaded eight research projects, encompassing sub-projects under the National Key Research and Development Program, open projects within national key laboratories, industry-focused endeavors, and technological development initiatives. Furthermore, as a key researcher, he has actively participated in various national-level research programs such as the National Program on Key Basic Research Project (973 Program), the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, the National Key Research and Development Program, and the National Science and Technology Major Project. He has significantly contributed to the formulation of several standards and guidelines pertinent to his field, notably including the Guidelines for Offshore Fixed Wind Turbine Support Structures and Prefabricated Foundations for Villages and Towns. His notable accolades include winning the Bronze Award at the 2nd National Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition and receiving recognition from the China Ports and Harbors Association for Scientific and Technological Progress.

Title: Research on Bearing Characteristics of Riser Composite Piles for Offshore Platforms

Abstract: The Bohai oilfield functions as a vital hub for marine oil production in China. Despite its significance, numerous small marginal oil fields in the area remain underdeveloped due to the associated costs. This scenario underscores the importance of reducing expenses and enhancing efficiency to maximize the profitability of these smaller oil fields. In offshore oil extraction, the wellhead structure plays a pivotal role, typically comprising steel risers and surface casings integrated with well cementing. These structures share similarities in diameter and embedding depths with steel pipe piles commonly used in conventional jacket platforms. Consequently, if the wellhead structure can support upper loads, there's potential for replacing or partially substituting the traditional steel pipe pile foundations of jacket platforms. Such a substitution could yield significant cost reductions in the construction of offshore platforms.

Theoretical and numerical methods have been established for computing interlayer shear and structural stress in riser composite piles consisting of risers, surface casings, and cementitious grouting. These methods shed light on the stress distribution across various structural layers of the pile body under external loads. Leveraging the varying cross-section features of composite piles, research has uncovered the bearing modes and axial force transmission characteristics of riser composite piles in both sand and clay soils. Furthermore, calculation methods for side friction and end resistance considering the effects of variable cross-sections have been formulated. Studies have been conducted to investigate load transmission patterns within the pile body and establish pile-soil interaction curves that consider the variable cross-section characteristics of riser composite piles. The research included the first domestic on-site load-bearing tests at scales of 1:3 and 1:1 for reduced and prototype sizes of riser composite piles, validating the reliability of load-bearing capacity calculation methods that account for variable cross-section effects.