Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra | Rock Mechanics| Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra | Rock Mechanics| Excellence in Research Award

University of Kiel | Germany

Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra is a distinguished researcher in the field of geomechanics, rock mechanics, and structural reliability with a strong interdisciplinary background bridging engineering computing, uncertainty modeling, and geostatistics. His research primarily focuses on reliable engineering computation, structural reliability, risk and hazard analysis, and quality evaluation of numerical, mathematical, and experimental models and methods. Dr. Motra has made significant contributions to rock physics, reservoir characterization, and the study of elastic and seismic anisotropy of rocks under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. His work also encompasses advanced uncertainty modeling in structural and geotechnical engineering, enhancing the understanding of rock behavior and material properties under variable environmental influences. He has an impressive academic record with 47 Scopus-indexed publications, accumulating 625 citations from 537 documents and an h-index of 14. On Google Scholar, his research impact is even broader, with 899 citations, an h-index of 16, and an i10-index of 23, reflecting the depth and influence of his scholarly contributions. Dr. Motra’s research excellence lies in combining experimental, computational, and probabilistic approaches to assess material behavior, measurement uncertainty, and geomaterial modeling, contributing to both fundamental understanding and industrial applications.

Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Motra, H. B., Hildebrand, J., & Dimmig-Osburg, A. (2014). Assessment of strain measurement techniques to characterise mechanical properties of structural steel. Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal, 17(4), 260–269.

Ji, S., Li, L., Motra, H. B., Wuttke, F., Sun, S., Michibayashi, K., & Salisbury, M. H. (2018). Poisson’s ratio and auxetic properties of natural rocks. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 123(2), 1161–1185.

Khalifeh, M., Saasen, A., Hodne, H., & Motra, H. B. (2019). Laboratory evaluation of rock-based geopolymers for zonal isolation and permanent P&A applications. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 175, 352–362.

Motra, H. B., & Stutz, H. H. (2018). Geomechanical rock properties using pressure and temperature dependence of elastic P- and S-wave velocities. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 36(6), 3751–3766.

Motra, H. B., Hildebrand, J., & Wuttke, F. (2016). The Monte Carlo Method for evaluating measurement uncertainty: Application for determining the properties of materials. Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics, 45, 220–228.

Šarūnas Skuodis | Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Šarūnas Skuodis | Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Šarūnas Skuodis , Department of Reinforced Concrete Structures and Geotechnics , Vilnius Gediminas Technical University , Lithuania.

Šarūnas Skuodis is a distinguished Lithuanian academic and civil engineering expert serving as an Associate Professor at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. With deep expertise in geotechnics and reinforced concrete structures, he leads key research initiatives and contributes actively to scientific advancement. His dynamic leadership as the Director of the Civil Engineering Research Centre and involvement in numerous international engineering associations reflect his broad impact on engineering education and research. His contributions span teaching, scholarly publications, and international project leadership, positioning him as a notable figure in European civil engineering.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education Background

Šarūnas Skuodis holds a comprehensive academic background in civil engineering, all earned from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. He began with a Bachelor’s degree in 2009 and progressed to a Master’s degree in 2011, followed by earning his PhD in Technology Sciences (Civil Engineering) in 2015. His academic excellence was further recognized with the title of Associate Professor in 2019. His deep theoretical and applied understanding of soil mechanics, geotechnics, and foundation engineering is the cornerstone of his contributions to research and academia.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Šarūnas Skuodis boasts an impressive academic and research career at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Since 2015, he has served as the Director of the Civil Engineering Research Centre. He is also Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering since 2022 and Associate Professor in the Department of Reinforced Concrete Structures and Geotechnics since 2017. Earlier, he held various leadership roles in geotechnical laboratories and engineering departments. His extensive involvement in soil research, project management, and teaching has positioned him as a vital contributor to Lithuania’s engineering education system.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Šarūnas Skuodis received the prestigious Young Scientist Award from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences in 2016 for his work on soil property changes and base behavior prediction. He is a member of elite organizations such as the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Young Academy and has been elected President of the European Civil Engineering Education and Training Association (EUCEET) in 2024. His consistent contributions to engineering research have earned him committee leadership roles in major international conferences, reflecting both national and international recognition of his work.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Skuodis’s research centers on geotechnical engineering, soil behavior, and foundation design. His work explores non-destructive testing of aged structures, cyclic soil loading, geogrid-reinforced soil, and slope stability modeling. He also integrates digital simulations and experimental testing in civil engineering practices. His supervision of PhD research on soil reinforcement and cyclic behavior illustrates his mentorship in advanced geotechnical studies. His active involvement in EU projects like Skills4Deca and Centers of Excellence highlights his engagement in climate-resilient infrastructure and decarbonization skills development.

🧾 Conclusion

Šarūnas Skuodis is an influential civil engineer, academic leader, and internationally recognized researcher in geotechnical engineering. With a strong academic foundation, extensive teaching record, and impactful research portfolio, he exemplifies excellence in science and education. His role in shaping engineering standards, mentoring future researchers, and leading international collaborations confirms his suitability for prestigious research recognitions and awards.

📚 Top Publication Notes

  1. Increasing Deformation Energy Absorption of AM Drone Fuselages Using a Low-Density Polymeric MaterialApplied Sciences, 2025
    🔹 Cited by: 2 articles (as of July 2025)
    🔹 Focus: Materials engineering for impact-resistant structures

  2. Application of Non-Destructive Methods for Bored Concrete Piles Installed 34 Years AgoCase Studies in Construction Materials, 2024
    🔹 Cited by: 3 articles
    🔹 Focus: Structural integrity using non-invasive analysis

  3. Triaxial Test of Coarse-Grained Soils Reinforced with One Layer of GeogridApplied Sciences, 2023
    🔹 Cited by: 4 articles
    🔹 Focus: Geogrid reinforcement behavior in coarse soil

  4. Predictive Stress Modeling of Resilient Modulus in Sandy Subgrade SoilsInfrastructures, 2023
    🔹 Cited by: 5 articles
    🔹 Focus: Stress modeling for subgrade performance

  5. Gediminas Hill Slopes Behavior in 3D Finite Element ModelBuildings, 2022
    🔹 Cited by: 6 articles
    🔹 Focus: Landslide risk modeling using FEM

  6. Indirect Determination of Soil Young’s Modulus in Lithuania Using Cone Penetration Test DataBaltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering, 2022
    🔹 Cited by: 2 articles
    🔹 Focus: Non-invasive modulus estimation

  7. Compressive Strength and Thermal Properties of Sand–Bentonite MixtureOpen Geosciences, 2021
    🔹 Cited by: 3 articles
    🔹 Focus: Mixture properties for civil use

  8. The Engineering Geological and Geotechnical Conditions of Gediminas HillGeological Quarterly, 2021
    🔹 Cited by: 4 articles
    🔹 Focus: Case study on slope stability

  9. Using Triaxial Tests to Determine the Shearing Strength of Geogrid-Reinforced SandStudia Geotechnica et Mechanica, 2020
    🔹 Cited by: 2 articles
    🔹 Focus: Laboratory-based triaxial testing

  10. The Behaviour of Stress Variation in Sandy SoilOpen Geosciences, 2022
    🔹 Cited by: 2 articles
    🔹 Focus: Stress variation analysis in granular soils