Ahmet Can Altunışık | Civil Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Best Academic Researcher Award

Ahmet Can Altunışık — Karadeniz Technical University
Ahmet Can Altunışık
Affiliation Karadeniz Technical University
Country Turkey
Scopus ID 23395831800
Documents 215
Citations 3,946
h-index 33
Subject Area Civil Engineering
Event World Science Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-2638-2903

Ahmet Can Altunışık is a civil engineering researcher and professor affiliated with Karadeniz Technical University in Trabzon, Turkey. His documented research activities include structural engineering, seismic response, structural health monitoring, modal testing, damage identification, masonry structures, and the assessment and strengthening of civil infrastructure. His researcher records identify Scopus author ID 23395831800 and ORCID 0000-0002-2638-2903. [1] [2]

Abstract

This academic recognition profile presents the documented research record of Ahmet Can Altunışık, a civil engineering academic at Karadeniz Technical University. Publicly available academic records associate his work with structural engineering and earthquake-related research, including structural health monitoring, modal testing, damage identification, seismic assessment, and the behavior of masonry and reinforced-concrete structures. The available Scopus-derived author information reports 215 documents, 3,946 citations, and an h-index of 33 at the time of the accessed profile record. [1] His institutional research record lists a substantially broader publication portfolio, including 269 listed articles and 238 publications classified as Scopus-indexed in the institutional database. [2]

Keywords

Ahmet Can Altunışık; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering; Earthquake Engineering; Structural Health Monitoring; Modal Testing; Damage Identification; Seismic Response; Masonry Structures; Reinforced Concrete; Structural Assessment; Karadeniz Technical University; Academic Researcher; World Science Awards.

Introduction

Ahmet Can Altunışık is a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Karadeniz Technical University. The Turkish Academy of Sciences identifies him as an Associate Member elected in 2024 and records his institutional affiliation and research field as Karadeniz Technical University and Civil Engineering, respectively. [3]

His publicly documented academic work covers structural response and monitoring, earthquake engineering, experimental structural assessment, dynamic behavior, and structural damage identification. Published studies also demonstrate applications involving historical masonry structures, timber bridges, reinforced-concrete buildings, and contemporary structural-monitoring methodologies. [4] [5]

Research Profile

Altunışık’s research profile is situated primarily within civil and structural engineering. The research topics associated with his academic record include modal testing, damage identification, structural health monitoring, dynamic behavior, seismic response, and structural assessment. [6] These areas connect experimental measurements, numerical modeling, and engineering assessment methods used to understand the behavior and condition of civil structures.

His research record also includes work on earthquake-damaged historical structures. A 2017 study examined the earthquake response of heavily damaged historical masonry mosques following restoration and identified structural-response considerations associated with restoration work. [4] Other published research has addressed ambient-vibration testing and finite-element model updating for reconstructed historical timber bridges. [5]

Research Contributions

A recurring component of Altunışık’s published research is the use of experimental and computational approaches to evaluate structural behavior. His work has included finite-element model updating, ambient-vibration testing, operational modal analysis, and automated approaches to structural monitoring. [5] [7]

Recent research associated with his group has also addressed seismic fragility, earthquake-induced structural damage, and the strengthening of structures using fiber-reinforced polymer systems. The Karadeniz Technical University academic database lists projects involving earthquake-related damage to reinforced-concrete structures, artificial-intelligence-supported assessment, and strengthening applications using fiber-reinforced composite materials. [8]

A 2025 publication in Structural Control and Health Monitoring presented a methodology for automated operational modal analysis using a modal-domain range, with Altunışık identified as a corresponding author affiliated with the Department of Civil Engineering and the Earthquake and Structural Health Monitoring Research Center at Karadeniz Technical University. [7]

Publications

The Karadeniz Technical University AVESIS record lists 269 articles for Ahmet Can Altunışık, including records categorized as SCI-E, SSCI, AHCI, ESCI, Scopus, TR Dizin, and other publications. The same institutional record currently identifies 238 publications under its Scopus classification. [2]

Selected publications illustrate the breadth of the research portfolio. These include research on historical masonry structures after earthquakes, finite-element model updating and dynamic response of reconstructed historical timber bridges, automated operational modal analysis, and structural damage-detection methodologies. [4] [5] [7]

Selected documented publications

  • Altunışık, A. C., and Genç, A. F. (2017). Earthquake response of heavily damaged historical masonry mosques after restoration. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 17, 1811–1822. DOI: 10.5194/nhess-17-1811-2017. [4]
  • Altunışık, A. C., et al. (2020). Finite-Element Model Updating and Dynamic Responses of Reconstructed Historical Timber Bridges using Ambient Vibration Test Results. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0001344. [5]
  • Nasery, M. M., Hüsem, M., Okur, F. Y., and Altunışık, A. C. (2020). Model updating-based automated damage detection of concrete-encased composite column-beam connections. Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 27(10), e2600. DOI: 10.1002/stc.2600. [9]
  • Okur, F. Y., et al. (2025). Development and Validation of New Methodology for Automated Operational Modal Analysis Using Modal Domain Range. Structural Control and Health Monitoring. DOI: 10.1155/stc/6267884. [7]

Research Impact

The available Scopus-derived profile accessed through ScienceDirect reports 215 documents, 3,946 citations, and an h-index of 33 for the researcher. These metrics provide bibliometric indicators of publication and citation activity, although such values can change as databases are updated and may differ between platforms because of indexing, author disambiguation, and update schedules. [1]

The institutional AVESIS database provides a different publication count, listing 269 articles overall and 238 under its Scopus category. [2] The difference between institutional and external database totals illustrates why bibliometric figures should be interpreted with reference to the source and date of measurement rather than treated as fixed values.

Beyond publication and citation indicators, the record includes research projects involving earthquake-related structural damage, experimental investigation, structural strengthening, and artificial-intelligence-supported analysis. [8] These activities indicate a research program connecting structural engineering theory, measurement, computational analysis, and practical infrastructure assessment.

Award Suitability

For an academic recognition process titled Best Academic Researcher Award, the documented profile provides several categories of information that can be considered by an independent award committee. These include disciplinary alignment with Civil Engineering, an established publication record, citation activity, a documented h-index, research projects, and peer-reviewed publications addressing structural engineering and earthquake-related problems. [1] [2]

The record also contains evidence of continued research activity, including projects on earthquake damage, structural strengthening, and experimental and computational assessment. [8] These documented characteristics may form part of an evidence-based award assessment when considered alongside the award’s published eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, research-quality evidence, originality, professional contributions, and supporting documentation.

This profile does not independently determine an award outcome. Formal recognition should be based on the applicable rules and evidence reviewed by the responsible award organization, including the relevant assessment period and any requirements concerning publications, research impact, innovation, professional service, or other scholarly contributions.

Conclusion

Ahmet Can Altunışık’s publicly documented academic profile reflects an established research career in Civil Engineering at Karadeniz Technical University, with research spanning structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, structural health monitoring, modal testing, damage identification, and structural assessment. [3] His publication and project records demonstrate continuing work across experimental, numerical, and applied aspects of structural engineering. [2] The available bibliometric record also documents substantial citation activity and an h-index of 33 in the accessed Scopus-derived profile. [1]

Taken together, these records provide a documented basis for presenting his academic research profile in connection with the World Science Awards and the Best Academic Researcher Award category, while the final recognition decision remains subject to the applicable award criteria and independent evaluation process.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Ahmet Can Altunışık: Author information, Scopus ID 23395831800. ScienceDirect author profile. The accessed profile reports 215 documents, 3,946 citations, and an h-index of 33.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/author/23395831800/ahmet-can-altunisik
  2. Karadeniz Technical University. (n.d.). Ahmet Can Altunışık — Publications and Works. AVESIS Academic Data Management System. The institutional record lists 269 articles and identifies 238 publications under its Scopus classification.
    https://avesis.ktu.edu.tr/ahmetcan/yayinlar
  3. Turkish Academy of Sciences. (2024). Ahmet Can Altunışık — Associate Member. Turkish Academy of Sciences. The profile identifies Karadeniz Technical University, Civil Engineering, and the academic title Professor.
    https://www.tuba.gov.tr/en/members/all-members/associate-members/ahmet-can-altunisik
  4. Altunışık, A. C., & Genç, A. F. (2017). Earthquake response of heavily damaged historical masonry mosques after restoration. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 17, 1811–1822.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-17-1811-2017
  5. Altunışık, A. C., Kalkan, E., Okur, F. Y., Karahasan, O. Ş., & Ozgan, K. (2020). Finite-Element Model Updating and Dynamic Responses of Reconstructed Historical Timber Bridges using Ambient Vibration Test Results. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0001344

Hossein Salehzadeh | Civil Engineering | Excellence in Research

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Salehzadeh | Civil Engineering | Excellence in Research

Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Iran University of Science and Technology, Iran 

Dr. Hossein Salehzadeh is an Associate Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST). With a Ph.D. in Geotechnics from Manchester University, his expertise encompasses the behavior of carbonate sediments, triaxial testing, and cemented sands. Dr. Salehzadeh has made significant contributions to geotechnical engineering through extensive research, teaching, and consulting. He has been instrumental in designing and constructing Iran’s first national geotechnical centrifuge and has authored numerous publications in esteemed journals. His work not only advances academic understanding but also addresses practical challenges in civil engineering.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Salehzadeh’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from IUST in 1986, followed by a Master of Science in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering from the same institution in 1991. He then pursued his doctoral studies at Manchester University in the United Kingdom, earning a Ph.D. in Geotechnics in 2000. His doctoral research focused on the behavior of non-cemented and cemented carbonate sands under static and cyclic loading, laying the foundation for his future contributions to geotechnical engineering.

Professional Experience

Since 1993, Dr. Salehzadeh has been a dedicated faculty member at IUST, ascending to the rank of Associate Professor. He has held leadership roles, including Head of the Geotechnical Group since 2003. His professional experience extends beyond academia into consulting, where he has been involved in civil design projects, geotechnical studies of marine exploratory wells, and quality control of significant infrastructure projects such as the Ghomrud water conveyance tunnel. His expertise has been sought in evaluating tunneling methods and preparing national manuals, reflecting his influence on both academic and practical aspects of civil engineering.

Research Interests

Dr. Salehzadeh’s research interests are centered on the mechanics of carbonate sediments, cyclic behavior of soils under wave-induced loading, and the properties of cemented soils. He has a particular focus on marine geotechnics, investigating the unique challenges posed by offshore and coastal environments. His work often involves advanced experimental techniques, including the use of geotechnical centrifuge modeling, to simulate and analyze soil behavior under various loading conditions. This research is crucial for the safe and efficient design of foundations and other structures in marine settings.

Research Skills

Dr. Salehzadeh possesses a robust set of research skills, particularly in experimental geotechnics. He has designed and constructed specialized equipment, such as a large-scale oedometer and a geotechnical centrifuge with a one-meter radius, to facilitate advanced soil testing. His proficiency in triaxial testing, soil stabilization techniques, and the development of national standards for unconfined and direct shear tests underscores his technical expertise. Additionally, his ability to integrate experimental findings with practical applications has been demonstrated through his consulting work on various civil engineering projects.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Salehzadeh has been recognized for his contributions to geotechnical engineering. He has authored and translated several books in Persian on topics such as soil mechanics and tunneling, contributing to the education of future engineers. His leadership in designing and building Iran’s first national geotechnical centrifuge stands as a testament to his commitment to advancing research infrastructure in the country. While specific awards and honors are not detailed in the available sources, his professional achievements reflect a career dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and practical application.

Conclusion

Dr. Hossein Salehzadeh exemplifies a blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and innovative research in geotechnical engineering. His educational background, professional endeavors, and research contributions have significantly impacted both the academic community and the civil engineering industry in Iran. Through his teaching, leadership, and consulting work, Dr. Salehzadeh continues to influence the development of infrastructure and the advancement of geotechnical practices, embodying the role of a dedicated scholar and engineer.

Publication Top Notes

  1. “Evaluating scale effects in the modeling of buried offshore pipes in Chabahar carbonate sand using centrifuge testing”

    • Authors: H. Salehzadeh, A.A. Heshmati R, M. Aani
    • Year: 2024
  2. “Effect of non-plastic marine silt on physical and mechanical properties of Konarak carbonate sand”

    • Authors: H. Salehzadeh, A.A. Heshmati R, A. Karimabadi
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  3. “Investigating the cyclic behavior of Konarak carbonate sand–silt mixtures: An energy-based approach”

    • Authors: H. Salehzadeh, A.A. Heshmati R, A. Karimabadi
    • Year: 2024
  4. “New critical state constitutive model considering particle breakage implicitly for uncemented carbonate sands”

    • Authors: S. Shakeri Talarposhti, A.A. Heshmati, H. Salehzadeh
    • Year: 2024