Director at Henan University, China
Dr. Wenfeng Du is a distinguished professor and a leading researcher in structural engineering, with expertise in intelligent design, large-span spatial structures, and 3D printing manufacturing. He is currently a faculty member at Henan University, where he also leads several research institutes and technology innovation platforms. With over 180 publications, 80 patents, and multiple academic books, his work bridges the gap between theoretical innovation and practical application. Dr. Du integrates artificial intelligence, topology optimization, and prefabricated construction methods to create smarter, more sustainable engineering solutions. His commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and academic leadership has positioned him at the forefront of structural design research in China and beyond. In addition to his scientific achievements, he is also recognized for his excellence in teaching and mentorship, having received multiple awards for his educational contributions. His work continues to influence both academic research and the construction industry at large.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Wenfeng Du holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Zhejiang University, which he earned in 2007. Prior to that, he completed both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering, also at Zhejiang University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. His doctoral research focused on the mechanical performance and design optimization of large-span steel structures, laying a solid foundation for his future academic pursuits. To further broaden his academic exposure and international perspective, he served as a visiting scholar at the University of Alabama in the United States in 2014. This experience enriched his research methodologies and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Du has demonstrated a strong commitment to combining rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical engineering solutions, which continues to define his work. His educational background has equipped him with the technical acumen and innovative mindset required to tackle complex challenges in modern structural engineering.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Wenfeng Du has cultivated a distinguished career as a professor, researcher, and institutional leader at Henan University. He currently serves as the Director of multiple research institutes, including the Steel and Spatial Structures Research Institute, the Intelligent Structure Team, and the Prefabricated Construction Engineering Technology Research Center. His professional roles involve managing large-scale research projects, supervising doctoral and postgraduate students, and promoting interdisciplinary innovation in structural design and construction. He has also played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of intelligent joint systems and 3D-printed shell structures. As a registered National First-Class Structural Engineer, Dr. Du contributes extensively to engineering standards and policy-making through active participation in national committees. His professional journey is marked by a balance of research excellence, academic leadership, and practical engineering application, making him a key figure in bridging the gap between academia and industry within the field of civil and structural engineering.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Wenfeng Du’s research interests span a broad and interdisciplinary spectrum within structural engineering. His primary focus areas include large-span spatial structures, intelligent joint design, steel structures, and 3D printing-based construction. He is particularly interested in the integration of artificial intelligence with engineering design, especially through generative design and deep learning techniques. Dr. Du explores topology optimization to develop structurally efficient and lightweight components, which are essential for sustainable and cost-effective construction. His work also delves into prefabricated building systems and modular construction technologies, aiming to revolutionize how infrastructure is designed and assembled. Additionally, he is involved in smart materials, structural vibration energy harvesting, and computational modeling of shell and lattice structures. His research consistently aims to enhance structural performance, reduce resource consumption, and incorporate automation into construction processes. Through these efforts, Dr. Du seeks to redefine modern construction practices by combining advanced computation with real-world engineering applications.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Wenfeng Du has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his contributions to structural engineering, education, and scientific innovation. Among his most prestigious accolades is the Henan Youth Science and Technology Award, which acknowledges his pioneering work in intelligent structural systems. He has also been honored as a Smart Teaching Star and recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Teachers, reflecting his commitment to excellence in education and student mentorship. Dr. Du’s leadership and innovation have earned him significant roles in national research initiatives, and he has been selected for several provincial and municipal talent programs in Henan. His research outputs, including patents and high-impact publications, have been widely recognized by both academic and professional communities. Furthermore, he has served as a judge and reviewer for various scientific committees and journals, underlining the respect he commands among peers. These honors reflect his holistic impact on research, education, and engineering practice.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Wenfeng Du possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that support his advanced work in structural engineering and intelligent design. He is highly proficient in topology optimization, finite element analysis (FEA), and computational modeling, which form the foundation of his work on structural performance and smart joint systems. Dr. Du is skilled in AI-based generative design, using neural networks and deep learning algorithms to automate and enhance structural form-finding and simulation. He is also adept at applying 3D printing technologies for experimental fabrication of steel joints and prefabricated components. His hands-on expertise extends to vibration analysis, energy harvesting mechanisms, and the integration of sensor-based monitoring in structural systems. Additionally, Dr. Du excels in academic writing, patent development, and collaborative research management. His ability to bridge theoretical research with practical engineering innovations underscores his role as a leading figure in the application of advanced technologies to modern civil engineering challenges.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Wenfeng Du is a highly deserving candidate for this award due to his outstanding contributions to structural engineering, particularly in the areas of intelligent design, prefabricated structures, and 3D printing manufacturing. His prolific research output, including over 180 publications, numerous patents, and leadership of cutting-edge projects, reflects his deep commitment to innovation and scientific advancement. Beyond academia, his work has significantly impacted engineering practices and sustainable construction technologies, contributing to societal progress. With a proven record of interdisciplinary research, strong mentorship, and institutional leadership, Dr. Du is well-positioned to drive future advancements at the intersection of AI and structural engineering, and to continue shaping the next generation of global engineering excellence.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: Generation of innovative structural connection components using generative adversarial networks
Year: 2025
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Title: Robust form finding of tree-like structure by improved slime mould algorithm
Year: 2025
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Title: Bio-inspired clover-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester with enhanced performance for low-speed wind energy harvesting
Year: 2025
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Title: The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
Year: 2025
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Title: The influence of screen mesh interception device on hydrogen-oxygen explosion in closed detonation tube
Year: 2025
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Title: Collaborative form-finding of multiple treelike column structures based on improved numerical inverse hanging method
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
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Title: Research on topology optimization of steel joints based on improved bi-directional progressive structural optimization method
Year: 2024
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Title: New shape optimization method for tree structures based on BP neural network
Year: 2024
Citations: 3