Dr. Mingwei Hai – frozen soil hydrothermal coupling modeling – Best Researcher Award
Alignment with Award Category
Mingwei Hai’s innovative approach, combined with his focus on practical solutions, aligns perfectly with the Best Researcher Award category. His expertise in frozen soil hydrothermal modeling, significant contributions to ongoing projects, and commitment to advancing research in cold-region engineering make him a strong candidate for this prestigious recognition.
School of Architectural and Civil Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, | China
🎓Early Academic Pursuits
Education and Training
Mingwei Hai, a Master’s student at the Heilongjiang Province Hydraulic Research Institute and Harbin University of Science and Technology, has been deeply rooted in the field of civil engineering since his undergraduate years. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering at Inner Mongolia University (2017–2021), specializing in civil engineering. His undergraduate thesis, supervised by Professor Wang Yongtao and Associate Professor Shao Shuai, explored the influence of plant root depth on the stability of high and steep slopes using the ABAQUS modeling software. This foundational research marked the beginning of his journey into understanding soil mechanics, slope stability, and the role of natural factors in civil engineering. Continuing his academic journey, Mingwei Hai embarked on his Master’s degree in Engineering (2022–2025) in collaboration with the Heilongjiang Province Hydraulic Research Institute. His research focuses on coupled modeling and numerical simulations of soil water, heat, and temperature in seasonally frozen regions, under the guidance of Senior Engineer Wang Miao and Professor Wang Xiaodong. This specialized research aligns closely with the challenges faced in hydraulic engineering in cold regions.
💼Professional Endeavors
Academic Positions
Mingwei Hai has actively contributed to several key projects at the Heilongjiang Province Hydraulic Research Institute. As a subproject leader, he has played a significant role in the research on failure mechanisms and prevention technologies for expansive soil slopes in the Beiyin Main Canal, a collaborative effort with the China Academy of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. Additionally, he has worked on the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province Project (LH2023E118), focusing on solving coupled equations of water and heat in canal foundation soil. This research includes studying frost heave behavior in channels, which is crucial for addressing structural challenges in seasonally frozen regions. His work extends to the Key R&D Program of Heilongjiang Province, where he has contributed to understanding slope collapse mechanisms in large water conveyance canals driven by freeze-thaw cycles. Mingwei has also been involved in promoting advanced water conservancy technologies and studying the freeze-thaw processes affecting farmland soil in Heilongjiang Province. His work in these projects demonstrates a strong commitment to practical and applied research in civil and hydraulic engineering.
📚Contributions and Research Focus on frozen soil hydrothermal coupling modeling
Mingwei Hai’s research spans several critical areas:
- Frozen Soil Mechanics: He has investigated the hydrothermal characteristics and behavior of soils in seasonally frozen regions, addressing challenges like frost swelling and differential frost heave in canal foundations.
- Slope Stability Analysis: His work delves into the influence of environmental factors, such as plant root depth and freeze-thaw cycles, on slope stability, offering valuable insights for civil engineering applications.
- Machine Learning in Engineering: Mingwei is exploring the integration of machine learning into soil mechanics and slope stability analysis, aiming to enhance predictive accuracy and decision-making in engineering projects.
His contributions are reflected in three notable publications:
- Experimental Study on the Effect of Fines Content on Frost Swelling Characteristics of Coarse-Grained Soil in Canal Base Under Open System (Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, 2023).
- Study of Hydrothermal Characteristics of Large-Scale Water Conveyance Trunk Canals in Seasonally Frozen Ground Regions (River, 2024).
- Large-Scale Freezing and Thawing Model Experiment and Analysis of Water–Heat Coupling Processes in Agricultural Soils (Water, 2023).
🏆Accolades and Recognition
Mingwei Hai’s research efforts have been recognized through funding and project leadership roles. His involvement in the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province (LH2023E118) highlights his capability to contribute meaningfully to critical research initiatives. Additionally, his leadership in collaborative projects with esteemed institutions like the China Academy of Water Resources and Hydropower Research underlines his growing reputation in the field.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Community Impact
Mingwei Hai’s work has significant implications for civil and hydraulic engineering, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by seasonally frozen regions. His findings on frost heave behavior and slope stability are directly applicable to large-scale water conveyance projects, ensuring safer and more sustainable infrastructure in cold climates. Through his collaborations with researchers and institutions, Mingwei has contributed to advancing practical solutions for hydraulic engineering challenges, leaving a positive impact on both academic research and industry practices.