China's Tongji University PhD Student Wins the 2007 Nevada Medal for Distinguished Graduate Student Paper

"Michael Chi-Ho Hui, a recent doctoral student at Tongji University, Shanghai, China, is the recipient of the 2007 Nevada Medal for Distinguished Graduate Student Paper in Bridge Engineering," Professor Saiidi of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Nevada, Reno, announced recently.  Mr. Hui's research that led to the award winning paper was conducted under the direction of Professors H.F. Xiang, A.R. Chen, L.D. Zhu, and Q.S. Ding.  Evaluators were from a group of internationally-recognized authorities in bridge research and design.  The award includes a plaque, an engraved 14-K gold pin, and a $1,000 check.  The funding for the award is provided through an endowment established by Simon Wong Engineering of San Diego, California.  Mr. Wong completed a BSCE ('79) and an MSCE ('84) degree in civil engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The title of Mr. Hui's paper was: "Turbulent Wind Action on Long-Span Bridges with Separated Twin-Girder Decks."  A new method for wind buffeting analysis was developed and evaluated based on data from wind tunnel testing.  Being the recipient of this prestigious award, Mr. Hui wishes to express his gratitude to Mr. Simon Wong for his supporting the meaningful event. Furthermore, Mr. Hui is deeply indebted to his supervisors, colleagues, friends and family for their sincere encouragement and unfailing support. Upon graduation in 2006, Dr. Hui continues to serve in the Major Works Project Management Office of the Highways Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Chief Engineer responsible for the implementation of the Route 8 project between Tsing Yi and Sha Tin, including the 1018m span Stonecutters Bridge which has adopted a separated twin-girder deck section. The research presented in Dr. Hui's paper is closely related to the aerodynamic investigation needed for implementing the bridge project.

The eastern tower and approaching viaduct of Stonecutters Bridge under construction (as at May 2007), similar progress has been made on the western side of the bridge.

Professor Saiidi and Dr. Hui at the 2007 Asia Pacifica Network of Centers for Earthquake Engineering Research Conference, Hong Kong, May 2007

Prof. Xu, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Department at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Presents the Award to Dr. Michael Hui at a Ceremony in August 2007