Dr. Hao Wang Awarded 2022 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize

Dr. Hao Wang, an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rutgers University and an affiliated researcher at CAIT, was selected by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to receive a 2022 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize. 

Named in honor of Walter L. Huber, Past President of ASCE, these awards were established in 1946 and recognize significant research achievement in the civil engineering field. They are designed to acknowledge and support research from younger ASCE members who have made great contributions to the field, and who can be expected to continue fruitful careers in research.

Dr. Wang won the Huber Prize for his innovative work in developing sustainable, durable, resilient, and smart pavement and pavement systems. 

At Rutgers, his research is primarily in the field of sustainable, smart, and resilient built environments. His recent research focuses on multi-scale modeling and characterization of pavement material; development of multi-functional infrastructure material; sustainable and smart pavement in highways and airfields; life-cycle analysis and assessment; and pavement management systems. 

“He has built an independent research program including both fundamental and applied research at Rutgers University that aims to provide innovation and cost-effective solutions for problems and challenges encountered in transportation and pavement engineering related to public travel, the environment, and society,” said ASCE staff in the award announcement.

“His vision is to unlock the future of pavement infrastructure to be able to achieve long-lasting life under climate change impact, reduce carbon footprints, promote circular economy, interface with automated and connected vehicles, and create positive energy roadways,” they added. 

ASCE also noted that Dr. Wang’s publications are well-cited, with a Google Scholar total citation of 5,510 and h-index of 43. That, in addition to his involvement in ASCE and the civil and transportation engineering communities, contributed to him being selected for this award.

At the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), Dr. Wang’s recent research has focused on “Durable and Electrified Pavement for Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles.” On this project he has been working with stakeholders at the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to develop an innovative design of electrified pavement that is durable while also providing efficient charging functionality.

The Huber Prize will be presented to Dr. Wang at ASCE’s Annual Convention in Anaheim, CA, October 23-26, 2022.