Shaojun Zhu

Shaojun Zhu

Assistant Professor, Distinguished Research Fellow
Department of Structural Engineering, College of Civil Engineering
Tongji University, Shanghai, China
Smart Firefighting Deep Learning Fire Resistance Reinforcement Learning Structural Design
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SCI Journal Papers
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EI Chinese Papers
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Granted Patents
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National Scholarships

Profile

Shaojun Zhu, Doctor of Engineering, Shanghai High-Level Scholar, Shanghai Pujiang Scholar, Assistant Professor and Distinguished Research Fellow of Department of Structural Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University. He also serves as a council member of the Engineering Fire Protection Technology Branch of the China Society of Civil Engineering and a member of the Structural Fire Resistance Committee of the Earthquake Resistance and Disaster Prevention Branch of the Architectural Society of China. He majors in the research on smart firefighting and smart structural design. Specific research topics include real-time early warning of fire-induced collapse of large steel structures, shape and topology optimization of skeleton structures, and reinforcement learning-driven automatic design of structures. He hosted 1 project sponsored by the National Science Foundation of China, 1 project sponsored by the Shanghai Pujiang Program, and 2 secondary projects sponsored by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, participated in the revision of 1 standard, published 68 journal papers indexed by SCI, published 16 Chinese journal papers indexed by EI, and got 3 patents granted. During his Ph.D. period, he was awarded by the National Scholarship of China 3 times, and he visited Kyoto University as a guest research associate for 2 years funded by the Chinese Scholarship Council (supervised by Prof. Makoto Ohsaki). The achievements won the First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the China Steel Structure Society and the First Prize for Science and Technology from the China Railway Society. His E-mail is: zhushaojun@tongji.edu.cn

Last update of this page: February 14th, 2026

Education

2019.10 ~ 2021.10
Dept. of Architecture and Architectural Eng., Kyoto University
Guest Research Associate
2016.09 ~ 2021.10
Dept. of Structural Engineering, Tongji University
Doctor of Engineering
2012.09 ~ 2016.06
College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University
Bachelor of Engineering

Recent Research

Constrained Stochastic Imperfection Modal Method

Based on virtual interaction forces, the structural topology constraint is considered, and the constrained stochastic imperfection modal method is proposed for single-layer reticulated shells with controllable computational cost and reasonable accuracy.

Paper

Early-warning Collapse of Planar Steel Trusses

Through parametric analysis, all collapse modes and mechanisms of planar steel truss structures under arbitrary conditions are summarized, and an early-warning method for fire-induced collapse is proposed based on the evolution laws of key physical parameters.

Paper

Deep LSTM-based Key Displacement Prediction in Fire

Based on structural fire response data and deep recurrent neural networks, a real-time prediction method for critical displacements in fire-affected buildings is proposed.

Paper PDF Code

GNN-based Critical Element Identification

Using deep graph neural network-based reinforcement learning to quantitatively evaluate critical elements for progressive collapse resistance of frame structures.

PDF

Machine-Specified Ground Structures via Graph Embedding

Autonomous topology generation for 2D trusses using reinforcement learning and graph embedding, followed by topology optimization based on ground structures.

Paper

Form-finding of Free-form Reticulated Shells

A quantitative metric for evaluating assembly convenience of aluminum alloy free-form reticulated shells is proposed, along with a form-finding method considering joint rigidity.

Paper

Buckling Load Prediction via Modified Consistent Imperfection

Combining supervised learning with the improved consistent imperfection method to predict the stability capacity of imperfect spatial grid structures.

Paper

Shape Optimization of Aluminum Alloy Gridshells

A shape optimization method using genetic algorithms that significantly improves the nonlinear buckling capacity without affecting macro-geometric features.

Paper
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Presentations

Smart Firefighting

Intelligent Structural Design

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Standards

  1. Technical Standard for Aluminum Alloy Latticed Structures: DG/TJ-08-95-2020[S]. Shanghai: Tongji University Press, 2020. (Main drafter 23/26)
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Journal Papers (SCI)

Note: * denotes corresponding author

  1. Wu C, Jiang S, Zeng Q, Zhu S*. Stability reliability analysis of Kiewitt single-layer gridshells with experimentally validated topology-constrained initial imperfections[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2026, xx: 114669.
  2. Ji W, Li G Q, Zhu S*. REACT-Net: Real-time assessment of collapse threat in fire-affected portal frame buildings[J]. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 2026, 167: 113888.
  3. Lou T, Xu G W, Yang Y, Bai J, Qi L G*, Ma M L*, Lou G B, Zhu S J, Fu G J. Fire protection strategy for CFRP cable-anchor system: Experimental and numerical investigation[J]. Construction and Building Materials, 2025, 505: 144701.
  4. Jiang S, Tang H, Zhang T, Zhu S*. Fire performance of restrained axially loaded members in indeterminate steel trusses: Failure mechanisms and simplified design method[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2025, 116: 114671.
  5. Li J, Zhu S, Li G Q*, Wang Y. Preventing fire-induced brittle collapse of steel tubular space trusses for reliable early warning: From mechanisms to design strategy[J]. Fire Safety Journal, 2026, 159: 104586.
  6. Lou G, Zheng X, Wang Z, Zhu S*. Post-fire fatigue performance of steel-concrete composite beams: Part I: Experimental investigation[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2025, 234: 109697.
  7. Yu Y, Jiang S, Wang Y, Zhu S*. SAFE-Net: Multi-Head attention enhanced framework for defect detection in anti-corrosion coatings on steel structures[J]. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 2025, 156: 111278.
  8. Jiang S, Tang H, Huang M, Zhu S*, Wang Y. Rapid assessment of thermal and structural properties for non-intumescent fire-protection coatings: A density-based quantitative investigation[J]. Construction and Building Materials, 2025, 485: 141806.
  9. Zeng Q, Ohsaki M, Hayashi K, Zhu S, Guo X*. Local search-based online learning algorithm for shape and cross-section optimization of free-form single-layer reticulated shells[J]. Automation in Construction, 2025, 174: 106144.
  10. Zheng X, Li G Q, Ji W, Zhu S*. Edge computing-oriented model optimization for synchronous acquisition of key physical parameters governing building collapses in fire[J]. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 2025, 65: 103303.
  11. Qi H H, Li G Q, Zhu S*. Real-time prediction of axial force in concrete-filled steel tubular columns under fire conditions using modular artificial intelligence techniques[J]. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 2025, 150: 110617.
  12. Tang H, Jiang S, Wang Y, Liu Z, Zhu S*. Experimental and numerical investigation on fire resistance of PEC members with fire protection[J]. Steel and Composite Structures, 2025, 55(4): 349-364.
  13. Wu C, Jiang S, Zhu S*. GRIDSNET: A graph neural network approach to predicting nonlinear buckling capacity of imperfect single-layer gridshells[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2025, 208: 112851.
  14. Li G Q, Li J, Zhu S*, Zhang C, Chen B, Ji W, Wang Y, Chen N, Qi H, Yang X, Jiang L, Nie Y, Luo Q. An experiment on a real building with truss roof to validate real-time early-warning system for fire-induced collapse[J]. Fire Technology, 2025, 61: 2013-2046.
  15. Li J, Zhu S, Ji W, Li G Q*, Wang Y, Qi H. Development of high-temperature resistant inclinometers for structural displacement acquisition of the buildings subjected to fire[J]. Fire Technology, 2025, 61: 1885-1914.
  16. Ji W, Li G Q, Zhu S*, Li J, Qi H, Wang Y. Machine learning-driven real-time identification of large-space building fires and forecast of temperature development[J]. Expert Systems with Applications, 2024, 255: 124758.
  17. Wang Y, Li G Q, Zhu S*. Graph recurrent neural networks-integrated real-time prediction of key displacements for fire-induced collapse early warning of steel frames[J]. Applied Soft Computing, 2024, 163: 111942.
  18. Wu C, Jiang S, Zeng Q, Zhu S*. Probability model evolution laws and mechanisms of non-linear buckling capacity of single-layer spherical gridshells with topology-constrained initial imperfections[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2024, 202: 112145.
  19. Wang Y, Li G Q, Zhu S*. Collapse modes and mechanisms of planar multi-story large-span steel frames under fire[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2024, 94: 109924.
  20. Li J, Zhu S, Li G Q*, Zhang C, Chen B, Chen N, Yang X, Jiang L, Shan J, Qi H, Ji W, Wang Y. Data set for fire-induced collapse test on an existing building with a truss roof[J]. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2024, 150(10): 04724003. Hot Open dataset
  21. Qi H H, Li G Q*, Zhu S. Collapse analysis of restrained concrete-filled steel tubular columns in fire conditions[J]. Fire Safety Journal, 2024, 146: 104174.
  22. Du Y, Wang L, Wang Y, Zhu S*, Li X. Elevated-temperature mechanical property and constitutive model of galvanized parallel wire strands[J]. Fire Safety Journal, 2024, 145: 104136.
  23. Ji W, Li G Q*, Wang Y, Li J, Zhu S, Yang X, Chen B, Chen N, Chen P. Experimental and numerical study on fire-induced collapse of double-span steel portal frames[J]. Fire Safety Journal, 2024, 143: 104059.
  24. Wang Y, Du Y, Zhu S*, Huang L. Anti-sliding performance of parallel wire strand clamps at elevated temperatures[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2024, 212: 108302.
  25. Zeng Q, Ohsaki M, Zhang J, Zhu S, Li Z, Guo X*. Structured triangular mesh generation method for free-form gridshells based on conformal mapping and virtual interaction forces[J]. Engineering Structures, 2023, 295: 116879.
  26. Huang Y, Zhu S, Chen S*. Deep learning-driven super-resolution reconstruction of two-dimensional explosion pressure fields[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2023, 78: 107620.
  27. Wang Y, Du Y, Zhu S*, Huang L. Elevated-temperature mechanical property and constitutive model of Galfan-coated and full-locked steel cables[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2023, 211: 108146.
  28. Li J, Li G Q, Zhu S*. FAST-AlertNet: Early warning fire-induced collapse of large-span steel truss structures[J]. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 2023, 126: 106891.
  29. Zhang C, Zhu S, Zong S, Sui Z, Guo X*. Experimental and numerical investigations on an assembled self-centering buckling-restrained brace with high post-yield stiffness[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2023, 190: 110927.
  30. Du Y, Zhu D, Zhu S*. Experimental study on high-temperature creep behavior of full-locked and Galfan-coated steel cables[J]. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 2024, 36(1): 04023512.
  31. Guo X, Zhang J, Zeng Q*, Zhu S, Zong S. Performance-based optimal sensor placement method for single-layer reticulated shells considering modal observability and damage identifiability[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2023, 188: 110809.
  32. Guo X, Zhang J, Zong S*, Zhu S. A fast-response-generation method for single-layer reticulated shells based on implicit parameter model of generative adversarial networks[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2023, 72: 106563.
  33. Li G Q, Li J, Zhu S*. An approach for early-warning collapse of planar steel trapezoid trusses exposed to fire[J]. Fire Safety Journal, 2023, 137: 103778.
  34. Ji W, Zhu S, Li G Q*, Chen B. Synchronous displacement acquisition approach for early warning of fire-induced collapse of steel portal frames[J]. Fire Technology, 2023, 59: 1613-1645.
  35. Huang L, Du Y, Zhu S*, Wang L. Material property and constitutive model of C120 hybrid fiber ultra-high performance concrete at elevated temperatures[J]. Structures, 2023, 50: 373-386.
  36. Du Y, Wu Y, Umar A M, Zhu S*. Elevated-temperature creep model of parallel wire strands[J]. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2023, 17(7): 1060-1071.
  37. Zeng Q, Zhu S, Li Z, Guo X*. Self-adaptive triangular mesh generation framework for free-form single-layer reticulated shells based on virtual interaction forces[J]. Automation in Construction, 2023, 148: 104750.
  38. Zeng Q, Guo X, Yang X, Zhu S*, Li Z. Constrained stochastic imperfection modal method for non-linear buckling analysis of single-layer reticulated shells[J]. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2023, 149(3): 04022265.
  39. Zhu S, Cheng Z, Zhang C, Guo X*. Numerical analysis of aluminum alloy reticulated shells with gusset joints under fire conditions[J]. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2023, 17: 448-466. PDF (License: CC-BY-NC-ND)
  40. Liao H, Jiang S C*, Wang Y Z, Zhu S, Zhao X. Flexural behavior of clad rack beam-to-column bolted connections at high temperatures[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2022, 197: 107506.
  41. Ji W, Li G Q, Zhu S*. Real-time prediction of key monitoring physical parameters for early warning of fire-induced building collapse[J]. Computers and Structures, 2022, 272: 106875. PDF Code
  42. Ji W, Zhu S, Li G Q*, Lou G, Jiang S. Approach for early-warning collapse of double-span steel portal frames induced by fire[J]. Fire Safety Journal, 2022, 131: 103628. PDF (License: CC-BY-NC-ND)
  43. Liu W, Xu L, Zhu S*, Li L, Liu F, Xiong Z. Shape optimisation of aluminium alloy spherical reticulated shells considering nonlinearities[J]. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2022, 16(12): 1565-1580.
  44. Zhu S, Ohsaki M, Hayashi K, Zong S*, Guo X. Deep reinforcement learning-based critical element identification and demolition planning of frame structures[J]. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2022, 16(11): 1397-1414. PDF (License: CC-BY-NC-ND)
  45. Zhu S, Ohsaki M, Hayashi K, Guo X*. Machine-specified ground structures for topology optimization of binary trusses using graph embedding policy network[J]. Advances in Engineering Software, 2021, 159: 103032. PDF (License: CC-BY-NC-ND)
  46. Wang X, Zhu S, Zeng Q, Guo X*. Improved multi-objective hybrid genetic algorithm for shape and size optimization of free-form latticed structures[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2021, 43: 102902.
  47. Zhu S, Guo X*, Tang W, Gao S, Chen C. Temperature development of aluminum alloy members considering fire radiation[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2021, 42: 102836.
  48. Zhu S, Ohsaki M, Zeng Q*, Guo X. Form-finding of aluminum alloy reticulated structures considering joint rigidity[J]. Engineering Structures, 2021, 242: 112618.
  49. Xiong Z, Zhu S*, Zou X, Guo S, Qiu Y, Li L. Elasto-plastic buckling behavior of aluminum alloy single-layer cylindrical shells[J]. Engineering Structures, 2021, 242: 112562.
  50. Guo X, Zhang J, Zhu S, Luo X*, Xu H. Damping characteristics of single-layer aluminum alloy reticulated spatial structures based on improved modal parameter identification method[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2021, 164: 107822.
  51. Zhu S, Ohsaki M, Guo X*. Prediction of non-linear buckling load of imperfect reticulated shell using modified consistent imperfection and machine learning[J]. Engineering Structures, 2021, 226: 111374. Code
  52. Guo X, Zhu S, Jiang S*, Zhang C, Chen C. Fire tests on single-layer aluminum alloy reticulated shells with gusset joints[J]. Structures, 2020, 28: 1137-1152.
  53. Guo X, Zeng Q, Zhu S*, Huang Z. Bearing capacity of bolted ball-cylinder joint under uniaxial tensile force[J]. Structures, 2020, 28: 562-576.
  54. Guo X, Zong S, Shen Z*, Zhu S, Yuan S. Mechanical behavior of in-service axial compression angle steel members strengthened by welding[J]. Journal of Building Engineering, 2020, 32: 101736.
  55. Zhu S, Guo X*, Jiang S, Zong S, Chen C. Experimental study on the fire-induced collapse of single-layer aluminum alloy reticulated shells with gusset joints[J]. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2020, 146(12): 04020268.
  56. Jiang S, Zhu S*, Guo X, Chen C, Li Z. Safety monitoring system of steel truss structures in fire[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2020, 172: 106216.
  57. Zhu S, Ohsaki M, Guo X*, Zeng Q. Shape optimization for non-linear buckling load of aluminum alloy reticulated shells with gusset joints[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2020, 154: 106830.
  58. Jiang S, Zhu S, Guo X*, Li Z. Full-scale fire tests on steel roof truss structures[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2020, 169: 106025.
  59. Luo J, Zong S, Zhu S, Guo X*, Yu M. Mechanical behavior of Q690 high-strength steel beams at room and elevated temperatures[J]. Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 2020, 29(5): e1712.
  60. Guo X, Zong S, Gao S*, Zhu S, Zhang Y. Ductile failure of occlusive high strength bolt connections under shear force[J]. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2020, 168: 105982.
  61. Guo X, Tao L, Zhu S*, Zong S. Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of aluminum alloy at high and low temperatures[J]. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 2020, 32(2): 06019016.
  62. Guo X, Zhu S*, Liu X, Liu L. Experimental study on hysteretic behavior of aluminum alloy gusset joints[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2018, 131: 883-901.
  63. Zhu S, Guo X*, Liu X, Jiang S. Bearing capacity of aluminum alloy members under eccentric compression at elevated temperatures[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2018, 127: 574-587.
  64. Guo X, Zhu S, Liu X*, Wang K. Study on out-of-plane flexural behavior of aluminum alloy gusset joints at elevated temperatures[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2018, 123: 452-466.
  65. Zhu S, Guo X*, Liu X, Gao S. The in-plane effective length of members in aluminum alloy reticulated shell with gusset joints[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2018, 123: 483-491.
  66. Jiang S, Guo X, Xiong Z*, Cai Y, Zhu S. Experimental studies on behaviour of tubular T-joints reinforced with grouted sleeve[J]. Steel and Composite Structures, 2017, 23(5): 585-596.
  67. Xiong Z, Guo X*, Luo Y, Zhu S, Liu Y. Experimental and numerical studies on single-layer reticulated shells with aluminium alloy gusset joints[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2017, 118: 124-136.
  68. Xiong Z, Guo X*, Luo Y, Zhu S. Elasto-plastic stability of single-layer reticulated shells with aluminium alloy gusset joints[J]. Thin-Walled Structures, 2017, 115: 163-175.
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Conference Papers

  1. Li J, Li G Q, Zhu S, Ji W, Wang Y, Qi H. Experimental and numerical investigation on collapse modes and mechanisms of planar steel triangle trusses exposed to fire[A]// Proceedings of SiF 2024[C]. Coimbra: University of Coimbra, 2024.
  2. Wang Y, Li G Q, Zhu S, Zheng X. Fire-induced collapse early-warning method for planar multi-story steel frame structures[A]// Proceedings of SiF 2024[C]. Coimbra: University of Coimbra, 2024.
  3. Ji W, Li G Q, Zhu S, Du Y, Liu Z. Deep learning-driven real-time prediction of fire-induced collapse of steel portal frames[A]// Proceedings of SiF 2024[C]. Coimbra: University of Coimbra, 2024.
  4. Wu C, Jiang S, Zhu S. Probability model of non-linear buckling capacity of single-layer reticulated shells using constrained stochastic imperfection modal method[A]// Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia[C]. Zurich: IASS, 2024.
  5. Zhu S, Zeng Q, Yang X, Wu C. State-of-the-art review of initial imperfection field simulation methods for single-layer gridshells[A]// Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia[C]. Melbourne: IASS, 2023.
  6. Zong S, Guo X, Zhu S, Zeng Q, Chen Y. Application of a computer aided design program for shells with aluminum alloy gusset joints - Case study[A]// Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia[C]. Barcelona: IASS, 2019.
  7. Zhu S, Guo X, Gao Z, Tao L. Experimental research on mechanical property of aluminum alloy at elevated temperatures[A]// Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia[C]. Hamburg: IASS, 2017.
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Awards & Honors

  1. China Railway Society. First Prize for Science and Technology (Multi-hazard defense of steel structures in high-speed railway stations), 2024, 11/25.
  2. China Steel Structure Society. First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress (Key technologies for efficient construction of rooftop-park-style mega steel waste-to-energy plants), 2024, 5/15.
  3. Tongji University. Outstanding Student Pacesetter, 2020.
  4. Ministry of Education, China. National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, 2020.
  5. Ministry of Education, China. National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, 2018.
  6. Tongji University. Tall Structure Scholarship, 2017.
  7. Ministry of Education, China. National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, 2016.
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Research Projects

  1. National Key R&D Program of China, 2023YFC3806602, Key technologies for modular integrated building construction (Sub-project: Interactive integrated design method for high-rise modular buildings), 2023/12-2027/11, PI.
  2. National Key R&D Program of China, 2022YFC3801904, Key technologies for high-efficiency standardized steel structural systems (Sub-project: Standardized key technologies for fire resistance improvement of rolled steel structures), 2022/11-2026/10, PI.
  3. Shanghai Pujiang Program, 22PJ1414000, Intelligent real-time early warning theory and method for fire-induced collapse of large steel structures, 2022/10-2024/09, PI.
  4. NSFC Young Scientists Fund, 52208196, Research on evolution laws and probability model of stability capacity of imperfect single-layer gridshells with topology-constrained imperfections based on deep learning, 2023/01-2025/12, PI.
  5. Engineering consulting project, Joint design for the aluminum alloy dome of Shanghai Astronomy Museum, 2017/10-2018/05, Completed, Core member.
  6. Engineering consulting project, Application of composite cavity members for reinforcing shield tunnels, 2016/01-2017/12, Completed, Core member.
  7. NSFC General Program, 51478335, Research on high-temperature bearing performance of aluminum alloy gusset-jointed reticulated shells, 2015/01-2018/12, Completed, Core member.
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Journal Reviewer

Journal of Structural Engineering Engineering Applications of AI Journal of Building Engineering J. of Constructional Steel Research Engineering Structures Thin-Walled Structures Steel and Composite Structures Soil Dynamics and EQ Eng. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions Fire Sensors Int. J. Structural Stability & Dynamics Archives of Civil and Mech. Eng. Case Studies in Construction Mat. J. of Materials in Civil Engineering Cogent Engineering Structural Eng. and Mechanics Heliyon Applied Sciences Advances in Mat. & Proc. Tech. Welding in the World J. Brazilian Soc. Mech. Sci. Eng. J. Asian Arch. and Building Eng. J. Traffic and Transportation Eng. Journal of Engineering Research
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