Jiaping Liu, a distinguished chair professor in Southeast University, was born in Haian, Jiangsu, China, in January 1967. He is an expert in the construction and building materials, especially in the field of shrinkage-induced cracking control and ultra-high-performance concrete. He elucidated the mechanism underling the shrinkage-induced cracking and proposed novel methodology to design ultra-high-performance concrete Several novel functional admixtures that can reduce the shrinkage-induced cracking, enhance the mechanical performance, and tailor the rheological property have been developed and applied to more than 110 key projects. Prof. Liu has authored or co-authored over 260 technical publications, received 91 patents as the first author, including 14 international patents, and participated in writing 22 standards or statutes. His research findings have awarded one National Second Prize for Technological Invention and four National Second Prizes for Scientific and Technological Progress. Such findings have successfully overcome the international challenge of shrinkage cracking control and promoted the field application of ultra-high-performance concrete, which makes significant contributions to civil engineering.
Combining the material with structure and environment, the calculation method of activation energy for complex cementitious system was first proposed. The couple model considering the synergetic effect of cement hydration, temperature, humidity, and restraint was established. The inconsistency between the results obtained from ideal environment and practical engineering was solved. The relationship between material shrinkage and structural stress was established. The research results break through the main challenge of quantitative evaluation of cracking risk and fill the blank of special control of shrinkage crack. The achievements have been successfully applied to more than 50 major projects, including the Wuxi Taihu Tunnel, Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed railway, and the underground station of Shanghai Metro. Such novel technologies can secure no visible cracks in underground space, tunnel and long-huge structure, which achieves the active control in shrinkage-induced cracking risk rather than passive rehabilitation.
From a molecular and micro-nano level, the microstructures of the paste, matrix, and interfacial zones have been regulated, fundamentally improving the macroscopic properties of concrete. This has resolved major issues such as high viscosity, poor toughness of high-strength concrete, as well as low early strength and inadequate rigidity in concrete curing at ambient temperature, achieving a unification of high flowability, ultra-high strength, and ultra-high toughness. The achievements have been utilized in over 60 major projects, including NH Island Reef protection and the Nanjing Yangtze River Fifth Bridge, thereby enhancing the structures' resistance to explosive penetration and load-bearing capacity.
