Doctor at UFRGS, Brazil
Washington Peres Núñez is a distinguished Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree (1981), a Master’s (1991), and a Ph.D. (1997) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), where he is a Full Professor in the Civil Engineering Department. He specializes in geotechnics with a focus on pavement engineering, particularly in the design, evaluation, and stabilization of flexible and rigid pavements. Washington has authored over 200 technical and scientific articles, received multiple awards for his research, and has been an active mentor for numerous graduate students. His extensive experience includes consulting on significant highway projects in Brazil and collaborating with various international institutions. Additionally, he has served as the coordinator of UFRGS’s Pavement Laboratory and has participated in various academic and professional committees, contributing to the advancement of civil engineering both in Brazil and globally.
Profile
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Education
Washington Peres Núñez has a solid educational background in civil engineering, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering obtained in 1981. He further pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 1997, all from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). His academic journey has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of geotechnics, particularly in pavement engineering, and has laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to research and teaching as a tenured professor in the Civil Engineering Department at UFRGS.
Professional Experience
Washington Peres Núñez is a highly accomplished Civil Engineer with extensive professional experience in academia and industry. He serves as a Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, where he has authored over 200 technical and scientific articles, mentored numerous graduate students, and received multiple awards for his research contributions. His expertise lies in geotechnics, particularly in pavement design, soil stabilization, and the recycling of pavements. Washington has played a crucial role as a consultant for major highway projects across Brazil, including significant duplications and expansions of national roads and airports. He has also engaged in international collaborations, providing lectures and consulting services in various countries across Europe and Latin America. His leadership in the Pavement Laboratory at UFRGS further underscores his commitment to advancing research and practice in civil engineering.
Research Interests
Washington Peres Núñez’s research interests primarily focus on geotechnics and pavement engineering, encompassing the design, evaluation, and stabilization of flexible and rigid pavements. He explores critical themes such as soil and aggregate stabilization and the recycling of pavements, aiming to enhance infrastructure sustainability and performance. His work is characterized by a blend of theoretical analysis and practical applications, as demonstrated through his extensive publication record and consulting experience on major highway projects. Washington’s commitment to advancing knowledge in civil engineering is further reflected in his role as a mentor to numerous graduate students, fostering the next generation of engineers while contributing to significant advancements in the field.
Publications
- Seasonal variations of a subgrade soil resilient modulus in southern Brazil
- Authors: AJ Ceratti, WYY Gehling, WP Núñez
- Year: 2004
- Citations: 70
- Electric arc furnace steel slag: base material for low-volume roads
- Authors: L Rohde, W Peres Núñez, J Augusto Pereira Ceratti
- Year: 2003
- Citations: 70
- A study on the resilient modulus of cement-treated mixtures of RAP and aggregates using indirect tensile, triaxial and flexural tests
- Authors: W Fedrigo, WP Núñez, MAC López, TR Kleinert, JAP Ceratti
- Year: 2018
- Citations: 69
- Performance evaluation of pervious concrete pavements with recycled concrete aggregate
- Authors: HL Strieder, VFP Dutra, ÂG Graeff, WP Núñez, FRM Merten
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 57
- Construction and demolition waste parameters for rational pavement design
- Authors: L Delongui, M Matuella, WP Núñez, W Fedrigo, LCP da Silva Filho, …
- Year: 2018
- Citations: 54
Conclusion
Washington Peres Núñez is a distinguished researcher with a remarkable track record in civil engineering, particularly in geotechnics and pavement engineering. His extensive publications, international collaborations, and mentorship demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. While there are areas where he can expand his research scope and enhance community engagement, his contributions to academia and practical applications of his work make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His achievements not only reflect individual excellence but also positively impact civil engineering and infrastructure development in Brazil and beyond.