Thong Pham is an Associate Professor and Enterprise Fellow in Structural Engineering at UniSA STEM, University of South Australia. Renowned for his exceptional contributions, he pioneers innovative solutions that foster engineering excellence with sustainability and resilience. Thong’s effort is focused on turning household and industrial waste to structures against multi-hazards.
Thong's primary research lies on three-fold focus:
1. Materials Innovation: his exploration includes a range of sustainable materials, e.g., geopolymer concrete, waste-derived materials, low-CO2 concrete, rubberised concrete, metaconcrete, and bio-inspired materials. Through these materials, Thong seeks to contribute to... Read more
About me
Thong Pham is an Associate Professor and Enterprise Fellow in Structural Engineering at UniSA STEM, University of South Australia. Renowned for his exceptional contributions, he pioneers innovative solutions that foster engineering excellence with sustainability and resilience. Thong’s effort is focused on turning household and industrial waste to structures against multi-hazards.
Thong's primary research lies on three-fold focus:
1. Materials Innovation: his exploration includes a range of sustainable materials, e.g., geopolymer concrete, waste-derived materials, low-CO2 concrete, rubberised concrete, metaconcrete, and bio-inspired materials. Through these materials, Thong seeks to contribute to the evolution of construction practices, fostering an environmentally conscious and resilient industry.
2. Prefab Construction Advancements: improving prefab construction and introducing non-corrosive precast concrete joints, stay-in-place formwork systems, and structures strengthened with fibre-polymer (FRP) reinforcements. His goal is to simplify construction methods while enhancing the durability of structures.
3. Resilient Structures Against Impact and Blast Loads: his research spans meta structures, bio-inspired designs, and ultra high-performance concrete, all tailored to enhance our built environment's capacity to endure extreme conditions.
Thong's achievements extend beyond the laboratory:
Funding and Leadership: He has secured competitive government grants and led five industry-sponsored research projects, including a prestigious ARC discovery project, totaling over $750k in research income.
Recognitions: Thong's work has been recognized with numerous honours and awards.
· 2021 Award for Excellence in technology and innovation category from CIA-WA
· 2020 Curtin Research Team Award
· 2019 Best Young Researcher’s Paper award from the 16th East Asia-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction
· 2019 Highly Commendable Paper Award from Japan Society of Civil Engineering-Impact Committee
· 2018 Curtin Early Career Researcher Award Finalist (only two from the entire university)
· 2012 Best Performance-Postgraduate Research Award from Faculty of Engineering (UoW)
· Eleven of his papers were listed as the most-cited papers in top international journals.
Global Impact: His reach extends beyond Australia, and he's been recognized by Stanford University and Elsevier as part of the top 2% of scientists globally since 2020, underscoring his international contributions to the field.
Leadership Role: Thong co-chaired the 7th International Conference on Protection of Structures against Hazards in Hanoi, contributing to his position as a respected figure in enhancing the safety of our built environment.
Editorial Contributions: His commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident through his roles as Associate Editor of Innovative Infrastructure Solutions and Journal of Science and Technology in Civil Engineering. He also serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Protective Structures.
Education and Mentorship: Thong is committed to nurturing research talent, demonstrated through his guidance of seven PhD students to successful completion. His students have achieved recognition, receiving National Bursary Awards (2021) and acknowledgments as finalists (2023) for the best thesis from the Concrete Institute of Australia. Research papers of two students were recipients of the best paper awards at international conferences.
About me
MIEAust - Member of Institute of Engineers Australia
CIA - Member of Concrete Institute of Australia
IAPS - Member of International Association of Protective Structures
IIFC - Member of International Institute for FRP in Construction
National Precast
About me
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 29/11/2023 |
Building the foundations for an illustrious career - How Thong Pham created his career from the ground, https://www.uow.edu.au/alumni/outlook/2023/building-the-foundations-for-an-illustrious-career.php?fbclid=IwAR1skW7_WR_WK5AsNJbDzuxS-h-6ra9tRDrbmAnbC4l9ACRel1A_XhONLJo |
| 18/02/2023 |
From village student to top world scientist, https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/from-village-student-to-top-world-scientist-4570034.html#:~:text=Pham%20Minh%20Thong%2C%20once%20a,of%20scientists%20in%20the%20world. |
| 26/01/2023 |
From village boy to top researcher in the world (in Vietnamese), https://baophuyen.vn/94/292336/tu-truong-lang-den-nha-khoa-hoc-hang-dau-the-gioi.html?fbclid=IwAR3jK4Z4zwRw-nKrpuAZBdyPGOToE2ALubWt6n9bOmqNWH9w5swGyPTsVr0 |
| 19/01/2023 |
Approximately 1000 students meet with top 2% researcher in the world (in Vietnamese), http://www.ptpphuyen.vn/giao-duc/202301/gan-1000-hoc-sinh-giao-luu-voi-nha-toan-hoc-top-2-nha-khoa-hoc-anh-huong-nhat-the-gioi-5801111/?fbclid=IwAR20C8dLQcSlHGhOE__OlHfsYEJb5Ov0VsOG1PAlrX-9J6G8lJAI0v3KWO4 |
| 11/03/2022 |
Kaolin concrete the question for Curtin, https://www.quarrymagazine.com/2022/03/11/kaolin-concrete-the-question-for-curtin/ |
| 11/03/2022 |
Curtin cements research into high-reactivity metakaolin, https://www.australianmining.com.au/curtin-cements-research-into-high-reactivity-metakaolin/ |
| 10/03/2022 |
Suvo engages with Curtin Uni on HRM for Green Concrete, https://www.listcorp.com/asx/suv/suvo-strategic-minerals-limited/news/suvo-engages-with-curtin-uni-on-hrm-for-green-concrete-2682101.html |
| 09/03/2022 |
Suvo Strategic Minerals engages Curtin University to investigate highly reactive metakaolin for green concrete, https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/976341/suvo-strategic-minerals-engages-curtin-university-to-investigate-highly-reactive-metakaolin-for-green-concrete-976341.html |
About me
Doctor of Philosophy University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Engineering Vietnam National University
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy with Special commendation*
Bachelor of Enginering (1st Hon.)
*Special commendation for outstanding thesis, which was judged by all thesis assessors and university thesis committee, is the highest level of honor for PhD degree at universities in Australia.
Honors and awards
o 2024 Mid-Career Researcher Award, UniSA STEM
o 2024 Best paper of the Year 2023 Award by Enginering Structures
o 2023 Honourable Mention – Mid-Career Researcher, UniSA STEM
o 2023 Highly Commendable Paper Award at the 14th Int. Conference on Shock & Impact Loads on Structures
o 2021 Award for Excellence: Technology & Innovation Category, CIA-WA
o 2020 Best Research Team, Curtin University
o 2019 Best Young Researcher's Paper Award from the 16th East Asia-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering & Construction (EASEC-16)
o 2019 Highly Commendable... Read more
Research
Excludes commercial-in-confidence projects.
Guidelines to mitigate structure damage due to water content change in Victoria’s expansive soils, Victorian Building Authority, 03/03/2025 - 24/04/2026
Development of novel metaconcrete to resist impulsive loads, ARC Discovery Project, 2022-2025
Concrete foundation of transmission station - solar farm, Downer PTY LTD, 2023
Development of new bracket connection for precast park, PARKD PTY LTD, 2023
Proprietary Static Lifelines, Airey Taylor Consulting PTY LTD, 2022
High reactivity metakaolin for sustainable concrete, SUVO PTY LTD, 2022
Sustainable rubberized geopolymer concrete, Curtin University, 2022
Novel frame structure, part 2, Yenem Engineering Services PTY LTD, 2020
Novel frame structure, part 1, Yenem Engineering Services PTY LTD, 2020
Research
Research outputs for the last seven years are shown below. Some long-standing staff members may have older outputs included. To see earlier years visit ORCID or Scopus
Open access indicates that an output is open access.
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
65
63
|
| 2023 |
170
142
|
| 2023 |
22
17
|
| 2023 |
Open access
20
18
|
| 2023 |
Open access
26
23
|
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
Open access
|
| 2025 |
Open access
|
| 2025 |
|
| 2025 |
Open access
|
| 2025 |
Open access
|
| 2025 |
Open access
|
| 2025 |
Open access
4
8
|
| 2024 |
Open access
2
2
|
| 2024 |
Open access
8
4
4
|
| 2024 |
Open access
9
9
|
| 2024 |
1
|
| 2024 |
2
2
|
| 2024 |
Open access
3
|
| 2024 |
Open access
3
3
|
| 2024 |
Open access
1
1
|
| 2024 |
Open access
8
7
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2024 |
Open access
6
|
| 2024 |
Open access
2
1
|
| 2024 |
6
6
|
| 2024 |
Open access
2
1
|
| 2024 |
Open access
3
3
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2024 |
Open access
2
|
| 2024 |
Open access
|
| 2023 |
3
3
|
| 2023 |
5
6
|
| 2023 |
20
12
|
| 2023 |
65
63
|
| 2023 |
24
20
|
| 2023 |
170
142
|
| 2023 |
2
2
|
| 2023 |
7
7
|
| 2023 |
4
3
|
| 2023 |
20
19
|
| 2023 |
Open access
4
2
|
| 2023 |
6
5
|
| 2023 |
Open access
13
9
|
| 2023 |
Open access
22
21
|
| 2023 |
9
9
|
| 2023 |
3
|
| 2023 |
Open access
11
6
|
| 2023 |
Open access
6
5
|
| 2023 |
22
17
|
| 2023 |
Open access
7
6
|
| 2023 |
Open access
20
18
|
| 2023 |
Open access
26
23
|
| 2023 |
Open access
3
3
|
| 2023 |
10
11
|
| 2022 |
Open access
13
12
|
| 2022 |
13
13
|
| 2022 |
61
57
|
| 2022 |
159
149
|
| 2022 |
Open access
21
18
|
| 2022 |
Open access
9
9
|
| 2022 |
36
30
|
| 2022 |
22
15
|
| 2022 |
37
35
|
| 2022 |
Open access
5
4
|
| 2022 |
2
2
|
| 2022 |
Open access
23
22
|
| 2022 |
35
34
|
| 2022 |
15
|
| 2022 |
6
4
|
| 2022 |
12
11
|
| 2022 |
Open access
8
8
|
| 2022 |
Open access
5
|
| 2022 |
29
27
|
| 2022 |
38
28
|
| 2022 |
13
11
|
| 2022 |
20
17
1
|
| 2022 |
26
24
1
|
| 2022 |
19
9
|
| 2022 |
30
25
|
| 2022 |
15
11
|
| 2022 |
10
8
|
| 2021 |
150
128
|
| 2021 |
220
203
|
| 2021 |
Open access
58
52
|
| 2021 |
Open access
51
44
|
| 2021 |
Open access
51
45
|
| 2021 |
Open access
82
66
|
| 2021 |
12
9
|
| 2021 |
Open access
124
107
|
| 2021 |
43
41
|
| 2021 |
24
24
|
| 2021 |
Open access
25
20
|
| 2021 |
Open access
27
|
| 2021 |
Open access
39
36
|
| 2021 |
49
45
|
| 2021 |
35
21
|
| 2021 |
Open access
41
32
|
| 2021 |
64
46
|
| 2021 |
35
26
|
| 2021 |
50
39
|
| 2021 |
65
38
|
| 2021 |
38
33
|
| 2021 |
36
33
|
| 2021 |
Open access
42
35
|
| 2021 |
6
5
|
| 2021 |
60
56
|
| 2021 |
Open access
20
20
|
| 2021 |
Open access
34
31
|
| 2021 |
27
21
|
| 2021 |
Open access
18
16
|
| 2020 |
22
|
| 2020 |
43
35
|
| 2020 |
Open access
42
37
|
| 2020 |
30
28
|
| 2020 |
Open access
19
18
|
| 2020 |
Open access
28
25
|
| 2020 |
Open access
54
48
|
| 2020 |
Open access
112
100
|
| 2020 |
95
83
|
| 2020 |
111
104
|
| 2020 |
146
132
|
| 2020 |
19
17
|
| 2020 |
87
70
|
| 2020 |
31
31
|
| 2020 |
13
11
|
| 2020 |
Open access
26
22
|
| 2020 |
Open access
27
25
|
| 2020 |
21
20
|
| 2019 |
29
24
|
| 2019 |
Open access
139
118
|
| 2019 |
38
|
| 2019 |
54
|
| 2019 |
34
30
|
| 2019 |
45
39
|
| 2019 |
86
74
|
| 2019 |
Open access
42
36
|
| 2019 |
84
74
|
| 2019 |
Open access
47
39
|
| 2019 |
Open access
58
51
|
| 2019 |
Open access
81
73
3
|
| 2019 |
Open access
27
22
|
| 2019 |
Open access
43
38
|
| 2018 |
161
136
3
|
| 2018 |
180
153
|
| 2018 |
Open access
121
102
|
| 2018 |
59
50
|
| 2018 |
Open access
43
35
|
| 2018 |
Open access
46
37
|
| 2018 |
Open access
103
94
|
| 2018 |
15
11
|
| 2018 |
Open access
25
25
|
| 2018 |
149
134
|
| 2018 |
Open access
21
17
|
| 2018 |
Open access
68
56
|
| 2018 |
15
11
|
| 2018 |
37
31
|
| 2018 |
Open access
54
46
|
| 2017 |
107
90
|
| 2017 |
Open access
42
34
|
| 2017 |
Open access
109
16
|
| 2017 |
Open access
156
134
|
| 2017 |
Open access
137
121
|
| 2016 |
175
147
|
| 2016 |
70
61
|
| 2016 |
Open access
153
133
|
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2021 |
|
| 2021 |
5
|
| 2019 |
Open access
1
|
| 2019 |
1
|
| 2018 |
5
|
| 2017 |
4
|
| 2016 |
|
| 2016 |
Open access
14
11
|
Book (1)
Elchalakani, M., Yang, B., Mao, K., Pham, T.M. Geopolymer Concrete Structures with Steel and FRP Reinforcements, in press, Elsevier
Book Chapter (1)
Phan, MQ, Lok TS, Ngo TD, and Pham TM (2018). Protection of Structures against Hazards, CI-Premier, Singapore.
Keynote Articles (4)
[1] Hao H, Xu C, Chen W, Pham TM, and Bi K, Metaconcrete Structure to Resist Impulsive Loads, International Conference on Structural Engineering Research, Sydney, Australia, 2022.
[2] Hao, H., Do, T. V., and Pham, T. M. (2018) "Structural Performance Evaluation of Prefabricated Concrete Segmental Columns and Conventional Monolithic Columns Against Vehicle Impact." Proc., 7th International Conference on Protection of Structures against Hazards.
[3] Hao, H, Do TV, and Pham TM (2018). "Response of Precast Concrete Segmental Columns versus Conventional Monolithic Columns under Vehicle Impact." Keynote paper in the 3rd International Conference on Transportation Infrastructure and Materials (ICTIM) Tianjin, China.
[4] Hao, H., and Pham, T. M. (2017). "Performance of RC Beams with or without FRP Strengthening Subjected to Impact Loading." Keynote paper in the 2nd World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE’17) Barcelona, Spain
Research
Honors and awards
o 2024 Mid-Career Researcher Award, UniSA STEM
o 2024 Best paper of the Year 2023 Award by Enginering Structures
o 2023 Honourable Mention – Mid-Career Researcher, UniSA STEM
o 2023 Highly Commendable Paper Award at the 14th Int. Conference on Shock & Impact Loads on Structures
o 2021 Award for Excellence: Technology & Innovation Category, CIA-WA
o 2020 Best Research Team, Curtin University
o 2019 Best Young Researcher's Paper Award from the 16th East Asia-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering & Construction (EASEC-16)
o 2019 Highly Commendable Paper Award from JSCE Impact Committee, Japan at the 13th Int. Conference on Shock & Impact Loads on Structures
o 2018 VC early career research award finalist – Curtin University
o 2015 Best thesis award finalist by Concrete Institute of Australia
o 2014 Special commendation for PhD thesis from the University of Wollongong
o 2013 Peter Schmidt memorial scholarship for the best PhD candidate in Civil Engineering, the University of Wollongong, Australia
o 2007 Minister bronze medal, national mechanics Olympiad, Viet Nam
o 2007 VC certificate of merit, national mechanics Olympiad, Viet Nam
11 journal articles were listed as most cited articles or Editor’s featured papers
o Associate Editor of Innovative Infrastructure Solutions (Springer)
o Associate Editor of Journal of Science and Technology in Civil Engineering
o Co-Chairman of 7th International Conference on Protection of Structures Against Hazards, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2018
External engagement & recognition
| Organisation | Country |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
| American University of Sharjah | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
| Arup | AUSTRALIA |
| ARUP Pty Ltd | AUSTRALIA |
| Beijing University of Technology | CHINA |
| BG & E (Vic) | AUSTRALIA |
| BG&E Pty Ltd | AUSTRALIA |
| BMD Constructions | AUSTRALIA |
| Boral Ltd | AUSTRALIA |
| Cardiff University | UNITED KINGDOM |
| China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research | CHINA |
| China University of Petroleum (Huadong) | CHINA |
| Chongqing University | CHINA |
| CPB Contractors | AUSTRALIA |
| Curtin University | AUSTRALIA |
| Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology | INDIA |
| Ghd Pty Ltd | AUSTRALIA |
| Guangzhou University | CHINA |
| Gwangju University | KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (SOUTH) |
| Hanoi Architectural University | VIET NAM |
| Heifei University of Technology | CHINA |
| Ho Chi Minh City Open University | VIET NAM |
| Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture | VIET NAM |
| Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology | VIET NAM |
| Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) | VIET NAM |
| Hong Kong Polytechnic University | HONG KONG |
| Innose Tech Company | SWEDEN |
| James Cook University | AUSTRALIA |
| Karagozian & Case Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Kasetsart University | THAILAND |
| King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi | THAILAND |
| Kongju National University | KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (SOUTH) |
| Kunsan National University | KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (SOUTH) |
| Maharshi Dayanand University | INDIA |
| Matrix Composites & Engineering | AUSTRALIA |
| National Institute of Technology | INDIA |
| National Institute of Technology Agartala | INDIA |
| National University of Sciences and Technology | PAKISTAN |
| Ningbo RX New Materials Technology Co Ltd | CHINA |
| Ningbo Shike New Material Technology Co. Ltd | CHINA |
| PLA Army Engineering University | CHINA |
| PLA University of Science and Technology | CHINA |
| Princess of Naradhiwas University | THAILAND |
| Queensland University of Technology | AUSTRALIA |
| Quy Nhon University | VIET NAM |
| Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok | THAILAND |
| RMIT University | AUSTRALIA |
| SMEC Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Southeast University | CHINA |
| Southern Cross University | AUSTRALIA |
| Stamford University Bangladesh | BANGLADESH |
| Swinburne University of Technology | AUSTRALIA |
| Technical University of Kosice | SLOVAK REPUBLIC |
| Tianjin University | CHINA |
| Ton Duc Thang University of Technology | VIET NAM |
| University Kebangsaan Malaysia | MALAYSIA |
| University of Adelaide | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Canberra | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Engineering and Technology | PAKISTAN |
| University of Engineering and Technology Lahore | PAKISTAN |
| University of Fire Fighting and Prevention | VIET NAM |
| University of Kent | UNITED KINGDOM |
| University of Malaya | MALAYSIA |
| University of Melbourne | AUSTRALIA |
| University of South Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Transport and Communications | VIET NAM |
| University of Transport Technology | VIET NAM |
| University of Twente | NETHERLANDS |
| University of Western Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Wollongong | AUSTRALIA |
| Van Lang University | VIET NAM |
| Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City | VIET NAM |
| Vietnamese German University | VIET NAM |
| Yenem Engineering Services Pty Ltd | AUSTRALIA |
| Zhejiang University | CHINA |
External engagement & recognition
International Scientific Committee member of more than dozen of international conferences
Student feedback
- “Legendary teaching style” - student response STEN2005 2022
- “Great unit, enjoyed it a lot - Thanks Thong Pham !!! especially your passion for your teaching” - student response STEN2005 2022
- “Thanks Thong! loved the unit and your passion, cheers for your help!” - student response STEN2005 2022
- “Dr Thong is passionate about his unit and teaching of students, something which is clear in all of his lectures.” - student response STEN4005 2021
- “Thong is very good at breaking down complicated topics into simpler terms” - student response STEN2006 2021
- “Thong Pham is one of the best lecturers I have had he takes the time to explain concepts in an easier way to understand and takes the necessary steps to ensure all students understand topics” – student response STEN2006 2019
- “Is an active and engaging lecturer. He is knowledgeable and understands the subject.” – student response STEN2006 2019
HDR supervision and student achievements
- 3 PhD students received best paper awards from international conferences in their field of research.
- The research works from his final-year students were published in ten technical articles in high-profile international journals, which are exceptionally excellent for undergrads.
Teaching & student supervision
Teaching & student supervision
Supervisions from 2010 shown
| Thesis title | Student status |
|---|---|
| 110470 - Developing Innovative Connection Systems for Glass Fibre Polymer Reinforced Precast Concrete Elements | Current |
| 152 - Development of an Innovative Meta-panel Sandwich Core for Structure Protection against Dynamic Loads | Current |
| Deflection and Strength Assessment of Hybrid GFRP Sandwich Panels Developed for Bridge Decks | Current |
| Durability and structural performances of green concrete made from recycled plastic and clay minerals | Current |
| Mitigating vehicular crashes into masonry buildings uisng innovative material and damping technologies | Current |
| Use of precast concrete piles reinforced with GFRP to underpin jetties | Current |
