Professor Hyunjin Ju
Department of Architectural Engineering
Hankyong National University
The Next-generation Structure Lab. at Hankyong National University is a research group whose members major in structural engineering based on reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PSC) structures. Its research, however, is not limited to concrete structures and extends to precast concrete and off-site construction (OSC), steel–concrete composite structures, strengthening of existing structures, and eco-friendly construction materials that respond to global climate change. Based on an understanding of material properties and the mechanical behavior of structures, the group combines mechanics-based modeling, finite element analysis, and large-scale testing to achieve better structural systems for the future construction industry, with a focus on structural efficiency (material saving, sectional optimization, and construction method) and energy efficiency related to thermal performance and CDW (construction and demolition waste). The research covers mechanical models for RC and PSC members under combined loads, precast joints and composite members, and strengthening with fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM). It also develops advanced and eco-friendly materials such as recycled aggregate concrete, UHPC, lightweight concrete, and high thermal performance concrete using industrial by-products, and validates their structural performance. In addition, the group builds AI- and image-based assessment tools for existing structures, including digital image correlation (DIC), convolutional neural networks (CNN), and reliability analysis. The next stage is a life-cycle framework that links sustainable OSC components with digital-twin-based condition assessment. These efforts are supported by national research programs, including the NRF-funded national and international reserach programs, and their results are shared through international journals, conferences, and patents.
Research is not about achieving a goal, but about finding the right direction to achieve it.
Notice Hiring
This research group started a long journey in September 2021. We are looking for new members interested in structural analysis, design, and maintenance of building structures:
PhD Ph.D. Students
M.S. Students (including the Integrated B.S.–M.S. Program)
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Post-Doctoral Research Fellows
Should you be interested in joining our research group, please feel free to contact us. Click
News 1 | International Joint Laboratory
An international joint laboratory was opened with NCUST in Tangshan, China, and Prof. Ju delivered an invited talk at ICEE 2026 in Beijing (July 2026).
News 2 | New Research Projects
A new NRF Emerging Researcher Program project on energy-efficient recycled-aggregate-based beam–column joints and a life-cycle condition assessment system for sustainable OSC has started (Mar. 2026 – Feb. 2031).
This follows the NRF Korea–Austria Cooperation Program project on digital-twin-based assessment of strengthened pier heads (Oct. 2025 – Sep. 2027).
News 3 | Best Paper Awards!!
Hong, J., and Ju, H., "A Study on Improving Deformation Resistance of Permanent Steel Form through Finite Element Analysis," KASS 2025 Fall Conference, Nov. 2025.
Heo, J., Cho, H. C., Hwang, J. H., and Ju, H., "Image-Based Techniques for Classifying Damage in Concrete Structures," Architectural Research, Vol. 27, No. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 157-165.
News 4 | Congratulations!!
Junseo Hong, Jinhyeong Heo, and Kyungchan Hong received their M.S. degrees in Feb. 2026 and joined The Naeun Structural Engineering, Dream Structure, and CECM, respectively. Chanseo Jung also completed his M.S. degree and continues in the lab as a Ph.D. student.
Office: 510 & 519 Engineering Building 3 on Anseong Campus
Phone:+82 (031) 670 5417 Fax:+82 (031) 670 5279
E-mail: hju@hknu.ac.kr
Website: https://www.hknu.ac.kr/hkdesignarch/2328/subview.do
Department Site: https://www.hknu.ac.kr/hkdesignarch/index.do
University Site: https://www.hknu.ac.kr/kor/index.do
Graduate School Site: https://www.hknu.ac.kr/sites/hknugra/index.do
· Reinforced Concrete (RC) and Prestressed Concrete (PSC) Structures
· Mechanical Model and Design / Analysis of RC and PSC Structures
· Precast Concrete and Off-Site Construction (OSC) Systems
· Joint and Connection Behavior of Precast Members
· Steel–Concrete Composite Members and Permanent Steel Formwork
· Finite Element Analysis Utilizing Plasticity Models and Reliability Analysis
· Strengthening of Existing Structures (FRCM, Post-Tensioning)
· High-Performance Concrete and Advanced Materials
· Eco-Friendly Concrete / Recycled Aggregate Concrete
· Assessment, Durability, and Inspection of Existing Concrete Structures
· AI- and Image-Based Structural Assessment, and Digital Twin
· Large-Scale Testing and Interdisciplinary Research