Jayhyun Kwon, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, whose work shows an ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in geotechnical and transportation engineering, has been named a fellow by the ASCE Board of Direction.
Kwon has nearly 25 years of combined academic and industry experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective infrastructure systems. His work bridges fundamental research and practical application, addressing critical challenges in transportation engineering through innovative approaches to material characterization, performance monitoring, and infrastructure design.
He has been widely published and presented at national and international conferences, and currently serves as a handling editor for the Transportation Research Record and a reviewer for several leading journals.
Kwon’s research encompasses the sustainable use of geomaterials, the performance evaluation of pavement and railroad track systems, and the application of nondestructive testing technologies to monitor and analyze dynamic responses. A significant portion of his work has investigated the interaction between soil, aggregate materials, and geosynthetics. By integrating experimental studies with finite element modeling, Kwon has aimed to quantify the long-term performance benefits of incorporating advanced materials and technologies into geotechnical systems. His research supports the development of mechanistic design frameworks that improve the durability and sustainability of transportation infrastructure.
He currently leads a project focused on the sustainable application of underutilized quarry products, aiming to improve the environmental and economic efficiency of construction materials in Georgia. His contributions to national infrastructure initiatives include an independent technical review of the JEDI 2D pavement analysis software for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he provided key insights to enhance its mechanistic modeling capabilities. His evaluation of full-depth pavement reclamation (FDR) techniques led to best practice recommendations that support more effective and resilient pavement rehabilitation. Building on this foundation, he later developed guidelines for incorporating cement stabilized reclaimed base (CSRB) into pavement systems, further promoting durability and sustainability in roadway design. His work on drilled shaft excavation inspections has informed safety and reliability standards for deep foundation systems.
In addition to his research contributions, Kwon is a dedicated educator and mentor. He actively involves undergraduate and graduate students in research, fostering hands-on learning experiences that bridge theory and practice. His mentorship emphasizes the development of practical engineering skills and critical thinking, preparing students to address real-world challenges with confidence and creativity. His commitment to educational innovation reflects a broader dedication to advancing the engineering profession and its impact on society.
Kwon has also played a significant role in professional service and leadership. He served on the International Activities Council from 2012 to 2022, where he supported global engagement and collaboration within the civil engineering community. Since 2008, he has been an active member of the Geo-institute and Transportation & Development Institute, contributing to the dissemination of emerging research and best practices in pavement design and construction. He previously served on the Transportation Research Board Committees AKG80 (Geosynthetics) and AKG90 (Stabilization of Geomaterials and Recycled Materials).
