Innovative Research Award
Álvaro Blanca Hoyos
Universidad de Granada, Spain
Álvaro Blanca Hoyos is a Spanish architectural researcher affiliated with the Universidad de Granada whose research integrates structural engineering, architectural heritage conservation, rammed earth construction, sustainable materials, and digital heritage technologies. His work combines computational structural assessment with experimental material characterization to improve the preservation, resilience, and sustainability of historic and contemporary construction systems. His academic contributions include peer-reviewed publications on rammed earth mechanics, HBIM methodologies, recycled construction materials, and structural analysis education.[1]
Abstract
Álvaro Blanca Hoyos has developed an interdisciplinary research profile centered on structural mechanics, heritage preservation, earthen architecture, and sustainable construction. His investigations explore the mechanical performance of rammed earth, advanced numerical modelling, Bayesian characterization techniques, structural assessment of historical monuments, and the application of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM). His publications contribute to improving the understanding of traditional building materials while supporting evidence-based conservation strategies and sustainable engineering practices.[2]
Keywords
Rammed Earth, Structural Engineering, Architectural Heritage, HBIM, Sustainable Construction, Clay Materials, Earthquake Assessment, Mechanical Characterization, Cultural Heritage, Innovative Research Award.
Introduction
Following academic training in Architecture at the University of Málaga and a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Granada, Álvaro Blanca Hoyos has pursued research focused on integrating structural engineering principles with architectural conservation. His master’s research introduced the concept of “Structural Archaeoanalysis,” a methodology designed to evaluate the historical structural evolution of heritage buildings through multiple chronological stages. This framework has contributed to understanding the long-term structural behavior of monumental architecture exposed to seismic events.[3]
Research Profile
Currently serving as a research fellow within the Department of Structural Mechanics and Hydraulic Engineering at the Universidad de Granada, Álvaro Blanca Hoyos conducts research spanning structural analysis, sustainable construction materials, digital documentation of heritage assets, and engineering education. His work demonstrates collaboration across civil engineering, architecture, material science, and computational modelling while contributing to university teaching in structural analysis.[3]
Research Contributions
- Experimental investigation of rammed earth mechanical properties.
- Bayesian modelling for characterization of fiber-reinforced earth materials.
- Development and review of HBIM methodologies for heritage conservation.
- Assessment of recycled PET materials for sustainable building applications.
- Structural analysis of historical towers subjected to seismic loading.
- Research on innovative teaching methodologies in structural engineering.[5]
Publications
- Clay Content of Soils as a Predictive Factor of the Compressive Strength of Unstabilised Rammed Earth (Buildings, 2026).
- A Bayesian Framework for Mechanical Characterization of Unstabilized Rammed Earth Reinforced With Polypropylene Fibers (Results in Engineering, 2026).
- Impact of Clay Content on the Fracture Behavior of Rammed Earth (Construction and Building Materials, 2025).
- HBIM: Background, Current Trends, and Future Prospects (Applied Sciences, 2024).
- Experimental Evaluation of Waste PET Bottles as a Sustainable Building Material (Journal of Architectural Engineering, 2024).
- Ambient Vibration as a Basis for Determining Structural Behaviour of Watchtowers Against Horizontal Loads (2020).[2]
Research Impact
His scholarly output has contributed to international research on earthen construction, conservation engineering, and sustainable building materials. Indexed publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and work published through leading engineering publishers have strengthened the scientific understanding of structural performance in both historical and sustainable construction systems. His work also supports engineering education through innovative learning methodologies.[4]
Award Suitability
Based on his documented academic achievements, peer-reviewed publications, interdisciplinary research activities, and contributions to sustainable structural engineering and heritage preservation, Álvaro Blanca Hoyos demonstrates qualifications consistent with recognition under the Innovative Research Award category. His research integrates theoretical innovation with practical engineering applications while addressing important challenges in conservation engineering and sustainable construction.[5]
Conclusion
Álvaro Blanca Hoyos represents an emerging researcher whose work bridges architecture, structural engineering, material science, and heritage conservation. Through investigations into rammed earth mechanics, digital heritage documentation, and structural assessment methodologies, he has contributed to advancing sustainable engineering knowledge while supporting preservation of historic built environments through scientifically rigorous approaches.[4]
External Links
References
- Elsevier. Scopus Author Details: Álvaro Blanca Hoyos. Author ID: 57218834514.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57218834514
- Blanca-Hoyos, A., et al. (2024). HBIM: Background, Current Trends, and Future Prospects. Applied Sciences.
https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311191
- Blanca-Hoyos, A., et al. (2026). Clay Content of Soils as a Predictive Factor of the Compressive Strength of Unstabilised Rammed Earth.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/16/11/2239
- Blanca-Hoyos, A., et al. (2024). Experimental Evaluation of Waste PET Bottles as a Sustainable Building Material.
https://doi.org/10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1701
- Blanca-Hoyos, A., et al. (2025). Rammed earth in modern construction: Physical and mechanical properties.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-97818-0_9