Overview
Background
Harnessing the power of AI and mixed reality to transform civil engineering: enhancing design accuracy, streamlining workflows, and fostering innovation.
Dr Johnny Ho joined School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland (UQ) in Sep 2013 as a Senior Lecturer. Before joining UQ, Dr Ho has been working in both Hong Kong and Brisbane offices of Arup from 2003 to 2007 on some large-scale infrastructure projects such as The Stonecutters Bridge in Hong Kong and Ipswich Motorway Upgrade (Wacol to Darra) in Queensland, Australia. In Sep 2007, he joined the Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong as an Assistant Professor. Dr Ho’s research interests are on scientific study on dilatancy of High-flowability and -performance concrete due to poly-carboxylate based superplasticizers and its application to concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) and FRP-confined concrete structures. He has developed discrete element modelling of binary packing of 2D discs and 3D spheres using Python and Swift coding. This model, combined with the rheological model of superplasticized concrete, will contribute a more scientific concrete mix design method for low-carbon-footprint, low cost and high-performance concrete (HPC) based on wet packing modelling of particles in the fresh concrete with incorporation of multi-sized fillers. Dr Ho is also interested in applying the low-carbon-footprint high-performance concrete to single- and double-skinned concrete-filled-steel-tube and FRP-confined columns with external steel confinement and/or internal concrete expansive agent.
Dr Ho has published over 100 SCI journal papers and 40 conference papers. Two of his journal papers have been awarded the Transactions Prizes in respectively 2004 and 2005 presented by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. In 2011, Dr Ho was awarded the Best Presenter in the 11th International Conference on Concrete Engineering and Technology in Malaysia. In 2010, one of his students was awarded The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/Researchers. Dr Ho has also been very successful in obtaining research and teaching grants, including a HK$1.2m General Research Fund (GRF) grant in Hong Kong in 2010, an A$286K ARC Discovery Project (DP) grant in 2015, two National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant in 2020 and 2022 of grants CNY$600K and $5m in PRC. Dr Ho has also been very successful in supervision of undergraduate student in performing their final year projects/thesis. In 2012 and 2013, two of his Final Year Project students were given the Merit Awards of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) Hong Kong Graduates and Students Papers Competition for the outstanding project work. In 2017, his thesis project student were awarded The HKIE Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/Researchers by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and was awarded HKD$5,000 cash prize and a return ticket to and accommodation in Hong Kong for presenting his awarded paper.
Dr Ho is a passionate teacher and one of the most popular lecturers amongst the students. He is responsible for teaching a broad range of structural engineering courses, which consist of Reinforced concrete design as per EC2, AS3600 and Hong Kong Code, Prestressed concrete design as per EC2 and AS3600, Structural analysis, Finite element method, Design of steel structures as per AS4100, Structural fire engineering. Dr Ho obtained very high teaching (92%) and course (85%) evaluation scores in every semester since 2013 and was awarded the "Most Effective Teacher by Dean’s Commendation Students" in the Faculty of EAIT, UQ, in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Lately, Dr Ho's research focus has been on applying technologies on the structural analysis, experimental simulation and AI-enhanced parallel computing modelling of particle packing in concrete. A preliminary version of iStruct2D has been developed, which is a drag and drop version of structural analysis software developed mainly for undergraduate students' learning. A mixed reality virtual experimental platform for structural engineering education and research is undergoing through the use of Apple Vision Pro.
Keywords: AI parallel computing; Concrete technology; Composite structures; Mixed-reality learning; Structural analysis iOS app; Particle packing
Availability
- Associate Professor Johnny Ho is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong
Research interests
-
low-carbon-footprint and high-performance concrete using fillers
Study of the effect of pozzolanic and inert fillers on the strength, workability and durability performance of concrete
-
Stress-strain model of confined concrete with silica fume
Study of the effect of adding silica fume on the wet packing density and the constitutive modelling of confined concrete
-
Rheology of cement powder paste
Investigation of the dilatancy swerve in superplasticized cement powder paste and mortar
-
Packing density physical modelling
Coding developing of modelling packing of multi-sized spheres
Research impacts
Impacts of my research:
2. iStruct2D (Innovative Structural Engineering Software) • Impact: Enhances civil engineering education by providing an intuitive, cross-platform structural analysis tool that integrates AI for error detection, image-to-model conversion, and real-time dynamic analysis. It reduces the learning curve for students, improves accessibility (across Mac, iPad, Windows, Android), and prepares for future 3D modeling. It has the potential to rival commercial tools and improve both academic and practical problem-solving in structural engineering. • Broader value: Accelerates student learning, promotes innovation in engineering education, and democratizes access to advanced modeling tools.
2. CICM (Computational Intelligence Concrete Model) • Impact: Develops an AI-driven, parallel-computing simulation platform to model concrete particle packing, incorporating precise 3D scans and advanced simulations of wet conditions, particle-fluid interactions, and chemical admixtures. It enables accurate virtual testing (slump, flow, segregation) without extensive physical experiments. • Broader value: Reduces material waste, improves concrete mix optimization, supports sustainability, and provides a powerful tool for researchers and industry professionals to design high-performance concrete structures more efficiently.
3. Mixed Reality Virtual Experiment Platform • Impact: Creates an immersive mixed reality platform using Apple Vision Pro, allowing engineers to simulate, test, and optimize structural designs in a highly interactive virtual space. It supports real-time structural analysis, collaborative virtual prototyping, and AI-driven recommendations for material efficiency and safety. • Broader value: Transforms industry workflows by reducing reliance on physical prototypes, cutting costs and time, enhancing collaborative engineering across locations, and integrating advanced MR technology into construction and design processes.
Works
Search Professor Johnny Ho’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Improving the post-fire behaviour of steel slag coarse aggregate concrete by adding GGBFS
Huang, Z.C., Ho, J.C.M., Cui, J., Ren, F.M., Cheng, X. and Lai, M.H. (2023). Improving the post-fire behaviour of steel slag coarse aggregate concrete by adding GGBFS. Journal of Building Engineering, 76 107283, 107283. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107283
2023
Journal Article
Enhancing the post-fire behavior of steel slag normal-strength concrete by adding SCM
Lai, M.H., Chen, Z.H., Cui, J., Zhong, J.P., Wu, Z.R. and Ho, J.C.M. (2023). Enhancing the post-fire behavior of steel slag normal-strength concrete by adding SCM. Construction and Building Materials, 398 132336, 132336. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132336
2023
Journal Article
Steel fiber to improve thermal resistance of high strength PVA-ECC after exposure to elevated temperature
Zhou, Yuxuan, Wang, Qing, Lai, Mianheng and Ho, Johnny Ching Ming (2023). Steel fiber to improve thermal resistance of high strength PVA-ECC after exposure to elevated temperature. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 21 (9), 748-761. doi: 10.3151/jact.21.748
2023
Journal Article
Mortar film thickness on the autogenous shrinkage of concrete: test and simulation
Huang, Wenjie, Wang, Qing, Ma, Yuwei, Lai, Mianheng and Ho, J. C. M. (2023). Mortar film thickness on the autogenous shrinkage of concrete: test and simulation. Journal of Building Engineering, 66 105833, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.105833
2023
Journal Article
Uni-axial behaviour of steel slag concrete-filled-steel-tube columns with external confinement
Lai, M. H., Lin, Y. H., Jin, Y. Y., Fei, Q., Wang, Z. C. and Ho, J. C.M. (2023). Uni-axial behaviour of steel slag concrete-filled-steel-tube columns with external confinement. Thin-Walled Structures, 185 110562, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.tws.2023.110562
2023
Journal Article
Dilatancy swerve in superplasticized cement powder paste
Lai, M. H., Lao, W. C., Tang, W. K., Hanzic, L., Wang, Q. and Ho, J. C.M. (2023). Dilatancy swerve in superplasticized cement powder paste. Construction and Building Materials, 362 129524, 129524. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129524
2023
Conference Publication
Experimental Study on the Behaviour of CFST Columns with Steel Slag Concrete Under Axial Compression
Lin, Y. H., Jin, Y. Y., Ho, J. C. M. and Lai, M. H. (2023). Experimental Study on the Behaviour of CFST Columns with Steel Slag Concrete Under Axial Compression. 17th East Asian-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction, 2022, Singapore, Singapore, 2022. Singapore, Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-7331-4_104
2023
Journal Article
Impact of polyvinyl alcohol fiber on the full life-cycle shrinkage of cementitious composite
Wang, Qing, Xiong, Zihao, Zhang, Jun, Fang, Zhaosong, Lai, Mianheng and Ho, Johnny (2023). Impact of polyvinyl alcohol fiber on the full life-cycle shrinkage of cementitious composite. Journal of Building Engineering, 63 (Part A) 105463, 105463. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105463
2023
Conference Publication
Load-carrying capacity of CFST columns: current design rules assessment
Ou, X. L., Ho, J. C.M. and Lai, M. H. (2023). Load-carrying capacity of CFST columns: current design rules assessment. The 17th East Asian-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction, 2022, Singapore, Singapore, 27-30 June 2022. Gateway East, Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-7331-4_107
2023
Conference Publication
Experimental study on the uni-axial behaviour of MSCFST columns considering concrete’s wet packing density
Mo, J. H., Zeng, M. R., Yang, S. J., Ho, J. C.M. and Lai, M. H. (2023). Experimental study on the uni-axial behaviour of MSCFST columns considering concrete’s wet packing density. 17th East Asian-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction, Singapore, Singapore, 27–30 June 2022. Singapore, Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-7331-4_106
2022
Journal Article
Closure to "Impact of Elevated Temperatures on the Performance of High-Strength Engineered Cementitious Composite" by Jianqiang He, Qing Wang, Boyu Yao, and Johnny Ho
He, Jianqiang, Wang, Qing, Yao, Boyu and Ho, Johnny (2022). Closure to "Impact of Elevated Temperatures on the Performance of High-Strength Engineered Cementitious Composite" by Jianqiang He, Qing Wang, Boyu Yao, and Johnny Ho. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 34 (12) 07022015, 1-3. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0004481
2022
Journal Article
Impact of crumb rubber particle size on the mechanical and microstructure properties of rubberized concrete
Mo, Jinxu, Ren, Fengming, Tian, Shiyu, Wang, Qing and Ho, Johnny Ching Ming (2022). Impact of crumb rubber particle size on the mechanical and microstructure properties of rubberized concrete. Structural Concrete, 24 (3), 4077-4092. doi: 10.1002/suco.202200616
2022
Journal Article
Effective solution for improving rheological properties of cement paste containing zeolite
Wang, Qing, Xiong, Zihao, He, Jianqiang, Lai, Mianheng and Ho, Johnny (2022). Effective solution for improving rheological properties of cement paste containing zeolite. Construction and Building Materials, 351 128780, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128780
2022
Journal Article
Impact of limestone powder on the mechanical and microstructure properties of magnesium oxychloride cement pastes
Liang, Yuhang, Wang, Qing, Zhang, Chuanmei and Ho, Johnny (2022). Impact of limestone powder on the mechanical and microstructure properties of magnesium oxychloride cement pastes. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 34 (9) 04022211, 1-12. doi: 10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0004349
2022
Journal Article
Crumb rubber as partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete: an overview
Ren, Fengming, Mo, Jinxu, Wang, Qing and Ho, Johnny Ching Ming (2022). Crumb rubber as partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete: an overview. Construction and Building Materials, 343 128049, 128049. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128049
2022
Journal Article
Effect of concrete wet packing density on the uni-axial strength of manufactured sand CFST columns
Lai, Mianheng, Wu, Kaijie, Ou, Xiaoling, Zeng, Mengru, Li, Chengwei and Ho, Johnny Ching Ming (2022). Effect of concrete wet packing density on the uni-axial strength of manufactured sand CFST columns. Structural Concrete, 23 (4), 2615-2629. doi: 10.1002/suco.202100280
2022
Journal Article
Effect of fillers on the behaviour of low carbon footprint concrete at and after exposure to elevated temperatures
Lai, M. H., Huang, Z. C., Wang, C. T., Wang, Y. H., Chen, L. J. and Ho, J. C. M. (2022). Effect of fillers on the behaviour of low carbon footprint concrete at and after exposure to elevated temperatures. Journal of Building Engineering, 51 104117, 104117. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104117
2022
Journal Article
Effect of fillers on the mechanical properties and durability of steel slag concrete
Lai, M. H., Chen, Z. H., Wang, Y. H. and Ho, J. C. M. (2022). Effect of fillers on the mechanical properties and durability of steel slag concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 335 127495, 127495. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127495
2022
Journal Article
Effect of fillers on the behaviour of heavy-weight concrete made by iron sand
Lai, M. H., Wu, K. J., Cheng, X., Ho, J. C. M., Wu, J. P., Chen, J. H. and Zhang, A. J. (2022). Effect of fillers on the behaviour of heavy-weight concrete made by iron sand. Construction and Building Materials, 332 127357, 127357. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127357
2022
Journal Article
A 14-year study on ceramic waste slag-based lightweight aggregate concrete
Liang, Yuhang, Wang, Qing, Gan, Wei, Liao, Jinlong, Lai, Mianheng and Ho, Johnny (2022). A 14-year study on ceramic waste slag-based lightweight aggregate concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 330 127152, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127152
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Johnny Ho is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Rheology of cement powder paste/mortar and/or concrete
-
Packing density model of multi-sized spheres
-
Concrete-filled-steel-tube column with hybrid confinement
Supervision history
Completed supervision
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Fire Performance of High Strength Concrete using Novel Fire Testing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cristian Maluk, Associate Professor Vinh Dao
-
2021
Master Philosophy
The Effect of Self-Consolidating Concrete on the Shear Behaviour of Concrete Beam Elements
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Liza O'Moore
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Fillers' application in high-performance Concrete
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Vinh Dao
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Associate Professor Johnny Ho's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: