On November 13, 2025, the College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, received 24 professionals from the Burundian Training Program on Road and Bridge Design, Construction, and Maintenance Technology. Through on-site inspections of scientific research facilities, participation in technical seminars, and practical experiences, the delegation gained a systematic understanding of the innovative achievements and technological applications in China’s civil engineering sector.
Academic Exchange Kicks Off: Jointly Discussing the Development of Engineering Science and Technology
At 15:00 on the same day, upon the delegation’s arrival, Professor Ming Huang, Dean of the College, delivered a welcome speech. Researcher Huihui Yuan, Assistant Dean, introduced the college’s general overview from the aspects of historical evolution, faculty team, and talent training system, with a focus on elaborating on the achievements in international cooperation and exchanges as well as the progress in laboratory construction. Dr. Providence Habumuremyi, a Rwandan postdoctoral fellow, provided simultaneous interpretation in French and Kirundi throughout the process.
Researcher Huihui Yuan delivers an introductory briefing on Fuzhou University and its global academic collaborations
Traffic Safety Laboratory: Intelligent Technologies Safeguard Road Safety
In the Traffic Safety Laboratory, the electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring system demonstrated by researchers can collect drivers’ physiological indicators in real time, providing data support for traffic accident prevention. The guests used lightweight real-time eye trackers to experience the research on the correlation between the visibility of highway signs and drivers’ attention allocation. The driving simulation system triggered discussions among the delegation on driving behavior optimization through virtual operations, and many delegates believed that the relevant technologies are of great significance for improving the level of road safety management in Burundi.
Delegates experience the Driving Simulation System at Fuzhou University’s College of Civil Engineering, exploring cutting-edge tools in traffic research
Smart Construction Center: Digitalization Empowers Engineering Practice
In the Smart Construction Center, the team led by Associate Professor Binghui Fan explained the applications of BIM technology, Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, and other technologies in improving construction efficiency and operation and maintenance accuracy by combining engineering cases. Through VR equipment, the delegation simulated the installation of prefabricated building components and operated the model engineering crane training platform, thereby gaining an in-depth understanding of equipment operation principles and safety specifications.
Delegates experience the installation of prefabricated buildings through VR virtual simulation equipment
Delegates test the model crane simulators, gaining first-hand experience with construction-equipment training tools
Structural Engineering Research: Innovative Technologies Enhance Seismic Performance
In the Structural Engineering Hall, Senior Experimentalist Haode Cheng introduced cutting-edge breakthroughs such as seismic tests on ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) composite columns and fatigue tests on concrete-filled steel tube K-joints. The ViBa vibration barrier technology developed by Professor Pierfrancesco Cacciola, a national high-level talent, attracted great attention. Senior Experimentalist Wang Qu conducted shaking table tests using a 1:100 scale model of Fujian Tulou, demonstrating that the system can reduce the structural base acceleration by approximately 20%. Delegates from seismically active regions in Burundi showed strong interest, and some expressed their intention to pursue further studies in China.
Professor Haode Cheng discusses seismic and fatigue testing methods used to evaluate structural safety and durability
Professor Qu Wang explains how the Vibration Barrier (ViBa) system reduces seismic impact during shaking table tests
Integration of Theory and Practice: Thematic Seminar on Bridge Engineering
During the thematic seminar session, Professor Fuyun Huang explained the load transfer mechanism of composite structures and the design principles of seismic resilience using a steel-concrete composite bridge model. Focusing on Burundi’s mountainous terrain, the two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on wind-resistant design, construction methods, and maintenance strategies for mountain bridges. Subsequently, led by Professor Fuyun Huang, the delegation inspected the bridge group on the Qishan Campus, witnessing the application of theories in practical engineering.
Professor Fuyun Huang uses bridge models to illustrate the principles of steel–concrete composite structures
The delegation tours bridge structures on Fuzhou University’s Qishan Campus and examines real-world engineering applications
Deepening Cooperation Consensus: Jointly Promoting Development in the Engineering Field
It is reported that during the training, the college customized specialized courses: Researcher Huihui Yuan delivered a lecture on Research Progress in Seismic Performance of Prefabricated Steel-Concrete Composite Bridge Piers, Professor Yuanwen Lai shared insights on Development of Smart Highways and Typical Application Scenarios, and Associate Professor Yan Yuan introduced Technical Specifications and Practices for Highway Pavement Maintenance. These courses were well recognized by the participants and provided technical references for Burundi’s infrastructure development.
During their visit, many teachers from the college also give lectures and training to the delegation members
At 17:30 on the same day, the visit came to an end. The delegation expressed gratitude to the college for its reception, and many members voiced their willingness to promote academic exchanges and project cooperation in the engineering field between China and Burundi. This event is not only an educational exchange but also demonstrates the power of engineering science and technology in advancing international collaboration and jointly fostering global development.
The Burundian delegation and Fuzhou University faculty gather for a group photo at the College of Civil Engineering
