I am Nirandoal Cheng, a Graduate Research Assistant and Master of Science (Civil Engineering) candidate at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), currently supervised by Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail. My research centres on advancing rock engineering methodologies through the integration of cutting-edge imaging and sensing technologies.
My MSc thesis investigates Rock Mass Discontinuity Detection of Tunnel Face Based on Artificial Lighting Effect, where I developed a quantitative photogrammetric framework to evaluate how artificial lighting conditions and capture geometry affect the accuracy of 3D reconstruction for rock mass discontinuity detection in tunnel environments.
I hold a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering from USM (CGPA: 3.66/4.00) and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (CGPA: 3.77/4.00). My interdisciplinary expertise spans UAV photogrammetry, videogrammetry, geophysical investigation, geotechnical characterization, and BIM & virtual reality applications in rock engineering.
To date, I have authored and co-authored multiple Q1 WoS-indexed journal papers and presented at numerous international conferences, including in China, Nepal, and Malaysia. I am also a recipient of international research awards and travel grants, reflecting the global recognition of my work.
10+Publications
7Q1 WoS Papers
10+Awards
5+Int'l Conferences
2IP Rights
Remote Mapping for Rock Engineering
Advanced imaging techniques such as photogrammetry and videogrammetry for rock mass structural mapping, discontinuity detection, and stability assessments.
Rock Mass Characterization & Stability
Evaluating mechanical behavior and structural integrity of rock masses including discontinuity analysis, joint orientation, and weathering profiles.
Geophysical and Geotechnical Integration
Combining subsurface geophysical techniques with geotechnical investigations to develop comprehensive 2D/3D models for site characterization.
BIM & VR in Rock Engineering
Integration of BIM and VR to enhance visualization, simulation, and decision-making in rock engineering environments.
2023 – 2026
Master of Science (Civil Engineering)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Supervisor: Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail
Thesis: Rock Mass Discontinuity Detection of Tunnel Face Based on Artificial Lighting Effect
2020 – 2023
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Civil Engineering
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) · CGPA: 3.66 / 4.00
Supervisor: Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail
Thesis: Integrated Geophysical and Geotechnical Investigation of Granitic Bedrock in Hilly Terrain
2016 – 2019
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (POLIMAS) · CGPA: 3.77 / 4.00
Project: SFD and BMD Calculator — Copyright granted by MyIPO.
Jan 2024 – PresentGraduate Research Assistant
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Aug – Dec 2023Design Engineer
Jurucita Consultant SDN. BHD.
Aug – Oct 2022Industrial Trainee
Perunding Kejuruteraan MK SDN. BHD.
Dec 2019 – Aug 2020Site Supervisor
Towards Pipeline Construction SDN. BHD.
Jul – Nov 2019Industrial Trainee
PZS Development SDN. BHD
Published and accepted/under-review articles in WoS and Scopus-indexed journals.
2026
Exploring multiscale videogrammetry techniques for analyzing rock mass discontinuities in geological formations
Cheng, N., Mohd Pauzi, A., Yokota, Y., & Tobe, H. · Engineering Geology, 363, 108589
WoS Q1IF: 8.4Top 10%
Quantitative assessment of low-cost iPad Pro LiDAR for accurate detection of replicated rock planes in a controlled environment
Cheng, N., Mohd Pauzi, A., Yokota, Y., Tobe, H., & Laghari · Measurement, 267, 120620
WoS Q1IF: 5.6Top 10%
Quantitative Effects of Artificial Lighting Parameters on SfM-Based Rock Discontinuity Detection in Tunnel Environments
Cheng, N., et al. · Int. J. Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
WoS Q1IF: 7.5Under Review
Quantitative Assessment of Tropical Granitic Weathering through CIELAB Color Space and Digital Image Analysis
Pauzi, F. N. A., et al., & Cheng, N. · Indian Geotechnical Journal
WoS Q3IF: 1.6Accepted
An Integrated Framework for CPT Data Quality Enhancement
Wu, H., Mohamad Ismail, M. A., & Cheng, N. · Engineering Geology
WoS Q1IF: 8.4Under Review
Assessing UAV-Photogrammetric Accuracy Across Different Terrain Types
Cheng, N., et al. · Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
WoS Q3IF: 2.2Under Review
Integrating Surface Mechanical, Colorimetric, and Mineralogical Measurements for Quantitative Granite
Pauzi, F. N. A., et al., Cheng, N. · Environmental Earth Sciences
WoS Q2IF: 3.0Under Review
2025
Optimizing artificial lighting conditions for rock plane detection on tunnel faces
Cheng, N., et al. · Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 163, 106756
WoS Q1IF: 7.4Top 10%
Quantitative Assessment of Rock Plane Replica Orientation Detection
Cheng, N., et al. · Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 100649
WoS Q1IF: 3.7
From 2-D seismic refraction to 3-D subsurface characterization
Cheng, N., et al. · Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 141, 104113
WoS Q1IF: 4.1
Integrated Multimodal Approach for 3D Subsurface Characterization
Cheng, N., et al. · 7th Asia Pacific Meeting on Near Surface Geoscience and Engineering
Scopus
Advances in Landslide Detection through Google Earth Engine: A Comprehensive Review
Laghari, M. M., et al., Cheng, N. · Natural Hazards Review, 26(3)
WoS Q2IF: 2.2
2024
Enhancing weathered slope stability assessment through integration of slake durability index, elastic modulus, and ERT
Pauzi, F. N. A., et al., Cheng, N. · Environmental Science and Pollution Research
WoS Q1
Patent (In Process – 2026)
Title: Semi-Georeferencing Method and Coded Target Tool for Photogrammetry in GNSS-Denied Environments
Status: Passed Patent Novelty Search Report; filing in progress
Copyright (Granted – 2020)
Title: SFD and BMD Calculator
Granted by: Malaysia Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO)
Conferences / Presentations / Exhibitions
2025 · The 15th Asian Regional Conference (ARC-15) of IAEG, Nepal International
2025 · MTE 2025: SDG International Innovation Awards, Malaysia International
2025 · ICGoES 2025, Indonesia International
2025 · Festival of Ideas (FOIs) MOHE National
2025 · 7th Asia Pacific Meeting, China International
2025 · National Slope Symposium 2025 National
2024 · USM INNOZILLA 2024 International
2024 · TropICon 2024 International
2023 · ICOG 2023 International
2019 · International Eureka Innovation Exhibition 2019 International
Awards / Scholarships / Honors
2025 · Young Engineering Geologists (YEG) Travel Grant — IAEG
2025 · Special Award (NRCT) — MTE 2025
2025 · Gold Award — 5th SDG International Innovation Awards, MTE
2025 · Silver Medal (Vanguard) — INNOZILLA 2025
2025 · Shortlist – Immersive Face-to-Face Learning — AKRI 2025
2024 · Gold Winner (Asia Award) — QS Reimagine Education Awards
2024 · Gold Medal — INNOZILLA 2024, USM
2024 · Planet Protector Award — INNOZILLA 2024
2024 · Gold Medal — INTELEC Fiesta
2023 · Academic Excellent Award for Geotechnical Engineering
2020–23 · Dean's List Award — USM (Multiple Semesters)
2022 · Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence Award
2019 · Bronze Medal — International EUREKA Innovation Exhibition
2019 · Bronze Medal — Darulaman Innovation Competition (PRiSm'19)
2019 · POLIMAS Excellence Award
2019 · 1st Runner Up — Lightweight and Sustainable Bridge Competition
2017–19 · Dean's List Award — POLIMAS, Sem 1–5
International Research / Academic Exchange
6–14 January 2025Research Exchange Program with Kajima Corporation (KaTRI/KaTRIS)
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Joined geological field trips (Beris, Gunung Jerai, Titi Hayun, Lembah Bujang) for applied engineering and geoscience studies.
14–27 October 2024International Research Association on Large Landslides (iRALL) 2024
Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
Two-week intensive program covering large-scale landslide hazard and risk assessment.
Academic Contribution / Workshops / Activities
2026 · Talk – Lessons Learnt: Emergency Repair Works for Landslide, Hong Kong (IEM)
2026 · Talk – Characterisation of Hong Kong Marine Clay (IEM)
2025 · Geotechnical Engineering Seminar (IEM Penang)
2025 · International Webinar on Landslide Monitoring (UM)
2025 · Training – GeoImager System (JKR / CREATE)
2025 · Rock Slope Engineering – Rocscience Training (JKR)
2024 · Enhancing Infrastructure Design Workshop (IEM Penang)
2024 · Drone Mapping for Survey & Engineering
2023 · Certified Drone Operation – Aerial Surveying (SG Academy)
2023 · Webinar on Rockfall Protection (IEM)
Technical Project Participation
2025Soil Investigation – Projek Daif Kedah 2025 (SK Seri Lagenda, Langkawi)
Client: JKR
Prepared subsurface data visualisation using RSLog.
2025Proposed Infrastructure Development – Five Seasons Paddy Cultivation at Kawasan Muda
Client: MADA
Assisted in preparing sections of the project report.
2024Electrical Resistivity Survey at Penang Hill
Client: Penang Hill Corporation
Prepared 3D subsurface modelling based on ERS data.
2024Soil Investigation for Proposed Quarry Extension – Seberang Perai Selatan
Client: Asas Dunia Berhad
Participated in field data acquisition for seismic survey.
2023ERS at Lion Mining Site – Groundwater Evaluation
Client: Lion Mining Sdn. Bhd.
Field data acquisition for electrical resistivity surveys.
2023Soil Investigation – Sungai Duri, Seberang Perai Selatan
Client: PDC
Field data acquisition for seismic survey. Created 3D rockhead modelling.
Muhammad Emil Hazim Khairuzzaman
Thesis: Integrated Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods for Boulder Delineation and Subsurface Characterization in Hilly Terrain
Status: Completed – 2024
Muhammad Alif Iman Mohd Fauzan
Thesis: 3D Subsurface Characterization and Bedrock Estimation Using Seismic Wave Analysis for Rock Mass Property Modeling
Status: Completed – 2025
