CV - V3.26

About Me

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

Research Interests

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.

Education

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.

Work Experiences

Jan 2024 – Present

Graduate Research Assistant

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Aug – Dec 2023

Design Engineer

Jurucita Consultant SDN. BHD.

Aug – Oct 2022

Industrial Trainee

Perunding Kejuruteraan MK SDN. BHD.

Dec 2019 – Aug 2020

Site Supervisor

Towards Pipeline Construction SDN. BHD.

Jul – Nov 2019

Industrial Trainee

PZS Development SDN. BHD

Publications

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., Ismail, M. a. M., Pauzi, F. N. 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., Ismail, M. a. M., Pauzi, F. N. A., Yokota, Y., Tobe, H., & Laghari, M. M. · 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., Ismail, M. a. M., Pauzi, F. N. A., Yokota, Y., & Tobe, H. · International Journal of 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., Razali, M., Ismail, M. A. M., Tobe, H., Date, K., Yokota, Y., & Cheng, N. · Indian Geotechnical Journal

WoS Q3IF: 1.6

An Integrated Framework for CPT Data Quality Enhancement: Multi-Technique Preprocessing, Random Forest Correction, and Predictive Modeling

Wu, H., Mohamad Ismail, M. A., & Cheng, N. · Engineering Geology

WoS Q1IF: 8.4Under Review

Assessing UAV-Photogrammetric Accuracy Across Different Terrain Types: Impact of Ground Control Point Configurations and Comparison with Conventional Survey Methods

Cheng, N., Ismail, M. A. M., Safar, M. N. M., & Pauzi, F. N. A. · Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing

WoS Q3IF: 2.2Under Review

Integrating Surface Mechanical, Colorimetric, and Mineralogical Measurements for Quantitative Granite Weathering Assessment

Fauzi, F. N. A., Ismail, M. A. M., Cheng, N., Razali, M., & Yokota, Y. · Environmental Earth Sciences

WoS Q2IF: 3.0Under Review

2025

Optimizing artificial lighting conditions for rock plane detection on tunnel faces: A controlled experiment using smartphone videogrammetry

Cheng, N., Ismail, M. a. M., Pauzi, F. N. A., Yokota, Y., & Tobe, H. · Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 163, 106756

WoS Q1IF: 7.4Top 10%

Quantitative assessment of rock plane replica orientation detection and extraction methods under controlled experimental conditions

Cheng, N., Ken, T. Y., Ismail, M. a. M., Pauzi, F. N. A., Saleh, N. M., & Yokota, Y. · Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 100649

WoS Q1IF: 3.7

From 2-D seismic refraction to 3-D subsurface characterization: Unpacking the role of univariate spatial interpolation techniques with borehole validation

Cheng, N., Ismail, M. M., Pauzi, F. A., Muztaza, N. M., Zakaria, M., & Yokota, Y. · Physics and Chemistry of the Earth

WoS Q1IF: 4.1

Integrated Multimodal Approach for 3D Subsurface Characterization: Leveraging Geophysical, Geotechnical Methods, and Cross-Plot Analysis

Cheng, N., Ismail, M. M., Pauzi, F. A., Muztaza, N. M., Zakaria, M., & Yokota, Y. · 7th Asia Pacific Meeting on Near Surface Geoscience and Engineering

Scopus

Integrated Geophysical and Mechanical Methods for Slope Stability Assessment in Weathered Sedimentary Rocks

Pauzi, F. A., Ismail, M. M., Razali, M., Cheng, N., & Yasuhiro, Y. · 7th Asia Pacific Meeting on Near Surface Geoscience and Engineering

Scopus

High-Resolution UAV-Videogrammetry for Discontinuity Mapping in Steep Rock Slopes

Cheng, N., Ismail, M. A. M., Pauzi, F. N. A., Yokota, Y., & Tobe, H. · Asian Journal of Engineering Geology, 2(Special Issue), ARC-15 Extended Abstract

Conference

Weathering Assessment of Rock Slopes Using CIELAB Color Space and Image Analysis

Pauzi, F. N. A., Razali, M., Ismail, M. A. M., Tobe, H., Date, K., Yokota, Y., & Cheng, N. · Asian Journal of Engineering Geology, 2(Special Issue), ARC-15 Extended Abstract

Conference

Advances in Landslide Detection through Google Earth Engine: A Comprehensive Review

Laghari, M. M., Jagirani, S. S., Cheng, N., Irfan, M., Zardari, I. A., David, U., Akbar, Z., Zewen, Y., & Bakar, M. A. · Natural Hazards Review, 26(3)

WoS Q2IF: 2.2

2024

Enhancing weathered slope stability assessment through the integration of slake durability index, elastic modulus of knocking ball, and electrical resistivity tomography

Pauzi, F. N. A., Ismail, M. A. M., Razali, M., Cheng, N., Date, K., & Yokota, Y. · Environmental Science and Pollution Research

WoS Q1

Intellectual Property

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

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 2025

Research 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 2024

International 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

2025

Soil Investigation – Projek Daif Kedah 2025 (SK Seri Lagenda, Langkawi)

Client: JKR

Prepared subsurface data visualisation using RSLog.

2025

Proposed Infrastructure Development – Five Seasons Paddy Cultivation at Kawasan Muda

Client: MADA

Assisted in preparing sections of the project report.

2024

Electrical Resistivity Survey at Penang Hill

Client: Penang Hill Corporation

Prepared 3D subsurface modelling based on ERS data.

2024

Soil Investigation for Proposed Quarry Extension – Seberang Perai Selatan

Client: Asas Dunia Berhad

Participated in field data acquisition for seismic survey.

2023

ERS at Lion Mining Site – Groundwater Evaluation

Client: Lion Mining Sdn. Bhd.

Field data acquisition for electrical resistivity surveys.

2023

Soil Investigation – Sungai Duri, Seberang Perai Selatan

Client: PDC

Field data acquisition for seismic survey. Created 3D rockhead modelling.

Undergraduate Mentoring

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