In 1989, awarded the “Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA)” by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) New York State Council (this award is given to one individual each year, and Deng Wenzhong was the first Asian to receive this honor).

In 1991, received the Leadership Award from the American Segmental Bridge Institute (ASBI).

In 1995, elected as an Honorary Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

In 1998, John A. Roebling Medal for lifetime achievement in bridge engineering.

In 1999, awarded the Roebling Award by the International Bridge Engineering Conference, the highest honor in the American bridge industry.

In 2000, selected by the American magazine Engineering News-Record as one of the “Top 125 Individuals” who made the most significant contributions to construction engineering over the past 125 years, in celebration of its 125th anniversary.

In 2007, awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of Chongqing” by the Chongqing Municipal People's Government to encourage and recognize outstanding contributions to the city’s economic development, social progress, and international cooperation.

In 2008, received the highest honor for foreign experts in China, the Friendship Award, from the Chinese government for outstanding contributions to China’s modernization and reform efforts.

In 2010, Outstanding Projects And Leaders (OPAL) Award, from American Society of Civil Engineers.

In 2010, International Award of Merit in Structural Engineering from IABSE (International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering).

In 2013, the Gold Medal of the Institution of Structural Engineers.

In 2018, elected a Corresponding Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

In 2020, awarded the Highest Achievement Award by the China Steel Structure Association.