Research directions

Whether they are caused by earthquakes, ice impact, wind loads, or explosions, extreme loads may cause structures to become severely damaged, posing significant safety and economical risks. I am interested in the use of innovative materials (superelastic shape memory alloys, engineered cementitious composites, post-tensioned systems, elastomeric materials, and fibre-reinforced polymers) to reduce the vulnerability of buildings and bridges under seismic and extreme loads. With the participation of several government and academic partners, I have collaborated in several projects of rehabilitation, strengthening, and retrofit of aging and vulnerable infrastructure using high-performance materials.
My current research includes the analysis and design of reinforced-concrete structures, large-scale system and component testing, use of innovative materials in earthquake engineering, structural simulation, and damage mitigation in buildings and bridges. Applications are invited for students interested in pursuing a MSc or PhD program on these topics.