MY RESEARCH TOPICS
Computational Modelling of Brittle Structures​
Masonry is a brittle material and complex to model. When masonry subjected to external loads, its behaviour is characterized by highly non-linearity. Our research focuses on the development of computational models to predict the brittle and anisotropic nature of masonry subjected to various types of loading.
Soil-structure interaction
Our research involves evaluating deformation and damage mechanisms induced due to soil-structure interaction phenomena in masonry structures. By understanding how soil interacts with masonry and find optimal solutions for minimizing maintenance costs while keeping operation reliability and structural safety at an acceptable level.
Structural Assessment of Masonry Arch Bridges
There are many thousands of stone masonry arch bridges in Europe. Most of these bridges are well over 100 years old and are supporting traffic loads many times above those originally envisaged. Our research focuses on understanding the life expectancy of old and deteriorated masonry arch bridges, predict their damage degradation and inform maintenance, repair and strengthening strategies.
Computational Modelling of Complex in Geometry Masonry Structures​
Our research focuses on the development of automatic, powerful and easy to use procedures for undertaking structural analysis of complex in geometry masonry structures, based on finite and discrete element methods of analysis coupled with advanced terrestrial laser scanning and close range photographic techniques.
Seismic Response of Masonry Structures
Masonry structures are vulnerable to earthquakes. Our research aims at developing methods supported by advanced computational models of analysis (DEM/FEM) and experimental testing to evaluate the seismic capacity of masonry structures and devise approaches of improving their capacity to resist future seismic excitation.
Dynamic Response of Ancient Columns and Colonnades
One of the major threats to the stability of classical columns and colonnades are earthquakes. The behavior of columns under high seismic excitation loads is non-linear and complex since rocking, wobbling and sliding failure modes can occur. Our research focuses on understanding the complex dynamic behaviour of rigid bodies such as those found in ancient columns and colonnades for cultural heritage preservation.
Strength and Stiffness Predictions of Masonry Infilled Frames
Structural frames are commonly used in the construction of multi-storey buildings.Our research aims to determine how the presence of masonry infills influences the in-plane and the out-of-plane behavior of steel/reinforced concrete frame structures subjected to lateral forces.
3D Reconstruction and Visualization via Web and Mobile App
We develop tools and use surveying techniques, such as terrestrial laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry to produce dense point clouds to survey and document old and deteriorated masonry infrastructure stock.
Live monitoring of masonry viaduct
Different materials and methods of construction used in masonry arch bridges will influence their strength and stiffness. Our research focuses on live monitoring of ageing masonry infrastructure stock, to identify areas of damage degradation and inform maintenance, repair and strengthening strategies.
Improve livelihood of historic urban infrastructure in Nepal
We work close with local architects in Nepal to understand the seismic behaviour of Pagoda Temples and inform decisions for their repair and maintenance.