Structural engineering is increasingly challenged by new requirements related to sustainability, resilience, adaptability and life-cycle performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My research focuses on understanding the physical mechanisms governing structural response and on translating that understanding into design methods, qualification procedures and engineering practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My research is guided by the search for common physical principles governing structural behaviour across materials, technologies and scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than focusing on individual products or materials, the objective is to identify the mechanisms controlling structural performance and to use that knowledge to support safer, more sustainable and more adaptable structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connections are often the critical elements determining the behaviour of structures and structural systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research activities include post-installed fasteners, cast-in anchors, bonded anchors, reinforcement anchorage, steel-to-concrete connections and hybrid connection systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Particular attention is devoted to force-transfer mechanisms, stiffness, deformation capacity, failure modes and performance under static, cyclic, seismic and fire loading conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research addresses the behaviour of structures and connections subjected to earthquakes and cyclic loading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topics include dissipative systems, low-damage design approaches, beam-column joints, fastening systems under seismic action and strategies aimed at improving resilience, reparability and post-event functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The effects of elevated temperatures and fire on construction materials, reinforcement, anchorage systems and connections constitute a long-standing research activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current work investigates bond behaviour, fastening systems, reinforcement anchorage, structural response during fire and residual performance after thermal exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future structures will increasingly combine different materials according to their most efficient structural function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research includes timber-concrete systems, timber-steel systems, hybrid structures, demountable connections and innovative structural concepts supporting repair, reuse and circular construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sustainability should be considered as an integral component of structural engineering rather than a separate assessment performed after design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research activities address life-cycle assessment, performance-based sustainability metrics, resource efficiency, service-life considerations and the integration of environmental criteria within structural decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research includes advanced cementitious materials, carbon sequestration technologies, additive manufacturing and digital fabrication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The objective is to understand how emerging materials and production technologies can improve structural performance while reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming structural engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current interests concern the integration of AI-supported tools in structural analysis, design, inspection, monitoring and asset management, while maintaining strong emphasis on mechanics, engineering judgement and physical understanding of structural behaviour.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Structural engineering is increasingly challenged by new requirements related to sustainability, resilience, adaptability and life-cycle performance. My research focuses on understanding the physical mechanisms governing…<\/p>\n