About
Since I joined the University of Liverpool (UoL), I focused on the development of novel low-carbon Structural Engineering Materials (SEM) that can be used in resilient and durable constructions, in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2050 Net-Zero Carbon (NZC) agenda. I am supervising a number of research projects that assess, through accurate design-by-testing, novel green concrete (low-carbon, self-healing, self-compacting, nature-based, etc.) and lime-based mortar. These novel sustainable materials can be used for new infrastructure and the retrofitting of the existing ones, especially those exhibiting ageing effects, subjected to increased demand and/or climate changes. My current projects at UoL are carried out in partnership with a number of SMEs located in the North West Region to strengthen the civic engagement between HEIs and local industrial partners.
I am developing, in collaboration with global consultant companies, comprehensive assessment framework, advanced monitoring system and efficient adaptation strategies for flood-prone regions in the UK and overseas.
The evidence-based approach that I utilize for climate change adaptation also informs my research-led teaching in the 3rd and 4th years of the Civil and Architectural Engineering Programmes.
As member of Disaster Advisory Group of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), part of the World Health Organization, I am collaborating with governamental agencies in the Caribbean Region and South America, to promote the Smart (Safe and Green) Health Initiative.
I am the Lead of the Civil Infrastructure Research Cluster in the School of Engineering and Programme (Joint) Director for the Sustainable Civil and Structural Engineering MSc (Eng) + Programme Director for Architectural Engineering.
My honorary role at University of Bristol and at INTEC, Santo Domingo, plus my long-lasting collaboration with CEA, Saclay (France), University of Patras (Greece), University of Toronto (Canada), allows me to have access to large facilities for testing infrastructure components.
My background and expertise are in the broad area of natural disasters mitigation and adaptation. In the last twenty years, I have been involved in a number of national and international projects dealing with the assessment of the built environment exposed to multiple natural hazards, e.g. earthquakes, winds and floods. I have developed innovative approaches and technologies to enhance resilience of structures and infrastructure located in earthquake prone regions. The outcomes of my numerical and experimental research have significantly impacted the development of code of practice globally.
I have authored more than 200 research publications, including 65 refereed journal papers, many conference papers, research reports, book chapters, a reference text-book on earthquake engineering (Fundamentals of Earthquake Engineering, 2008 and 2015 Editions, edited by Wiley and Sons) and field investigation reports.
I am member of several International Scientific Committees, International Committees/Working Groups (in ASCE and EAEE), Member of the Editorial Boards of several international Journals and is also Associate Editor of Journal of Building Engineering, Annals of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shock and Vibration, Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, Journal of Advances in Civil Engineering;
- KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, Frontiers in Built Environment Editorial – Earthquake Engineering.
Prizes or Honours
- Staff Award 2024 - Sustainability in Research (University of Liverpool - Vice Chancellor, 2024)
- Best Paper Award Certificate (The 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Buildings and Structures (ICSBS2023), 2023)
- Honorary Member Staff (Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), 2019)
- Ground Engineering Award 2022. International Project of the year: The Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) Mission for Haiti 2021. (Ground Engineering Awards, 2022)
- 2019 Excellent Research Award for Civil Engineering (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, 2019)
- Honorary Member Staff (at the College of Engineering, University of Bristol, UK, 2011)
- Best Thesis on the Seismic Assessment of RC Structures (Italian Society for Reinforced and Precast Concrete (AICAP), 1999)
Funded Fellowships
- Best project on the application of stainless steel in seismic areas (The Steel Construction Institute, UK, 2000)