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Research themes: mechanics of materials, structural health monitoring, structural engineering, heritage science. 

Expertise: full-field deformation measurements, inverse modelling, computer vision. 
 
Application areas: characterisation and conservation of historical materials, development of sustainable construction materials, infrastructure sensing and monitoring,  computational modelling of soil-structure interaction, earthquake safety of historical structures and artefacts.
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​Materials related research: ​​Mechanical characterisation helps us quantify how materials deform and degrade. When investigated up close, even the simplest tests reveal an incredible level of complexity. To better understand materials, we focus on measuring their behaviour under loading using full-field measurement techniques. These allow us to identify parameters of mathematical models that can describe material deformation and fracture processes. This process of inverse modelling opens up new horizons: what are the links between material chemistry, microstructural features and the identified parameters? If we can identify links, can we use them to understand how historical materials were produced and how they can be better conserved? Can we adjust our modern manufacturing approaches (by varying dosages or processes) to develop materials with desirable properties? Example research areas include:

  • What are the chemical and microstructural reasons for the excellent performance of Roman concrete?

  • ​Mechanosorptive timber creep characterisation using projection-based Digital Volume Correlation

  • Can we develop starch-based sustainable binders to replace cement in concrete blocks used for housing​​​?

​Full-field measurement and inverse modelling techniques research: ​​Digital image and volume correlation techniques (local and global) are commonly used to conduct full-field measurement techniques in laboratory conditions. Combined with inverse models, dense measurement data can provide new insight into material behaviour. Our research aims to extend the applicability of full-field measurements to field conditions and extend the use of inverse modelling strategies to structural health monitoring applications (i.e. to be used for damage detection of unobserved areas, considering the availability of partial measurements). Example research areas include:

  • Digital image correlation using surface geometry data from time of flight cameras and laser scanning

  • ​High-speed subpixel tracking of deformations using neuromorphic cameras

  • Development of integrated and differentiable full-field measurement and inverse modelling operators

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​Structures related research: ​​We are interested in resolving issues faced by historical structures and artefacts. Our work in this area focusses on conducting large-scale experimental tests,  developing new computational modelling approaches and devising appropriate damage mitigation strategies. Our previous research has addressed the influence of excavation works on nearby masonry buildings and the earthquake response of vernacular and monumental heritage structures. Research is ongoing in the following areas:  

  • Modelling atmosphere, vegetation, expansive soil and structure interactions to understand risks posed by a changing climate

  • ​Fe-SMA tie bar prestressing and reinforcement to prevent disaggregation in rubble masonry

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