Civil and Environmental Engineering

https://mazdias.wordpress.com

Dr Dias obtained his bachelor’s in physics at the State University of São Paulo, Brazil. Four years later, he commenced a MSc in theoretical physics from his alma mater. In 2012, he obtained his PhD degree from the University of Massachusetts, USA, where he researched on the mechanics of origami structures and growth mechanisms. Dr Dias has worked as a researcher on a broad range of topics in structural engineering and applied mathematics at Brown University School of Engineering (USA), Aalto University (Finland), and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics at KTH (Sweden). Before joining the University of Edinburgh, Dr Dias was an Associate Professor of mechanical engineering at Aarhus University in Denmark, where he lead his research group 'Mechanical Metamaterials and Soft Matter’.

• Ph.D. in Physics (2012), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
• M.Sc. in Physics (2007), Theoretical Physics Institute – IFT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
• B.Sc. in Physics (2004), State University of São Paulo – UNESP, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

• Theoretical mechancis
• Soft condensed matter physics
• Applied mathematics
• Differential geometry
• Dimensionally reduced models and structures (beams, rods, plates, and shells)
• Stability theory
• Mechanical metamaterials (Auxetic structures, origami, kirigami, etc)
• Biomechanics
• Fluid-structure interactions

Nikolas Ringas is a current PhD research student at the School of Engineering, The University of Edinbugh, under the supervision of Dr Yuner Huang and Prof Dilum Fernando. He gained his BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of West Attica in 2016 and his MEng (Hons) in Civil Engineerig from the University of Edinburgh in 2020, with his thesis focusing on the calibration of a continuum damage mechanics model for low-cycle fatigue of metals. 

Then, he worked for The University of Edinburgh as a Research Assistant on a research programme funded by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) through the iCon challenge fund, where he conducted experiments on the fastener behaviour on sheathed light-gauge steel structures. His current research focuses on the experimental investigation of the behaviour observed in sheathed cold-formed steel frames under severe in-plane and out-of-plane loading conditions. This comes in parallel to a numerical investigation with the purpose of quantifying the influence of composite action in sheathed CFS frames lateral behaviour. 

• 2020 - MEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, The University of Edinburgh
• 2016 - BSc in Civil Engineering, University of West Attica

• Member, International Association for Bridge & Structural Engineering (IABSE)
• Graduate Member, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), Advance HE 
• Nominee for Student Tutor of the Year - EUSA Teaching Awards (2022), EUSA Teaching Awards 2023

• Tutor, Steel Structures 4
• Tutor, Concrete Structures 4
• Tutor, Structural Engineering Design Project 5
• Tutor, Structural Mechanics 2
• Tutor, Culture and Performance in the History of Construction

Nikolas Ringas is a current PhD research student at the School of Engineering, The University of Edinbugh, under the supervision of Dr Yuner Huang and Prof Dilum Fernando. He gained his BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of West Attica in 2016 and his MEng (Hons) in Civil Engineerig from the University of Edinburgh in 2020, with his thesis focusing on the calibration of a continuum damage mechanics model for low-cycle fatigue of metals. 

Then, he worked for The University of Edinburgh as a Research Assistant on a research programme funded by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) through the iCon challenge fund, where he conducted experiments on the fastener behaviour on sheathed light-gauge steel structures. His current research focuses on the experimental investigation of the behaviour observed in sheathed cold-formed steel frames under severe in-plane and out-of-plane loading conditions. This comes in parallel to a numerical investigation with the purpose of quantifying the influence of composite action in sheathed CFS frames lateral behaviour. 

• 2020 - MEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, The University of Edinburgh
• 2016 - BSc in Civil Engineering, University of West Attica

• Member, International Association for Bridge & Structural Engineering (IABSE)
• Graduate Member, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), Advance HE 
• Nominee for Student Tutor of the Year - EUSA Teaching Awards (2022), EUSA Teaching Awards 2023

• Tutor, Steel Structures 4
• Tutor, Concrete Structures 4
• Tutor, Structural Engineering Design Project 5
• Tutor, Structural Mechanics 2
• Tutor, Culture and Performance in the History of Construction

I am an academic and university teacher at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. My expertise lies in structural engineering, sustainability, and advanced technologies with a strong focus on resilience and innovation in civil infrastructure. Throughout my academic career, I have contributed significantly to both teaching and research, leading projects that address contemporary engineering challenges using experimental and computational methodologies. My current research initiatives involve the integration of AI-driven methods for structural health monitoring, sustainable construction materials, and innovative structural solutions aimed at enhancing infrastructure sustainability and resilience.

PgCAP, Academic Practice, University of Edinburgh, UK (2025)

Associate Professorship (Docentlik) by the Interuniversity Council of Turkey (ÜAK) 2013

Associate Professorship by Ministry of Education, Albania (2013)

Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia (2008)

M.Sc. in Structural Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia (2002)

B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, University of Gaziantep, Turkey (1998)

Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Member of the Union of Chambers of Engineers and Architects of Turkey, Chamber of Civil Engineers.

Conceptual Design and Sustainability for Civil Engineers (CDSCE3)

Engineering Principles 1

Behaviour and Design of Structures 2 

Prior Academic Teaching Roles

Reinforced Concrete Fundamentals (5)         Structural Analysis (5)                                Structural Mechanics (5)                          Reinforced Concrete Structures (5)            Bridge Engineering (3)                          Structural Design II (3)                         Solid Mechanics (4) 

Graduate Courses:

Behavior of RC Members and Structures (4)Bridge Assessment (3)                               Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design (4)     Advanced Structural Design (4)  

_{*Number in brackets indicates the number of times the course has been taught.}                        

My research involves experimental and numerical investigations of reinforced concrete structures, earthquake-resistant buildings, and historical masonry structures. I have extensive expertise in the performance assessment of composite precast slab structures, unreinforced masonry buildings, and historical structures under static and dynamic loads. Additionally, I focus on developing innovative composite precast lightweight slabs, advanced assessment and repair techniques for reinforced concrete (RC) buildings and bridges, and masonry structures. My current projects include strengthening techniques for unreinforced masonry structures and studying the effects of anchorage on the axial strength of fiber-reinforced polymer confined rectangular columns. Additionally, my recent research involves bridge inspection using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and knowledge graphs for structural health monitoring, as well as the development of sustainable low-carbon bricks utilizing water-based polymeric binders and recycled aggregates.

• Structural performance assessment and AI-driven structural health monitoring
• Earthquake-resistant design
• Historical masonry structures
• Sustainable and innovative construction materials.

LinkedIn 

Researchgate

GoogleScholar 

I am an academic and university teacher at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. My expertise lies in structural engineering, sustainability, and advanced technologies with a strong focus on resilience and innovation in civil infrastructure. Throughout my academic career, I have contributed significantly to both teaching and research, leading projects that address contemporary engineering challenges using experimental and computational methodologies. My current research initiatives involve the integration of AI-driven methods for structural health monitoring, sustainable construction materials, and innovative structural solutions aimed at enhancing infrastructure sustainability and resilience.

PgCAP, Academic Practice, University of Edinburgh, UK (2025)

Associate Professorship (Docentlik) by the Interuniversity Council of Turkey (ÜAK) 2013

Associate Professorship by Ministry of Education, Albania (2013)

Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia (2008)

M.Sc. in Structural Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia (2002)

B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, University of Gaziantep, Turkey (1998)

Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Member of the Union of Chambers of Engineers and Architects of Turkey, Chamber of Civil Engineers.

Conceptual Design and Sustainability for Civil Engineers (CDSCE3)

Engineering Principles 1

Behaviour and Design of Structures 2 

Prior Academic Teaching Roles

Reinforced Concrete Fundamentals (5)         Structural Analysis (5)                                Structural Mechanics (5)                          Reinforced Concrete Structures (5)            Bridge Engineering (3)                          Structural Design II (3)                         Solid Mechanics (4) 

Graduate Courses:

Behavior of RC Members and Structures (4)Bridge Assessment (3)                               Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design (4)     Advanced Structural Design (4)  

_{*Number in brackets indicates the number of times the course has been taught.}                        

My research involves experimental and numerical investigations of reinforced concrete structures, earthquake-resistant buildings, and historical masonry structures. I have extensive expertise in the performance assessment of composite precast slab structures, unreinforced masonry buildings, and historical structures under static and dynamic loads. Additionally, I focus on developing innovative composite precast lightweight slabs, advanced assessment and repair techniques for reinforced concrete (RC) buildings and bridges, and masonry structures. My current projects include strengthening techniques for unreinforced masonry structures and studying the effects of anchorage on the axial strength of fiber-reinforced polymer confined rectangular columns. Additionally, my recent research involves bridge inspection using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and knowledge graphs for structural health monitoring, as well as the development of sustainable low-carbon bricks utilizing water-based polymeric binders and recycled aggregates.

• Structural performance assessment and AI-driven structural health monitoring
• Earthquake-resistant design
• Historical masonry structures
• Sustainable and innovative construction materials.

LinkedIn 

Researchgate

GoogleScholar 

http://cyberbuild.eng.ed.ac.uk/

My name is Frédéric Bosché. Following a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo (Canada), I worked for 2 years as researcher in the Computer Vision Laboratory at ETH Zurich, before becoming Assistant Professor in Construction Informatics at Heriot-Watt University. In 2019, I joined the University of Edinburgh where I was first Senior Lecturer and now Reader in Construction Informatics. I teach on Engineering Project Management, Digital Construction and some Surveying. I also lead the CyberBuild Lab that delivers research and innovation in related areas.

• PG-Cert. Academic Practice, Heriot-Watt University (UK), 2013.
• Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo (Canada), 2008.
• M.Sc. Construction Engineering and Project Management, Univ. of Texas at Austin (USA), 2003.
• M.Eng. Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Lille (France), 2003.

• Associate Editor fo the Journal of Information Technology in Construction.
• Executive Committee Member and Past President (2019-2022) of the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC).
• Member and Past Chair (2019-2022) of the Modelling and Standards Committee of the European Council on Computing in Construction (EC3). 
• Associate Editor of 
• Former Associate Editor and now Editorial Board Member of Automation in Construction (Elsevier). Editorial Board Member of Advanced Engineering Informatics (Elsevier).
• Innovation Champion for Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC).
• Member of European Group for Intelligent Computing in Engineering (EG-ICE).

• Engineering Project Management 4
• Digital Construction 4
• Surveying

Beside their academic and industrial impact, these projects have also given my CyberBuild Lab colleagues and I the opportunity and joy to engage in numerous public engagement activities from school career fairs to events at the Glasgow Science Museum and the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

http://cyberbuild.eng.ed.ac.uk/

My name is Frédéric Bosché. Following a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo (Canada), I worked for 2 years as researcher in the Computer Vision Laboratory at ETH Zurich, before becoming Assistant Professor in Construction Informatics at Heriot-Watt University. In 2019, I joined the University of Edinburgh where I was first Senior Lecturer and now Reader in Construction Informatics. I teach on Engineering Project Management, Digital Construction and some Surveying. I also lead the CyberBuild Lab that delivers research and innovation in related areas.

• PG-Cert. Academic Practice, Heriot-Watt University (UK), 2013.
• Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo (Canada), 2008.
• M.Sc. Construction Engineering and Project Management, Univ. of Texas at Austin (USA), 2003.
• M.Eng. Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Lille (France), 2003.

• Associate Editor fo the Journal of Information Technology in Construction.
• Executive Committee Member and Past President (2019-2022) of the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC).
• Member and Past Chair (2019-2022) of the Modelling and Standards Committee of the European Council on Computing in Construction (EC3). 
• Associate Editor of 
• Former Associate Editor and now Editorial Board Member of Automation in Construction (Elsevier). Editorial Board Member of Advanced Engineering Informatics (Elsevier).
• Innovation Champion for Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC).
• Member of European Group for Intelligent Computing in Engineering (EG-ICE).

• Engineering Project Management 4
• Digital Construction 4
• Surveying

Beside their academic and industrial impact, these projects have also given my CyberBuild Lab colleagues and I the opportunity and joy to engage in numerous public engagement activities from school career fairs to events at the Glasgow Science Museum and the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

• PhD, The University of Cambridge, 2000
• MEng, Jesus College, The University of Cambridge, 1996
• MA(Cantab), Jesus College, The University of Cambridge

MIStructE, CEng

• Tools for Engineering Design 2

Advanced Composite Structures

Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) such as carbon, aramid and glass FRPs are being increasingly used in construction. These advanced composites can be used in combination with traditional construction materials, or to form structures in their own right. Of particular importance with FRP materials are the methods of forming joints.

Adhesively Bonded Joints

The structural use of FRPs usually involves adhesive joints. These might be between two pieces of FRP (eg: in an all-FRP bridge deck), or where the FRP is bonded to another material (eg: FRP strengthening of a metallic beam or FRP reinforcement inside concrete). These bonded connections require proper design, both mechanically and to ensure their durability.

Externally Bonded FRP Strengthening

Metallic, concrete and masonry structures can be strengthened by bonding FRP to their external surfaces. FRP can be used to strengthen a wide variety of structural elements (eg: bridge columns and decks and floor slabs). FRP is particularly beneficial where time or space constraints govern a strengthening scheme.

Concrete Reinforced using FRP

FRP materials can be used to reinforce structural concrete. They are most likely to be used for their corrosion restance (eg: marine environments) or near electromagnetically sensitive equipment. However, replacing ductile steel rebar with brittle FRP reinforcement requires traditional concrete design techniques to be revised.

Shear in Concrete with Brittle Reinforcement

Stability of Long Precast Concrete Beams

• Experimental structures research
• Structural response in fire
• FRP composite materials for structural engineering
• Externally bonded strengthening and repair using FRP
• Shear in concrete with brittle (FRP) reinforcement
• Structural Analysis and Design

• PhD, The University of Cambridge, 2000
• MEng, Jesus College, The University of Cambridge, 1996
• MA(Cantab), Jesus College, The University of Cambridge

MIStructE, CEng

• Tools for Engineering Design 2

Advanced Composite Structures

Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) such as carbon, aramid and glass FRPs are being increasingly used in construction. These advanced composites can be used in combination with traditional construction materials, or to form structures in their own right. Of particular importance with FRP materials are the methods of forming joints.

Adhesively Bonded Joints

The structural use of FRPs usually involves adhesive joints. These might be between two pieces of FRP (eg: in an all-FRP bridge deck), or where the FRP is bonded to another material (eg: FRP strengthening of a metallic beam or FRP reinforcement inside concrete). These bonded connections require proper design, both mechanically and to ensure their durability.

Externally Bonded FRP Strengthening

Metallic, concrete and masonry structures can be strengthened by bonding FRP to their external surfaces. FRP can be used to strengthen a wide variety of structural elements (eg: bridge columns and decks and floor slabs). FRP is particularly beneficial where time or space constraints govern a strengthening scheme.

Concrete Reinforced using FRP

FRP materials can be used to reinforce structural concrete. They are most likely to be used for their corrosion restance (eg: marine environments) or near electromagnetically sensitive equipment. However, replacing ductile steel rebar with brittle FRP reinforcement requires traditional concrete design techniques to be revised.

Shear in Concrete with Brittle Reinforcement

Stability of Long Precast Concrete Beams

• Experimental structures research
• Structural response in fire
• FRP composite materials for structural engineering
• Externally bonded strengthening and repair using FRP
• Shear in concrete with brittle (FRP) reinforcement
• Structural Analysis and Design

https://thangel.github.io/index.html

Athanasios is working on engineering fluid mechanics, incorporated within the Institute for Infrastructure and the Environment and leading research on hydro-environmental applications. Aside from the role of lecturer in Civil Engineering hydraulics, as an Industrial Innovation Research Fellow of the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) he coordinates research activities on computational methods for marine and offshore renewable energy, working closely with industry and other research groups.

•  PhD in Hydro-environmental engineering (2014). Hydro-environmental Research Centre, Cardiff University.
•  MEng in Civil Engineering (2010). School of Engineering, Cardiff University.

• CIVE10006 Hydraulic Engineering 4, University of Edinburgh (2019 - Now) - Course Organiser and Lecturer
• CIVE09035 Water Engineering Transport and Treatment 3, University of Edinburgh (2020-Now) - Course Organiser and Lecturer

• Environmental fluid mechanics
• Coastal ocean modelling
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Marine renewable energy
• Fluorescence spectroscopy