Structural engineers design and upgrade structures and infrastructure that are exposed to a wide range of loading conditions, some of which may be extreme and uncertain, such as earthquakes, fires or explosions. The engineering challenges these loads present are complex and often require unconventional design philosophies.
In recent years, advances in research have led to significant developments in performance-based structural design for extreme loads. Progress in this area has combined findings from theoretical and numerical investigations with observations and validations from large-scale tests on prototype structures and focused laboratory assessments. Lessons learnt from reconnaissance fieldwork and past structural failures have also played an important role.
This gradual shift from prescriptive codes to performance-based design offers a reliable basis for protecting lives, property and livelihoods. It also provides a credible framework for estimating physical and economic losses in extreme situations.
Biography
Ahmed Elghazouli undertook his MSc and PhD studies at Imperial between 1988 and 1992 after graduating from Ain Shams University in Cairo. He worked as a Lecturer at Edinburgh University for two years following a period in industry and post doctoral research, before returning to Imperial College London in 1996. He was promoted to a Chair of Structural Engineering in 2009.
Professor Elghazouli is Head of the Structures Section in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers as well as the current Chairman of the Society for Earthquake and Civil Engineering Dynamics, and the UK National Delegate to the International and European Associations for Earthquake Engineering.
He has collaborated extensively with industry worldwide and has contributed to the development of international design codes of practice.
A pre-lecture tea will take place from 16.45 in the Senior Common Room, Sherfield Building