Inaugural Lecture - Prof. David Ruggiero
Date: 17 May 2023
Time: 17:30 - 18:45
Introductions by the Dean, lectures by Prof. David Ruggiero and Prof. Andrew Sonta. Followed by an Apero.
Place: CO2
Zoom link
Title:
Concrete and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges in Structural Engineering
Abstract
After water, concrete is the most widely utilized material in the world; the sheer volume used makes it one of the single largest contributors to global CO2 emissions. However, despite its high carbon footprint, concrete also has remarkable utility, enabling the construction of adaptable and durable structures that fulfill the fundamental human need for shelter and infrastructure in all corners of the planet. If used appropriately, concrete has the potential to drive sustainable development at a global scale.
In this talk, we will take a critical look at current trends in structural design, particularly in building construction, and examine the role of structural engineers in creating a more sustainable future. This lecture will introduce three research areas of the CONSTRUCT Lab that aim to promote more efficient use of reinforced concrete: improving our understanding of the material behaviour for better modelling and optimization, investigating the use of low-carbon alternatives to traditional Portland cement, and balancing structural efficiency and adaptive reuse potential to maximize structure longevity.
About the speaker
David Ruggiero joined ENAC in September, 2022, where he leads the Concrete Behaviour and Structural Design Laboratory (CONSTRUCT). In 2015 he received his PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Toronto (Canada) under a joint placement arrangement with the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia (Italy). Following his doctoral studies he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia and a sessional lecturer at the University of Toronto. From 2017 to 2022 he practiced as a professional structural engineer at RJC Toronto, where he was responsible for the design of high-rise buildings. David is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada and an Associate Member of the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee on the Design of Concrete Structures (CSA A23.3). His research at EPFL aims to advance sustainable design of concrete structures and address pressing problems facing today’s structural engineers.
Time: 17:30 - 18:45
Introductions by the Dean, lectures by Prof. David Ruggiero and Prof. Andrew Sonta. Followed by an Apero.
Place: CO2
Zoom link
Title:
Concrete and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges in Structural Engineering
Abstract
After water, concrete is the most widely utilized material in the world; the sheer volume used makes it one of the single largest contributors to global CO2 emissions. However, despite its high carbon footprint, concrete also has remarkable utility, enabling the construction of adaptable and durable structures that fulfill the fundamental human need for shelter and infrastructure in all corners of the planet. If used appropriately, concrete has the potential to drive sustainable development at a global scale.
In this talk, we will take a critical look at current trends in structural design, particularly in building construction, and examine the role of structural engineers in creating a more sustainable future. This lecture will introduce three research areas of the CONSTRUCT Lab that aim to promote more efficient use of reinforced concrete: improving our understanding of the material behaviour for better modelling and optimization, investigating the use of low-carbon alternatives to traditional Portland cement, and balancing structural efficiency and adaptive reuse potential to maximize structure longevity.
About the speaker
David Ruggiero joined ENAC in September, 2022, where he leads the Concrete Behaviour and Structural Design Laboratory (CONSTRUCT). In 2015 he received his PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Toronto (Canada) under a joint placement arrangement with the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia (Italy). Following his doctoral studies he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia and a sessional lecturer at the University of Toronto. From 2017 to 2022 he practiced as a professional structural engineer at RJC Toronto, where he was responsible for the design of high-rise buildings. David is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada and an Associate Member of the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee on the Design of Concrete Structures (CSA A23.3). His research at EPFL aims to advance sustainable design of concrete structures and address pressing problems facing today’s structural engineers.
Links
Practical information
- Informed public
- Registration required
Organizer
- SGC - Céline Dupuy