Dr. Nicoletta Bianchini, University of West London, United Kingdom
Nicoletta Bianchini is a dedicated PhD candidate in Civil Engineering, specializing in Seismic Engineering, with a robust background as an architect and bridge engineer. She holds a PhD from the University of Minho in Portugal, where her research focused on the seismic response of masonry cross vaults, utilizing shaking table tests and numerical analysis. Her academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Structural Analysis of Historic Constructions from the same institution, complemented by her previous studies in Building Engineering – Architecture at the University of Genoa, Italy.
Professional Profile:
ORCID
Summary of Suitability for Women Researcher Award
Overview: Dr. Nicoletta Bianchini is an accomplished researcher and engineer in the field of civil engineering, with a specific focus on seismic engineering and the preservation of historical structures. Her extensive educational background and diverse research experience make her a suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award.
Education
- University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- PhD Candidate in Seismic Engineering (Historic Masonry Structure group)
- Dates: January 2019 – July 2023
- Thesis: Evaluation of the seismic response of masonry cross vaults through shaking table tests and numerical analysis.
- Advisors: Prof. Paulo Lourenço and Dr. Nuno Mendes
- M.Sc. in Structural Analysis of Historic Constructions
- Dates: September 2017 – July 2018
- Final Grade: 19/20
- Integrated Project: Carmo Convent in Lisbon: in situ inspection, structural analysis, and retrofitting.
- Thesis: Conserving the Bagan (Myanmar) built heritage: Structural assessment of the Loka-Hteik-Pan Temple.
- Advisor: Dr. Nuno Mendes
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Structural Design from Empirical Tradition
- Date: June 2017
- Lectures by: Prof. T. Boothby (Pennsylvania State University)
- University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- M.Sc. in Building Engineering – Architecture
- Dates: September 2011 – March 2016
- Thesis: From observed damage to vulnerability curves for masonry buildings: the case of L’Aquila 2009 earthquake.
- Advisors: Prof. Sergio Lagomarsino, Prof. Serena Cattari, Dr. Daria Ottonelli
Work Experience
- AtkinsRéalis, Epsom, England
- Position: Structural Engineer in Bridges & Civils Department
- Dates: September 2023 – Present
- Responsibilities:
- Design bearing replacement schemes.
- Assessment of existing masonry bridges and planning their strengthening interventions, as well as conducting in-situ tests.
- Collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients.
- RELUIS, Rome and Central Italy
- Position: Structural Engineer
- Dates: October 2016 – June 2017
- Responsibilities:
- Conducted post-earthquake in situ surveys of monumental and historic buildings (e.g., churches, palaces) and strategic buildings (e.g., hospitals, schools) as part of state of emergency efforts across Central Italy.
- Assessed the condition of damaged structures and the level of risk for people and surroundings.
- Provided instructions to the Fire Department regarding provisional structural works to ensure a minimum level of safety.
- Surveyed listed archaeological sites and monuments in Rome (e.g., Terme Caracalla, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Maria del Popolo) to assess their damage and vulnerability.
Publication top Notes:
Shake-Table Testing of a Brick Masonry Groin Vault: Overview of Blind Predictions and Postdictions and Comparison with Experimental Results
Influence of wall-to-floor connections and pounding on pre- and post-diction simulations of a masonry building aggregate tested on a shaking table
Simulation of blind pre-diction and post-diction shaking table tests on a masonry building aggregate using a continuum modelling approach
Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage: Vibration Monitoring and Seismic Vulnerability of the Ruins of Carmo Convent (Lisbon)
Modelling of the Dynamic Response of a Full-Scale Masonry Groin Vault: Unstrengthened and Strengthened with Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM)