Dr S. Alireza Behnejad

Alireza is the Principal Investigator for the research project to develop a full-scale membrane structure kit for educational purposes funded by Nohmura Foundation, Japan. This is in collaboration with the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil and the University of Fukui, Japan for the expansion of the use of full-scale physical models in engineering education.

Dr Behnejad is the Co-Investigator for the research on the seismic failure load of single-layer reticulated shells based on key structural design parameters funded by the UK Royal Academy of Engineering. This is a research collaboration with the Southwest Jiaotong University in China and the aim of this project is to propose a new seismic failure criterion for single-layer reticulated shells subjected to earthquakes.

Alireza leads the research on the structural performance of bamboo in collaboration with Arup Company from industry and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The outcome of the collaboration is going to be used for the development of the codes of practice for bamboo structure design. One of Alireza’s students who has been investigating the structural behaviour of bamboo joints was nominated for two final year project awards in 2018, namely, the IStructE Prize and the Atkins Prize and he was awarded with the latter.

Dr Behnejad has been researching the benefits of full-scale physical models in civil/architectural engineering education, as well as the new concept of Pedagogic Frailty. Also, I am leading the research on ‘International student collaborations to achieve teaching excellence in higher education’. This is part of the Student-Staff Research Collaboration on Teaching Excellence initiated by the Department of Higher Education of the University.