Research seminars and engagement

Speaker: Dr Zhongxing Wang, Associate Professor, School of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, China

Summary: This lecture presents recent research on the behaviour of aluminium alloy structures under fire conditions, where significant strength loss and complex local buckling can occur at elevated temperatures. The work combines material testing, finite element modelling, and fire experiments to develop improved design methods for local stability and fire resistance, achieving greater accuracy than existing design codes. The findings provide practical guidance and a stronger theoretical basis for the fire-safe design of aluminium alloy structures.

Speaker: Dr Juan Ahui-Torres, Research Fellow - Med-Iren project on Increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure with NbS, LJMU

Summary: This presentation showcases the research laboratories directed by Dr Juan Ignacio Ahui-Torres, spanning civil engineering, corrosion, tribology, laser processing, modelling, materials production and testing, metallography, energy, and monitoring/sensors. Funded by EPSRC, Innovate UK, and Horizon Europe, the labs' work spans surface functionalisation, offshore wind turbines, anilox rollers, glass polishing modelling, structural sensors, antifouling, ship electrification, and zero-cement concrete.

Speaker: Dr Xinrui Wang, Senior Lecturer, Structural Engineering, LJMU

Summary: Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems have been deployed on infrastructure for decades, continuously collecting large volumes of vibration data. But how are these measurements transformed into reliable engineering information that supports inspection, maintenance, and asset management decisions? This talk explores vibration-based SHM, highlighting how uncertainty-aware data analysis can improve infrastructure resilience through examples from laboratory experiments and real-world applications.

Speaker: Dr Sumit Joshi, Research Fellow- Med-Iren project on Increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure with NbS

Summary: Biocementation is positioned at the forefront of sustainable bio-based solution, aiming to address the ways of improving the serviceability and stability of infrastructure. The term “biocementation” is commonly used to refer to biominerals produced through the metabolic processes of microorganisms. This talk covers microbial application on concrete durability, crack mitigation, waste utilization, and geo-technological engineering.

Speaker: Dr Vajira Edirisinghe (BSc Civil Eng, MSc, PhD), Senior Lecturer in Quantity Surveying

Summary: This talk examines engineering disputes in emergency operations, highlighting the critical shift from perfection to pragmatism when responding under pressure. Through real-world cases including conflict-period construction, the 2004 tsunami, floods and landslides, and the COVID-19 response. It explores how challenges such as market volatility, rapid construction demands, and engineering judgment shape dispute environments. The session concludes with practical mitigation strategies and an integrated dispute management framework, emphasising the lessons for managing engineering risk in complex emergencies.

Speaker: Dr Samira Awwal (PhD, MArch, BArch), Senior Lecturer in Architecture Technology

Summary: The research examines the relationship between indoor air quality and occupant well-being in retrofitted homes. The study assesses environmental factors such as ventilation, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter levels to understand how energy-efficiency improvements affect indoor living conditions. Findings indicate that while retrofitting enhances energy performance, proper ventilation and healthy building strategies are essential to maintain good indoor air quality and support residents’ health, comfort, and overall well-being.

Speaker: Xia Wen

Summary: This project aims to develop numerical relationships between the rainfall patterns and the resulting hydraulic behaviours of asphalt concretes (ACs).

Novel ACs will be explored to adapt to regional rainfall patterns toward the resilient infrastructure goal.

Speaker: Nisal Dananjana Rajapaksha, BEST Master student LJMU

Summary: Chloride migration and water absorption are key factors governing the durability of concrete incorporating industrial by-products such as coal-fired biomass ash in sustainable construction.

This study investigates bio-inspired self-healing and organic surface coatings as an effective solution, demonstrating substantial reductions in water absorption and chloride migration while offering a viable strategy to extend the service life of concrete, supporting circular-economy and low-carbon construction goals.

Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Hadi Amlashi, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN)

Summary:
The structural challenge of scaling offshore wind turbines (15+ MW) in harsh marine environments is significant. We review an integrated framework combining artificial intelligence with advanced materials science to address critical issues like material fatigue, corrosion, and structural stress. This lecture details the application of AI-driven simulations, finite element analysis (FEA), and lifecycle assessment (LCA) to optimize novel composite structures, aiming for enhanced durability and LCOE reduction.

Speaker: Delaram Nangir, Research Assistant LJMU

Summary:
This presentation outlines a cradle-to-grave LCA of a modular Light Gauge Steel Frame home at Brooklands quantifying embodied and operational carbon using primary data and verified EPDs. The study shows that targeted material substitutions can reduce embodied emissions by 10–12%, supporting low-carbon, scalable modular housing aligned with UK net-zero goals.

Speaker: Dr Rong Wang

Summary: The importance of global cities as economic hubs in real estate investment is undisputed. We study the factors impacting the bilateral Foreign Real Estate Investment flows between global cities by employing the Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood and Zero-Inflated Poisson with a gravity framework.

Speaker: Emmanuel Anum

Summary: The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the potential calcination of waste clay (WC) and use it to develop innovative cementitious binder to produce a novel unfired brick with high mechanical and thermal properties for future homes construction.

Speaker: Dan Ren

Summary: This PhD project investigates the damage and electrical behaviours of smart asphalt layers in railway track foundations.

It aims to develop conductive asphalt materials and characterise their microscopic conductive mechanisms and model damage behaviours and their electromechanical properties, and create a self-sensing system to enhance track durability and sustainability.

In this episode, Breaking down boundaries – bringing fresh perspectives to healthcare improvement of the Listen to THIS Podcast hosted by Dr Kristina Wanyonyi-Kay, BEST Theme Lead for Value Creation in Construction and Property Dr Kurannen Baaki joins Professor Graham Pullin and Professor Niels Peek to explore what taking a holistic approach to improving healthcare can look like. They discuss:

• the role facilities management can play in creating an efficient hospital workplace that improves patient outcomes
• the role facilities management can play in creating an efficient hospital workplace that improves patient outcomes
• how the design of a prosthetic limb can define its relationship with its wearer, and how they are seen by others
• the changes needed for data and digital technologies to be able to enhance and improve healthcare

Listen on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music

Speaker: Milad Mousazadehgavan

Summary: Plastic particles in water bodies pose serious environmental and health risks. Their persistence and potential toxicity make them particularly harmful. Existing treatment methods often struggle to remove these particles effectively.

This study proposes a novel combined treatment process. It also develops a response surface model to optimise and predict microplastic destabilisation. The approach improves both process efficiency and energy consumption through multi-objective modelling.

Speaker: Dr Hu Du

Summary: This talk explores the intersection of teaching and research in the context of low-carbon design, operation, and retrofit of LJMU buildings. It argues that the classroom is more than a place to share knowledge. It is also a dynamic laboratory where real-world challenges drive meaningful research.

Speaker: Joanne Wheeler

Summary: Our programme aims to co-create place-based retrofit strategies in partnership with local communities. These strategies are designed to strengthen local network capacity and build resilience against future climate-related challenges.

The goal is to deliver broad, regenerative benefits that support long-term community wellbeing.

Speaker: Prof Ana Bras

Summary: Self-healing coatings offer several advantages. They reduce maintenance and repair costs by automatically healing cracks. This extends the lifespan and reduces waste by minimising the need for frequent repairs and replacements.

This talk will explore self-healing processes within cracks using different bacterial cultures. It will also examine the potential use of agricultural waste to improve ecological and economic benefits.

Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rafiza Abdul Razak, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia

Summary: Intumescent coatings applied to geopolymer plaster offer a promising approach to fire protection. Geopolymer plaster itself exhibits inherent fire resistance due to its inorganic nature.

When combined with an intumescent coating, this system provides enhanced fire protection. Upon heat exposure, the coating expands, creating a thermal barrier, improving fire resistance.

Speaker: Dr. Noorina Hidayu Jamil, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia

Summary: Low-sintering ceramics are materials that can be densified at much lower temperatures than traditional ceramics. This is made possible through techniques such as using sintering aids, nanopowders, and innovative processing methods.

These ceramics offer several advantages, including reducing energy consumption. They also lower equipment costs and enable the processing of temperature-sensitive components.

Speaker: Yi Da

Summary: Asphalt pavements are becoming vulnerable to extreme weather events due to climate change. This leads to substantial annual maintenance costs of around £4 billion. Smart asphalt materials provide a potential solution for real-time pavement Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) without the need for embedded sensors.

These innovative materials with self-sensing and self-healing capabilities can sense their own health. They can also heal their own structures once damage occurs. This significantly enhances the resilience and sustainability of road transport infrastructure.

Speaker: Dr Maria Ferentinou

Summary: This talk will present a comprehensive journey through the complexities of Horizon Europe. They will provide a clear, step-by-step guide to successfully navigate the application process.

From identifying relevant calls to building a strong coherent consortium to crafting compelling proposals.

Speaker: Prof Ana Bras

Summary: BEST aims to generate impactful research outcomes that benefit UK society. We also aim to inform regional and community development.

This short talk will showcase a collaborative effort among BEST staff that can culminate in the creation of a valuable policy brief.

Speaker: Ban Al-Hasani

Summary: The water demand is increasing globally, especially in semi-arid regions. This expansion is widening the demand gap and putting all sectors at risk. Sustainable agricultural development and food security are particularly affected.

The impact is especially severe in developing countries and semi-arid regions already affected by climate change.

Speaker: Mehrdad Ameri Vamkani

Summary: Ageing sewer infrastructure faces urgent challenges from climate change and urban growth. This situation calls for sustainable asset management. Innovative methods, such as trenchless techniques and self-healing composites, offer efficient, low-impact solutions. These approaches enhance resilience and minimise environmental harm.

The Isfahan case study shows the benefits of predictive maintenance, regular monitoring, and policy adjustments. These measures help lower costs, protect public health. They also improve infrastructure durability amid climate and urban pressures.

Speaker: Dr Khalid Hashim

Summary: Discover the strategies to boost your REF score by publishing in high-ranking journals. This will also help to improve the quality and impact of your research outputs.