§ 02
Research
Numerical modelling · experimental testing · code standardization.
My research integrates advanced numerical modelling, large-scale experimental testing, and code standardization to address critical challenges in climate-neutral and resilient infrastructure. Current directions include high-rise timber buildings under wind-induced vibrations, seismic design of timber-concrete composite bridges, and AI-assisted design strategies for engineered-wood structures.
Principal Topics
- 01Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) shear walls
- 02Connections for engineered-wood structures
- 03Seismic design of timber buildings
- 04Dynamic behaviour of tall timber buildings
- 05Timber–concrete composite bridges
- 06In-plane behaviour of CLT diaphragms
- 07Floor–wall interaction in CLT structures
- 08Eurocode 5 & Eurocode 8 standardization
Main Projects
- 2023 – 2026HOCHHINAUS — Timber High-RisesEngineering methods for the structural design of tall timber buildings under wind-induced vibrations.Funded by BMWSB — Zukunft Bau. Co-author of the grant proposal; project led by Prof. Werner Seim (University of Kassel).
- 2022 – 2024Earthquake-resistant timber bridgesDesign provisions for supports and bracing structures of timber bridges.Funded by BMWE — ZIM. Role: Project Responsible & Research Group Leader (University of Kassel).
- 2021 – 2022Innovative Glulam, LVL & GLVL shear wallsCyclic behaviour under lateral seismic loads.Funded by Studiengemeinschaft Holzleimbau e.V. Role: Project Responsible (University of Kassel).
- 2017 – 2020Bidirectional behaviour connector for CLTResearch and development of a novel wall-to-floor connector for Cross-Laminated Timber.Industrial partnership with Rothoblaas S.r.l. Role: Research Leader (University of Enna "Kore").
Main Collaborations
- 2016 – Prof. Daniele CasagrandeUniversity of Trento, Italy — In-plane behaviour of CLT diaphragms.
- 2016 – Prof. Marinella FossettiUniversity of Enna "Kore", Italy — Experimental characterisation of timber and hybrid structures.
- 2019 – Prof. Werner SeimUniversity of Kassel, Germany — Floor-wall interaction in CLT buildings.
- 2019 – Prof. Massimo FragiacomoUniversity of L'Aquila, Italy — European standardisation of timber structures (Eurocodes 5 and 8, seismic design).
- 2019 – Dr. Andrea PolastriCNR-IBE (formerly IVALSA), Italy — Mechanical behaviour of CLT shear walls.
- 2022 – Prof. Ghasan DoudakUniversity of Ottawa, Canada — Lateral displacements of multi-storey CLT structures.
- 2023 – Prof. Maria Pina Limongelli & Prof. Pier Francesco GiordanoPolitecnico di Milano, Italy — Structural health monitoring and seismic assessment of timber buildings.
- 2025 – Prof. Jorge BrancoUniversity of Minho, Portugal — Lateral behaviour of volumetric modular CLT structures.
Industrial Partners
Long-standing R&D collaborations with industry partners across Europe — connectors, engineered timber products, structural engineering consultancies, and the Italian supply chain.
- RothoblaasItalyInnovative connectors and fasteners for timber structures — joint development of an innovative connector for CLT buildings.
- Studiengemeinschaft HolzleimbauGermanyAssociation of German glulam producers — cyclic behaviour of innovative Glulam, LVL and GLVL shear walls.
- Stora EnsoFinland / SwedenGlobal producer of cross-laminated timber — cyclic behaviour of innovative Glulam shear walls.
- Metsä WoodFinlandLVL and engineered wood products — cyclic behaviour of innovative LVL and GLVL shear walls.
- Harrer IngenieureGermanyStructural engineering consultancy specialised in timber — development of earthquake-resistant design provisions for supports and bracing structures of timber bridges.
- Knippers HelbigGermanyInternational structural engineering practice — advanced analysis of tall timber structures under wind-induced vibrations.
- Francesco Mirrione LegnamiItalyItalian timber manufacturer — supply chain collaboration on locally-sourced engineered timber products.