Our Story - Our team

Dr Luigi Di Sarno

Sustainable Materials and Infrastructure Specialist

I am a Senior Lecturer in Structural Design in the School of Engineering, University of Liverpool. I have more than two decades of experience in advanced experimental testing on structural and non-structural components plus systems under different loading scenarios. I have developed innovative experimental investigation methodologies: e.g. pseudo-dynamic (PsD) hybrid simulation with sub-structuring and real-time distributed hybrid shake table experiments, for testing steel and reinforced concrete (RC) critical structures and infrastructure systems under static and/or dynamic loadings.

In addition I have been experimenting the use of novel and cost-effective mitigation technologies and methodologies for natural risk reduction. I am also developed design-by-testing methods that can be reliably utilised for the performance enhancement of existing ageing infrastructure and for newly-designed structural systems, e.g. structural walls with embedded sensors.

I am currently assessing the viability of using sustainable and resilient materials based on recycling of wastes from demolition, plastic-free components, plus developing innovative low-carbon cementitious mixtures for applications in energy-efficient structures and infrastructure. I have established, through a strategic long-term plan, an interdisciplinary and global research group (Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure, RSI), connecting the University of Liverpool in the UK; the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China; University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

I have also published more than 250 papers, including more than 50 publications on international high-impact journals, plus two books on earthquake engineering.