Luca Pelà

Biosketch

Dr. Luca Pelà  is Associate Professor of the School of Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Catalonia since 2011. He got the Ph.D. in Structural Analysis from the Technical University of Catalonia and the Ph.D. in Civil Engineering Sciences from the University of Ferrara in 2009.

His scientific research focuses on numerical models for the nonlinear FE analysis of masonry structures (macro, micro and multi-scale), structural behaviour of historical churches and cathedrals, nonlinear methods for seismic analysis of existing structures and experimental characterization of the mechanical behaviour of masonry through laboratory and in-situ minor destructive techniques (MDT).

He has participated to important Italian, Spanish and European research projects about the protection of architectural heritage structures from the earthquake-induced risk, the seismic assessment of structures, seismic retrofitting and repair of existing buildings via innovative techniques. Among them, it is worth mentioning the RELUIS projects in Italy, the BIA and SEDUREC projects in Spain and the NIKER project founded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the EU.

He has been involved in technical projects with Italian and Spanish engineering consultancies and public administrations, regarding the seismic analysis and strengthening of existing buildings, conservation and restoration studies of structures of the built cultural heritage.

He is lecturer in the Erasmus Mundus Advanced Master on Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions (SAHC). He is member of the International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of the Architectural Heritage (ISCARSAH).