Dr Christos Mourlas

Christos joined University of Dundee as a lecturer in 2024. He holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering (5-year degree equivalent to MEng, 2009-2014), a MSc in the Analysis and Design of Structures (2014-2016) and a PhD in computational mechanics (2015-2019) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), school of Civil Engineering. 

His PhD research work focused on the development of an innovative modelling strategy to describe the mechanical response of RC structures subjected to static cyclic and dynamic loading conditions.  During this period, he managed to publish 5 papers in journals and 5 papers in conferences. After his PhD studies, he continued to work at NTUA as a postdoctoral researcher. His aim was to extend his PhD research and improve the behaviour of the proposed numerical model and include soil-structure interaction in the dynamic analysis of RC buildings. 

After that, he continued his research by working in ENTPE (Ecole National de Travaux Public de l’Etat) in Lyon as a postdoctoral researcher (2020-2022). He was studying the multiscale approach of clay rocks and the effects of different microscopic hydromechanical characteristics and deformations to the underground excavations of large-scale tunnels that are used for storage of nuclear waste.

Finally, he worked as a post-doc researcher in Czech Technical University (2022-2024). His project was focused on the development and verification of a system for the long-term monitoring of bridge structures with emphasis on reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete bridges. The use of an artificial intelligence system combined with real-time data from sensors (fibre optic sensors) integrated into the superstructure and a numerical model of the bridge (digital twin) should enable the development of a reliable predictive framework, capable of indicating possible damages. His current research interests fall into the following areas:

• Constitutive modelling approaches
• Seismic analysis of structures
• SSI effects
• Retrofit, repair and strengthening methods.
• Multiscale approaches
• Concrete and granular materials
• FEM framework
• Smeared crack approaches
• Fracture mechanics.
• Damage Identification methods.

Academic background

• PhD in Civil Engineering at National Technical University of Athens. Thesis title: An Accurate and Computationally Efficient Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Model for the Analysis of Large-Scale RC Structures Subjected to Cyclic and Dynamic Loading Conditions.
• 2016. Master of Science in the Analysis and Design of Structures at National Technical University of Athens. Thesis title: Modelling of Reinforced Concrete Structures under Cyclic Loading Conditions, National Technical University of Athens
• 2014. Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering at National Technical University of Athens. Thesis title: Simulation of Reinforced Concrete Structures through the use of Finite element method, National Technical University of Athens

Appointments

• Post Doctoral Researcher, Czech Technical University in Prague. 
  2022 → 2024
• Visiting Assistant Professor, Neapolis University Pafos. 
  Jan 2020 → Jun 2020
• Post Doctoral Researcher, École nationale des travaux publics de l'État. 
  2020 → 2022
• Post Doctoral Researcher, National Technical University of Athens. 
  2019 → 2020

Professional memberships

• Member of Technical Chamber of Greece.