Interview with Dr. Bahman Ghiassi, Gustavo Colonnetti Medalist 2019

RIM DC: If you had to explain your work to your grandmother, what would you say?

Dr Ghiassi: I check if the structures are well enough and I find remedies if they are not well.

RIM DC: What is your relationship with RILEM, when did you become a member for the first time, has RILEM helped you in your career?

Dr Ghiassi: I became a member of RILEM in 2012 when I was in the second year of my PhD studies. I joined because my research group [at the University of Minho] was a RILEM member and my PhD topic was related to the topic of one of RILEM TCs so that gave me the opportunity to attend some of the TC meetings. I joined because my supervisor “invited” me to join the TC. At that time I didn’t know that students could join TCs on their own initiative. I only found it out a few years ago.

To be active in a TC is an amazing experience because you have the opportunity to meet the most active people from around the world in your area of research. It will have an impact on your research and career. But it requests travel money to be able to attend the meetings. As a PhD student, I struggled to be an active member because young researchers usually do not have plenty of money. The Marie Curie IF fellowship, that was awarded to me in 2016, provided that opportunity for me and I could be more actively involved in different TCs. I think if there had been an online system to have remote connection to meetings, I would have definitively been more active.

RIM DC: What would you like to tell to young researchers out there?

Dr Ghiassi: I would say to be a researcher is an amazing opportunity because you are paid to be curious. But it is not a walk in the park. It has lots of ups and downs, and it is sometimes frustrating because you always have to find the money for your project. My message is that young people should know this but not to be worried about. The important thing is to be consistent and do their best to deliver scientific excellence and they will eventually be successful. I think perseverance is the most important thing! 

RIM DC: How would you relate yourself and your research to industry and society needs?

Dr Ghiassi: I am currently working on two different topics. One of them is the use of textile reinforced composites for strengthening of existing structures against earthquakes that I presented today [Colonnetti medalist speaker on 20/3/2019]. Most of the existing masonry structures around the world are vulnerable against earthquakes. This vulnerability has led to the loss of several lives. In this project, we are trying to develop cheap, affordable and effective strategies for the strengthening of those weak structures.

I am also actively involved in the evaluation of the durability of new environmentally friendly construction materials. Replacement of “conventional cements” with these materials is critical to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the use and production of those cements. My work is to make sure that these environmentally friendly construction materials have sufficient durability and resistance, to ensure the safety of people.

This interview was conducted by Daniela Ciancio, RILEM Implementation Manager.