With over a decade of experience as a senior civil engineer, Yassin Elouardi has been deeply involved in various aspects of structural engineering. His background encompasses both academic and practical expertise. The Italian engineer has successfully managed and contributed to a wide range of projects, from residential and commercial buildings to complex infrastructures. The expert actively pursues opportunities for continuous learning, staying current with the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

Having this extended expertise, Yassin agreed to tell us more about structural failures he has encountered: “Structural failures bear immense significance. Throughout my career, I've particularly focused on existing structures due to Italy's strong emphasis on seismic retrofitting, particularly in masonry constructions. I've witnessed the impact of seismic events both locally and globally, which has informed my understanding of structural vulnerabilities. While I've observed more instances of damage rather than complete collapses in certain cases, the global prevalence of natural disasters underscores the urgency of ensuring structural resilience. For instance, personally experiencing the 2012 Emilia earthquake in Italy has profoundly shaped my perspective on the critical need for robust structural designs.”

We were wondering how the field of structural engineering has evolved in terms of identifying and mitigating potential failures with the advancement of technology. Elouardi explained: “The evolution of technology has significantly revolutionized the approach to identifying and mitigating potential structural failures. Advanced computer simulations and finite element analysis have empowered engineers to meticulously model complex interactions, forecast structural behaviors, and pinpoint vulnerabilities well in advance of construction commencement. Notably, my focus on retrofitting existing structures has provided insights into the integration of seismic retrofit strategies with innovative technologies.”

“In addition to this, the advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has introduced transformative possibilities. The integration of BIM models with real-time data and augmented reality has enhanced the precision of design visualization, enabling us to identify and address issues more effectively before construction even begins. Moreover, the integration of virtual reality into the design process offers immersive experiences that allow stakeholders to interact with a proposed structure, offering invaluable insights and improving decision-making.”

The engineer told us more about innovative tools that have proven particularly effective and he’s excited to see them being used in the future: “Looking forward, the integration of artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential. AI-driven algorithms can process vast data sets to identify patterns, optimize designs, and even predict potential weaknesses. This predictive capability, combined with the real-time insights from BIM models, could prove instrumental in ensuring structural integrity throughout a building's lifecycle.”

“As seismic events continue to impact regions across the globe, the fusion of technological advancements with real-world experience places us at a critical juncture. The synergy between virtual reality, AI, and BIM presents an exciting frontier that promises to elevate our capacity to foresee, prevent, and effectively mitigate potential structural failures, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient built environments.”

Public safety is a paramount concern when it comes to structural failures. We asked Elouardi how engineers can effectively balance the need for innovation in design with the imperative to ensure safety and prevent failures. We found out that: “Public safety remains the cornerstone of our profession, and striking a harmonious balance between innovative design and safety imperatives is of utmost importance. As engineers, we embrace innovation as a means to enhance efficiency, functionality, and sustainability within our designs. However, we steadfastly acknowledge that each innovation must undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure it aligns with the paramount goal of safeguarding lives and property.”

The engineer continued: “One key approach to maintaining this equilibrium is through robust risk assessment and thorough testing. Before implementing any new design approach or technology, comprehensive simulations and prototyping are imperative. This allows us to gauge potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities, ensuring that the innovative design is fortified against potential failures.”

“In this context, the role of monitoring technologies cannot be overstated. Implementing real-time monitoring systems in newly constructed structures enables us to collect data on their performance over time. This information not only validates the effectiveness of our innovative designs but also provides valuable insights for refining future projects. Additionally, the integration of monitoring systems in existing buildings allows us to detect signs of deterioration or strain early, facilitating timely intervention and maintenance to prevent potential failures.”

Lastly, engineer Yassin Elouardi shared his insights about the importance of retrofitting and rehabilitating existing structures: “They cannot be overlooked. As we confront the challenge of aging infrastructure, retrofitting methodologies informed by cutting-edge technology assume a pivotal role. These methodologies not only bolster structural integrity but also ensure that historical and cultural assets are preserved, while simultaneously enhancing safety.”

“In essence, engineers approach innovation with a dual commitment: to push the boundaries of design while upholding the core principles of safety and reliability. Our journey towards this equilibrium involves rigorous testing, continuous monitoring, and the strategic revitalization of existing structures. By marrying innovation with a steadfast dedication to public safety, engineers can contribute meaningfully to the built environment's sustainability and resilience.”