Nirthiha Fernando

(she/her)

BSc (Hons) Civil & Structural Engineering MSc Project Management

Research

Ongoing Research

• Investigating the impact of nano modified adhesive on the performance of weathered CFRP strengthened concretes' bond interface 

Imagine a world where strong composite structures, made from CFRP and concrete, could withstand tough conditions, even when exposed to salty water and higher temperatures.The vulnerabilities of epoxy resin-concrete interfaces are examined in this research, to create a solution with nanohybrid adhesives.

The main goal was to strengthen the bond between CFRP and concrete, creating a connection that could handle tough environmental challenges. This is done by using nanomaterials, which is expected to transforme the traditional approach. This reasearch not only intends to just fix debonding problems; but also tries to take retrofitting durability to new heights which will eventually lead to a sustaible construction industry and there by reducing the carbon foot print in conventional  structural strengthening methods.

Previous research work

• Investigation on the Fire performance of CFRP (On going)
• Investigation on the Confinement of CFRP Strengthened Concrete Columns with Higher Aspect Ratio - MSc Research Based (Civil & Structural Engineering) (Experimental Results)

Biography

Education

• Masters Degree (Research)- 2019 ( University of Moratuwa -Sri Lanka) 
• MSc in Project Management - 2018 ( Keele University / SLIIT - Sri Lanka)
• BSc in Civil & Structural Engineering - 2015 (Liverpool Johnmoores University/ ICBT - Sri Lanka)

Industry Experience

• Field Engineer- 2020 to 2023
• Engineering Services Manager - 2016 to 2020
• Residential Engineer - 2015 to 2016
• Civil Engineer - 2014 to 2015

Specialised in

• Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Material / FRP
• Sealants and Adhesives
• Anchors & Screws
• Concrete Repair and Strengthening
• Firestopping & Fireproofing systems

Supervisors

Riccardo Maddalena

Lecturer in Civil Engineering