Dr Aled Davies

(he/him)

BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, CEng, FICE, FIED, SFHEA

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

Research interests include various aspects of the behaviour of steel, aluminium, composite and timber structures, primarily concerning stability, strength and fatigue.  Principal work includes experimental and theoretical studies on the ultimate shear and patch resistance of slender web steel and aluminium alloy bridge girders.  Closely related experimental and theoretical studies of the influence of plate breathing on the fatigue life of slender steel and aluminium plates have also been performed.  Research findings have been included in numerous British and European design codes of practice, such as BS5950 (Structural use of Steelwork in building), BS8118 (Structural use of Aluminium), EC9 (Design of Aluminium Structures) and EC3 (Design of Steel Structures).

Associated research work involved the detection and monitoring of active flaws in steel and concrete bridges utilising an acoustic emission (AE) system.  The AE system was developed into a commercial package and received the National 2001 TCS Award for Engineering Excellence (Royal Academy of Engineering), and the Cardiff University Innovation Award for 2001.

Teaching

Publications:

o   Davies A W (2025) Authentic assessments in civil engineering design coursework: the use of video submissions for technical calculations. In EERN 2025 Symposium Proceedings (pp 18-27). University of Manchester. DOI: https://doi.org/10.71535/f5dfe8de-1b80-4192-8573-54d934996dec/[1.2].

o   Lugg-Widger P, Davies A W, Kwan A, Bakthavatchaalam V, Sandford R and Hicks Y (2025) Embedding Technical and Transferable Competencies in Engineering Education: A Critical Analysis of Curriculum-Level Innovations. In EERN 2025 Symposium Proceedings (pp 29-36). University of Manchester. DOI: https://doi.org/10.71535/f5dfe8de-1b80-4192-8573-54d934996dec/[1.3].

o   Davies A W (2024) Using ‘design shorts’ to engage engineering students in self and peer supported problem based learning, Book of Proceedings for the 52nd Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education, (EPFL) September, 2024, (1338-1347), “Educating Responsible Engineers” Co Organised by Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland and the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI), ISBN: 978-2-87352-027-4, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14256809.

o   Davies A W (2024) Providing Inclusive Transdisciplinary Coursework Assessment: What Happened Next? In Engineering For Social Change by A. Cooper et al. (Eds.). Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering series, volume 60, Proceedings of the 31st ISTE International Conference on Transdisciplinary Engineering, London, United Kingdom, 9-11 July 2024 (pp 739-748). ISSN 2352-7528 (online) https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE240925.

o   Bakthavatchaalam V, Davies A W and Knowles G (2025) Interdisciplinary Problem Based Learning of Engineering and Design: Reflections from an Approach at Cardiff & Bath Universities. In EERN 2024 Symposium Proceedings UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network Annual Symposium, Proceedings 2024 (pp 175-178). Ulster University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21251/e9a5e703-31f5-4ba7-986d-105ea0e844fc.

o   Davies A W (2025) Providing Choice and Autonomy in Coursework Assessment: What Happened Next. In EERN 2024 Symposium Proceedings UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network Annual Symposium, Proceedings 2024 (pp 132-134). Ulster University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21251/e9a5e703-31f5-4ba7-986d-105ea0e844fc.

o   Davies A W (2024) Why should we provide choice in engineering design coursework assessment?, Learning . Life . Work – San Francisco 2024, Ed Cindy Shearer, AMPS (Architecture Media Politics Society) Proceedings Series 38.2, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), 10-12 June 2024, Chapter 31, 277-285, ISSN 2398-9467.

o   Davies A W (2023) Video feedback for design students: better than a 1-1 conversation? Teaching Beyond the Curriculum – Focus on Pedagogy 2023, Ed Gregory Hurcomb, Eleanor Herring, Jake Jackson Vincent Peu Duvallon, AMPS (Architecture Media Politics Society) Proceedings Series 36.1, Glasgow School of Art, Louisiana State University, Wenzhou-Kean University. 15-17 November 2023, Chapter 10, 93-101, ISSN 2398-9467.

Webinars and videos:

o   Davies A W (2025) - lunch&LEARN: Using videos for student feedback and assessment, EPFL University, Center LEARN, Lausanne, May 2025, YouTube https://youtu.be/c8Tv3fIQOX8?si=J36smucD1DMfK2eK.

o   Davies A W (2024) – Why should we provide choice in engineering design coursework assessment?, Learning. Life. Work – San Francisco 2024, YouTube https://youtu.be/i2MNiv3-1w8?si=_U-x__aKTkkIbHwB.

o   Davies A W (2023) - Group work feedback: ‘What have I learnt over the past decade’, Groupwork CPD session- 09/11/23 LTA CPD, https://cardiff.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=b91ed058-738f-4d85-ac8b-b0b30161ed98.

o   Davies AW and Knowles G – Designing beams and joists, engineerTimber webinar for Timber Development UK, September 2023, YouTube https://youtu.be/sGhtwOfbJ1I?si=-au1PIwB98w7sTdQ.

o   Davies A W (2025) - ACED Webinar – Inclusive Assessments: Can Students Choose their Coursework Assignments?, 26^th November 2025, ACED Webinar - Accessible Assessments.mp4.

Awards:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy SFHEA
• Extensive experience in managing, developing and creating degree schemes, to externally approved standards.
• Extensive experience of civil and structural engineering lecturing at undergraduate and postgraduate level, especially in design orientated modules and structural analysis, as well as structural mechanics, construction materials and management.
• Proven record of creating, developing and delivering innovative modules using a variety of teaching methods and e-learning platforms, and utilising technology to enhance the learning experience and to provide broader access and improved student interaction.
• Excellent experience in leading and developing teaching programmes and degree courses at BEng, MEng and MSc level including curriculum framework, module content, assessment methodology and student feedback.
• Good engagement and working in partnership with local and national industrial partners, and professional institutions to contribute towards module content and delivery, and to embellish the student experience with relevant and aspiring site visits, talks and pinnacle activities.
• Promotion of interdisciplinary work and improved understanding between civil and structural engineers and the wider industry and community, by developing integrated design modules and team working across a range of disciplines.

Biography

December 2020 to present:

Director of Postgraduate Teaching

School of Engineering, Cardiff University

Reader

Responsible for all postgraduate taught degree programmes across the School of Engineering

Honours and awards

Qualifications:

·       FIED Fellow Institution of Engineering Designers 2026.

·       SFHEA Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy 2022.

·       OU Micro credential Certificate HZMC881 Online Teaching: Creating Courses for Adult Learners 2022.

·       FICE Fellow Institution of Civil Engineers 2021.

·       MICE CEng Member Institution of Civil Engineers and Registered Chartered Engineer 2004.

·       MIED CEng Member Institution of Engineering Designers and Registered Chartered Engineer 2001.

·       PhD Fatigue shear strength of slender web plate girders, Cardiff University 1996 (part-time).

·       MSc Advanced Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Wales Cardiff 1989 (part-time).

·       BSc Civil and Structural Engineering; First Class Honours, University of Wales Cardiff 1986.

Achievements:

·       Awarded Best Practice paper in the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) conference 2024.

·       Highly commended in the International Excellence in Structural Engineering Education Award 2023.

·       CIWEM Morlais Owen Award for Best Evening Lecture 2008/2009.

·       Winner National Teaching Company Scheme 2001 Engineering Excellence Award, The Royal Academy of Engineering.

·       Cardiff University Innovation Network Award Winner 2001.

·       Awarded Royal Academy of Engineering International Bursaries Japan (1997) and Hong Kong and China (2000).

·       Young Researcher Award at the 2nd European Steel Conference, Prague 1999.

·       Engineering Council Award in recognition of regional activities 1997.

·       Best Conference paper at the 14th International Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, India 1996.

Professional memberships

Academic positions

February 2014 to December 2020:

Head of Architectural, Civil and Environmental Engineering Teaching

School of Engineering, Cardiff University

Senior Lecturer

Responsible for Architectural, Civil and Civil & Environmental Engineering degree disciplines and Director of Studies (Chair of Exam Board)

October 2002 to January 2014:

Geoenvironmental Research Group, School of Engineering, Cardiff University

Research Fellow

Principal role within Seren (Sustainable Earth Energy) team; ground-source heat pump design

Atebglas Cyfyngedig (Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers)

Managing Director and Founder

Civil, structural and environmental design consultancy, with projects ranging up to £1.2M across a broad range of materials and applications.

WDS Environmental Ltd and WDS Green Energy Ltd (Renewable Energy)

Director

Design and build of renewable energy projects, including heat pumps, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind turbine solutions

Camplas Technology Ltd, Bridgend

Technical Director and General Manager

Designer and manufacturer of water, wastewater and chemical process tanks, and structural solutions using glass and carbon fibre reinforced plastics.

September 1991 to September 2002

Division of Structural Engineering, School of Engineering, Cardiff University

Lecturer

Structural engineering research, lecturing within Civil and Architectural Engineering including School of Architecture

July 1986 to September 1991

Ove Arup and Partners (Consulting Engineers)

Project and Resident Engineer Bridges and Buildings – Cardiff and London

Responsible for design, construction, assessment and refurbishment of a wide variety of structures throughout the UK.