Daniel LIRA LOPES TARGINO Thermal Fatigue of eRoads: development of a Fatigue Test and Transient FEM Thermo-Mechanical Simulations

His background
As a Brazilian researcher and civil engineer, I bring a diverse academic background to the table, including a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering, an MBA in Project Management, and an M.Sc. in Structures and Civil Construction. My passion lies in applying research expertise across various subjects, always keeping people and the environment at the heart of our quest for improvement.

My current research interests are deeply rooted in environmental concerns. I am actively involved in the field of Alternative Cementitious Materials and Portland Cement. My contributions have furthered our understanding of mechanical and degradation models related to Concrete Fatigue Behaviour. I am also engaged in developing new sustainable binders or cements (low-carbon emissions) using geopolymers and alkali-activated materials. These works are particularly significant considering the growing demand for energy-efficient, high-performance, and sustainable construction materials.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of my field. I held an academic scholarship in General Chemistry for two years during my Civil Engineering studies, where I researched Cement Portland from a chemical perspective. More recently, I was honored with an International Mobility Brazil-France award for my advanced study of the Concrete Fatigue Behavior of Aerogenerators towers and Foundations. This enriching experience inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. position in France.

Currently, I am embracing a new challenge to deliver exceptional research in line with the Clear Doc program’s standards of excellence. My focus is on developing New Technologies for Electrical Roads. Our aim is to push the boundaries of current pavement designs and construction to incorporate electrical layers in the coming years, taking into account aspects of thermo-mechanical behavior.

Being selected to be a part of the partnership between the EU program for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and the Université Gustave Eiffel (UGE) for the “City of Tomorrow” is an honor. I am excited to contribute to this visionary project and look forward to the journey ahead.

Key facts
I love travel, dogs, and life. Also, I’m passionate about people.
Hobby for adventures and coding sometimes.

2015 – 2019 Bachelor in Civil Engineer 
International Scientific Events, author of a Book Chapter in Construction Pathologies and Heritage
Scholarship Holder for 2 consecutive years in Chemistry Applied to Materials

2021 – 2024 Master of Science in Materials
Research Topic on Mechanical Characterization of Cementitious Materials, Alkali-Activated Materials, and Machine Learning for Engineering Applications
Involvement with multi-national research projects (Brazil, France, and the United Kingdom)
International peer-reviewed papers, scientific events, and mobility

2022 – 2022 M.Sc. Internship (Inter. Mobility)
Partnership with International Researchers
Contribution to papers on Cement Hydration and Low-Carbon Formulations

Summary of his thesis 
This research initiative represents a dedicated investigation into the transformative domain of electrical roads (eRoads) within the context of sustainable road transportation. Focused on the integration of conductive systems into bituminous road layers, this Ph.D. project/thesis aims to advance our comprehension of the thermo-mechanical intricacies inherent to eRoads. The primary objectives entail the formulation of a pioneering thermal fatigue test for the meticulous assessment of daily temperature variations, the execution of 3D simulations to comprehensively elucidate thermal fatigue phenomena in authentic eRoad structures, and the refinement of models to in-depth investigate structural vulnerabilities such as cracking. Additionally, the anticipated collaboration at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm signifies a strategic binational engagement, promising pivotal insights into the sustainable evolution of electric road technology.

What's next?
Upon completion, my focus will be to look forward to a research position in an institution or industry setting that aligns with the forefront of sustainable transportation technologies. With a specialized background in eRoads, thermal fatigue testing, and 3D simulations, I aim to contribute with my expertise to ongoing projects and initiatives. Whether within academia or industry, I am committed to actively engaging in the practical application of my research findings, collaborating with leading experts, and shaping the trajectory of electric road technology. Pursuing opportunities in renowned research institutions or forward-thinking companies will not only facilitate the dissemination of my work but also provide a platform for continued exploration, innovation, and impactful contributions to the field of sustainable road transportation.