Research and expertise
I am a dedicated researcher in civil engineering, possessing an extensive background in structural safety, fluvial hydrodynamics, and hydraulic structures. My field of specialisation incorporates the numerical modelling and simulation of structural systems under extreme loads, with particular reference to flood-induced structural failures and progressive collapse mechanisms.
I have experience with the application of sophisticated computational software such as ANSYS software modules (ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Mechanical) for fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis. Furthermore, my research aims to examine the influence of vegetation in open-channel flow systems and its effect on enhancing the structural safety of hydraulic structures. This study enhances infrastructure resilience to natural disasters by using probabilistic reliability analysis and creating new mitigation strategies.
However, my latest research delves more deeply into structural engineering and employs structural finite element analysis (FEA) using ABAQUS, especially in the field of the progressive collapse of steel structures.
Research Interests
- Structural Finite Element Analysis
- Fluvial Hydrodynamics
- Structural Reliability, Risk and Resilience Assessments
- Coastal and Offshore Hydrodynamics
- Design and Analysis of Hydraulic Structures
Current research activity
- Investigating progressive collapse mechanisms in steel structures connections subjected to extreme loads
- Developing probabilistic models for the reliability assessment of bridges under flood conditions
- Exploring the influence of vegetation on hydraulic structures and open-channel flow dynamics
Recently completed research projects
- Reliability studies on the structural safety assessment of concrete bridges during extreme floods using CFD and FEA techniques
- Hydrodynamic analysis of flood-induced forces on bridge decks using ANSYS Fluent
- Comparative evaluation of force-based and performance-based bridge design methods for earthquake resilience
Recent publications
- Seyed Mehran Ahmadi, Saeed Balahang, and Soroush Abolfathi. "Predicting the Hydraulic Response of Critical Transport Infrastructures During Extreme Flood Events." Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (2024): doi: 10.1016/j.engappai.2024.108573 (Published Paper)
- Seyed Mehran Ahmadi, and Mohammad Taghi Ahmadi. "Hydrodynamic considerations for improving the design/evaluation of over-topped bridge decks during extreme floods." Structure and Infrastructure Engineering (2023): 1-15. doi: 10.1080/15732479.2023.2171069 (Published Paper)
- Mohammad Mokhtari, Parvaneh Faridi, Mehdi Masoodi and Seyed Mehran Ahmadi. "Perspective chapter: A Global View of Natural Hazards-Related Disasters; Book Title: Natural Hazards-New Insights." IntechOpen Publication. ISBN: 978-1-80355-850-9 (Published Book Chapter)
- Seyed Mehran Ahmadi and Dimitry Val. "Reliability Studies on the Structural Safety of Bridges under Flood Conditions." Structural Safety Journal (2025) (Under Preparation Paper)
Profile
My academic journey began with a BSc in Civil Engineering (2013–2017), where I gained foundational knowledge across various civil engineering disciplines. I then pursued an MSc in Civil Engineering – Hydraulic Structures and Water Engineering (2018–2021), focusing on reliability studies of concrete bridges under climate-change-induced extreme flood events. My research utilised ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Mechanical to analyse hydrodynamic forces on over-topped bridges and their structural response.
Beyond academia, I gained industry experience as a technical office expert, collaborating with an international construction company on quantity surveying, project valuation, and coordination. Additionally, I worked as an instructor, developing and delivering two online courses for a scientific and educational organisation.
I have been actively contributed to the academic community as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals, which has strengthened my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of cutting-edge engineering research.
My aspiration is to bridge engineering and real-world problems with probabilistic methods, numerical simulations, and machine learning, developing innovative solutions for disaster resilience. My PhD research furthers this goal by investigating progressive collapse mechanisms in steel structures. I am also keen to expand my expertise in teaching and professional development, aiming for a career in academia as both a researcher and educator. This will enable me to contribute meaningfully to research, education, and disaster risk reduction, helping protect communities from catastrophic hazards.
Education
- Doctoral Researcher in Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering (Jan 2025 - Present) Loughborough University, United Kingdom
- Master's Degree in Civil Engineering; Hydraulic Structures and Water Engineering (Sep 2018 - May 2021) Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (Sep 2013 - Sep 2017) Sadjad University, Mashhad, Iran
Awards
- PhD Studentship (2025) – Awarded a fully funded PhD studentship at the Department of Architecture, Building, and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, recognising academic excellence and research potential.
- Top 2% Rank in Iranian Nationwide University Entrance Exam (2018) – Ranked among the top 2% of approximately 27,200 participants for entry into the MSc programme
External activities
Journal Reviewer (June 2024 – Present):
I have been volunteering as a peer reviewer for the different journals namely:
- Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence
- Journal of Building Engineering
- Engineering Failure Analysis
Key collaborators
My research activities are conducted with a range of academic partners, including:
- Mohamed Shaheen, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
- Seyed Mohammad Mojtabaei, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
- Soroush Abolfathi, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
- Mohammad Taghi Ahmadi, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
- Mohammad Mokhtari, University of Hormozgan, Iran