Faculty Profiles

The devastation caused by the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes motivated Professor Palermo to strengthen his research on seismically resilient connections and materials for concrete bridges, which was his Ph.D. research topic. 

His design-oriented research led to the implementation of the first low-damage rocking bridge in Christchurch, New Zealand. Palermo also has developed two patents for mass timber building construction, which also integrates concepts of resilience. Together with other faculty colleagues at the University of Canterbury he developed the so-called PRES-LAM system (post-tensioned timber structures), which has been adopted in several buildings around the world. 

In his research in recent years, Palermo has embraced sustainability concepts for seismically resilient systems. Palermo’s recent bridge projects aim to improve the so-called “long-term” resilience of concrete bridges, such as the use of novel and durable cementitious materials and/or alloys and non-metal reinforcement (GFRP) and to understand the impact of corrosion on the seismic performance of bridges.

Palermo’s recent projects also integrate the concept of circularity by considering novel interlocking timber systems or connections that can be recycled or reused differently and by efficiently reintegrating waste materials (tyres, glass etc) to improve the seismic performance of concrete structures. 

Palermo’s background on Accelerated Bridge Construction led him to research digital fabrication. Palermo’s recent research project is focused on the development of seismic resilient houses by using 3D printed concrete technologies.

Capsule Bio:

Prior to coming to UC San Diego, Palermo was a professor in structural Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, which he joined in 2009. He started his career as a Faculty in 2005 as Assistant Professor (tenured) at Politecnico di Milano, Department of Structural Engineering. 

Palermo has three patents, over 400 publications in international journals and conference proceedings. Palermo is a member of several associations and is a Fellow of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), Engineering New Zealand, the New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE). He served as President of the Concrete NZ Learned Society in 2021-2022 and New Zealand Head Delegate of the fib (Federation International du Beton) 2015-2023. Palermo is a passionate teacher and received several awards at the University of Canterbury. In 2021 Palermo was awarded as the “Most Influential International Accelerated Bridge Construction Person of the Year Outside U.S.” in Academia at the 2021 Accelerated Bridge Construction Conference in Miami. 

Education:

• Ph.D., Seismic Engineering, Politecnico di Milano (Technical University of Milan, 2004.  
• M.S. in reinforced and prestressed concrete (two years), Pesenti School, Politecnico di Milano, (Technical University of Milan), 1999.
• Laurea (five years Bachelor) in structural engineering, Politecnico di Milano, (Technical University of Milan, 1997. 

Research Awards:

• 2021 Most Influential International ABC Person of the Year Outside U.S.” in Academia, ABC Conference, Miami, FL. 
• 2021 Outstanding paper award IABSE -scientific category: best journal paper of the year
• 2020 ASCE Alfred Noble award.
• 2018 Otto Glau award - best journal paper of the year, NZSEE. 
• 2017 Sandy Cormack award - best conference paper, Concrete NZ Learned Society Conference.
• 2013 University of Canterbury Innovation Medal.
• 2013 Ivan Skinner Award, NZSEE and EQC (Earthquake Commission New Zealand).
• 2011 Henry Adams Award - best journal paper of the year, Institute of Structural Engineering, U.K.
• 2007 Best conference paper, NZSEE Conference. 

Teaching Awards:

• 2019 University of Canterbury Teaching Award
• 2019 University of Canterbury Best Lecturer of the Year, UCSA (University of Canterbury Student Association)
• 2019 College of Engineering Best Lecturer of the Year, , UCSA (University of Canterbury Student Association)
• 2016 University of Canterbury Best Lecturer of the Year, UCSA (University of Canterbury Student Association)
• 2016 College of Engineering Best Lecturer of the Year, , UCSA (University of Canterbury Student Association)
• 2016 Great Character of the Year, UCSA (University of Canterbury Student Association)

Selected Publications:

• Pampanin S., Palermo A. and Buchanan A. (2013) Post-Tensioned Timber Buildings - Design Guide. Christchurch: Structural Timber Innovation Company (STIC). 286.
• Pampanin S., Palermo AG. and Buchanan A. (2013) Structural Timber Innovation Company Inc. (2013). "Post-Tensioned Timber Buildings - Design Guide. Christchurch: Structural Timber Innovation Company. 278.
• Horne P., Abu A., Palermo A. and Moss P. (2023) Thermal response of timber connections in the cooling phase. Fire and Materials 47(4): 479-497. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/fam.3136.
• Andisheh K., Scott A. and Palermo A. (2021) Effects of Corrosion on Stress–Strain Behavior of Confined Concrete. ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering 147(7) http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0003005.
• Brown J., Li M., Palermo A., Pampanin S. and Sarti F. (2021) Experimental Testing of a Low-Damage Post-Tensioned C-shaped CLT Core-Wall. Journal of Structural Engineering 147(3) http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(asce)st.1943-541x.0002926.