Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco | Civil Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award
Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco, Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal
Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco, born in 1953 in Coimbra, Portugal, is a Distinguished Full Professor at IST – University of Lisbon and an Advisory Professor at Tongji University, China. With expertise in bridge engineering, maintenance, rehabilitation, and composite materials, he has significantly contributed to structural engineering. As a global leader, he has held prominent positions in international organizations like IABSE and ECCE. Prof. Branco has supervised numerous theses, authored books and research papers, and led major engineering projects. His contributions have earned him prestigious awards, making him a renowned figure in civil engineering.
Publication Profile
Education
Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Structures) from IST – University of Lisbon in 1976. He obtained his Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 1981. In 1985, he earned a PhD in Civil Engineering (Structures) from IST – University of Lisbon. Additionally, he achieved the title of Agregado in Civil Engineering in 1991. His extensive academic background has shaped his expertise in structural engineering, leading to significant contributions in research, innovation, and education.
Experience
Prof. Branco has served as a Full Professor at IST – University of Lisbon from 1996 to 2021, leading the Civil Engineering Department and the Construction Division. He was the Director of the PhD Program in Civil Engineering and the Structures Research Center. Internationally, he held leadership roles as the President of IABSE and ECCE, contributing to engineering advancements. His expertise was pivotal in major bridge projects like the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the S. João Railway Bridge, demonstrating exceptional leadership in structural design and construction management.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Branco’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades. Notable honors include the Harting Award from the Society for Experimental Mechanics, the Personality of the Year in Civil Engineering by CONSTRUIR Prizes, and the Polish Government Award for European Engineering quality. He received the Innovation in Construction Award in 2023 and was named an Honorary Member of IABSE. His excellence in teaching earned him the Diploma of Teaching Excellence from IST – University of Lisbon. These awards highlight his outstanding contributions to civil engineering.
Research Focus
Prof. Branco’s research spans bridge engineering, structural rehabilitation, and the application of new materials like composites. His notable contributions include advanced seismic and wind resistance studies for major cable-stayed and suspension bridges. He has explored the use of glass fiber-reinforced concrete in hybrid structures and developed optimization algorithms for bridge maintenance. His interdisciplinary research integrates sustainable practices and structural resilience, driving innovations in engineering applications and infrastructure longevity.
Publication Top Notes
📚 Thermal Effect of Firebrand Accumulation in Ceramic Roof Tiles – Fire (2025) – 0 citations
📚 Thermal Reaction of Firebrand Accumulation in Construction Materials – Case Studies in Construction Materials (2024) – 3 citations
📚 Ignition Locations and Simplified Design Guidelines for Enhancing the Resilience of Dwellings against Wildland Fires – Fire (2024) – 2 citations
📚 DIGITALIZATION AND TENDER EVALUATION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A BIM-INTEGRATED MCDA APPROACH SUPPORTED BY MACBETH – Journal of Information Technology in Construction (2024) – 0 citations
📚 DIGITALIZATION AND PROCUREMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: AN INTEGRATED BIM-BASED APPROACH – Journal of Information Technology in Construction (2024) – 2 citations
📚 Proposal of a Fireproof Design Code for Dwellings against the Action of Wildland Fires – Resilient Cities and Structures (2023) – 3 citations
📚 Numerical Assessment of Standard Firebrand Accumulation Curve When Transferring Temperature to Contact Surfaces – Applied Sciences (Switzerland) (2023) – 5 citations
📚 Monotonic and Cyclic Sway Behaviour of 2-Dimensional Frames Made of Pultruded GFRP I-Section Profiles – Structures (2023) – 2 citations
📚 Structural Assessment of a Water Reservoir Masonry Vaulted Roof from the Nineteenth Century – Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities (2023) – 1 citation
📚 Report on Existing Fireproof Construction Guidelines for Dwellings against Wildfires – CivilEng (2023) – 5 citations