Dr. Bindiganavile's research interests lie in the toughness enhancement of brittle matrix composites, primarily focusing on understanding the fracture mechanics of brittle-matrix composites, and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. His research on the fracture mechanics of fiber reinforced gypsum and concrete, focused on both the test method and the material characterization. As a graduate student at UBC, he configured an instrumented drop-weight impact machine to study Mode I crack propagation in FRC, and examined the influence of fibres (material, geometry) in crack growth under impact. His research on size effects under impact is among the first on plain concrete and the first known work on FRC. Until three years ago, while at USG (industry), he focused on the mechanisms of failure in gypsum wall-boards, and his proposals have lead to a reduction in board weight. He has also been involved with the use of innovative materials in repair (parkade, Vancouver) and structural health monitoring (Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg). The repair of the parking level in Vancouver is the first documented application of hybrid fibre reinforced concrete.

Professor

University of Alberta
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering