I’m a PhD candidate at the University of Waikato and a proud recipient of the HERA Foundation Scholarship. My research focuses on enhancing the seismic performance of welded steel joints by investigating the effects of misalignment, root gaps, and other ancillary weld details.

My research is part of the HERA Seismic Research Programme, which aims to improve resilience in steel structures and productivity in steel fabrication through advanced testing and simulation.

My doctoral research explores how geometric imperfections like misalignment and root gaps can impact the performance and strength of welded joints under seismic loads. Deviations from design tolerances in steel construction often arise during fabrication and erection, and these imperfections may weaken connections in ways that standards don’t fully account for. By conducting experimental tests and finite element analysis (FEA), I aim to understand how these imperfections affect strength, stress distribution, and failure mechanisms in welded joints.

A significant part of my research also addresses recommendations surrounding weld access holes and backing bars, particularly in light of insights from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, where these elements showed vulnerability. My work involves exploring the best access hole geometry and backing bar usage in Aotearoa New Zealand’s design standards to balance cost efficiency with reliable seismic performance.

My study combines experimental testing on welded joints under simulated seismic loading with FEA modelling using advanced software. By conducting a comprehensive parametric study on factors such as misalignment ratio, root gap size, plate thickness, steel grade, and weld size, I aim to develop a data-driven understanding of how these variables impact joint performance. This research will compare experimental and FEA results against existing design standards, forming the basis for reliability analysis and potential updates to current design recommendations.

Through collaboration with HERA and my academic and industry partners, I’m committed to driving innovation and enhancing structural safety across the industry.

Dinesh’s recent kōrero