Professor Hajiloo’s research has significantly advanced the field of fire safety in structural engineering. His work, focused on enhancing the fire performance of concrete structures reinforced with composite Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), has led to the integration of innovative fire provisions into the recently updated ACI 440.11-22 standard. Building upon this success, Professor Hajiloo is embarking on a new five-year collaboration with MST rebar company to further expand our understanding of this critical subject. His PhD student, Naeim Roshan, is working on this project.
In another important project, Professor Hajiloo is conducting extensive investigations into the impact of various parameters on full-scale Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM)-strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams when exposed to standard fire conditions. This research combines both experimental analyses and sophisticated numerical modeling techniques to accurately predict thermal and structural behaviors. Ultimately, these findings will contribute to the development of comprehensive design guidelines that will shape future CSA and ACI documents. His MASc. student, Kambiz Daneshvar, is working on this project.
Furthermore, Professor Hajiloo is actively contributing to the adoption of performance-based design methods in Canadian design codes. His research in this area focuses on defining performance objectives, designing fire scenarios, and developing analytical methods, all of which are crucial steps toward ensuring the safety and resilience of structural designs in fire situations. His PhD student, MJ Moradi, is working on this project.
Professor Hajiloo’s commitment to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into fire safety applications is a testament to his forward-thinking approach. By leveraging AI in his projects, such as predicting fire performance and structural damage, he is actively working to enhance fire prevention, response, and mitigation strategies. This dedication ultimately contributes to the safety of occupants and reduces property loss. His PhD students, Javad and Sanaz, are working on this topic.
Moreover, Professor Hajiloo’s research portfolio extends to the comprehensive study of full-frame structural responses in fires, including the execution of hybrid fire tests. His team has developed advanced modeling and computational tools that incorporate OpenSees capabilities, making structural fire safety analysis practical and user-friendly. Additionally, his team is working on an application that provides accessible tools for modeling structures in fire. Furthermore, Professor Hajiloo’s collaboration with the NRC Fire Facility Laboratory for full-scale hybrid fire tests underscores his commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. His PhD student, Majid Hamidi, is working on this project.