Rate My Professor Daniel Dias-da-Costa

Associate Professor Daniel Dias-da-Costa serves in the School of Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Porto, as well as Master of Science and PhD degrees in Civil Engineering. He joined the University of Sydney in 2013 as Senior Lecturer in the School of Civil Engineering, advancing to Associate Professor in 2018. He leads the Dias-da-Costa Lab at the Centre for Advanced Structural Engineering and is a member of the University of Sydney Nano Institute and the Net Zero initiative. Additionally, he contributes to the Structures Group.

Dias-da-Costa's research focuses on structural engineering, encompassing computational mechanics, finite element modeling, fracture mechanics, structural health monitoring, crack detection using AI and vision transformers, self-healing concrete, fibre-reinforced concrete, and sustainable construction materials. He has produced over 210 publications, accumulating more than 4,000 citations. Notable works include 'Vision transformer-based autonomous crack detection on asphalt and concrete surfaces' (2022, 252 citations), 'Element-wise fracture algorithm based on rotation of edges' (2013, 237 citations), 'Effect of surface preparation and bonding agent on the concrete-to-concrete interface strength' (2012, 226 citations), 'Automatic crack monitoring using photogrammetry and image processing' (2013, 159 citations), and 'A computational model for simulation of steel fibre reinforced concrete with explicit fibres and cracks' (2020). His contributions advance numerical simulations of quasi-brittle fracture, dynamic crack propagation, and AI-enhanced damage assessment. He has received Australian Research Council funding, including a DECRA fellowship, and recognition such as nomination for Supervisor of the Year 2020 and the Faculty of Engineering and IT Dean's School Award. He supervises projects on concrete and rock hydro-cracking, post-disaster damage assessment, and energy-efficient materials.