Fabian and Jaakko Ahvenainen Foundation grants awarded for 2026

Topic: Robustness quantification and advancement for bridge structures. 

My research aims at developing an evaluation method and assessing the structural robustness of bridge structures. It specifically targets steel and steel-concrete composite bridge structures, analyzing their structural response mechanism in intact state and under various damage scenarios. This research aims to enhance bridge design effectiveness and sustainability, thereby preventing bridge collapses under extreme conditions.

Numerical and experimental studies on the extraction of bridge mode shapes using vehicle response

My master’s thesis investigates a Vehicle Scanning Method-based approach for extracting bridge mode shapes using sensors mounted on moving vehicles. The method was validated through a multilevel framework including simulations, laboratory experiments, and field tests, and its sensitivity to factors such as speed, damping, noise, and road roughness was systematically assessed. The results demonstrate strong practical potential for bridge monitoring, with the Wavelet Transform providing the most reliable performance.

Standardization of typified precast elements in apartment building frame design

In my master's thesis, I examined the potential for typification of precast concrete wall elements in residential construction. Typified elements are used to guide the design of recurring precast concrete elements and to support cost estimation of building frames. However, their current role in design guidance is a bit unclear, as they often provide only indicative guidance and leave for example reinforcement and connection detailing to project-specific design. The aim of the study was to identify which wall element types and structural details could be standardized at the design-guideline level considering safe load transfer between structures. The research combined expert interviews with an ABC analysis of partition wall elements from three structurally similar residential buildings to evaluate recurring geometries, reinforcement designs and connection solutions and their suitability for typification in typical mid-rise (six to eight stories) housing projects.

Life-cycle analysis in timber construction - environmental impact and decision-making

This doctoral dissertation applies life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability of timber structures (bridges and buildings) across both the upfront and post-use phases.  It highlights major climate benefits especially from cascading timber and introduces a wood ecosystem framework to advance circularity. The results reveal variability in LCA practice, and propose a risk informed LCA approach from structural engineer´s perspective, to guide decision-making from short‑term costs toward holistic sustainability‑driven consideration.

Investigation of Surface Scaling and Internal Damage in Concrete Using the Slab Test

The master's thesis investigates the salt-frost resistance of concrete, emphasizing the need to evaluate surface scaling and internal damage simultaneously. The study analyses 14 concrete mix designs to determine how binder type, water-to-binder ratio, and air content influence long-term durability. The experimental program is based on the Slab test (CEN/TS 12390-9) and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements. Furthermore, by assessing capillary porosity and liquid uptake during freezing, the research proves that an adequate air-void system is the definitive parameter for protecting sustainable concrete in cold, saline environments.

Experimental investigation and probabilistic modeling of the mechanical properties of finger joints and glued laminated timber beams

This doctoral thesis improves the understanding and prediction of the mechanical properties of glued laminated timber beams, with a focus on the effects of local material variability. Timber, as a naturally grown material, offers an important solution to climate challenges in the construction industry by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in buildings.

However, timber also exhibits inherent variations in its mechanical properties, making it essential to develop and validate reliable prediction models to fully utilize its structural potential. This thesis contributes to the development and validation of probabilistic prediction models through extensive experimental investigations and statistical modeling.

The results support the production design of more reliable glued laminated timber beams, promoting sustainable development in the construction sector and encouraging wider use of timber as a structural material.