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New Q1 Article Accepted in Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Date: September 28, 2025

🚀 We are excited to announce that our paper, “Local Buckling Strength Prediction of Slotted Cold-Formed Steel Beams Using Ensemble Learning,” has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Constructional Steel Research (JCSR) (ISSN 0143-974X, Q1, Impact Factor 4.3).

This work applies ensemble machine learning techniques — including XGBoost, CatBoost, LightGBM, Gradient Boosting Machines, Random Forest, and AdaBoost — to accurately predict the local-buckling bending strength of slotted cold-formed steel beams, an area not yet fully covered by current design standards. We also propose reliability-based calibration factors to support safer and more efficient design.

Authors: Dr. Lenganji Simwanda, Dr. Gatheeshgar Perampalam, Prof. Miroslav Sýkora, Dr. Petr Sejkot, Eng. Yomi David, Prof. Oladimeji B. Olalusi

This achievement highlights the AI4R³ Lab’s commitment to advancing data-driven and reliability-based design for next-generation steel structures.

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Collaborative Research Presented at SDSS 2025 by Dr. Marina Bock

Date: September 2025

We are delighted to share that our collaborative research was presented at the International Colloquium on Stability and Ductility of Steel Structures (SDSS 2025), held in Barcelona, Spain.

Our paper, Influence of Web Holes on Critical Elastic Web Crippling Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Sections with Web Holes, was co-authored by Dr. Gatheeshgar Perampalam, Dr. Dasun Pathirana, Dr. Marina Bock, and Dr. Lenganji Simwanda.

We extend our sincere thanks to our collaborator Dr. Marina Bock (Aston University) for kindly presenting the work at SDSS 2025 on behalf of the team. Her support and collaboration continue to strengthen the impact and visibility of our research in the structural engineering community.

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Dr. Simwanda Attends ARTISTE 2025 Machine Learning Academy Summer School

Date: September 18-20, 2025

We are pleased to share that Dr. Lenganji Simwanda participated in the Machine Learning Academy (ML Academy) Summer School during the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering (ARTISTE 2025), held in Torino, Italy.

This intensive training brought together international researchers and practitioners to explore cutting-edge machine learning techniques for structural engineering, including uncertainty quantification, explainable AI, and generative models. Dr. Simwanda’s participation strengthens the AI4R³ Lab’s expertise in AI-driven risk, reliability, and resilience for civil and structural infrastructure.

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Dr. Simwanda' gets award at the ARTISTE 2025 conference, Italy, Torino.

Date: September 17, 2025

We are proud to announce that Dr. Lenganji Simwanda received the Outstanding Presentation Award at the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering (ARTISTE 2025), held in Torino, Italy.

His presentation, Generative Design and Optimisation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Mixes Using Variational Autoencoders, Ensemble Learning, and Genetic Algorithms, was recognized for its innovation and impact in advancing AI-driven, low-carbon UHPC design and contributing to safer, sustainable infrastructure.

This recognition highlights the AI4R³ Lab’s leadership in combining artificial intelligence, uncertainty quantification, and structural reliability to shape the future of resilient and sustainable engineering.

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Dr. Simwanda' attends and presents at the ARTISTE 2025 conference, Italy, Torino.

We are delighted to share that Dr. Lenganji Simwanda attended and presented at the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering (ARTISTE 2025), held at Politecnico di Torino, Italy.

Date: September 14–17, 2025

Presentation: Generative Design and Optimisation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Mixes Using Variational Autoencoders, Ensemble Learning, and Genetic Algorithms

This research showcased how AI-driven generative models and ensemble learning can accelerate the design of sustainable UHPC, optimizing strength, cost, and carbon footprint.

Lenganji Simwanda, Ph.D

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