Mr Igor Chaves

Biography

In a general form, interest in science and, in particular, by technological and scientific research, was always the main goal in my professional plan of carrier. Allied to the need of specialized learning, I understand that academic research can provide a level of knowledge to face the professional challenges of the present world.

I am currently a PhD research student at the University of Newcastle - Australia, where I hold a competitive UNIPR Scholarship for studies in corrosion analysis and prediction. I initiated my studies on steel structures as a research trainee in 2004 at the Federal University of Vicosa - Brazil, where I graduated in 2007. My interest for engineering scientific research lead me to the EESC University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and as result of completing a Master’s degree in structural engineering in 2008, design guidelines for cold-formed composite steel and concrete beams were added to the Brazilian Standard of Steel Design.

Qualifications

• Master of Engineering (Structural), University of Sao Paulo, 2009
• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Federal University of Vicosa - Brazil, 2007

Research

Research keywords

• Civil Engineering
• Corrosion Engineering
• Probabilistic Modelling
• Structural Engineering

Research expertise

• Corrosion and Deterioration Modelling

Defined as the destruction of a material due to its reaction with the environment, corrosion poses a serious threat to new and existing infrastructure. Understanding such phenomena is detrimental when considering long term prediction of structural service life.

• Structural Reliability and Assessment of Structures

Detecting the role of existent uncertainties in structural projects in terms of risk and structural failure has been proven to be a major step in modern engineering design, assisting adequate allocation of resources and decision making.

• Numerical and Computational Methods Applied to Structural Engineering

Once real life applications adopt differential equations for elements of scientific nature, engineering computational methods is a powerful tool for approximating accurate solutions for such complex engineering problems.

• Experimental Methods and Material Analysis of Structures

Understanding modern engineering experimentation including design, system calibration, data acquisition, analysis and presentation is a key skill for any academic engineer.

• Structural Stability and Evaluation of Steel Elements and Composite Systems - Theory and Design

The key to efficient structural design is the optimization of the mechanics, properties and behaviours behind the materials and shapes of structural elements. Understanding your structure in accordance with the applicable codes of practice a more reliable, efficient and durable structure can be built.

Collaboration

• Structural Engineering Department - Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil
• SET School of Engineering - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
• StellTech BR - High Performance Light Structures, Brazil
• A&R Engineering Consulting Ltd, Brazil
• Amog Consulting, Australia

Languages

• English
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

Memberships

Committee/Associations (relevant to research).

• Member - Australasian Corrosion Association - Newcastle Branch
• Member - Australasian Corrosion Association - Welding, Joining & Corrosion Technical Group

Awards

Research Award.

2012	Marshall Fordham Research Paper Award Australasian Corrosion Association (Australia) The Marshall Fordham Research Paper Award is awarded annually to the best research paper either published in Corrosion & Materials or in the Annual Australasian Corrosion Association Conference Proceedings.
2011	Young Corrosion Professional Award Australasian Corrosion Association (Australia) This award subsidises attendance at the annual ACA conference for a ‘young corrosion professional’ either working or studying in a corrosion related field within Australia or New Zealand.
2011	3 Minute Thesis Faculty Competition - Winner University of Newcastle - FEBE (Australia) It is an exercise in developing academic and research communication skills. Research higher degree students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis topic and its significance in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience.

Invitations

Science and Engineering Challenge – Central Coast, NSW The University of Newcastle, Australia (Invited Presenter)	2013
Corrosion and Risk Management – ACA 2012 Newcastle Road Show Seminars Australasian Corrosion Association, Australia (Invited Presenter)	2012
Leadership Workshop: Excellence in Higher Education – Newcastle, Australia The University of Newcastle, Australia (Invited Presenter)	2011

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Administrative

Administrative expertise

The combination of theory with practical knowledge makes a firm ground for the practice of engineering over a range of problems. The application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining and operating infrastructure while protecting the public and environmental health were some of my responsibilities during the period of two years in which I was employed by a construction execution and consulting firm. Responsible for managing and coordinating several local and interstate sites, administrative skills were essential to ensure efficient, effective, secure and professional execution of the company's infrastructure projects.

Duties involved: Technical supervision of all structure construction; Operative oversight of standard of quality required by the Standards and Norms in regards quality control; Operative oversight of standard of quality for all aggregates and reinforcement steel purchases; Quality control of all sites temporary instalments and supervision of working force; Operative supervision of all exterior finishing work, including insulation and roofing; Maintain daily records of each construction site and report back to office; Gather periodic photographic records of each construction stage and report to office; Development of several small town urban development plans; Assist in overall project legal aspects, design, budgeting, drawing and execution.

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Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Civil Engineering
• Engineering Computations
• Reliability and Risk Assessment
• Structural Engineering

Teaching expertise

Teaching is a special calling and for the strong hearted, encompassing many values such as: achievement, compassion, creativity, duty, excellence, growth, knowledge, leadership, perseverance, courage and vision. To teach is to reflect to the younger generation such values so that high standard professionals can have a solid moral base in which to conduct their responsibilities towards society.

Subjects of Expertise Include:

• Statics and Engineering Mechanics

Introduces basic principles of engineering mechanics, emphasising upon the gaining of real understanding of the laws and principles of mechanics and the ability to analyse and solve problems in mechanics.

• Engineering Computations and Probability

Understanding and implementing algorithms for a variety of problems where approximate solutions are obtained, the subject introduces the principles of engineering computations and probabilistic statistics, providing solid foundation for later year courses in water, structural and geotechnical engineering.

• Theory of Structures

Covers advanced methods of analysis for structural systems, emphasizing principles of structural analysis of isostatic and hyperstatic elements, plastic design theory and bounding problems. Providing solid theoretical understanding and capability to solve a vast range of structural design challenges.

• Steel Design

Capacitate students with in-depth skills of assimilation of data, determination of load combinations and design of steel structures and elements by applying knowledge from previous courses, developing necessary professional judgment to produce articulate and concise documents which convey evidence-based understanding of structural steel design concepts.