Dr Ludovica Pieroni

Dr Ludovica Pieroni

Structural Engineer and Researcher

University College London (UCL)

Hello 👋🏽

I am a structural engineer, researcher, and Chartered Engineer in Italy since 2020, working on seismic-resilient buildings, self-centring systems, and mass timber structures through structural design, numerical modelling, and large-scale experimental testing.

My work combines academic research, teaching, and collaborative project delivery across UCL, Stanford University, and international research networks, with a focus on resilient and sustainable buildings.

Interests
  • Structural and Earthquake Engineering
  • Steel Structures
  • Mass Timber Structures
  • Numerical Modelling
  • Experimental Testing
  • Probabilistic Methods
  • Seismic Resilience and Functional Recovery
Education

  • PhD in Structural and Earthquake Engineering, 2025

    UCL, UK

  • MSc in Civil Engineering, 2020

    Magna Cum Laude

    Marche Polytechnic University, Italy

  • BSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2016

    First Class

    Marche Polytechnic University, Italy

Professional Experience

Structural engineering, research, and teaching in international settings

View the full experience page.
 
 
 
 
 
Doctoral Researcher
University College London (UCL)
2020 – 2025 London, UK

Conducted advanced research on earthquake-resilient buildings through structural design, numerical modelling, and large-scale experimental testing, focused on self-centring systems and seismic resilience.

Thesis: Advancing the design of seismic-resilient buildings with self-centring systems

 
 
 
 
 
Teaching Assistant
University College London (UCL)
2021 – 2025 London, UK
Delivered teaching, laboratory support, and assessment for undergraduate structural engineering and architecture modules.
 
 
 
 
 
Visiting Researcher
Stanford University
2023 Palo Alto, US
Led structural design, numerical assessment, and testing activities for full-scale resilient timber systems, including shake-table work at UC San Diego.
 
 
 
 
 
Data Analyst (Freelance)
Station to Station Business Improvement District
2025 – Present London, UK
Supports local businesses by analysing quantitative data for evidence-based decision-making.

Selected Publications

View the full publication list.
Fabio Freddi, Massimo Latour, Elena Elettore, Ali Roumieh, Antonella B Francavilla, Sabatino Di Benedetto, Fernando Gutierrez-Urzua, Dr Ludovica Pieroni, Shahab Ramhormozian, Barbara Simpson, Andre R Barbosa, Damian N Grant, Filipe L Ribeiro, Gianvittorio Rizzano, Antonio a Correia (2026). Advancing Seismic Resilience of Self-Centering Steel MRFs: From Component Testing to Large-Scale Shake Table Testing. International Workshop in Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies (ERIES-IW2026).

Cite

Elena Elettore, Ali Roumieh, Massimo Latour, Fabio Freddi, Sabatino Di Benedetto, Antonella B Francavilla, Fernando Gutierrez-Urzua, Dr Ludovica Pieroni, Shahab Ramhormozian, Barbara Simpson, Andre R Barbosa, Gianvittorio Rizzano, Damian N Grant, Filipe L Ribeiro, Antonio a Correia (2026). Evaluation of the Frame Expansion Effect in Self-Centering Beam-to-Column Subassemblies. European Conference on Steel and Composite Structures (EUROSTEEL).

Cite

Ali Roumieh, Fabio Freddi, Massimo Latour, Elena Elettore, Fernando Gutierrez-Urzua, Antonella B Francavilla, Sabatino Di Benedetto, Dr Ludovica Pieroni, Barbara Simpson, Andre R Barbosa, Damian N Grant, Gianvittorio Rizzano, Filipe L Ribeiro, Antonio a Correia (2026). Self-Centering Steel Structures for Earthquake Resilience: Insights from Component to Large-Scale Shake-Table Testing. European Conference on Earthquake Engineering (ECEE).

Cite

Talks

View the full talks page.
Jan 2025 London, United Kingdom
Advancing the design of self-centering systems for earthquake-resistant buildings

Three Minute Thesis presentation at UCL on self-centering systems for earthquake-resistant buildings.

Jul 2024 Hong Kong, China
Advancing the design of self-centering dissipative structures to enhance seismic resilience

Invited seminar at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on self-centering dissipative structures and seismic resilience.

Supervision

Since 2021, I have supervised MSc, MEng, and BSc student projects at UCL in collaboration with Dr Fabio Freddi, focusing on self-centring structures, eccentrically braced frames, and shaking-table testing.

View the full supervision record.

Skills

  • Software: AutoCAD, SAP2000, ETABS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Programming: MATLAB, R, Python, Tcl, SQL
  • Codes and regulations: ASCE 7, ASCE 41, FEMA 356, Eurocodes, AISC 360, AISC 341, ACI 318

View the full skills section.

Service and Memberships

  • Professional license (Chartered Engineer) in Italy since 2020
  • Co-opted member of the SECED Young Members Subcommittee for 2025 to 2026, after elected service from 2023 to 2025
  • Conference chair of session CMS14 at the 2024 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
  • Other memberships: IStructE, ICE, EEFIT, EERI

View the full service and memberships section.

Awards

  • 2023: Runner-Up, PEER Lightning Talk Competition
  • 2023: UCL Turing Project Scholarship
  • 2020: Fully Granted PhD Scholarship
  • 2020: Erasmus+ Traineeship Scholarship
  • 2014: First Prize, Best Research Project
  • 2012: Undergraduate Scholarship

View full award details.

Contact

Based in London, UK