معرفی
Abheetha Peiris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky, where he also serves as Program Manager (Structures) at the Kentucky Transportation Center. He previously held roles such as Adjunct Assistant Professor (2019–2023) and Research Engineer (2011–2023). His expertise spans structural analysis of bridges, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, structural health monitoring, and load testing. Peiris earned his PhD in Civil Engineering (Structures) from the University of Kentucky (2011), M.Eng. from Osaka University (2006), and B.Sc. from the University of Peradeniya (2002). He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky and an active member of the Transportation Research Board’s AFF080 committee.
His research focuses on advancing bridge engineering through innovative materials like FRP composites and UHPC, as well as non-destructive testing methods. Key areas include bridge load rating, structural rehabilitation, and remote sensing for infrastructure monitoring. Peiris leads the Bridge Engineering Research Group and collaborates with the Kentucky Transportation Center to address practical challenges in civil infrastructure.
Recent work highlights include studies on steel fiber alternatives for UHPC, load rating methodologies for box culverts, and FRP-based strengthening solutions for steel beams. His publications reflect a strong emphasis on practical applications, including rapid repair techniques for cold-weather bridge decks and triage methods for bridge safety assessments.
Peiris’ contributions extend to community outreach through the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, fostering connections between academic research and real-world infrastructure solutions.
