Ciska Gielis

Ciska Gielis is a Researcher at the Department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions within the Faculty of Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Her work focuses on advanced cement composites integrating 3D textiles and synthetic microfibers. She actively contributes to research in sustainable construction materials, mechanical performance evaluation, and finite element modeling of cementitious systems.

Her research interests include textile-reinforced concrete (TRC), microfiber integration, crack formation mechanisms, and material durability. Key projects involve analyzing the interaction between textile architectures and synthetic microfibers to enhance mechanical properties like strain-hardening behavior and flexural strength.

Recent publications (2023-2024) highlight her work on TRC composites’ mechanical response, textile architecture influences, and layered FE modeling. She was awarded the Best Presentation Award at BEFIB 2024 for her work on microfiber integration in 3D TRCs.

Dr. Gielis has presented at international conferences (e.g., BEFIB, CICE) and reviewed for journals like Developments in the Built Environment. Her activities include participation in workshops like the DFG GRK 2250 Summer School 2024.