Eugene O’Brien

Professor Eugene O’Brien is a leading academic in UCD School of Civil Engineering, part of University College Dublin. His research focuses on enhancing bridge safety through innovative traffic loading analysis methods. He co-founded ROD-IS, a consultancy applying academic insights to real-world infrastructure projects, including assessments of the Malahide Railway Viaduct and Firth of Forth Bridge in Scotland. His work integrates Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) sensors and camera-based monitoring to address critical gaps in assessing long-span bridges under congested traffic conditions.

Key projects include developing probabilistic models for bridge lifetime safety, optimizing traffic management to extend bridge lifespans, and reducing environmental impacts through carbon footprint minimization. He has secured significant EU funding, including an €890,000 grant for bridge longevity research. His research group collaborates internationally on projects like the Chacao Channel Bridge in Chile, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure solutions.