معرفی
Karel Thoma serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich, where he is also a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Structural Engineering (IBK). His academic appointment focuses on Concrete Structure and Bridge Design with specialization in Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis. He is also an Associated Investigator with NCCR Digital Fabrication Phase 2: COMPAS, demonstrating his engagement with cutting-edge research initiatives at ETH Zurich.
Dr. Thoma's research interests center on structural engineering with particular emphasis on reinforced concrete structures, corrosion behavior, and digital fabrication techniques. His work bridges theoretical structural analysis with practical engineering applications, exploring how corrosion affects structural integrity, developing advanced modeling techniques for concrete structures, and investigating sustainable construction methods through digital fabrication. His research program addresses critical challenges in infrastructure durability and performance assessment.
His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong focus on concrete technology, with particular attention to corrosion mechanisms, composite reinforcement systems (including CFRP), and advanced structural analysis methods. The research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward understanding material degradation processes and developing more accurate predictive models for structural performance. His work frequently involves experimental validation of theoretical models, combining laboratory testing with sophisticated numerical simulations.
- Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis methodology development
- Corrosion modeling in reinforced concrete structures
- Hybrid reinforcement systems (steel/CFRP)
- Digital fabrication applications in concrete construction
- Structural assessment of existing infrastructure
Dr. Thoma maintains active industry connections through his consulting firm Thoma Bauingenieurberatung AG, which he has operated since 2011. This practical experience informs his academic research, ensuring relevance to real-world engineering challenges. His career demonstrates a balanced trajectory between academic research and professional practice in structural engineering.
