Mahen Mahendran

Professor Mahen Mahendran is a Professor of Structural Engineering at QUT’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from Monash University and a BScEng (First Class Honours) from the University of Moratuwa. His expertise spans structural engineering, fire safety, wind engineering, and cold-formed steel structures. He leads the Wind and Fire Engineering Lab, collaborating with global institutions and industries like NASH and Bluescope Steel. Professor Mahendran has supervised over 50 HDR students, including 41 PhDs. He has secured over 30 competitive grants (including 14 ARC grants) and published 300+ journal/conference papers. His research focuses on disaster resilience, steel structure performance under extreme conditions, and innovative building systems. Awards include the 2001 Engineers Australia Excellence Award and multiple Vice-Chancellor’s Performance Awards. He chairs international conferences, edits journals, and advises on global research projects.

Education

• BScEng (First Class Honours), University of Moratuwa
• PhD (Steel Structures), Monash University

Research Interests

His work addresses critical challenges in structural safety: cyclone-resistant buildings, fire-resilient steel systems, and wind engineering. Innovations include lightweight steel framing, cladding systems, and fire-resistant materials. He applies advanced testing (e.g., full-scale fire/wind facilities) and numerical modeling to improve building codes and industry practices. Collaborations with companies like Bluescope Steel ensure practical impact.

Grants & Awards

Over 30 grants totaling millions, including ARC Discovery/Linkage projects on bushfire-resistant steel systems and facade safety. Recognized for supervision excellence and teaching innovation, including finalist for Australian Awards for University Teaching (2002).

Labs/Teams

Wind and Fire Engineering Lab at QUT, hosting advanced testing facilities for steel structures under extreme loads. Collaborates internationally with researchers in Germany, the Netherlands, and India.