Hi, I’m Dr. Lorenzo Mingazzi, a researcher and engineer with a specialization in computational mechanics and structural health monitoring.My academic journey began at the University of Ferrara, where I earned my master’s degree in Structural Engineering in 2018. For my thesis, I delivered the first implementation of the eXtended Virtual Element Method (X‑VEM), developing an enhanced formulation that integrates enrichment functions to model discontinuities—such as cracks—on arbitrary polygonal meshes.Shortly after, I was awarded a research grant at the University of Parma under the supervision of Prof. Francesco Freddi to process accelerometric recordings from structural experiments, transforming raw vibration signals into detailed characterizations of dynamic response.

Phase-Field Simulations of Deviatoric Fracture in Brittle Materials.

In November 2019, I commenced my doctoral studies at University of Parma. Over the following three years, I developed a coupled phase‑field model that integrates chemical diffusion and mechanical damage to predict carbonation‑induced corrosion in reinforced concrete. This predictive tool accurately forecasts service‑life reduction in critical infrastructure, advancing theoretical fracture mechanics while providing engineers with actionable simulations to anticipate and mitigate corrosion risks.

Since April 2023, I’ve held a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Department of Engineering and Architecture at Parma. Here, I investigate the dynamic response and degradation of historic buildings under traffic‑induced vibrations—a key objective of the ECOSISTER project. By integrating advanced structural health monitoring techniques, I quantify damage progression in seismic‑vulnerable churches. This work helps cultural‑heritage stewards make informed conservation decisions and strengthens Italy’s resilience against earthquakes.Meanwhile, I contribute to the EURAD‑2 initiative, developing surrogate multiphysics models for reinforced‑concrete degradation in nuclear‑waste facilities. My role involves reducing complex coupled simulations to efficient, reduced‑order representations that maintain predictive accuracy. These models support long‑term safety assessments and streamline computational requirements, enabling iterative design and risk analysis for engineered barriers.

Beyond project-driven research, I maintain a personal website, The Deal with FEM, featuring fully commented FEM codes, primarily developed using the open-source libraries deal.II (C++) and FEniCS (Python). Aware of the steep learning curve in computational mechanics, I’m also developing step-by-step programming guides to help students and professionals gain the skills needed to create their own simulations. Mentorship and open knowledge-sharing are central to my vision of a collaborative and accessible research community.

Analysis of carbonation induced corrosion cracking in reinforced concrete elements.

Analysis of Structural Health Monitoring Data – Bell Tower of Cadè, Reggio Emilia