Computational modeling of infrastructure materials in the era of artificial intelligence

By Gianluca Cusatis on 10/22/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Gianluca Cusatis, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University, as he presents in person at the Fall 2026 Kent Seminar Series on Thursday, October 22, from 2:00-2:50 p.m. (CT).

The Fall 2026 Kent Seminar will explore advances in transportation engineering modeling. The 13-speaker series will begin August 27 and end November 19. 

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Webinar:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81698798883?pwd=dlHgbqirs442ZcdQJoP4bhbeE1mqOq.1

Webinar ID: 816 9879 8883
Passcode: 664625

Abstract and Bio

This presentation examines the current state and future of computational modeling of concrete amid rapidly advancing computational technologies. It reviews 25 years of high-fidelity modeling, highlighting the capabilities of discrete approaches such as the Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM) for fracture, multiaxial and dynamic loading, multiphysics and structural applications. Recent work coupling LDPM with machine learning is presented, including accelerated parameter identification and automated mechanism discovery. The presentation concludes by outlining a path forward to transform material modeling, enable new discoveries and redefine future research directions.

Cusatis is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University. His research focuses on experimental, computational and applied mechanics, with an emphasis on heterogeneous and quasi-brittle infrastructure materials, multiscale and multiphysics modeling and concrete fracture and failure. He earned his Laurea degree and Ph.D. in structural engineering from Politecnico di Milano in Italy.