Engineer Simulates Disasters to Fortify Buildings Against Catastrophic Failure

The specter of structural collapse, tragically exemplified by the World Trade Center attacks, looms large in the field of civil engineering. But Sena Kizildemir, a project engineer at Thornton Tomasetti, is pioneering a proactive approach: simulating disasters to preempt real-world catastrophes. Her work, leveraging advanced computational modeling, promises to redefine how buildings are designed and constructed to withstand extreme events.

Disaster Simulations: A Proactive Approach to Structural Integrity

Kizildemir's approach involves creating detailed finite element models that simulate the impact of extreme events like vehicle collisions or explosions on critical infrastructure. These simulations allow engineers to understand how a structure might react to unforeseen circumstances, going beyond standard building codes that typically address more common hazards such as earthquakes or wind. "Simulations help us understand what could happen before it occurs in real life,” Kizildemir explains, “to be able to better plan for it.”

By identifying vulnerabilities through simulation, Kizildemir and her team develop mitigation strategies that can be implemented during the design and construction phases. This could involve reinforcing specific structural elements or modifying the building's design to better absorb impact forces. The goal is to minimize the risk of progressive collapse, the kind of catastrophic failure witnessed on 9/11. This innovative approach earned her recognition as one of Professional Women in Construction’s 20 Under 40: Women in Construction for 2025.

From Railroads to Buildings: A Versatile Approach

Kizildemir's expertise isn't limited to buildings. Her doctoral research at Lehigh University focused on crack propagation in railroad tracks, a project done in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration. This research involved developing testing protocols and physics-based simulations to detect cracks earlier and prevent their spread. "Their research has given the Railroad Administration insights into structural defects that are being used to revise rail-building guidelines and inspection protocols," IEEE reports.

This background in railroad safety informs her current work at Thornton Tomasetti. She applies similar modeling techniques to understand how materials behave under extreme stress and how structural defects can lead to catastrophic failure. Her versatility highlights the power of simulation in addressing complex engineering challenges across different industries.

Mentorship and the Future of Engineering

Beyond her technical work, Kizildemir is deeply committed to mentoring young engineers and promoting diversity in the field. She actively volunteers with IEEE and ASME, seeking to “pack as much impact into my years as possible.” Her message to young women considering engineering is simple: "Engineering doesn’t have a gender requirement. If you’re curious and like understanding how things work and get excited to solve difficult problems, engineering is for you."

Kizildemir’s work represents a paradigm shift in structural engineering, moving from reactive analysis to proactive simulation. By anticipating potential disasters and developing mitigation strategies, she is helping to create safer, more resilient infrastructure for the future. Her dedication to innovation and mentorship positions her as a rising star in the field, one whose impact will be felt for years to come. With engineers like Kizildemir at the helm, the industry is poised to enter a new era of resilience and innovation, safeguarding communities and infrastructure against unforeseen threats.