Debra Laefer ,

Ph.D.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001
Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering - Geotechnical

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1997
Master of Science, Civil Engineering - Structural

Polytechnic University, 1994
Master of Science, Civil Engineering - Geotechnical

Columbia University, 1992
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering

Columbia University, 1991
Bachelor of Arts, Art History

University College Dublin
From: February 2017 to present

University College Dublin
Associate Professor
From: September 2004 to January 2017

Building Risk Assessment and Management (BRAM) Consulting Engineers
Founding Director
From: April 2011 to April 2013

Corpora Systems
Founding CEO
From: March 2002 to August 2005

North Carolina State University
Assistant Professor
From: September 2001 to September 2004

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Research Assistant & Instructor
From: August 1996 to August 2001

Politecnico di Milano
Fulbright Fellow
From: October 1994 to June 1995

National Park Service
Civil Engineer
From: July 1992 to August 1994

Stegla Group
Assistant Project Manager
From: July 1991 to June 1992

Robust building outline extraction.

Hinks, T., Carr, H. Laefer, D., O’Sullivan, C., Morvan, Y., Truong-Hong, L., Ceribasi, S. (2008). Robust building outline extraction. PTO 56793223; EP2304688 B1. Protected in UK, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Ireland, and Luxembourg.

Methods for processing point cloud data

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D. (2011). Methods for processing point cloud data. Irish patent S20110345

Granular material movement sensing method

Huff, G., Bernhard, J., Hagness, S., Laefer, D. (2007). Granular material movement sensing method. US2007290917-A1.

Enablement of three-dimensional hosting, indexing, analysing, and querying structure for spatial databases

Laefer, D., Bertolotto, M., Schoen, B., Mosa, A. (2009). Enablement of three-dimensional hosting, indexing, analysing, and querying structure for spatial databases. PTO 09177926, US7065461. 

Soilán, M., Truong-Hong, L., Riveiro, B., Laefer, D.F. (2017). Automatic extraction of road features in urban environments using dense ALS data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 64, 226–236, doi:10.1016/j.jag.2017.09.010

Huynh, M.-P., Laefer, D.F., McGuill, J., White, A. (2017). Temperature-related performance factors for chemical demolition agents. International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, doi: 10.1504/IJMRI.2017.10006805

Byrne, J., Laefer, D., O’Keeffe, E. (2017). Maximizing Feature Detection in Aerial UAV Datasets. J. Appl. Remote Sens. 11(2), 025015, doi: 10.1117/1.JRS.11.025015

Aljumaily, H., Laefer, D., and Cuadra, D. (2017). Urban Point Cloud Mining Based on Density Clustering and MapReduce. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 31(5), doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000674

Byrne, J., O’Keeffe, E., Lennon, D., Laefer, D. (2017). 3D Reconstructions Using Unstabilised Video Footage from an Unmanned Aerial System. J. Imaging, 3(2), 15, doi:10.3390/jimaging3020015

Laefer, D., Truong-Hong, L. (2017). Toward Automatic Generation of 3D Steel Structures for Building Information Modelling. Automation in Construction, Elsevier, 74: 66-77.

Vu, A. V., Laefer, D. Bertolotto, M. (2016). Airborne Laser Scanning Data Storage and Indexing: State of the Art Review. Int. J. Remote Sensing, Thomas Telford, 37(24): 6187-6204

Goudarzi, A., Ghassemieh, M., Fanaie, N., Laefer, D., Baei, M (2016). Axial Load Effects on Flush, End-plate, Moment Connections. Structures and Buildings, Thomas Telford, 12:1-12.

Chen, S., Laefer, D., Mangina, E. (2016). State of Technology Review of Civilian UAVs. Engineering Patent Journal, Benthan. 10(3) 160-174.

Laefer, D. F., Erkal, A. (2016). Selection, Production, and Testing of Scaled Reinforced Concrete Models and their Components. Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier. 126 (15): 398-409, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.08.129.

Isfeld, A., Moradabadi, E., Laefer, D., Shrive, N. (2016). Uncertainty Analysis of Grout Injection on Multi-Wythe Stone Masonry Walls Using Random Field Finite Element Micro-Model. Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, 128 (Nov):661-672. 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.09.058.

Al-Sabah, A., Laefer, D. (2016). Use of Negative Stiffness in Damage Analysis of Concrete. Engineering Structures, Elsevier, 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.07.025.

Zolanvari, S., Laefer, D. (2016). Slicing Method for Curved Facade Extraction from LiDAR Point Clouds. ISPRS 119(Sept) 334-346.

Vo, A.-V., Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D., Tiede, S. d’Oleire-Oltmanns, A., Baraldi, Shimoni, M., Moser, G.Tuia, D. (2016). Processing of Extremely High Resolution LiDAR and RGB Data: Outcome of the 2015 IEEE GRSS Data Fusion Contest —Part B: 3-D Contest. Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, IEEE, DOI: 10.1109/JSTARS.2016.2581843.

Natanzi, A., Laefer, D., Connolly, L. (2016). Cold and Moderate Ambient Temperatures Effects on Expansive Pressure Development in Soundless Chemical Demolition Agents. Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, 110(1): 117-127.

Cherifi, M., Hazourli, S., and Laefer, D. (2016). Effect of Sludge pH and Treatment Time on the Electrokinetic Removal of Aluminum from Water Potabilization Treatment Sludge. Compte Rendue Chimie. 19(4): 511-516.

Aljumaily, H., Laefer, D., Cuadra, D. (2015). Vector-raster Data Fusion for Object Extraction. Advances in Computer Science and Engineering; Allahabad15.1/2 (Aug-Nov 2015): 13-26. doi: 10.17654/CS015120001

Aljumaily, H. Laefer, D. Cuadra, D. (2015). A Big Data Approach for 3D Building Extraction from Aerial Laser Scanning. J. Computing in Civil Eng., ASCE. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000524.

Laefer, D., Kennedy, J., O’Flynn, K., Stanton, K. (2015). Structure – Property Relationships in Microcrystalline Waxes for Museum Seismic Protection Applications. Progress in Rubber, Plastics and Recycling Technology, 31(4)219-233.

Hajializadeh, D., Al-Sabah, A., O’Brien, E., Laefer, D. Enright, B. (2015). Nonlinear Analysis of Isotropic Slab Bridges under Extreme Traffic Loading. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, NRC Press, 1139/cjce-2014-0331.

Rezaiguia, A., Ouelaa, N., Laefer, (2015). Dynamic Amplification of a Multi-span Orthotropic Bridge Deck under Vehicular Movement. Engineering Structures, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.06.044

Vo, A., Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D., Bertolotto, M. (2015). Octree-based Region Growing for Point Cloud Segmentation. ISPRS, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2015.01.011

Hinks, T., Carr, H. Gharibi, H. Laefer, D. (2015). Visualisation of Urban Airborne Laser Scanning Data with Occlusion Images. ISPRS, Elsevier, doi: 1016/j.isprsjprs.2015.01.014

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, (2015). Quantitative Evaluation Strategies for Urban 3D Model Generation from Remote Sensing Data. Computers and Graphics, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.cag.2015.03.001i.

Singh, M., Laefer, D. (2015). Recent Trends and Remaining Limitations in Urban Microclimate Models. Open Urban Studies and Demographics J., Bentham, doi: 10.2174/2352631901401010001.

Al-Sabah, A., Laefer, D. (2015). Meshfree Sequentially Linear Analysis of Concrete. J. Computing Civil Eng., ASCE, 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.

Ghassemieh, M., Baei, M., Kari, A., Goudarzi, A., Laefer, (2015). Adopting Flexibility of the End-plate Connections in Steel Moment Frames. Steel and Composite Structures, Techno Press, 18(5) 1215-1237.

Moradabadi, E., Laefer, D., Clarke, J., Lourenço, P. (2015). A Semi-random Field Finite Element Method to Predict the Maximum Eccentric Compressive Load for Masonry Prisms. Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.12.027.

Truong-Hong, L., Gharibi, H., Garg, H. and Lennon, D. (2014). Equipment Considerations for Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Civil Engineering in Urban Areas. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 3(15), 2002-2014.

Erkal, A., Laefer, D., Tezcan, S. (2014). Advantages of Infinite Elements over Prespecified Boundary Conditions in Unbounded Problems. J Comp Civil Eng., ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000391.

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D. (2014). Octree-Based Automatic Façade Generation from LiDAR Data. Computer Aided Design, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.cad.2014.03.001.

Laefer, D. and Farrell, K-A (2014). A Hybrid Method for Foundation Reuse Evaluation. Environmental Geotechnics, Elsevier, DOI 10.1680/envgeo.13.00034.

Clarke, J., Laefer, D. (2014). Evaluation of Risk Assessment Procedures for Buildings Adjacent to Tunnelling Works. Tunneling and Underground Structures, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.tust.2013.10.014.

Clarke, J., Laefer, D. (2014). Systematic Approach for Large-scale, Rapid, Dilapidation Surveys of Historic Masonry Buildings. Int’l J. of Architectural Heritage, Taylor & Francis doi: 10.1080/15583058.2012.692849.

Laefer, D, Truong-Hong, L., Carr, H., Singh, M. (2014). Crack Detection Limits in Unit Based Masonry with Terrestrial Laser Scanning. Non-destructive Testing International, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2013.11.001.

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D., Le K. (2013). Reduction of Lateral Loads in Abutments using Ground Anchors. Soils and Foundations, ICE, 166(4)209-20, doi: 10.1680/grim.12.00002.

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D. (2013). Validating Computational Models from Laser Scanning Data for Historic Facades. J. Testing & Evaluation, ASTM, 41(3)1-17, doi:10.1520/JTE20120243.

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D. (2013). Impact of Modeling Architectural Detailing for Predicting Unreinforced Masonry Response to Subsidence. Automation in Construction, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2012.11.004.

Schön, B., Mosa, A., Laefer, D., Bertolotto, M. (2013). Octree-based Indexing for 3D Pointclouds within an Oracle Spatial DBMS. Computers & Geosciences, Elsevier, Doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2012.08.021.

Hinks, T., Carr, H., Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D., (2013). Point Cloud Data Conversion into Solid Models via Point-Based Voxelization. J. of Surveying Eng., ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)SU.1943-5428.0000097.

Laefer, D., Anwar, M. (2012). Review of Strategies for the Geometric Creation and Population of Urban Microclimate Models. Open Urban Studies J., Bentham (5): 22-31.

Mosa, A.S.M., Schön, B., Bertolotto, M., Laefer, D. (2012). Evaluating the Benefits of Octree-based Indexing for LiDAR Data. Photogrammetric Eng. & Remote Sensing, American Soc. for Photogrammetry, 78 (9) 927-934.

Truong-Hong, L., Laefer, D., Hinks, T., Carr, H. (2012). Combining an Angle Criterion with Voxelization in Reconstructing Building Models from LiDAR Data. CACIE, Wiley, doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8667.2012.00761.x.

Rezaiguia, A., Fisli, Y., Ellagoune, S., Laefer, D, and Ouelaa, N. (2012). Extension of Semi-analytical Approach to Determine Natural Frequencies and Mode Shapes of Multi-span Orthotropic Bridge Deck. Structural Eng. & Mechanics, Techno Press, 43(1)71-87.

Djebala, A., Ouelaa, N., Benchaabane, C., Laefer, D. (2012). Application of the Wavelet Multi-resolution Analysis and Hilbert Transform for the Prediction of Gear Tooth Defects. Meccanica, Springer, doi: 10.1007/s11012-012-9538-1.

Truong-Hong, L. Laefer, D., Hinks, T., Carr H. (2012). Flying Voxel Method with Delaunay Triangulation Criterion For Façade/Feature Detection For Computation. J. Comp. in Civil Eng., ASCE doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000188.

Erkal, A., Tezcan, S., Laefer, D. (2011). Assessment and Code Considerations for the Combined Effect of Seismic Base-isolation and Viscoelastic Dampers. Civil Eng., ISRN, doi: 10.5402/2011/861451.

Laefer, D., Hinks, T., Carr, H., Truong-Hong, L. (2011). New Advances in Automated Urban Model Population from Aerial Laser Scanning. Eng. Patent J., Bentham 5(3)196-208.

Laefer, D, Truong-Hong. L, Cording, E., Long, J., Erkal, A. (2011). Manufacturing, Assembly, and Testing of Scaled, Historic Masonry for One-gravity, Pseudo-static, Soil-structure Experiments. Special Edition “Masonry Research and Practice”, Construction & Bldg Materials, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.03.066.

Laefer, D., Truong-Hong, L., Fitzgerald, M. (2011). Processing of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Point Cloud Data for Computational Modelling of Building Facades. Recent Patents in Computer Science, Bentham 4(1)16-29.

Laefer, D., Gannon, J., Deely, E. (2010). Reliability of Crack Detection for Baseline Condition Assessments. J. Infrastructure Systems, ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2010)16:2(129).

Laefer, D., Ambrozevich-Cooper, N., Minh, P., Midgette, J., Wortman, J., Ceribasi, S. (2010). Expansive Fracture Agent Behaviour for Concrete Cracking. Mag. Concrete Research, ICE/Thomas Telford, doi: 10.1680/macr.2010.62.00.1.

Guenfoud, S., Bosakov, S., Laefer, D. (2010). A Ritz’s Method Based Solution for the Contact Problem of a Deformable Rectangular Plate on an Elastic Quarter-Space. Int’l J. Solids & Structures, Elsevier, doi: 1016/j.ijsolstr.2010.03.014.

Laefer, D., Erkal, A., Cording, E., Long, J., Truong Hong, L. (2010). Theoretical Solutions for Strength-scaled Building Materials for Scaled Soil-structure Experiments. J. Testing & Evaluation, ASTM doi: 10.1061/_ASCE_GT.1943-5606.0000128.

Moffatt, S., Laefer, D. (2010). An Open Source Vision for HAZUS. J. Comp. in Civil Engineering, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000022.

Schoen, B., Laefer, D., Morrish, S. Bertolotto, M. (2009). Three-dimensional Spatial Information Systems: State of the Art Review. Recent Patents in Comp. Sci., Bentham, 2(1)21-31.

Morrish, S., Laefer, D. (2009). Web-enablement of Architectural Inventories. Int’l J. Archit’l Heritage Conservation, Analysis, and Restoration, Taylor & Francis, doi: 10.1080/15583050902731056.

Laefer, D., Fitzgerald, M., Maloney, E., Coyne, D., Lennon, D., Morrish, S. (2009). Lateral Image Degradation in Terrestrial Laser Scanning. Structural Eng. Int’l, IABSE, doi: 10.2749/101686609788220196.

Laefer, D. (2009). Gender Disparity in Engineering as a Function of Physics Enrollment and Its Implications for Civil Engineering. J. Prof. Issues in Eng. Education & Practice, ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)1052-3928(2009)135:3(95).

Laefer, D., Ceribasi, S., Long, J., Cording, E. (2009). Predicting Reinforced Concrete Frame Response to Excavation Induced Settlement. J. Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Eng., ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000128.

Hinks, T., Carr, H., Laefer, D. (2009). Flight Optimization Algorithms for Aerial LiDAR Capture for Urban Infrastructure Model Generation. Special Issue, Graphical 3D Visualization in Arch., Eng. & Construction, Comp. Civ. Eng., ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2009)23:6(330).

Guenfoud, S., Bosakov, S., Laefer, D. (2009). Dynamic Analysis of a Beam Resting on an Elastic Half-Space with Inertial Properties. Soil Dynamics & Earthquake Engineering, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2009.01.005.

Rezaiguia, A., Laefer, D. (2009). Semi-analytical Determination of Natural Frequencies and Mode Shapes of a Multi-span Bridge Decks. J. Sound and Vibration, Elsevier, doi: 10.1016/j.jsv.2009.08.007.

Laefer, D., Manke, J. (2008). Building Reuse Assessment for Sustainable Urban Reconstruction. J. Construction Eng. & Mgmt., ASCE, doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2008)134:3(217).

Son, M., Laefer, D., Cording, J. (2008). Numerical Model Tests of Building Response to Excavation-induced Ground Movements. Geotech. J. 45(11):1611-21, doi: 10.1139/T08-074. Corrigendum 2010, 47(1): 133, doi: 10.1139/T09-109

Crowley, A., Laefer, D., Fanning, M. (2008). Sample Preparation and Testing Methods for the Evaluation of Microcrystalline Waxes for the Seismic Protection of Art Objects. Testing & Evaluation J., ASTM, 36(1)24-33.

Crowley, A., Laefer, D. (2008). Understanding Microcrystalline Waxes for the Seismic Protection of Art Objects. J. Am. Inst. Conservation Historic & Artistic Works, AIC, 47(2)119-39.

Bian, Y., Hutchinson, T., Wilson, D., Laefer, D., Brandenberg, S. (2008). Experimental Investigation of Grouted Helical Piers for Use in Foundation Rehabilitation. J. Geotech. & Geoenvironmental Eng. ASCE, 134(9)1280-9. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2008)134:9(1280).

Pradhan, A., Laefer, D., Rasdorf, W. (2007). Infrastructure Management System Framework Requirements for Disasters. J. Comp. Civil Eng., ASCE, 21(2)90-101. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2007)21:2(90).

Laefer, D., Pradhan, A. (2006). Evacuation Route Selection Based on Tree-Based Hazards Using LiDAR and GIS. J. Transportation Eng., ASCE, 132(4)312-20. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-947X(2006)132:4(312).

Laefer, D., Koss, A., Pradhan, A. (2006). Need for Baseline Data Characteristics for GIS-based Disaster Management Systems. J. Urban Plan. & Dev., ASCE doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9488(2006)132:3(115).

Laefer, D., Evans, A., Frazier J. (2006). Forensic investigation methodology for structures experiencing settlement. J. Assoc. Preserv. Tech., APT, 37(2-3)23-31.

Laefer, D., Kim, W. (2004). Prediction of Tunneling Induced Ground Movement. J. Trans. Res. Rec., TRB, Nat’l Res. Council, No. 1892, 208-220.

Kalkan, E., Laefer, D. (2004). Seismic Based Strengthening of Steel and Reinforced Concrete Telecommunication Poles Based on FEM analysis. Eng. Struc. J., Elsevier, 26(14)2101-11.

Laefer, D., Boggs, J., Cooper, N. (2004). Engineering Properties of Historic Brick – Variability Considerations as a Function of Kiln Type. J. Am. Inst. Cons. Historic & Artistic Works, AIC Fall/Winter 43(3)255-72.

Laefer, D. (1993). Heading into Termination: Laying Down the Paper Trail. Women in Natural Resources, 14(3)4-11.

Prediction and Assessment of Ground Movement and Building Damage Induced by Adjacent Excavation
Laefer, D. (2001).
PhD Thesis University of Illinois. pp. 803.

Micropiles and Related Techniques: State of Technology Resource
Laefer, D. (1997).
S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, FHWA-RD-96-204, 471 pp.

Foundations 2015: Proc. Int’l Foundations Congress & Equipment
Iskander, M., Suleiman, M., Anderson, B., and Laefer, D. (Ed.s) [2015].
EXPO 2015, Mar. 2015, San Antonio, Texas, GSP 256, ASCE. doi: 10.1061/9780784479087.fm

Problem Soils, and Geo-Support
Iskander, M., Laefer, D., Hussein, M. (Ed.s), [2009].
International Foundation Engineering Congress & Equipment Expo (IFCEE’09), Mar. 2009, Orlando, FL, GSP 187, ASCE, pp. 628.

Contemporary Topics in Deep Foundations
Iskander, M., Laefer, D., Hussein, M. (Ed.s), [2009].
IFCEE’09, Mar. 2009, Orlando, FL, GSP 186, ASCE pp. 668.

Contemporary Topics in In-Situ Testing, Analysis, and Reliability of Foundations
Iskander, M., Laefer, D., Hussein, M. (Ed.s), [2009].
IFCEE’09, Mar. 2009, Orlando, FL, GSP 185, ASCE pp. 650.

Contemporary Issues in Deep Foundations
Camp, W., Castelli, R., Laefer, D., Paikowsky S. (Ed.s) [2007]
Proc. of Geo-Denver 2007: New Peaks in Geotechnics, Feb. 2007, GSP 158, ASCE.

Current Earthquake Engineering Research in the Central United States
Laefer, D. (ed.) [1998].
Urbana, IL, Apr. 4.

• Irish Research Council, appointed by the Irish government as the sole engineering delegate representing for all of Ireland, 2016-2019

• Women on Walls, Irish Royal Academy (1 of 8 Irish-based researchers selected)

• Wall of Frames, 2016 UCD, College of Engineering award (for contributing to one of the most highly cited papers in 2015 produced by the College of Engineering (http://www.ucd.ie/civileng/newsandevents/civilengineeringpaperin2016publ...)

• First place, IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Data Fusion Contest, Milan, Italy, 2015

• Best Track award, ISPRS Geospatial Week, GeoBigData Workshop, IQumulus, Processing Contest, La Grande Motte, France, 2015

• World Monument Fund, External Reviewer for “At-risk sites”, 2013 & 2015

• European Research Council (ERC) representative to World Congress of Scientific Journalists (1 of 2 selected from 5000 awardees), Seoul, South Korea, 2015

• ERC awardee representative to European Business Angel Network (1 of 8 selected from 500+ awardees) Copenhagen Denmark, 2015

• Finalist, Best Irish Laboratory Team, 2014 & 2016

• Finalist, EU Champions of Transport Research, Cross-Modal Category, TRAVisions, 2014 & 2016

• Technical Advisory Board, IQUMULS (EU FP7 Sponsored), 2013-current

• Secretary General, International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage (ISCARSAH), 2013-14 (Expert member, since 2012)

• EU FP7 ERC Consolidator Grant Awardee, 2012 – only Irish civil engineer to have received this award in the competition’s 11 year history 

• UCD’s Presidential Teaching Award, given annually to 3 faculty members, 2007

• President of Ireland Career Advancement Award, Science Foundation Ireland, 2006 (equivalent to the National Science Foundation Career Award)

About me: Three years at NC State, 12 in EU, 5.5 at NYU. 

Mentorship style: Informal (coffee favored).