Dr Saidani is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers.

He successfully completed his first degree at the University of Science and Technology in Algeria, where he won the Best Student Award. He was then awarded a PhD in Structural Engineering from The University of Nottingham. Dr Saidani then stayed on as a post-doctoral research fellow for four years working on a number of pan-European and UK projects (total value in excess of £4m). In 1995, he jointed Coventry University as a lecturer, where he is currently a Reader (Associate Professor) in Structural Engineering.

Research topics investigated included: steel and metalic connections, welding and welding processes, fracture mechanics, testing and numerical modelling. 

Dr Saidani has published over 150 papers and technical documents, many in Q1 renowned internal journals. He is a member of the editorial board of a number of international journals.

Area of Expertise:

steel and metalic connections; welding and welding processes; fracture mechanics; testing and numerical modelling; novel composite materials; use of industrial waste in engineering applications. 

Structural engineering ; Novel engineering materials; Use of Industrial waste for engineering applications; fracture mechanics; welding and welding processes.

Around half of all non-renewable resources mankind consumes are used in engineering (including construction and automotive), making it one of the least sustainable industries in the world. The application of technology (in general) often results in unavoidable environmental impacts. Engineering designers are increasingly faced with the challenge of designing sustainable and environmentally friendly structures.

My research includes investigating novel materials that are friendly to the environment and lead to more sustainable designs.

The key to designing sustainable structures is to use materials that produce less carbon emissions as well as designs that respond to the demands of flexibility and adaptability.

My vision is to contribute to solving some of the challenges faced by the engineering industry at large in developing more sustainable material and designs.