John A. Ochsendorf

John A. Ochsendorf is the Class of 1942 Professor and Director of the Pierce Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on the mechanics and behavior of historical structures, particularly the collapse of masonry structures, and the dynamics of masonry buildings. He also investigates the safety of cracked masonry vaults and domes, displacement loading of structures, and the design of sustainable infrastructure. His teaching interests include structural design, limit analysis, history of construction, sustainable construction, structural form-finding, and graphic statics.

John Ochsendorf is a researcher specializing in structural design, masonry mechanics, and sustainability. His work focuses on the analysis and optimization of masonry structures, including the development of new methodologies for three-dimensional equilibrium and structural form finding. He explores the mechanics of historical masonry systems, such as Gothic arches and Guastavino vaulting, while also addressing modern challenges like seismic assessment and embodied carbon in construction materials. His research integrates structural performance with sustainability goals, emphasizing the impact of material choices on life cycle climate impacts and urban heat islands. Ochsendorf's contributions span both theoretical and applied aspects of structural engineering, with a strong emphasis on the interplay between form, function, and environmental responsibility.