3 Ph.D. student positions in Structural Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology

3 Ph.D. student positions in Structural Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology

Overview
We are looking for three PhD students to the Division of Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. At the division we are using a research methodology where advanced analysis methods are developed and used together with laboratory experiments, resulting in a better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of structures. There are two research groups at the division: Concrete Structures, and Steel and Timber Structures. The present strength areas of Concrete Structures are the research methodology mentioned above, finite element modelling of reinforced concrete structures, bond and anchorage and in addition dynamics. The present strength areas of Steel and Timber Structures are strengthening and repair using composite materials, as well as advanced modelling for fatigue assessment of steel and composite bridges.

Job description
We need three Ph.D. students in the following fields:
Textile reinforced concrete for future buildings
This Ph.D. project at the research group Concrete Structures is part of a large project called “Homes for Tomorrow”, involving several of the departments at Civil and Environmental Engineering. The main focus of this Ph.D. project at the research group Concrete Structures will be textile reinforced concrete (TRC) for future buildings. TRC can be used both in new buildings and for strengthening of existing structures. New structures can be made very slender when TRC is utilised, and thus the material consumption can be minimized. Also strengthening can be of interest for houses, perhaps especially strengthening of columns or walls to be able to build additional storeys on existing houses.
Is there enough anchorage capacity in bridges with corroded reinforcement?
A special topic which the research group Concrete Structures has worked with during the latest years is to understand and to be able to model how the structural behaviour and load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete structures are affected by reinforcement corrosion. Within this Ph. D. project, tests will be carried out on naturally corroded edge beams from Stallbackabron to investigate the anchorage capacity of corroded reinforcement. All knowledge available today on the topic is extracted from test specimens subjected to accelerated corrosion under laboratory conditions. This is one of the main uncertainties in all methods and models available today to calculate the remaining load-carrying capacity of the corroded bridges. The tests will be evaluated through advanced nonlinear finite element analyses. The results from the project will provide better understanding of the structural effects of naturally corroded reinforcement, and can be used for assessment of the residual load-carrying capacity of severely corroded concrete bridges.
Composite materials for upgrading of existing bridges
This Ph.D. project at the research group Steel and Timber Structures is part of a large European research project called “PANTURA”. The main focus of the current Ph.D. project is towards the use of composite materials (FRP) in bridge decks, either for the construction of new bridges, or in upgrading existing bridges. The high strength light weight deck provides good potential for fast construction of small- and medium span bridges, especially for the replacement of existing bridges. The concept is also attractive as a means of upgrading existing bridges, when the concrete deck needs to be replaced, either due to deterioration or when bridge widening is needed.

Please indicate with project number(s) which of the three positions you are applying for.

The positions are limited to maximum five years. You will be employed as a doctoral student by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements. A maximum of 20% of your working time will be devoted to duties at the departments, mainly teaching of undergraduate courses. The remaining time will be devoted to your own research education, where the aim is to complete your Ph.D. examination within 5 years (nominal time without department duties is 4 years).

Required qualifications
A suitable background is a Master of Science (Swedish: civilingenjör) preferably with specialisation in structural engineering, or else in civil, mechanical, or physics engineering, or an equivalent degree. Applicants should be capable of working independently and have good social skills. Good knowledge in English is required and the applicant should be able to communicate scientific results orally as well as in written form. The applicant is recommended to learn Swedish within a few years.

Application procedure
The application shall be written in English and include the following items:
An application of a maximum of one A4 page containing your specific qualifications for the position
Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents
Curriculum Vitae
Letters of recommendation and name of reference persons (optional)
The application shall be sent electronically as pdf or zipped documents. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

If any material is not available electronically or cannot be transferred to pdf format, the material can be sent as a hard copy to Registrar. The applicants name and the reference number (2011/74) must be written on the first page of the application.

Address:
Registrar
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden

Further information
For additional information please contact
Professor Kent Gylltoft, e-mail: kent.gylltoft@chalmers.se, tel: 031-772 22 45
Associate Professor Karin Lundgren, e-mail: karin.lundgren@chalmers.se, tel: 0704012939 (first two projects),
Associate Professor Mohammad Al-Emrani, e-mail: mohammad.al-emrani@chalmers.se, tel: 031-772 22 58 (last project).

Reference number 2011/74
Application deadline : April, 21st 2011