EngD in ‘Transport and the Environment’ Station design for low carbon construction & operation



Start dates: (1 February 2013) and 26 September 2013

Closing date for applications:  15 July 2013

This Research would look at low energy station designs in relation to their construction and operation.

Modern design methods can use parametric data on spatial layout, cost and embodied energy to optimise stations designs relative to the constraints of public use, infrastructure constraints and operation. At construction stage the use of components, sub-assemblies and modular products maximise the benefits of manufacturing and offsite construction, and can be used to minimise site impact and disruption. In operation data can be extended to monitor energy use for utilities, heating and lighting based on staff and passenger movements.

Network Rail are in the process of an extensive station modernisation programme for their network, including their ‘National Station Improvement Plan’ (NSIP) based on their 10-point plan for: safety, passenger information, ease of transfer, attractiveness, positive impact on environment, integration of commercial activity, best new design and respect for conservation, integration of multiple transport modes, urban development catalysts and dealing with social change.

Significant station improvements are planned underway or completed at: Gatwick, Reading, Blackfriars, Farringdon, Paddington, Kings Cross, Stratford, Cambridge, Leicester, Birmingham New Street, Leeds, Derby, Bristol Parkway, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Queen Street, Cardiff Central, Newport, Liverpool Lime Street, Carlisle, Middlesbrough, Glasgow Central Edinburgh Waverley and Perth.

Drawing on experience of other international models for station design, the research will assess the completed projects for their operation against targets, survey construction processes and use of manufacturing in projects in progress and review/augment existing design proposals for future stations.

Also Read  PhD/EngD Research Studentship

The research will also look at the wider perspective of the stations with regard to strategic integration of urban transport hubs, minimising emissions, creation of urban places and maximising engagement with social and economic activities.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Adrian Robinson, Infrastructure research group, Email: Adrian.Robinson@soton.ac.uk,  Tel: +44 (0) 2380 598796.

This EngD project will be funded through the Industry Doctoral Training Centre (IDTC) http://www.southampton.ac.uk/idtc. The studentship comprises support from both EPRSC http://www.epsrc.ac.uk and an industrial sponsor.

To be eligible students need to have UK status or be a European Union (EU) national who has been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for three years prior to the commencement of studies.

Enquiries: engd@soton.ac.uk

396 Civil and Structural Engineering; Design and Optimisation; Environmental Engineering; Operational Research

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