Laing O’Rourke (LOR) PhD Studentship in Concrete Structures



The Laing O’Rourke Centre for Systems Engineering and Innovation led by the Centre Director, Professor David Fisk is a Cross-Faculty and Business School initiative hosted within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The Centre, funded by Laing O’Rourke, was created to enhance the capacity of the construction industry using the application of systems engineering in the built environment. This LOR PhD Studentship in Concrete Structures is funded by the Laing O’Rourke Centre for Systems Engineering and Innovation and will be supervised by Dr Robert Vollum and Dr John Stehle.

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to further advance the design of a novel form of connection between precast concrete units. The post is supported by a tax free stipend of around £16000 per annum plus fees at the UK/EU or Overseas student rate as appropriate. The studentship is for 3.5 years.

The aim of this proposal is to investigate the mechanics of a novel form of connection between precast concrete floor and walling units which has been developed to increase on-site speed of construction. Laing O’Rourke wish to develop analytical and numerical models for efficiently and quickly determining the effect of various parameters on the mechanical response of the connection. The project will involve a combination of experimental, numerical and analytical work. The successful candidate will be required to liaise closely with the industrial partners. The ultimate aim is to develop a design oriented analytical model for optimising the design of the connection.

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You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a good (1st Class or equivalent) Masters level degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or a related subject. You will have an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. You should have a strong interest in nonlinear finite element modelling as well as the interpretation of experimental results and development of analytical design oriented models. You will work in close collaboration with the supervisor, while being the driving force for your own PhD. You will become a skilled communicator, comfortable in both academic and industrial situations. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/structuralengineering

For further details of the post contact Dr Robert Vollum r.vollum@imperial.ac.uk. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae and copies of your academic transcripts to Ms Alexandra Williams at alexandra.williams@imperial.ac.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete and submit an electronic application form to Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be evaluated by College Registry. Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Ms Alexandra Williams by email at alexandra.williams@imperial.ac.uk.         

Review of applications is now in progress and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified with the final deadline for all applications of 16.00hrs on Friday 27 September 2013.

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