Application deadline: 1st December 2013
Start date: 29th September 2014
Duration: Three years
Much of infrastructures such as roads, railways, bridges and utilities have been built up over the last two centuries. Hence investment in âthe skeletonâ that supports our economy is needed and overdue. Structural health monitoring (SHM) has the potential to improve maintenance (i.e. save money) through early detection and replacement avoidance. However, the bottleneck is data interpretation. This task is even more difficult in the presence of environmental effects such as variations in wind, humidity and temperature.
This project will focus on the development of methodologies for SHM (i.e. structural identification and damage detection) that account for environmental variations. A detailed study will be conducted on relationships between environmental variations and structural behaviour. The project will involve finite element modelling of civil structures and advanced computing methods such as genetic algorithm, artificial neural network and support vector regression.
Eligibility
The Scholarship will pay an annual stipend at the standard rate (currently £13,726) and tuition fees at the Home/EU rate for three years.
Candidates should have a good background in scientific computing and a first or upper second class degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. Experience in FE modelling and experimental research would be advantageous.
How to Apply
The online application form quoting scholarship reference: ENG-IL: can be accessed via the Apply button below.