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Dr M Crapper
Dr T Stratford
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
The UK heritage railway HR sector is very significant economically, providing direct and indirect income from tourism, often in areas with relatively little other economic activity. The railways commonly use worn rail cascaded from other uses including the main line network. Both HR managers and regulators responsible for safety have difficulty in deciding how safe such rail is for use.
This project builds on previous work to determine scientifically-based safety limits. A fracture mechanics form of analysis is proposed but details of fractures actually present on HR lines will need to be measured and analysed and further work on non-structural failure such as flange-climb on worn components and the robustness of S&C components will be necessary.
The project is expected to include onsite measurement using ultrasonic techniques or similar, statistical analysis, analytical calculations and wheel-rail modelling.
This project builds on previous work to determine scientifically-based safety limits. A fracture mechanics form of analysis is proposed but details of fractures actually present on HR lines will need to be measured and analysed and further work on non-structural failure such as flange-climb on worn components and the robustness of S&C components will be necessary.
The project is expected to include onsite measurement using ultrasonic techniques or similar, statistical analysis, analytical calculations and wheel-rail modelling.
Funding Notes
The project will include travel to various UK locations.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated candidates are sought with a background in Engineering or Materials Science.
A first class honours or upper second (or equivalent for non-UK students) is the minimum qualification requirement, or a combination of qualification and professional experience equivalent to that level.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated candidates are sought with a background in Engineering or Materials Science.
A first class honours or upper second (or equivalent for non-UK students) is the minimum qualification requirement, or a combination of qualification and professional experience equivalent to that level.
Project supervisors
Dr M Crapper's profile is coming soon
View other supervisors at University of EdinburghCareer overview
Professor Tim Stratford obtained a PhD from The University of Cambridge in 2000, following an MEng and MA(Cantab) from Jesus College, The University of Cambridge in 1996. They are a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE) and a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Their research interests include advanced composite structures, particularly Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs), and the structural use of adhesively bonded joints. Professor Stratford's work also focuses on externally bonded FRP strengthening of metallic, concrete, and masonry structures, as well as the use of FRP to reinforce structural concrete. Additionally, they have expertise in experimental structures research, structural response in fire, and structural analysis and design.
Research interests
Professor Stratford's research focuses on advanced composite structures, particularly Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) such as carbon, aramid, and glass FRPs, which are increasingly utilised in construction. They investigate the methods of forming joints in these materials, including adhesively bonded joints that connect FRPs to each other or to traditional materials. Their work also encompasses externally bonded FRP strengthening of metallic, concrete, and masonry structures, which is advantageous in time or space-constrained situations. Additionally, they explore the use of FRP to reinforce structural concrete, especially in environments prone to corrosion or near sensitive equipment, and the implications of using brittle FRP reinforcement in concrete design. Other areas of interest include shear in concrete with brittle reinforcement and the stability of long precast concrete beams.
Advanced Composite Structures
Fibre Reinforced Polymers
Adhesively Bonded Joints
Externally Bonded FRP Strengthening
Concrete Reinforced using FRP
Shear in Concrete with Brittle Reinforcement
Stability of Long Precast Concrete Beams
Experimental Structures Research
Structural Response in Fire
FRP Composite Materials for Structural Engineering
Externally Bonded Strengthening and Repair using FRP
Structural Analysis and Design
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