Climate resilience and sustainability of large portfolios of transport systems by leveraging openly available data

With unprecedented frequency, there is an increase in critical infrastructure failures as a result of climate stressors. Nevertheless, infrastructure adaptation to the changing climate is slow-not proofing our assets to future hazards. Every year, numerous assets are added to the ageing EU stock, lying vulnerable to the next flood or hurricane. They are designed using code prescriptions, yet, uncertainties associated with natural hazards, regional construction practices, quality control and the response of commonly deteriorated structures, impose the acceptance of a “tolerable” probability of structural failure, which can only be imperfectly captured and is never truly estimated in practice. Currently we know very little about the climate adaptation needs of our ageing bridge stock in the EU, and this is a significant capability gap that prevents us from delivering sustainable and resilient adaptation strategies.

This PhD aims to advance existing methods of classification for the rapid, yet reliable quantification of the condition, climate resilience and recovery costs of large-scale bridge portfolios. The overarching goal is to inform design guidelines and pertinent investment schemes that can be implemented to meet the sustainability goals that are currently in place by authorities, by quantifying the influence of specific yet unexplored sources of uncertainty.

Candidate essential and desired skill set:

- Numerical modelling

- An understanding of statistics and probability

- Programming skills

- Knowledge of bridge engineering (desirable)

- Willingness to conduct high-end research in a competitive environment

Deadline for applications (see steps 1-4 below need to be completed by): 25 February 2024

Roadmap of your application:

1) Send a 2-page CV to S.A.Mitoulis@Bham.ac.uk stating if you are a home or international student and if you are looking for a scholarship or you are self-funded. In your CV please add a link to your LinkedIn, Google Scholar and/or Scopus account. The supervisor writes back to you within 3 days.

2) Apply on SITS portal https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS015.htm

3) Supervisor assesses your application.

4) An interview is arranged if your case is strong*

5) If you are selected after the interview, the supervisor requests an offer letter to be sent to you

6) With the offer letter you can then apply for the EPSRC DT Scholarship scheme OR Self fund your studies.

7) If you are applying for the EPSRC DT Scholarship you will have to work on the application with your supervisor to submit your application by the 15th of March 2024, 17:00.

8) If you are self-funded, you can start your PhD whenever is convenient.

9) Full time commitment is expected from candidates that will be applying for the EPSRC DT Scholarship scheme. Part time will only be considered for self-funded PhD students.

*If you are international student you will have to obtain an ATAS immediately after step 4 and if the supervisor gave you positive feedback

Funding notes:

- Applicants may obtain funding from the School of Engineering or have their own funding to cover the fees and living expenses.

- EPSRC Doctoral Training Programme PhD studentships cover the home tuition fee and stipend.

- A salary top-up is possible for competitive candidates.