From 3D Digital Documentation to Structural interventions for historic masonry structures

Engineering problems related to conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage are attracting increasing attention by researchers, offering opportunities for novel research and industry collaborations. Scotland’s historic environment is an essential part of its cultural background and economy but the effects of ageing, environmental conditions and past natural hazards have caused significant degradation, urging for action (Hyslop et al., 2006).

The development of digital technologies, such as terrestrial laser scanning, has already helped produce accurate representations of structures with applications in conservation, monitoring and Building Information Modelling (BIM) projects. The exploitability of laser scanning outputs, in the form of point clouds, is however still challenging though with respect to application for structural analysis of the built heritage. Recent developments refer to a variety of approaches for the reduction of 3D point clouds of complex structures (D'Altri et al., 2018) into models making use of advanced non-linear computational formulations based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM), to facilitate and optimize capturing the mechanical behavior of historic masonry structures. This provides additional information for decision makers to ensure the maintenance, adaptability and resilience of existing masonry structures.

The aim of this PhD is to explore theoretical and procedural options for the development of highly accurate numerical models for structural purposes, linking 3D point cloud data to detailed modelling of masonry constructions. This innovative approach will incorporate current structural pathology and consider targeted onsite sensor measurements, to obtain semi-automated suggestions for future interventions. The outcome of this research is anticipated to offer an optimized decision-making route for structural interventions, reflecting the needs of a range of commonly encountered structural typologies and problems (Marinelli et al., 2019), with direct applicability to historic masonry structures in Scotland. It will revolutionarise practice for directly benefitted external practice for directly benefitted external stakeholders, especially those responsible for the care of masonry structures of significant heritage value, by informing the design, improving the structural monitoring and leading to targeted interventions as needed.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Civil Engineering, with emphasis on Structures and Structural Mechanics.

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr. Aikaterini Marinelli ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.