Integrating Intelligence: Smart Textiles for Retrofitting and Monitoring Cultural Heritage Buildings

3 Year self funded project

The doctoral project will complete the activities of a European Union project focused on advancing hybrid structural retrofit solutions based on smart textiles with customized structural health monitoring for masonry cultural heritage building envelopes. In collaboration with Dr. Elisa Bertolesi at Cardiff University,  Dr. Michela Rossi and Dr. Dionysios Bournas, Scientific Project Officers at the European Commission JRC, the candidate will develop advanced numerical modelling approaches and employ techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Finite Element packages (Abaqus), and programming languages (Matlab).

Activities will include:

-         Undertake the post-processing of extensive data obtained from an experimental investigation conducted in Italy and employ advanced analytical tools to extract meaningful insights from the collected data, contributing to a deeper understanding of the behaviour of cultural heritage structures retrofitted with smart textiles.

-         Develop advanced numerical models and enhance the accuracy of simulations using real-world data, ensuring that the developed models closely represent the behaviour of retrofitted cultural heritage buildings.

-         Iteratively refine the design of smart textiles based on insights gained from the post-processed experimental data and optimize the composition and configuration of smart textiles to align with the specific structural requirements and heritage considerations identified in the collected dataset.

-         Develop strategies to merge historical data with real-time monitoring, providing a comprehensive view of the structural health and performance over time.

-         Collaborate with professionals in heritage conservation, architecture, and materials science to incorporate feedback based on the post-processed data.

-         Collaborate with the EU JRC to provide scientific and technical support to European policies and standards for sustainable construction, including the Eurocodes.

-         Contribute to the development of comprehensive guidelines for the implementation of smart textile retrofitting in cultural heritage preservation.

-         Communicate the post-processed findings through academic publications, presenting the refined methodologies and outcomes to the wider scientific community.

-         Participate in conferences and workshops to share insights on the post-processing techniques and their implications for the field.

The prospective candidate(s) will join the dynamic Resilient Structures and Construction Materials (RESCOM) team, a research group with strong national and international collaborations. The successful Ph.D. student(s) will be affiliated with Cardiff University, benefiting from its exceptional research facilities and a thriving international environment that offers diverse training and developmental prospects.

The Ph.D. program offers an enriching environment for continuous learning and professional development. Throughout the course of this research, the candidate will have the opportunity to:

-         Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in the field, working closely with Dr. Elisa Bertolesi at Cardiff University, and Dr. Michela Rossi and Dr. Dionysios Bournas from the European Commission JRC. This collaboration will provide exposure to diverse perspectives and foster a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.

-         Hands-on Experimental Investigation: Participate in an extensive experimental investigation conducted in Italy, gaining practical experience in data collection and analysis. This hands-on approach will enhance both technical and analytical skills, providing a solid foundation for the candidate's research.

-         Advanced Numerical Modelling: Develop proficiency in advanced numerical modelling strategies, contributing to the candidate's expertise in simulating complex structural behaviours. The utilization of Digital Image Correlation, Finite Element packages (Abaqus), and programming languages (Matlab) will enable the candidate to apply cutting-edge techniques in their research.

-         Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): Acquire skills in designing and implementing structural health monitoring tailored for masonry cultural heritage building envelopes. This aspect of the research will not only contribute to the candidate's technical expertise but also provide insights into the real-world application of research outcomes.

-         Communication and Networking: Present research findings at conferences and engage in networking opportunities within the academic and industry communities. These activities will enhance the candidate's communication skills, build a professional network, and expose them to diverse perspectives in the broader research community.

Eligibility

This is a self funded project open to students worldwide

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering or a related subject. 

A strong background in structural analysis, fundamental mathematical and physical sciences is required. Good programming skills in MATLAB or similar. Experience of experiments and numerical modelling is also desirable. Applicants should also be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and able to carry out research independently.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Contact for further information

Please contact Dr. Elisa Bertolesi ([Email Address Removed]) to informally discuss this opportunity

How to apply

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University  webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;

·        an upload of your CV

·        a personal statement/covering letter

·        two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)

·        Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date of 1^st January 2024, or 1^st April 2024, or 1^st October 2024.

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference EB SF 24

Deadline for applications

There is no deadline we will close this opportunity once a suitable candidate is identified.