The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, underlining the wide-ranging positive impacts that our research has on the world (REF, 2021).
In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. Find out more.
The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering aims to be the world’s leading integrated centre for built environment research and education, attending to the entire lifecycle of both buildings and infrastructure through our research, teaching and enterprise programmes.
Project Details
The study of the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures under cyclic loading is important for understanding their behaviour under seismic loading. Experimental work has shown that the stiffness and ductility of structural elements degrade as the number of cycles increases. This phenomenon is called pinching. It is more prominent in reversible cyclic loading where sliding also could happen.
The pinching behaviour is a complex phenomenon and could be attributed to several factors. For example, the formation of various cracks, slippage of reinforcement bars, and concrete crushing are thought to be some of the important factors causing that behaviour. However, the inclusion of pinching in finite element analysis is usually done using empirical rules that lead to a simulation of the effect rather than allowing pinching to form as a result of modelling.
The aim of this research is to determine the main factors that cause the pinching effect and to develop a technique, using a finite element package, to simulate the process. The developed approach will then be applied to study the behaviour of exterior beam to column joints with various detailing and material properties to determine the most efficient ones for reducing the pinching effect.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. Applicants having a background in subjects related to modelling reinforced concrete structures using FE techniques are particularly welcomed. A relevant master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
How to Apply
Applications should be made online and must include an outline research proposal. Under programme name, please select 'Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering'. Please quote the advertised reference number in your application: ABCE22/JE2.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
Continue with Facebook
