This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition. Please see the URSA webpage for more information.
Project
This project proposes a rebellious approach to civil and structural design. It makes use of real-life monitoring data from industry case studies (Kechavarzi et al., 2016) and finds patterns of structural behaviour using the latest theories of artificial intelligence. This will reveal which parts of the structure do not contribute to the stability and therefore can be removed. Stability can still be ensured by using just the necessary material at the exact positions where is needed.
This work aims to transform the way we design civil infrastructure. It envisages a new approach to structural and civil design which is based on the absolute necessary material. The main idea is to “use less” material and get rid of the “useless” material. The approach followed proposes a shift from the factors of safety that are currently adopted by most design codes and result in very conservative and wasteful designs. It proposes the use of a new factor, called the “efficiency factor” which is function of the (current and existing) factors of safety (ultimate capacity), performance (acceptable deformations) and necessity (material use). This change in mindset will ensure that safety is still key and unnegotiable to our designs, but a good design will be quantified by how efficient the material use and geometry are.
The project will involve analytical and numerical analysis with both in-house developed codes and commercial software. Therefore, the suitable candidate should have a strong interest in engineering mechanics, structural/geotechnical modelling and computational analysis. This is currently an active research topic that is expected to lead to a series of publications in top journals and its outcomes can support the broader research area of computational mechanics/dynamics, structural engineering and artificial intelligence. The student will acquire valuable analytical/computational analysis skills and knowledge of an emerging field that are directly relevant to the Industry and may have the chance to interact with practising engineers.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Loizos Pelecanos - [Email Address Removed]
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering
When completing the form, please identify your application as being for the URSA studentship competition in Section 3 Finance (question 2) and quote the project title and lead supervisor’s name in the ‘Your research interests’ section.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Funding Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Keywords
Built Environment; Civil Engineering; Offshore Engineering; Structural Engineering; Structural Mechanics
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