About the Project
The University of Birmingham, as part of a multi-university multi-disciplinary rail research team, has recently been The University of Birmingham is host to the world-leading Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, a multi-disciplinary group of staff from the Schools of Civil Engineering, Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials & Metallurgy. The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education brings together a multidisciplinary team from across the University to tackle fundamental railway engineering problems.
High speed rails often adopt slab track systems for maintenance-free operations. However, modern high speed rail tracks around the world is at risk of earthquake and environmental extreme events. There is necessity to swiftly replace slabs when there are cracks, defects and damages. On this ground, modular slab tracks capable of resisting services and derailment loading conditions are necessary to improve public safety and operational reliability. Therefore, there is a need to develop a novel material that could be coupled with steel reinforcements, which could structurally respond to future operational demands. The focus in this study will be placed on ultra-high strength concrete applications where structural components can be smaller but stronger.
This research will aim at developing ultra-high-strength sustainable structural materials using recycled materials (such as composites, fibres, steels, etc). It will develop new constitutive models for engineering and structural properties, and then establish finite element models integrated with advanced computational methods such as atomistic modelling, discrete element modelling, meshless method, etc. The track slab model will be developed for predicting robustness, vulnerability, and resilience of track slab structures.
We are looking for people to conduct research alongside the research fellows, and academics to develop an enhanced reliable monitoring system and predictive structural modeling for railway industry. This is a challenging problem with a strong potential for rail industry application.
Applications are therefore sought from individuals with an interest and experience in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering but who also have a potential interest in field testing, structural dynamics, seismic engineering and uncertainty quantification. Candidates must have a strong academic background in engineering, applied science or applied mathematics. Enthusiasm, can-do attitude and strong skills in structural mechanics, dynamics and mathematical and computer modelling (or strong motivation and clear potential to learn these), and willingness to engage in experimental work are a must. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate both a clear potential for research excellence and their suitability for research project described above.
Informal enquires can be sent to Dr Sakdirat Kaewunruen ([Email Address Removed]) and in the first instance should contain a covering letter and a CV.
To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx