Dr P Cacciola, Dr Alessandro Tombari
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Historic structures in seismic prone areas are extremely vulnerable. The main reason is that such structures have not been properly designed to withstand earthquakes and also because the construction materials deteriorate with the time. The most recent earthquakes, such as the one in Norcia 2016 are clear examples manifesting the necessity to act promptly to protect heritage structures from such natural disaster. Seismic protection of heritage structures is an unresolved research problem that not only is a public safety issue but also adds to the constraints for preserve the artistic value of heritage buildings. In this regard, there is a clear gap in the knowledge that leads to the research question on how it is possible to protect a structure without modifying it.
Previous research suggests that protecting structures by seismic action is managed using localised solutions such as isolators and dampers. Research also shows that one main reason is that the introduction of control devices in existing structures is too invasive, costly and requires the demolishing of some structural and/or non‐structural component. For heritage structures clearly such technologies cannot be applied and therefore no seismic protection actions are currently taken to protect such artistic treasures. Research has yet to examine the potential of non‐invasive devices for protecting heritage structures. The proposed research will investigate for the first time the use of the novel vibrating barriers (ViBa) to reduce seismic vibrations of heritage structures. Vibrating barriers (ViBa) are massive structures hosted in the soil and tuned to reduce the vibrations of neighbourhood structures through a structure‐soil‐structure interaction mechanism. As the ViBa is detached from the structure it is particularly suitable for heritage structures so to entirely preserve their original structure without any alteration.
The proposed research will aim to establish a general methodology to protect heritage structures through a project that tests the role of the ViBa and unknown design parameters. Technical details will be developed through case studies such as the Messina Cathedral heavily damaged by past earthquakes and specific monument, castles in Greece selected with the support of the cultural partner. In particular the design of the ViBa will require first the numerical modelling of the heritage structure and the soil underneath through a finite element approach. In this regard the cultural partners will provide the data to establish a realistic model of the heritage structure. The ViBa will be then designed through an equivalent discrete model based on the traditional Winkler approach. Moreover, the optimization of the installation of ViBa will be explored with the HOP industrial partner to make this technology cost‐efficient.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree, in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.
English language entry requirements
Proof of meeting the UCL English language proficiency requirements where necessary. For SEAHA candidates, a standard level certificate is normally required. See http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/life/international
The application should be submitted by email direct the SEAHA inbox at the University of Brighton:
[Email Address Removed]
and not by the UCL or UoB online admissions system.
To submit an application by Thursday 19th April, please include all of the following:
• a substantial covering letter (2–3 pages) including a clear explanation of your motivation for your proposed project
• a statement of your understanding of your eligibility according to the information provided at: http://www.seaha‐cdt.ac.uk/study‐with‐us/studentships/eligibility‐criteria/ and https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/
• a research proposal (approx. 2,000 words) including project research questions and methodology
• a full detailed CV
• contact details for two academic references (names, postal and email addresses)
• proof of meeting the UCL/UoB English language proficiency requirements where necessary.
We will only consider complete applications.
Funding Notes
This project is a four-year integrated MRes/PhD studentship in the SEAHA Centre for Doctoral Training (www.seaha-cdt.ac.uk), funded by EPSRC, UCL, University of Brighton, University of Oxford, and SEAHA heritage and industrial partners.
The project is fully funded for UK resident students, comprising annual tuition fees for four years, as well as a doctoral stipend for the same period. You must have resided in the UK for three years before starting the studentship to receive funding for tuition fees and a stipend.
The project offers fees-only support for other EU students.
There is no funding available for International applicants.