PhD Studentship: Flexible Framing for Robust and Efficient Steel Construction in Seismic Regions

Supervisory Team: Dr. Ahmed Elkady 

Project description

Flexible framing involves flexible steel connections and composite steel-concrete decks that are cheap to fabricate and erect. They are abundantly used in construction worldwide in conventional and light-weight structures. Past research showed that these flexible systems possess an appreciable stiffness, strength, and ductility under different loading scenarios. As such, it has been suggested that they can potentially be used directly in seismic regions. This can help reduce material use and the associated cost which consequently help meeting the net-zero target within the construction industry,  

In this project, you will try to answer the following question How do flexible frames perform under seismic loads and what level of damage/loss to be expected? 

This research will involve state-of-the-art machine-learning approaches, numerical modelling techniques, structural analysis, and loss quantification methodologies to investigate the robustness of flexible steel frames under earthquake excitations. You will also take part in complementary laboratory work to further our understanding of the cyclic behaviour of flexible connection components. 

You will be situated in the new Boldrewood Innovation Campus, home of the cutting-edge UKCRIC National Infrastructure Laboratory. You will join the Infrastructure Research Group, providing you the opportunity to become part of a team of diverse and world-leading researchers. The project will enable you to develop your engineering research, teaching, and communication skills while tackling an important industry-driven problem. The outcomes of this project are expected to inform international design codes and to lead to efficient and optimized steel designs. 

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Ahmed Elkady, Infrastructure Research Group, Email: a.elkady@soton.ac.uk. 

Entry Requirements

A First class or high 2:1 Degree in Civil Engineering with enthusiasm for structural engineering and numerical methods (analysis and coding). 

Key skills: Structural design; numerical modelling; finite element modelling; coding; problems solving, critical thinking; multi-tasking. 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. 

Funding: For UK nationals only, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,198 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years 

Funding for tuition fees and a living stipend are available on a competitive basis. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Ahmed Elkady 

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae (2 page maximum)

Degree Transcripts to date

Applicant statement (1 page summary of the applicant’s track record and the reasons for their interest in the advertised research project)

Two reference letters 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

Advert information