PhD Studentship: Design of Hybrid Aluminium-Concrete Structural Elements

Supervisory Team: Dr Evangelia Georgantzia and Dr Mehdi Kashani

Project description

Hybrid steel-concrete members are adopted in building applications as a cost-effective and high-speed construction practice. Within the framework of sustainability and climate change mitigation commitments, concerns arise due to high self-weight of the steel-concrete member and corrosion of the steel tube. These issues can be overcome by exploiting the superior corrosion resistance and strength-to-weight ratio of structural aluminium. This research project proposes combining structural aluminium with concrete to form a sustainable structural member with lower self-weight and minimal maintenance cost.

In this project you have to study the mechanical behaviour of hybrid aluminium-concrete structural members through large-scale experimental testing and advanced numerical modelling using state of the art finite element software packages (e.g., ABAQUS, OpenSees). The obtained research outcomes will lead to substantial innovations and breakthrough in sustainable-based design and construction that could pave the way for an entirely new way of designing the future infrastructure artefacts.

The experiments will be performed in the cutting-edge UKCRIC National Infrastructures Laboratory which is ideally equipped to accommodate the experimental part of this innovative research project. You will be part of the Infrastructure Research Group which currently encompasses research carried out in the areas of structural and bridge engineering making a real impact on society’s biggest challenges. You will be based at Bolderwood Innovation Campus, and you will receive mentoring and training through the University’s Sustainable Infrastructure for Cities Centre of Doctoral Training.

We are looking for outstanding quality and exceptionally motivated candidates.  Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a 1st class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area from a prime UK or international university. Candidates with MSc in Advanced Structural Engineering are given priority. Some programming skill in MATLAB is required. Some knowledge of nonlinear finite element analysis is desirable but not essential. Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Evangelia Georgantzia or Dr Mehdi Kashani, Infrastructure Research Group, Email: e.georgantzia@soton.ac.uk,  mehdi.kashani@soton.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2024 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: 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 Evangelia Georgantzia

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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

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