PhD Studentship in Risk Management of Railway/Highway Earth Retaining Structures at the University of Nottingham, UK

The University of Nottingham offers a PhD Scholarship in Engineering to research in Risk Management of Railway/Highway Earth Retaining Structures. The PhD scholarship comes with attractive funding. Scholarship applicants must complete their application online till March 07, 2021

Summary

Scholarship Sponsor	University of Nottingham
Scholarships level	PhD studentship
Award Amount	RCUK rates (currently at £15,009 p.a. tax-free for 2019/20)
Fellowship Period	Three years
Study area	Engineering
Opening date	January 12, 2021
Closing date	March 07, 2021

Project Description

Retaining walls are important infrastructure assets that are generally overlooked compared to bridges and pavements in terms of asset management practices. Knowledge of actual design life for earth retaining structures is minimal and failures that have occurred to date have happened without warning. This study will develop a data-driven risk assessment program associated with retaining wall systems. 

This project aims to:

• Conduct a review of reported highway/railway retaining wall management methods and failure case studies
• Assess the state of practice in retaining wall monitoring and repair
• Propose an effective monitoring strategy for highway/railway agencies from experimental and analytical results

Application details

The position is available to start in October, December, February, April or July (subject to the date of application)

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is March 07 2021

Eligibility

• Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a 1^st class or 2.1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or a related subject.
• A relevant Master degree in these areas would be advantageous. 
• If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence to meet the University’s minimum English Language requirements.
• Students with experience or a willingness to learn software such as MATLAB, Plaxis and Abaqus are encouraged to apply.
• Due to funding restrictions, this position is only available for UK or EU candidates. 

Funding Amount

Eligible for Home / EU candidates. This project will include the payment of tuition fees and a stipend equivalent to RCUK rates (currently at £15,009 p.a. tax-free for 2019/20) awarded to the suitable candidate. 

Application Process

Informal contact can be sent to Dr Athina Grizi (A.Grizi@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Panagiotis Psimoulis (Panagiotis.Psimoulis@nottingham.ac.uk) before submitting an online application. Please send a cover letter and a copy of your CV with your up to date relevant experience. 

Online application can be made via http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx. Please quote the studentship reference and Dr Athina Grizi. 

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.

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