PhD student ’Multiphysics modelling of timber-concrete composite structures'

Background
The Construction Engineering Research Group (CERG) is an emerging research group within the Faculty of Engineering Technology of UHasselt. The research activities mainly focus on the design and mechanical behaviour of structures and structural parts made of concrete, masonry, steel and timber with a view for an optimal combination of these materials, in the form of composite and hybrid structural solutions. In recent years, more attention is given to the durability assessment of such solutions. In the scope of an UHasselt-financed research project, CERG wishes to recruit a full-time PhD student.

Job content
As a doctoral researcher, within this project you will develop an analytical-computational framework for the multiphysics modelling of timber concrete composite (TCC) slab structures including time-dependent effects (creep, hygrothermal and mechano-sorptive effects). The project focuses on the development and implementation of the referred framework covering the following scales: i) materials, ii) connection, and iii), TCC slab systems. In order to achieve the proposed goals, you will make a literature review and build a database of the collected data relevant to the subject under investigation. This will then be used to support the development of a numerical (finite element) modelling strategy and its implementation, and for further refinement of an experimental program. The latter will consist of short and long-term tests on materials, connections and beams exposed to normal and varied environmental conditions (relative humidity and temperature). The produced experimental data will be used for the calibration and validation of the developed modelling framework, which will be followed by the realisation of parametric study. Finally, both experimental and numerical activities will support the assessment and refinement of the current available analytical approaches to predict the flexural behaviour of TCC beams including long-term effects.
As doctoral researcher, you will be encouraged to valorise your contribution to state-of-the-art through scientific publications in journals with high impact factor and in topic-related conferences with international reach. Moreover, as member of the Construction Engineering Research Group (CERG), you will support the teaching activities of the education program on Civil Engineering Technology of the Faculty of Engineering Technology of Hasselt University.

Profile

• Master of Engineering Technology, Master of Civil Engineering, Master of (Applied) Sciences (or equivalent)

• You are collegial and you can work well in a team;

• You have a strong interest in structural engineering and scientific research;

• You can conduct research using the three classic research methods: i) experimental; ii) numerical (FEM, computational mechanics) and iii) analytical (e.g. application of design standards);

• You have a proactive and independent working attitude;

• You can report clearly, both orally and in writing;

• You have analytical and critical thinking skills;

• You have a good knowledge of both written and spoken English.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
You will receive a doctoral fellowship for a period of 2 x 2 years (with intermediate evaluation after 2 years): you will receive a fellowship for 2 years, after which, with a positive evaluation, an extension of 2 years is possible. The planned start date is October 1, 2025 (or to be determined by mutual agreement).

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 30 June 2025.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. ir. Jose GOUVEIA HENRIQUES, +32-11-292160, [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].