PhD student ‘A multi-scale approach to assess the reusability and nodal robustness of precast RC 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 components made of concrete, masonry, steel, timber, and composite and hybrid structural solutions. In recent years, more attention has been given to the durability assessment of such solutions, as well as their long-term behaviour and circular building solutions. With expertise in probabilistic analyses, the group also focuses on the safety assessment of structures, incorporating information from various data sources, including monitoring data. In the scope of a UHasselt-financed research project, CERG wishes to recruit a full-time PhD student.

Job content
As a doctoral researcher within this project, you will investigate the critical balance between structural robustness and circularity by analysing the behaviour of reinforced concrete frames with demountable (dry) nodes. The project addresses a key gap in the transition to a circular economy: understanding how multiple reuse cycles influence structural integrity across the serviceability limit state (SLS), the ultimate limit state (ULS), and potential column-loss scenarios.
To achieve the project goals, you will conduct a comprehensive literature review of demountable precast connections and their impact on structural reuse. This literature review will support your research, targeting three main objectives:
(1) Experimental characterization: Conducting a streamlined experimental campaign at the nodal scale to quantify the influence of multiple reuse cycles on the performance of "dry" end nodes;
(2) Advanced numerical modelling: Developing and calibrating Finite Element Models (FEM) based on experimental data to simulate structural behaviour and capacity reduction over reuse cycles; and
(3) Probabilistic upscaling: Applying probabilistic analyses to account for uncertainties when translating nodal-scale findings to virtual beam- and frame-scale behaviour, creating a predictive link between reuse cycles and overall structural reliability. By integrating these objectives, you will develop a framework that serves as a scientific foundation for predicting the long-term viability of reused structural components, informing future design guidelines for sustainable, "future-proof" design accounting for future disassembly and reuse.
As a doctoral researcher, you will be encouraged to valorise your contribution to the state-of-the-art through scientific publications in journals with a high impact factor and in topic-related conferences with international reach. Moreover, as a 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 background in structural engineering;

• You can conduct research using the three classic research methods: i) experimental; ii) numerical (FEM), 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, 2026 (or to be determined by mutual agreement).

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 30 June 2026.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. ir. Eline VEREECKEN, +32-11-292184, [email protected]

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