Job Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) - 2 PhD's Measuring, modelling and monitoring chloride ingress in cracked concrete

The major degradation mechanism in concrete structures is corrosion of reinforcement due to chloride penetration. Corrosion reduces serviceability and safety due to cracking and spalling of concrete and loss of steel cross section. Recently, service life design has moved from prescriptive to model and performance based. The current approach aims at postponing initiation of corrosion until the end of the required service life with a predetermined reliability, based on simplified modelling of transport in uncracked concrete and testing of laboratory samples for chloride diffusion. Real structures under service load contain cracks and execution defects. Cracks are fast transport routes for chloride, but the effect is mitigated by poorly known mechanisms such as self-healing and crack blocking. Current models do not cover the effect of cracks, voids and compaction defects in concrete on chloride transport and corrosion initiation, rendering them less robust than acceptable.

This projects aims at understanding of mechanisms that control chloride transport, and the influence of cracks on the transport. To study the transport of chloride and other relevant substances in concrete a non-destructive, high temporal and spatial resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) setup capable of quasi-simultaneously measuring Na, Cl and moisture will be developed within this project. This vacancy will be promoted at the PhD Workshop Beijing.

Requirements:

We welcome candidates who hold a Master's degree in (technical, applied) physics, chemistry, materials science, civil engineering (materials) or a related field, have affinity with materials science, transport in porous media and/or durability of concrete and have hands-on experience with experimental work.

Starting date:

As soon as possible.

Appointment:

This position offers full-time employment for 4 years, with an initial evaluation period. The monthly (gross) salary will be approx. 2000 Euro in the first year and increase to approx. 2600 Euro in the fourth year, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The University offers an attractive package of fringe benefits such as excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes and excellent sports facilities.

Information:

More information about the University can be found at: http://www.tue.nl  and about the group at http://www.phys.tue.nl/nfcmr.  For more information on the positions please contact: l.pel@tue.nl

These positions are funded by Technology Foundation STW

 

Application:

Please submit contact information, an motivation letter, contact information of two or more references (including a research supervisor), and a copy of the M.Sc-thesis and other relevant publications, if available by using the apply button below.


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