Most historical structures in the western part of the Netherlands are founded on timber piles. With an age of up to 500 years, an assessment of their structural performance is becoming increasingly important. Both mechanical and material degradation, as well is increasing loads on the piles may be the reason for such an assessment.
In this PhD project, funded by the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, an integral model for the calculation of the residual load-carrying capacity of timber piles will be developed, in close cooperation with foundation engineering experts and the city of Amsterdam. A combination of theoretical modelling and experimental work on both new and old piles should lead to a comprehensive understanding of the degradation processes. The ultimate goal of the project is the integration of a timber reliability model with existing foundation calculation methods which can be used by practicing engineers.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in structural engineering or material science to develop further our existing models for timber service life. Programming skills (pref. Python) and a hands-on mentality with regard to experimental work and foundation test sites are required. The working language is English. Because of the close cooperation with the city of Amsterdam and other communities, the PhD student should be prepared to acquire basic knowledge of the Dutch language.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an offical go/no-go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2325 per month in the first year to € 2972 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
We offer a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) provides leading international research and education, with innovation and sustainability as central themes. Research and education are closely interwoven and address societal challenges. The Faculty consists of the departments of Transport and Planning, Engineering Structures, Materials, Mechanics, Management and Design, Geoscience and Engineering, Water Management, Hydraulic Engineering, and Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

The research focus of the department Engineering Structures is placed on the investigation and development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures as well as on the structures for energy transition. Within these main themes research is carried out into the dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. The groups are intensively using the unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory for full scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate fast implementation of innovations. The Department delivers a large number of courses both at the BSc and MSc level.

Biobased Structures and Materials is a research group within the department Engineering Structures with focus on the use of wood as a renewable material for the building industry. Timber is light, very resistant, and with no doubt the most important renewable resource for structural applications, playing a more and more important role in developing a sustainable society. This is because CO2 is absorbed from the atmosphere while trees are growing, remaining stored inside the trunks and, as a consequence, also in timber structural elements. In our opinion: the longer the lifespan of a wood-based building, the greater the positive impact of the construction on the climate.