For sustainment of concrete structures and the durable and sustainable design of concrete structures, a better understanding of the cracking of concrete is of major importance. At the unit Structural Engineering and Design a research will be started to improve the durability and sustainable application of concrete structures in civil workst.

A large part of the Dutch civil works consists of reinforced concrete structures. The cracking that occurs in these, is a crucial factor for the design life for new structures and the remaining lifespan for existing structures. An accurate determination method that correctly predicts the crack formation in new structures and that can (partly) explain crack patterns in existing structures, is therefore extremely important for both the design and maintenance task. However, crack formation in concrete is a complex stochastic process. Dozens of models have been developed for this, but it is insufficiently clear which of these, predicts actual cracking the most accurate. In any case, it's the experience that the method laid down in the present Eurocode 2 is less clear-cut than the method used in the latest Dutch national standard. This especially when the cracking is due to the restrained of imposed deformations and the cracking pattern is not fully developed.

We are looking for a PhD candidate with the capacity to set up a data base with results of crack width experiments and an overview of relevant calculation methods for crack width. After this a data analysis should be performed to select the most accurate models. Finally, one of the models can be revalidated based on knowledge of the behaviour of reinforced and prestressed concrete due to external loads and restrained deformations.

The research will be performed within the chair of Sustainment of Concrete Structure which is part of the unit Structural Engineering and Design. The work will be done in close cooperation with the chairs of Concrete Structures and Applied Mechanics in which a successful and growing group of young researchers is active.

Who can apply? We are looking for:

• An excellent and highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in Structural or Civil Engineering;
• Affinity with both the behaviour of Concrete Structures and Data analysis
• Strong demonstrable analytical skills
• An excellent command of the English language, both in speaking and writing
• A proven ability to write research papers
• Having working experience at a European research institute or a European university is an advantage.
• Social skills and good cooperation qualities
• Interest and the capacity to supervise master students whom will perform related graduation research

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.

A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.

To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).

A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.

A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.

Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.