Within the framework of the research programme Living on Soft Soils, TU Deflt is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to work on damage assessment of buildings and infrastructures. The candidate is to develop, calibrate and validate damage models and functions at the scale of single structures and to upscale those to regional, city and/or national level. The focus is on subsidence damage in masonry buildings  but also roads and agricultural practices will be included. Specific parts of the study include:

• Review of existing damage indicators, damage models and damage functions at the scale of single structures (buildings, roads, agriculture)
• Introducing/enhancing these functions for the specific situations related to subsidence damage including structural heterogeneity, for example due to geometry and material variations, and soil heterogeneity, for example due to peat oxidation and/or ground water loweringNumerical modelling
• Calibration against laboratory tests, e.g. on cracking damage in walls
• Validation with realistic case studies and field measurements
• Reviewing existing upscaling methods from other fields
• Implementing/combining the damage functions for multiple buildings/infrastructures at the regional, city and/or national scale.

The position is part of an integrated research program that addresses the issue of land subsidence in the in a holistic way, whereby insights about physical-chemical-biological system functioning, development, evaluation and implementation of measures as well as an assessment of their governance and legal implications co-evolve. The program consists of 4 scientific work packages (wp) and this position is integrated in WP3.2.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in numerical modelling and who is able to deal with cracking and damage of structures and heterogeneity of subsoil.
The candidate is able to work in a multidisciplinary project and is capable of working in depth on damage predictions, with a wider view towards  implementation in the national model.
This PhD project combines structural engineering, geo-engineering, mechanics and numerical modeling, and therefore we are looking for a candidate with a strong drive and affinity in those disciplines. Candidates with an MSc in structural and/or geo-engineering are encouraged to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The minimum salary mentioned is the salary in your first year. The salary mentioned as the maximum will be your salary in your fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

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 position is within the framework of the joint NWA-ORC-programme Living on Soft Soils: Subisidence & Society project of Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Deltares, TNO, Wageningen Environmental Research and Utrecht University. The PhD position Damage on Assessment of Buildings and Infrastructures is located within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG) The Faculty is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology and delta technology. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. Please check www.tudelft.nl/ceg for more information.