The University of Agder invites applications for five PhD fellowships in several fields within Civil & Structural Engineeering. The PhD fellowships are for three years and are linked to the Department of Engineering Sciences. The starting date is as soon as possible.
The Department of Engineering Sciences has more than 110 employees in scientific positions and more than 1600 students at all levels. A variety of research is conducted within the research groups in mechatronics, renewable energy, civil engineering and industrial economy. This position will be associated with the renewable energy group. We have broad international cooperation and close collaboration with industrial partners and public services in the region. This is a benefit both for teaching and research.
Based on a cooperation between the governmental road building client company Nye Veier and the university, UiA is launching the research project “More efficient and environmental friendly road construction” (MEERC). MEERC (Norwegian only) is externally funded by the Research Council of Norway (NFR) and Sørlandets Kompetansefond, to comprise six PhD research fellow positions. Five of these are hereby announced. Applications must be directed towards each specific position. All research fellows in the project will be part of a common research environment, localized at Campus Grimstad and closely cooperating with industry.
PhD position 1 – Industrialized sustainable construction of concrete bridges
The PhD study is related to structural design and sustainable standardized solutions for new concrete bridges. In general, the project will involve aspects due to new materials (new environmentally friendly binders and alternative reinforcement solutions), durability, structural concepts and detailing, prefabrication, digitalization and modern design tools. The topics introduce strong demands on the structural strength analysis and design in ultimate serviceability and durability limit state design, which is the main topic of the PhD-project. Candidates should have strong background in mechanics and structural engineering, including the finite element method and analysis and design of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures.
PhD position 2 – Preventing emission to water
The PhD study will focus on water pollution from construction and maintenance of roads, and measures to prevent or reduce impacts on water resources. The work may focus on one or more phases in road construction. It may focus on developing methodologies and practices for foreseeing and rating potential hazardous emissions to water prior to construction, methodologies and technologies for reducing emission during construction, and/or during operation and maintenance after construction.
Studies can be related to impacts of various geological structures and rock types on run-off water characteristics (physical, chemical, and toxicity) during construction (excavation, drilling, blasting and transportation), during stone crushing for reuse, and during storage of excess rock material in rockfills. Studies may also focus on innovative measures and technologies to reduce environmental impacts of runoff water, including runoff from point sources (e.g. tunnel-water) or non-point sources (e.g. rockfills). The solutions should be based on environmental friendly principles, and contribute to energy saving, circular economy, waste reduction, and reduced carbon footprint.
PhD position 3 – Improving and reclaiming rock
The PhD study will focus on reducing the environmental impact from construction and maintenance, by using alternative materials in road construction. The purpose is to assess and compare the technical applicability of using materials from different origin in new road constructions. Recycled and natural materials used separately or in combination, is included in the scope. The materials may origin from activities like excavation, drilling, blasting, de-construction and demolition. One or more indicators that may be covered are durability, leaching of chemical species, CO2 – emission and reduced energy consumption. The work may include lab and field studies. The aim is results to be used in decision-making tools to help identify the most environmentally friendly road construction materials available in each new road building project.
PhD position 4 Management in construction
The PhD study will focus on management of design and construction of complex projects, having interphases between numerous specialized professions. These projects often experience several reciprocal dependencies, generating uncertainty between stakeholders in the process (ref e.g. the CYNEFIN framework). The complexity increases when elements are outsourced to domestic or international suppliers having separate design responsibility, as does procurement of goods or services with long lead-time. Candidates should have enhanced understanding of the distinctiveness of the major professions included in construction, and the interphase towards digitalization (e.g. BIM). We are based on a Lean Construction tradition, and the project should include the study of effects from various implementation models – especially on generating value for the building client.
PhD position 5 – BIM in construction
The PhD study will focus on the core content of digitalization; harvesting, processing, storing and presenting information within construction. Holistic solutions are endeavored through implementation of altered processes, and software and hardware for BIM and GIS. This process requires understanding and close cooperation with interactive innovation processes in the industry, like Lean Construction and Production (LC/LP), Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), implementation strategies and contract strategies. MEERC is open to numerous suggestions concerning approaches through the life-span of constructions, including design management, construction, industrializing, LCA, LCC and expanded application of (big) data from sources like data bases, sensors (Internet of things) and scanning from drones. Please use the requested research plan to suggest an innovative plan, based on your special competence within the construction industry. Case will be applied in close cooperation with the industry.
Common for all positions
All candidates are required to submit a brief description (up to 4 pages) of a suggested research plan within the proposed area. Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is required, as communication with constructors will be important.
All positions will be associated with the Civil and Structural Engineering group, and candidates must be qualified for admission to this specialization within the PhD Programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science.
Further details:
5 PhD Fellowships in Civil Engineering, University of Agder, Norway (2018)