PDEng Integrating new sensor technologies in asphalt paving and compaction for better proces control at the University of Twnte

this Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) programme may be for you. The PDEng is a 2-year post Master Degree technological designers programme. This programme at the University of Twente contains an educational part that will be followed at the University, and a design project that will be carried out at ASPARi network companies. The educational programme will have an in-depth and broadening character with ample attention for professional development and will be partly tailored to the design project. In collaboration with the external organisation, high level, creative and new designs for complex issues will be aimed at. . During the educational part of the programme, you will receive a customised education package consisting of among others, courses in decision-support system design, systems engineering & design, sensor development, operations research, statistics, structural equation modelling and supply chain management.

The Challenge
The asphalt construction process is still mainly carried out without the use of high-tech instruments to monitor key process parameters, and little research effort has been put into the systematic mapping and analysis of construction processes. The ASPARi developed Process Quality improvement (PQi) methodology has successfully been used to map operational behaviour during construction using GPS and other sensors; and provide essential feedback to operators with the aim of improving process control. There is however, a need to continually introduce, test and validate the use of new sensors and technologies given rapid developments within the ICT sector and in so doing, further develop and refine the PQi methodology.

The mission of this design project is to:

“Further develop and refine the ASPARi Process Quality improvement (PQi) methodology in order to improve process control”

The overall purpose is to improve process control using a data-driven approach. The main outcomes are:

Matching the needs of asphalt teams with the required accuracy and measuring frequency of sensors and instruments.
Improving the PQi data collection method and analysis using new sensors.
Developing a robotosised measuring platform to automate on-site measurements e.g. nuclear density measurements and asphalt cooling measurements.
Developing suitable non-invasive/non-destructive measuring regimes for determining post-construction mechanical properties.

Please send your application by the link below before 1 July 2015, with a curriculum vitae, a list with grades of courses attended, references and, if applicable, a list of publications.

Further details:
http://www.careeredu.eu