PhD student position in Concrete Structures

Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering is now looking for a PhD student who will study explosions and their effect on nearby concrete structures through experiments and numerical modelling. Ultimately, the project will improve the ability to assess the risk connected with urban and infrastructural development and densification. Thereby, the project will contribute to economic and environmental savings and to a safer society.

Project description
The aim of the PhD project is to contribute to increased knowledge in the field of explosions and their effect on nearby structures. One of its goals is to bridge the gap between risk specialist and structural engineer by clarifying the link between an explosion and its consequences. However, the intention is not to work with risk per se, but rather with the development of tools that can be used in risk management. Other goals are to develop simplified methods for determining the explosion load in various situations and to improve existing methods for assessing the resistance of a concrete structures subjected to such loads, and thereby make these available to a wider range of structural engineers. In order to develop these simplified methods, an understanding of complex phenomena of reinforced concrete structures subjected to explosion loads are needed; this is gained by a methodology where a combination of experiments and finite element analysis is used. The PhD project is a part of a larger project with close co-operation between Chalmers and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and you will collaborate with a PhD student at KTH. The project is funded by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket), the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Swedish Fortifications Agency (Fortifikationsverket).

The research is made in the reserach group Concrete Structures, which is part of the Division of Structural Engineering at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE). The research group has long experience in impulse loaded concrete structures, resulting in several PhD:s and numerous master theses. The group is also internationally well-known for its expertise in assessment of existing structures and has research on e.g. innovative materials in concrete (such as fibres and textiles) and industrial construction.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to carry out the PhD project and to conduct research about explosion loads and concrete structures subjected to such loads. You will have the opportunity to influence the details of the research towards the needs of the project, with the possibility to combine experiments, simplified engineering models and finite element analysis. As a PhD student, you will participate in doctoral courses and be involved in teaching activities at the division. You will develop your skills in communicating scientific results both to the public and the industry, and through scientific publications to the research community.

As a Ph.D. student you are employed by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements. The position is limited to maximum 5 years. A maximum of 20 % of your time will be required for carrying out departmental duties, mainly teaching of undergraduate courses. The remaining time will be spent on your own courses and research, and you are expected to obtain a Ph.D. degree within 5 years (nominal time without department duties is 4 years, including own courses).

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure:
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=8881


Application deadline: 1 November, 2020