PhD student position in Concrete Structures and Computational Mechanics

We are looking for a Ph.D. student who wants to develop and validate a multiscale framework for design of textile reinforced concrete structures. You will get the possibility to develop deep theoretical skills and hands-on experience from implementing, coding, and modelling. At the same time, you will also contribute to optimising structures with substantial less environmental impact than traditional.

Project description
The research project "Multiscale design of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) structures" builds on a long-term fruitful collaboration between the two research groups Concrete Structures and Computational Mechanics. TRC offers the possibility to build corrosion resistant, slender, lightweight, modular, and freeform structures with relatively small environmental impact. The structural behaviour of TRC results from concrete cracking, interaction between the textile yarns and the adjacent concrete, and interfilament slip in the textile yarns. In earlier work, we have developed a two-scale modelling technique describing these effects. In this project, we will bring these state-of-the-art numerical techniques further into a multiscale framework for design of TRC structures.

The aim is to discover and design the composite based on the engineering scale demands, incorporating opportunities and constraints from the subscale. Subscale models describe cracking, bond stress versus slip between yarn and concrete, and efficiency factors for strength and stiffness to account for interfilament slip. The subscale models will be integrated in an engineering scale optimisation framework, thus enabling a holistic design with optimised shape/topology as well as spatial variation of thickness, reinforcement amount and orientation, concrete quality, bond properties, and prestress.

Information about the division and the department
The research is done in the two research groups Concrete Structures and Computational Mechanics. The research group Concrete Structures is part of the Division of Structural Engineering at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The research group is internationally well-known for its expertise in assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures. Other focus areas are the use of innovative materials in concrete such as fibres and textiles, and industrial construction. The research group Computational Mechanics is part of the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics at the Department of Industrial and Materials Science. This research group combines the fundamental principles of classical solid and fluid mechanics with experimental and computational techniques, and thus addresses a number of complex civil engineering problems of interdisciplinary character.

Major responsibilities
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).

Qualifications
A suitable background is a Master of Science (Swedish: civilingenjör) in structural, civil, mechanical, or physics engineering, or an equivalent degree. A specialisation in Concrete Structures and Computational Mechanics is preferred. Further, the successful applicant has a good knowledge of material mechanics and nonlinear finite element analysis, and a deep interest in the mathematical modelling and computer simulation of mechanical problems. You are expected to work relatively independently (although you will be part of a very active research environment with several other researchers and Ph.D. students), have an ability to plan and organize your own work, to work in collaboration with others, and to be able to communicate your scientific results in English.

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

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=11176


Application deadline: 13-01-2023