At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop a digital twin framework for railway bridges using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: University of Leeds, a leader in innovative research and education.
- Benefits: Tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year plus additional £3,000 for eligible graduates.
- Other info: Join a dynamic research team with excellent support and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport infrastructure while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor in computer science, civil engineering, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 19237 - 22237 £ per year.
Funding EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years. An additional top up of £3,000 per year for 3.5 years is also available to previous graduates of the University of Leeds.
Project summary: Recently, with the increasing global demand for mass transportation and freight, the maintenance of existing transport infrastructure has become important. Therefore, it is essential that railway infrastructure is reliable, cost-efficient, and provides a sustainable transportation mode. However, most of our existing railway infrastructure is ageing and requires continuous monitoring to keep them in service, which requires significant cost. Moreover, these structures are subjected to heavier axle loads, faster train speeds, and greater frequencies of trains, which have resulted in rapid deterioration over time. Apart from that, factors such as extreme variations in temperature, heavy rainfall and increased frequency of flood events due to climate change have introduced increased uncertainty in the long-term performance of such infrastructure assets. Hence, efficient and reliable infrastructure inspection and monitoring are needed to ensure these systems run smoothly at a reasonable cost.
This PhD aims to develop a framework for digital twinning (DT) of railway bridges and provide informed decisions for their repair and maintenance schemes. DT can be imagined here as a digital representation of a physical asset (i.e., a railway bridge) which serves as a ‘living’ digital simulation model and is enabled by the abundance of data (e.g., operational data acquired from the bridge) and advanced data processing and interpretation routines.
The proposed aim will be achieved using the following objectives:
- Development of three dimensional as is geometry of a bridge using photogrammetry and deep learning for defect detection, e.g., cracks;
- Development of a visualisation suite of data from sensors based on building information modelling;
- Development of a physics-based approach for assessing the structural behaviour of masonry arch bridges using high fidelity models;
- Development of real time statistical model for sensor data analysis;
- Development of data centric engineering approach through the construction of a framework for digital twinning for bridges.
Please state your entry requirements plus any necessary or desired background: First or Upper Second Class UK Bachelor (Honours) or equivalent in a computer science, civil engineering or related background.
Subject Area: Civil & Structural Engineering, Computer Science & IT, AI & Machine Learning.
PhD Studentship: Digital Twin for Railway Bridges in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds offers an exceptional environment for PhD students, particularly in the field of Civil & Structural Engineering. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, students benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and intellectual growth. The funding package, including a tax-free maintenance grant and additional top-up for alumni, ensures financial stability while pursuing groundbreaking projects like the Digital Twin for Railway Bridges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Digital Twin for Railway Bridges in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members at the University of Leeds. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for an informal chat! If you get the chance, have a casual conversation with Professor Vasilis Sarhosis or the co-supervisors. Show your enthusiasm for digital twinning and railway infrastructure – it could make a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along any relevant projects or research you've done in computer science or civil engineering. This will help demonstrate your capability and passion for the subject matter.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to help you through the process!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Digital Twin for Railway Bridges in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the PhD project. We want to see your passion for digital twinning and railway infrastructure, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've worked on projects related to civil engineering, AI, or data analysis, be sure to mention them! We love seeing how your background fits into our vision for this studentship.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Remember, we want to understand your ideas without getting lost in complex language!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key concepts of digital twinning, railway infrastructure, and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on photogrammetry, deep learning, and data analysis techniques. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your capability to contribute to the project.
✨Connect with Your Supervisors
Reach out to Professor Vasilis Sarhosis and the co-supervisors before the interview. Ask insightful questions about the project or their research interests. This demonstrates your initiative and genuine interest in the role, plus it gives you a chance to build rapport with them.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or experiences that align with the objectives of the PhD. Whether it's coursework, internships, or personal projects, highlight how they relate to developing frameworks for digital twinning or structural engineering.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the future direction of the research, potential collaborations, or the impact of climate change on railway infrastructure. This shows you’re thinking critically about the field and are eager to engage further.
