Queen's University Belfast

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Population based Structural health monitoring for bridges

• Population based Structural health monitoring for bridges: School of Natural and Built Environment | PHD Applications are now CLOSED
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Overview

Applications are invited from Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Republic of Ireland candidates only. International candidates should NOT apply for this PhD opportunity. Managing existing civil infrastructure is a major challenge. For example, a backlog of bridge maintenance works in the UK - identified in 2019 – will cost $6.7bn [1]. The representative cost of replacing a ‘standard’ bridge is of the order of £4-7m and 10,675 tCO2e (equivalent to 4,873 return flights from Brussels to New York). The UK has around 118,000 bridges, maintaining even 0.5% of these as opposed to replacing would represent a major financial and carbon saving. Currently, the bridges on a given network are managed via a system of periodic visual inspections undertaken by a bridge inspector. Unfortunately, not all bridge damage is readily identifiable via visual inspection, for example a railway bridge in Dublin collapsed in 2009 within days of an inspection [3], while a pedestrian bridge in Florida [4] collapsed only hours after an inspection. Therefore, the last two decades has seen a significant body of research into how much value sensor data recorded on the bridge could add to the existing management procedure. Unfortunately, an approach that is logistically implementable has yet to be found. This is largely due to the fact that each bridge is different and therefore sensor data or information you might have about one bridge is currently not easily used to help you manage/make decisions about another bridge. However, recent pioneering work at the University of Sheffield on population based structural health monitoring (PBSHM) has opened the possibility of exploiting data and information you have on one structure, to manage a different structure.

This PhD studentship is part of an exciting multidisciplinary research project with Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers and Computer Scientists, from University of Sheffield (UoS), University of Exeter (UoE), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and University of Cambridge (UoC). The aim of the wider project is to exploit the new PBSHM technology to manage civil infrastructure. The work in QUB and the focus of this PhD studentship will be on applying PBSHM to bridges and in particular to look at the sensing technology needed to make this implementable, hence a background in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering would be useful. The The successful candidate will be working as part of an institutional project team in QUB with two full time post doctoral researchers, three PhD students and the academic supervisors. Consequently a high level of support will available to assist the successful candidate with their PhD studies within QUB. Moreover, as this PhD project is an important piece of the wider project, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to visit, work with and lean from the internationally renowned research teams in Cambridge, Sheffield and Exeter who will have similar sized teams working on the project. Using truly innovative research the ultimate aim of the project is to create technology that infrastructure stakeholders can leverage in significant applications. To make this a reality requires significant industrial input. Therefore the industrial partners in the project include leading engineering companies (e.g. Amey, Cowi, dywidag, Arquiva, Siemans gamesa) and large infrastructure owners (e.g. Translink, NI Department for infrastructure, Devon County Council, Arquiva). Consequently the successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage with these organisations at a high level. Due to the novelty of the work to be carried out the successful candidate will have the opportunity to publish in the top journals which will support future career progression. Further details on the project and publications to date are given on the project website. ROSEHIPS - Revolutionising Operational Safety and Economy for High-value Infrastructure using Population-based SHM: https://pbshm.ac.uk/ References [1] D. Browne. Cost of bridge maintenance backlog is $6.7bn. https://www.transport network.co.uk/Costof-bridge-maintenance-backlog-is-67bn/15557, 2019. [2] R. Lobley. European bridge maintenance and safety https://www.governmenteuropa.eu/european-bridge-maintenance/92201/, 2019. [3] Railway Accident Investigation Unit. Malahide Viaduct Collapse on the Dublin to Belfast Line, on the 21st August 2009, page 115. Railway Safety Commission, 2010. [4] A. Mohammad. Investigation of March 15, 2018 Pedestrian Bridge Collapse at Florida International University, Miami, FL, page 115. U.S Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Directorate of Construction, 2019. ESSENTIAL BACKGROUND OF CANDIDATES Minimum of a strong upper second class (2.1) honours degree (completed or in the final stages of completion) in Civil engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical/electronic engineering. RESEARCH PROPOSAL Please note that applicants are not required to upload a research proposal as part of the application. Instead, interested candidates should upload a copy of their CV and a covering letter outlining their capacity to undertake a PhD on this theme, and describing any relevant experience in: bridges, sensing systems, data processing, or more broadly in Civil engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical/electronic engineering.. APPLICATION PROCEDURE – instructions for applicants • To apply, visit https://go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply (link to the Queen's Application Portal) • Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 'Civil Engineering' at Queen's University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment. • State name of lead supervisor on application form 'Prof David Hester'. • State the intended SOURCE OF FUNDING on your application as 'DfE’. • Include your CV and a covering letter. Please ensure that all transcripts, together with award certificates (for completed qualifications) are uploaded by the closing date or it may not be possible to consider your application

Funding Information

This studentship is funded by DfE. It is open to Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Republic of Ireland candidates only. International candidates should NOT apply for this PhD opportunity. The value of an award includes the cost of approved fees as well as maintenance support (stipend). As a guide, the stipend rate for 2025/2026 is currently £20,780. Please note that this project is in competition for funding with several other projects within the School of Natural and Built Environment.

Prof David Hester

d.hester@qub.ac.uk

Research Profile

Full-time: 3

Civil Engineering overview

The research centre will address the topical grand challenges in the civil engineering field, building on existing and developing new international collaborations. Financial support to meet these challenges will be acquired through both internal University initiatives (for enhanced infrastructure and facilities) and external funding from government grants, charities and direct industrial support. Research will address the grand challenges of energy, carbon, clean water, infrastructure; exploring extremes and defining new limits. Key research areas include: Marine renewable energy Groundwater and environmental systems Geotechnics Intelligent infrastructure and high-performance structures Energy-efficient materials Mode of study/duration Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).

QUB ranked 206 in the world (QS World University Ranking 2025)

• The School of Natural and Built Environment brings together researchers from spatial planning, architecture, geography, paleoecology and civil engineering to tackle some of the world's most pressing urban and environmental challenges. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Research/
• Civil Engineering is led by the Head of Discipline (Lead of Civil Engineering Dr Madjid Karimirad) supported by team leaders with responsibility for maintaining excellence in its research groups; - such as the Global Environmental Resilience group, the Intelligent and Sustainable Infrastructure group with several joint projects with international Centres of Excellence, as well as the Water and Energy Resources group, including Marine Research, with more than 40 years of research and development for numerical analysis, experimental laboratory and field testing. Further information about our research groups can be found on the School website. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Disciplines/civil-and-structural-engineering/
• The School of Natural and Built Environment has a range of state-of-the-art facilities to support our outstanding students and staff conducting leading-edge research and teaching. These include a heavy structures laboratory, rheology laboratory, the Belfast Wave Flume and the Portaferry coastal wave basin. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Research/facilities-infrastructure/
• Postgraduates form an intrinsic part of our research community and are actively involved in the School's cross-disciplinary Research Groups, enabling the creation of synergies in areas such as sustainability, infrastructure, water, energy, culture, design and heritage. The School is engaged with major research themes such as urbanism, community, heritage, population and climate change which contributes to the development of policy and practice both locally and globally. Visit our School website and read about the exciting research being undertaken by our current PhD students: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/Study/PostgraduateResearch/
• Civil Engineering is ranked 12th in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide 2025).

Course content

Associated Research The dynamic nature of this research has been key to our success in attracting significant funding from UK research councils, government departments and agencies. The Civil Engineering Research Centre (CERC) is a leading international, interdisciplinary centre that enables scientists and engineers from all areas of civil engineering investigation to work on diverse, yet complementary research. A special feature of the CERC is the extensive and diverse range of research topics being researched by students and staff in the Centre.

Introduction Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability. For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.

Dr Carwyn Frost Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Daniel McPolin Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr David Hester Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Debra H Phillips Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Faris Elghaish Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Giuseppina Amato Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Hector Martin Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Jonathan Black Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Madjid Karimirad Reader Natural and Built Environment Lead of Civil Engineering

Dr Mohammed Sonebi Professor Natural and Built Environment

Dr Nipuni Odara Merenchi Galappaththige Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Pal Schmitt Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Raymond Flynn Reader Natural and Built Environment

Dr Rory Doherty Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Siobhan Cox Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Sree Nanukuttan Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Stephen McIlwaine Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Tara Brooks Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Ulrich Ofterdinger Reader Natural and Built Environment

Dr Vasileios Angelidakis Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Dr Xianhai Meng Senior Lecturer Natural and Built Environment

Professor G Hamill Professor Natural and Built Environment Head of School

Professor Marios Soutsos Professor Natural and Built Environment

Professor Su Taylor Professor Natural and Built Environment

Professor Wei Sha Professor Natural and Built Environment

Assessment processes for the research degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £28,900

International | £28,900

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Civil Engineering costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Download Postgraduate Prospectus

Research areas