PhD Position in Developing a Digital Health Passport for Railway Tracks on Bridges

This PhD project focuses on building the next generation of railway track health assessment.

Job description

Railway bridges and the tracks they support are critical components of the railway network, directly affecting safety, reliability, and operational performance. As railway infrastructure ages and traffic demands increase, there is a growing need for innovative methods to continuously assess track condition and predict deterioration. This PhD project addresses this challenge by developing a novel “Health Passport” system for railway tracks on bridges, enabling data-driven condition assessment and supporting more efficient maintenance and asset management strategies.

The project aims to develop a comprehensive “Health Passport” framework that integrates monitoring data and physics-based modelling for the health assessment of railway tracks on bridges, using Dutch railway infrastructure as a primary case study. The research will begin with the analysis of baseline and historical data collected from wayside sensors installed on selected instrumented railway bridges. Building on these insights, an on-board measurement system, for example based on Axle Box Acceleration (ABA) or Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV), will be designed and implemented to collect additional data for incorporation into the Health Passport.

Advanced data analysis techniques, including synchronisation, correlation analysis, feature extraction, and signal processing, will be employed to identify indicators of track and bridge condition. In parallel, physics-based numerical models will be developed to simulate train–track–bridge dynamic interactions and their resulting structural responses. The health condition of railway tracks on bridges will then be characterised through the analysis of vibration responses generated during train passages.

With every train passage, a comprehensive set of dynamic response data will be collected, creating a continuously evolving record of how the railway track–bridge system behaves over time. This living database will form the foundation of the Health Passport, enabling long-term condition monitoring, performance assessment, and early detection of potential deterioration.

As part of the project, you will collaborate closely with railway industry partners, participate in discussions, and receive feedback on the development and implementation of your research. Limited teaching responsibilities are also included in the position.

As a PhD candidate, you will join the Railway Engineering Section within the Department of Engineering Structures at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of TU Delft. You will work closely with ProRail, the Dutch railway infrastructure manager, supporting the testing, validation, and practical implementation of your research outcomes. The supervisory team consists of Prof. Rolf Dollevoet (promotor) and Dr. Zhen Yang (co-promotor).

Job requirements

We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• A master's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Mechanics, Computer Science or related areas.
• Demonstrated competencies in one or more of these categories: railway/bridge engineering, structural dynamics, vibration analysis, structural health monitoring, data science or related fields.
• Programming skills in one or more scientific computing environments, such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with academic researchers and industry partners.
• Excellent command of English, both verbal and in writing.

If your native language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0).

About the department

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure, and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Its Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations.

About TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional within an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions, and the faculty supports open science in research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, structured as two employment contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional 2.5-year contract assuming satisfactory progress and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work costs contribution, and flexible work schedules.

This is an EU funded project, named Europe’s Rail Flagship Project 3 - Holistic and Integrated Asset Management for Europe’s RAIL System (Phase 2), within the HORIZON-JU-ER programme.