PhD Position Advanced Numerical Analysis for Probabilistic Assessment

Develop fragility curves for masonry quay walls (earth-retaining structures) using advanced high-fidelity models to enhance urban safety and sustainability through informed intervention planning.

Job description

We are looking for a PhD candidate to work on advanced numerical analysis and improve the assessment of historical infrastructure, specifically masonry quay walls, which are a specific type of earth-retaining structure. This infrastructure plays a key dual role in many historic cities, especially in the Netherlands, serving both as functional infrastructure and as culturally significant assets. Originally designed as gravity retaining walls, quay walls are increasingly exposed to higher loads due to vehicle traffic on carriageways above their backfill. Additionally, many historical quay walls suffer from material degradation, particularly in timber foundations, making accurate assessment essential. However, traditional methods often result in conservative predictions, and the absence of standardised procedures for evaluating multi-wythe masonry walls adds to the complexity.

This PhD research is part of a research project linked to the Bridge and Quay walls (Bruggen en Kademuren) programme set up by the municipality of Amsterdam, whose broader scope focuses on the monitoring and assessing of quay walls and bridges across the city. The PhD project builds on high-fidelity numerical models recently developed, incorporating the interaction between quay wall structures and the surrounding soil. These models have been used to investigate different levels of simulation complexity and correlate results through behaviour factors. The PhD research will aim to expand these methods to enable rapid assessments of extensive networks of quay walls and support intervention planning by the city’s engineering office via probabilistic assessment.

The research will focus on addressing several technical challenges. These include accounting for dynamic traffic loads and repeated vehicle passages, determining load intensities that may trigger quay wall failure, and identifying monitored outputs that could predict collapse. The study will also involve establishing threshold values for displacements and deformation velocities to anticipate failure mechanisms. A typological approach will be followed to produce fragility curves and serve a probabilistic assessment of different quay wall types. Additionally, the project will investigate strengthening solutions and their numerical modelling to improve stability.

During the PhD research, you will work closely with a team of researchers who can support you in the development of the numerical model. Additionally, you will have frequent contact with other researchers and PhD fellows investigating other relevant aspects related to the quay walls, such as material characterization, dynamic experimental characterization, or monitoring. You will have the opportunity to attend regular meetings with stakeholders and engineers of the Amsterdam engineering office working within the framework of the Bridge and Quay Walls programme.

At TU Delft, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters international collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. If you are willing to leverage science and innovation to create societal impact, join us in shaping a sustainable future!

Job requirements

You excel in developing complex numerical models and analysing simulations, bringing strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues and project partners. With a solid foundation in structural engineering and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research, you are well-suited for this role. Specifically, you have:

• Education: An MSc in a relevant field, such as Civil, Structural Engineering or related areas, with knowledge of structural mechanics and soil mechanics. Familiarity with masonry mechanics is an advantage.
• Technical Skills: Experience with advanced finite element software and nonlinear analyses; familiarity with DIANA FEA is a plus. Strong numerical skills and proficiency in Python (preferred) and/or MATLAB for data analysis are required. Knowledge of probabilistic design and managing uncertainty is desirable but not mandatory.
• Language: Excellent command of English (see requirements for PhDs at TU Delft; Dutch proficiency is helpful but not essential. While some on-the-job learning is expected, a strong technical foundation is essential to succeed in this position.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following 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, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.