PhD Studentship: Structural Performance of High Strength Steel Members and Connections

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Engineering
Location:  UK Other
Closing Date:  Thursday 15 February 2024
Reference:  ENG1718

Application details:

PhD start date: October or December 2024

PhD duration: 36 months

Application submission deadline: 15-February-2024

Project description:

Structural hollow sections are always an excellent choice for bridges, trusses frameworks, large span roofs, offshore platforms and many other structures, and tubular joints are indispensable parts of them. In the recent decades, cold-formed high strength steel (CFHSS) tubular members are increasingly used in various engineering applications owing to the exclusive amalgamation of favourable structural efficiency, constructional superiorities, and aesthetical appearances. Because of the advancements in metallurgical science and steel manufacturing technologies, CFHSS, with the yield strength greater than 460 MPa, is now progressively used in the construction industry. By duly realising the apparent increase of CFHSS in recent construction projects, majority of international codes have now extended the current design rules up to S460 grade. However, existing design rules are developed for mild steel tubular joints, which cannot be directly used for CFHSS joints.

In this project, CFHSS tubular members and joints made of S700 and higher steel grades will be experimentally and numerically investigated for their ultimate resistances under axial loads. Circular, square and rectangular hollow sections will be used as brace and chord members. Tests will be conducted on specimens under static loads. Test results will be used to meticulously develop finite element models of the investigated members and joints. Detailed numerical parametric studies will then be performed to analyse the influence of governing parameters on the static behaviour of these members and joints. The comprehensive database generated through experimental and numerical investigation will be used to assess the applicability of existing design rules given in international codes and guides. Finally, accurate and reliable design rules will be proposed. The challenges of welding for CFHSS will also be addressed in this project. The findings of this project will render robust, cost-effective, and sustainable applications of high strength steel members in various onshore and offshore structures.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a minimum of 2:1 undergraduate degree in Civil or Structural Engineering. IN addition, MSc or M.Eng. in Structural Engineering with distinction or merit would be appreciated. Students with experience in ABAQUS CAE are encouraged to apply. I am looking for an enthusiastic student with research research-oriented attitude. The UK students are strongly encouraged to apply for this call.

Funding:

This position is available for both the UK and international (including Europe) candidates. The competition for PhD scholarship is very competitive, and it can only be awarded to candidates with outstanding academic backgrounds. If awarded, the scholarship will cover full tuition fees and stipend. The current stipends are £18,110 and £13,503 per annum (tax-free) for the UK and international applicants, respectively. 

How to apply:

Applicants can express their interest by sharing their detailed and latest CV with Dr Madhup Pandey ([email protected] ).