Early-Stage Researcher
(PhD student position)

Objectives

Externally reinforced structures are composite structures where the heterogeneity is due to the application of an external reinforcement to an existing structure in order to restore it or to increase its bearing load. The main objective of this ESR project is the analysis of the delamination of the external reinforcement in rectilinear and curved beams strengthened by thin Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) or Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composite.

The problem has a great relevance since external bonding of Fiber Reinforced Composites is nowadays a common practice in strengthening of existing structures in general and in restoring of stone and masonry arches in particular. Furthermore, among the different failure mechanisms of strengthened structures, the reinforcement debonding is probably the most important one to be investigated because of his typical brittle and catastrophic character.

A first goal of the project is to develop an analytical approximate solution for the interfacial stresses between the structure and the reinforcement, under different mechanical and thermal loading conditions. A second goal is the application of LEFM, FFM and its comparison with the numerical solution of the problem by means of the Cohesive Crack Model (CCM). A third goal is to understand the effect of cyclic loads by assessing the fatigue behavior of FRP-to-concrete joints. Cooperation with a research team testing large-size beams from an existing infrastructure undergoing different kinds of retrofitting is also expected.

Benefits

A full-time fixed-term contract is offered. Marie Curie ITNs provide competitive financial support to the ESR including: a competitive monthly living and mobility allowance and salary, coverage of the expenses related to the participation of the ESR in research and training activities (contribution to research-related costs, meetings, conference attendance, training actions, etc.). The recruited researchers will have a regular contract with the same rights and obligations as any other staff member of the institution.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must at the time of recruitment:

1. Be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. The four years start to count from the date when a researcher obtained the degree (e.g. Master’s degree) which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate.
2. Candidates could be of any nationality but have not resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
3. Have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

Selection process

Applicants are evaluated by a selection committee on the basis of past academic performance (grades) and background, scientific relevance and aptitude to research, and any other additional pertinent data submitted in the application (such as scientific publications, if any).

The candidates that pass the initial assessment of the applications will be invited for an interview with the selection committee, either in person at the campus, or via standard internet videoconference. Equal opportunities are ensured to all candidates throughout the evaluation process.

EURAXESS offer ID: 491918