Data-driven asset management of the UK footbridges

Pedestrian bridges, like any other structure, require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure their fitness for purpose. Despite the availability of various data-driven techniques for structural assessment, unlike large road and railway bridges, footbridges are almost never equipped with sensors to provide suitable data for performing this task based on a quantitative approach.

<p>As a result, there are currently no specific set of guidelines on how to use data-driven techniques for efficient asset management of footbridges. Such guidelines should take into account the load characteristics, i.e. predominantly walking and running pedestrians and/or wind excitation of the deck and cables, structural characteristics, in particular topology and material properties, and should be simple enough to apply during a regular bridge inspection. The proposed project will address this issue and fill a long-standing gap, developing new knowledge that could lead to more resilient and sustainable footbridge structures.</p> <p> </p> <p>The project will be supported by the UK industrial partners including Buro Happold, Jacobs, AECOM and WSP, while also being linked to the international professional body overseeing the bridge engineering practice (i.e. International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering - IABSE). It will involve experimental testing and numerical modelling, including the development of so-called digital twins of real structures. Due to its applied nature, the project is suitable for a candidate interested in solving an engineering problem with high industrial relevance.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Data-driven asset management of the UK footbridges with Dr Mateusz Bocian.<strong><span lang="PL" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/14587/dr-mateusz-bocian">https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/14587/dr-mateusz-bocian</a> </span></span></strong></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £19,237 academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided. </p>

<p>For further information please contact Dr Mateusz Bocian <a href="mailto:M.Bocian@leeds.ac.uk">M.Bocian@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>