Skip to main content

This job has expired

PhD Position, Department of Structural Engineering

Employer
NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - NTNU
Location
Gløshaugen, Norway
Closing date
28 Jan 2020

View more

Academic Discipline
Engineering & Technology, Civil Engineering
Job Type
Academic Posts, Postdocs
Contract Type
Temporary
Hours
Full Time

Timber Engineering - Development of Structural Concepts and Connections With Enhanced Properties for Multi-storey Timber Buildings

About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate within the timber structures’ group at the Department of Structural Engineering.

Over the last years, the demand for multi-storey timber buildings has been constantly on the rise due to the increasing rate of urbanization and the environmental friendliness of wood. At present, two structural systems are widely used for multi-storey timber buildings. The first concept is based on the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) elements as walls and floors, typically connected to each other and the foundation by use of screws and steel brackets. The second concept is based on the use of massive Glued-Laminated Timber (glulam) truss elements connected with multiple slotted-in steel plates and dowels.

The design of multi-storey timber buildings is usually governed by the fulfilment of serviceability requirements such as the restriction of wind-induced horizontal accelerations and deflections and human-induced vibrations within acceptable limits. The fulfilment of these requirements is largely dependent on the overall stiffness of the building which, in turn, depends on the stiffness of connections. In earthquake prone regions, the resistance of timber buildings to seismic loading may also govern the design. Wood is a brittle material when subjected to cyclic loading, and as such it cannot dissipate the seismic energy. Therefore, seismic energy dissipation has to take place in the connections and therefore their ductility is also an important property. In, conclusion, connections in multi-storey timber buildings are critical for their overall performance. The scope of this Ph.D. project is the development of structural concepts and connections with enhanced mechanical properties for multi-storey timber buildings. Emphasis will be given on CLT buildings.

The timber structures group at NTNU has a great development over the last years. The research interests of the group are focused on the development of structural concepts for mid-rise timber buildings and timber bridges with long spans, development of high-performance connections based on threaded rods, dynamic testing of timber components and investigation of fracture and high-cycle fatigue. The research methods are mainly based on small-scale and full-scale experimental testing and on Finite Element Modelling.

The position reports to Associate Professor Haris Stamatopoulos.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • review of existing structural concepts for multi-storey timber buildings with emphasis on their connections.
  • feasibility studies and determination of the stiffness and ductility requirements for the connections by use of parametric Finite Element analyses (linear, modal and non-linear). Emphasis will be given to serviceability requirements and seismic loading.
  • optimization of the structural layout for multi-storey timber buildings.
  • development of concepts for connections with enhanced mechanical properties, including the use of threaded rods.
  • experimental testing of the proposed concepts for connections.
  • the Ph.D. candidate shall publish the research outcomes in internationally recognized journals.

Qualification requirements

PhD candidate:
The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Strictural Engineering or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, postdoctor and research assistant

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Other qualifications

  • suitable background (M.Sc. degree or equivalent) within structural engineering, timber engineering and structural dynamics.
  • knowledge of Finite Element software (SAP, Abaqus or similar)
  • knowledge of European standards for the design of buildings (Eurocodes)
  • very good written and oral English
  • programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python or similar).
  • basic knowledge on seismic design of structures is an advantage.

Personal characteristics

  • be highly motivated and diligent.
  • be able to take initiatives and work independently, but also as part of a group.
  • have good communication skills in scientific writing and oral presentations.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years (but also a 4 years period with 25 % of the time allocated to teaching assistance/tutoring may be considered). Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Structural Engineering https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phkonstr

The Ph.D. project will start on August 2020. The Ph.D. position holder will be required to work in Trondheim, together with the rest of the timber structures group. A statement on when the applicant can start in the position if selected, should be supplied.

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criterias in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent, NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life (http://trondheim.com/). Having a population of 200 000, Trondheim is a small city by international standards with low crime rates and little pollution. It also has easy access to a beautiful countryside with mountains and a dramatic coastline.

For questions about the position please contact Associate Professor Haris Stamatopoulos. E-mail: haris.stamatopoulos@ntnu.no

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI): http://www.chsi.com.cn/en/).

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number SO-IV 22/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 28.01.20

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Structural Engineering

We teach mechanical engineering, engineering and ICT, and civil and environmental engineering. The Department conducts internationally leading research and participates in several large national research projects. The Department of Structural Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 28th January 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gløshaugen

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert