Data-driven investigation of fire incidents in residential buildings with new construction techniques

Description

Supervisory team: Dr Martina Manes, Prof John Bridgeman, Dr Talal Fateh (Efectis)

Introduction:

Fully funded PhD studentship to a highly motivated UK student to start in October 2023.

The supervisory team composed of academic and industrial experts in data analysis, fire safety, testing and regulations will support the student’s development as a researcher, critical thinker and problem solver built on knowledge, real-world applications, planning, and effective communication.

Efectis, world-leading fire science company, will also offer an internship to support the development of professional skills and technical abilities in their fire testing laboratory.

Project summary:

The increase in major catastrophic fire incidents such as the Liverpool car park (2018), and Grenfell Tower (2017) opened questions on the resilience and performance of the buildings affected by fires. The paucity of data on new construction techniques and innovative materials appears to be a serious and pressing issue for authorities and communities, internationally.

The PhD project aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of fire incidents in residential buildings based on fire incident data focused on new construction techniques such as atria, claddings, sandwich panels and timber to evaluate the likelihood and consequences for occupants and properties.

The research will consist of a:

1. Comprehensive literature review

2. Identification of fire statistics in the UK and abroad with data on new construction techniques in residential buildings

3. Evaluation of the likelihood and consequences of building residential fires

4. Connections between current regulations and the fire statistical data trends.

Software programmes will be used for the data analysis considering international fire statistical datasets. The outputs will understand the fire performance of residential buildings, inform decision-makers and improve standards being adopted by fire brigades, authorities, and the fire safety community.

Opportunities:

- International fire safety research

- Interdisciplinary research environment with experts from academia and industry

- Participation in conferences and summer schools

- Application to Student Research Grants

- Teaching Assistance

- Internship at Efectis: experience in industrial projects and fire testing

Training:

- Liverpool Doctoral College training

- Attendance of taught modules relevant to the project

- Fire safety training in a fire testing 

Start Date: 1st October 2023

Further Details:

This PhD project is funded by The Faculty of Science & Engineering at The University of Liverpool and will start on 1st October 2023.

Successful candidates who meet the University of Liverpool eligibility criteria will be awarded a Faculty of Science & Engineering studentship for 3.5 years, covering UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend (e.g. £17,688 p.a. for 2022-23).

Faculty of Science & Engineering students benefit from bespoke graduate training and £5,000 for training, travel and conferences.

The Faculty of Science & Engineering is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience. Our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience. Students must complete a personal statement profoma and ensure this is included in their online application.

How to Apply:

All applicants must complete the personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/ym2ycne4. More information on the application process can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mwn5952t. When applying online, students should ensure they include the department name in the ‘Programme Applied For’ section of the online form, as well as the Faculty of Science & Engineering as the ‘studentship type’ in the finance section.

Application Web Address: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/