Resilient and Sustainable Modular Steel Platform for Critical Components Exposed to Extreme Loadings (RESIST-2-EXTREMES)

Description

Climate change is unavoidable, but actions can be taken to avoid some of the extreme impacts that could occur. Further temperature increase is inevitable. Many people will experience climate change through its effects on water, and especially through floods and droughts. Warming of the atmosphere has increased the probability of flooding in different regions of the UK. As a result, society will have to adapt to the changing climate by adopting sustainable and resilient measures.

Flooding can devastate communities and have significant costs to the economy through business losses and lost working days as well as damage to properties and infrastructure. Adapting to increased risk of flooding from rivers and the sea is already underway. Building new flood defences and improving existing ones is ongoing. Many of the adaptations to increased flood risk from rivers and coastal surges are also required to deal with sea level rise. Furthermore, cost-effective measures for new and existing structures and infrastructure should be investigated especially in Liverpool City Region and coastal areas of the UK which are exposed to significant flood-risk.

The research project aims to analyse, re-design and perform experimental tests, both in the structural laboratory and in-situ, of steel modular frames that are being used as resilient structural systems. The methodology developed in the project, which combines experimental tests and numerical simulations, is finalized to demonstrate the efficacy of the resilient modular steel uplifting platform to resist natural multi-hazards, including flood, wind, earthquakes and landslides. Additionally, ‘off-site’ modular constructions may significantly reduce the amount of waste ordinarily produced on engineering sites, which may ensure the achievement of the final target by 2050 of net- zero carbon emissions with an intermediary goal of 50% reduction by 2025.

The project intends to provide the technical procedure to certify patented steel modular systems that may be utilized in areas with multiple environmental threats. Thus, the project builds on previous work with two relevant businesses (Flood Technology Group, https://floodtechnologygroup.com/ and Hadley Group, https://www.hadleygroup.com/) which have consolidated business experience in manufacturing modular steel framed systems that can be uplifted during floods. The methodology developed in the project focuses on a combination of laboratory (mechanical and environmental) tests and numerical simulations. The outcomes of the experimental tests will be utilized for calibration and validation of numerical models which are used for deriving digital twin replicas of newly developed flood resilient modular structural systems with lifting capabilities.

The laboratory tests will be carried out in the Structural Laboratory of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering where fatigue tests can be carried out along with component testing. Dynamic identification for the structural response of the modular steel frame will also be carried out. Additional tests will be carried out in the state-of-the-art facility Digital Innovation Factory under extreme loading conditions. Such tests will prove the efficiency of non-contact measurements, through the use of drones, to monitor the response of the modular steel platform during different stages.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Civil Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor [luigi.di-sarno@liverpool.ac.uk], those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the School PGR Office [soepgr@liverpool.ac.uk] or specific question on the SATURN CDT framework for PhD to saturn@manchester.ac.uk