Fully Funded PhD Position: Modelling of Human Structure Interaction Effects for Vibration Serviceability Design

Project details
Traditional walking force models have provided a satisfactory vibration assessment since their early inception in British standards. However, in June 2000 the Millennium Bridge and other excessive-vibration problems came to light, indicating that modern, light-weight, low-frequency and lightly-damped structures have to be designed with new standards, grounded on a theoretical framework for human-structure interaction (HSI). Two prototype biomechanical models are currently used to study HSI: the single-degree-of-freedom (SDoF) system and the moving inverted pendulum model (IPM). This PhD project will systematically analyse the reliability of these two models to represent HSI effects. Large datasets from real-world lively footbridges excited by walking motions of multiple human test subjects will form the basis of the validation process. The selected candidate will have the unique opportunity to develop expertise in HSI along with a multi-disciplinary team, under the supervision of Dr Andre Jesus from the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering (SABCE), Dr Sam Allen and Dr Glen Blenkinsop from the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences (SSEHS) and external collaboration from the University of Warwick.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or related subject. The successful applicant will be highly motivated with a strong analytic and numerical background, solid computer programming skills (such as MATLAB or python), and knowledge of structural dynamics, in particular vibration phenomena. The ideal applicant will have an MEng/MSc and experience in one or more of the following topics: biomechanics, modelling of human-structure-interaction effects, signal processing, handling of large datasets, probabilistic or reliability analysis, and instrumentation of wearable sensors.

Fees and funding
The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of 19,237 GBP per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

How to apply
All applications should be made online and must include a completed application form, a two-page research proposal describing how you would approach the project and what methods you would use, and an up-to-date CV/resume. Under the school/department name, select Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering (Built Environment). Please quote advert reference ABCE-AJ-24 or your application may not be seen. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents, but please do not submit a personal statement. We will use these ABCE PhD studentship assessment criteria to make a decision on your application.

For further details please see here.

For any enquiries please contact Dr Andre Jesus on a.jesus@lboro.ac.uk.