PhD Studentship: Progressive Collapse Analysis of Steel Structures

The total UK consumption of constructional steel in 2021 rose by 16.9% to 803,000 tonnes. Progressive collapse, a catastrophic event with devastating consequences for human life, economic stability, and societal well-being, has been highlighted in several incidents, including the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers in 2021. The rotational capacity of Steel connections is crucial for ensuring the resilience of Steel Structures against Progressive Collapse. However, for most steel connections, their rotational capacity remains analytically undetermined, which may lead to the inaccurate estimation of the resistance of structures to Progressive Collapse. Our project aims to enhance the quantification of the role of connections in the Progressive Collapse resistance of Steel Structures through a combination of analytical and numerical investigations. Analytical models will be developed to characterize the moment-rotation curves of various steel connections, taking into account their rotation capacity, material type, and configuration. These curves will then be incorporated into finite element simulations to conduct reliability analyses and assess the resilience of Steel frames under different connection scenarios. Additionally, these simulations will explore the influence of connection failure modes on load redistribution. The outcomes of this research are expected to significantly enhance the understanding of the role of connections in the Progressive Collapseof Steel Structures. The research will provide comprehensive guidelines for designing connections to optimize Progressive Collapse resistance. The project will also improve design standards and building codes for Progressive Collapse prevention in Steel Structures. This project is one of five PhDs in Resilient Infrastructure. The successful candidate will be part of a growing community of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and academics who are extending the boundaries of knowledge and delivering transformative solutions to real-world problems. The other projects in Resilient Infrastructure are: Performance-based optimization of novel lightweight steel frame systems for resilient modular constructions Climate change-resilient geotechnical infrastructure Assessment of moisture-induced damage effects in timber buildings Impact of recycling and coating on nanoplastic emission from textile products Additional Funding Information Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures. The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering's studentship competition offers the chance for UK and International applicants who are interested in undertaking a PhD to have their full-time studies paid for. The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum (2023/24 rate) for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees. Studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to advertised projects starting with the reference 'ABCE24'.