Monitoring and modelling long-term performance of fibre-reinforced
bridges
Supervisors: Dr Stana Živanović
and
(s.zivanovic@warwick.ac.uk and
Dr Irwanda Laory
i.laory@warwick.ac.uk)
Structural application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials is one of the key
factors leading to technological innovations in aviation, chemical, offshore oil and gas, rail and
marine sectors. Motivated by such successes, FRP shapes and systems are increasingly used
in the construction sector, such as for bridges and small residential buildings. An obstacle to a
wider use of FRP materials in structural engineering is the current lack of knowledge about their
long-term static and dynamic performance.
We are in the process of designing an all-FRP bridge, to be built on the University of Warwick
campus within the research project entitled Characterising dynamic performance of fibre
reinforced polymer structures for resilience and sustainability. Within the advertised PhD
project, the aim is to develop methodologies for damage detection and identification of FRP
structures. It involves measurement system design, detailed instrumentation, monitoring and
analysis of the bridge’s performance over a few years period, with the focus on choice of
resilient instrumentation and optimum monitoring points to allow for effective identification and
modelling of bridge properties with time.
Aberfeldy bridge, longest FRP footbridge.
Preliminary design of a wireless monitoring system for the FRP bridge.
This project is an exciting opportunity for securing a MPhil/PhD scholarship (i.e. MPhil over 1
year leading to PhD over additional 3 years). You need to be a first class engineering graduate
(or a first class student in the final year of your UG course) with interests in structural
engineering, instrumentation and structural health monitoring. The opportunity is open to home
students; the scholarship will cover both living costs and fees. If interested, please email
your CV and a cover letter (explaining your interest in and suitability for the project) to
supervisors Dr Stana Zivanovic (S.Zivanovic@warwick.ac.uk) and Dr Irwanda laory
(I.Laory@warwick.ac.uk) as early as possible (deadline is at 5pm on 29 February 2016).
After receiving your application we will contact you to inform you about outcomes and/or any
further relevant information.