KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Building materials 

A major obstacle to implementation of new materials in road construction is the absence of reliable tools to quantify the influence of asphalt material design on its long-term performance, i.e. its ability to withstand traffic and environmental loads through design life. In particular, environmental loads (such as temperature, moisture, de-icing agents, etc.) may affect asphalt damage profoundly and need to be accounted for in asphalt layer performance prediction. Presently, there are, however, no accepted experimental and modelling tools for quantifying asphalts resistance to a combined action of environmental and mechanical loading.

The primary goal of this project is to address this gap by investigating experimentally and numerically asphalts performance under combined environmental and mechanical loads from a performance-oriented engineering perspective. The focus will be on fracture-related failures, such as asphalt fatigue cracking as well as raveling, aggregate loss due to adhesive/cohesive failures. The main intended outcome for the project is a set of improved experimental and modelling tools quantifying the asphalt performance at practical combinations of mechanical, thermal & moisture cycles. The models developed will also allow quantifying the influence of environmental loads on the expected asphalt layer service life.

The Swedish Transport Administration is funding the project for four years. The project will be performed jointly by KTH, The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) and PEAB.

What we offer

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

  • passed a degree at advanced level,
  • completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
  • in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

A suitable background for this position is a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Physics, Computational Mechanics or Civil Engineering (with a focus on mechanics).

Basic knowledge in solid mechanics, computational modelling and materials is required and a specialization in solids and structures, solid mechanics and/or composite materials is an asset. Experimental mechanics and numerical modelling (in particular, multi-physics simulations) skills are of a great advantage for this position. Previous experience with asphalt materials is a plus, though not a requirement. In addition to traditional academic merits, a relevant degree project, international experience, and language skills are regarded as advantageous qualifications.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

  • ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
  • ability to collaborate with others,
  • have a professional approach and
  • analyse and work with complex issues.

The candidate should be highly motivated for doing scientific research and should have well developed analytical and problem solving skills as well as an interest and curiosity for different types of computational and advanced experimental methods.

Target degree: Doctoral exam

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

  • CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  • Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
  • Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
  • Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about Processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Juni 2019
Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number A-2019-0318
Contact
  • Assoc. Prof. Denis Jelagin, Phone: +46 (0)8-790 8698, denis.jelagin@abe.kth.se
Published 21.Feb.2019
Last application date 21.Mar.2019 11:59 PM CET

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