PhD Studentship - Disproportionate Collapse Resistance of Timber-Steel Hybrid Buildings

The project:

The commitment of numerous countries to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 has reignited interest in timber as a building material. A global race to construct taller timber buildings (e.g., the Mjosa Tower) has demonstrated the potential of timber in modern construction. Most of these buildings adopt hybrid forms of construction, combining timber with conventional materials such as concrete and steel to optimise material and structural efficiency.

While buildings are typically designed to meet serviceability and ultimate limit state criteria, they must also be robust enough to withstand accidental loadings such as explosions, fires, natural disasters, human errors (like construction deficiencies), and multi-hazard scenarios. A disproportionate collapse occurs when a localised failure, such as the loss of a column or a wall, triggers a chain reaction of damage that is much greater than the original cause, such as the collapse of structural bays. Current design guidelines for resisting disproportionate collapse in timber buildings are largely based on existing research for concrete and steel structures, without fully accounting for the unique properties of timber, a lightweight yet brittle material whose mechanical properties are significantly influenced by dynamic effects.

This project aims to investigate the collapse resistance of timber-steel hybrid frame buildings with innovative connections, focusing on the ductility, rotational capacity, strength, and stiffness of these connections, as well as the membrane action of floors and dynamic effects. The project will include both experimental and numerical work. Experiments will vary from small-scale testing of timber-steel hybrid connections to large-scale testing of timber-steel hybrid frame sub-assemblies. The project seeks to inform current design guidelines on the design against disproportionate collapse and to support engineers in developing high-fidelity and efficient numerical models for timber-steel hybrid buildings. The project will offer opportunities for collaboration with an established network of academic and industrial partners.

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science/civil/mechanical/architectural engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree.

Applicants should have:

• Strong interest in both experimental and numerical work
• Capacity to work independently and be keen to conduct high-quality research
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
• Interest in working with industrial partners

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made via the ‘Apply’ button above. Please select Civil Engineering on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Funding: Competitive funding 

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact Dr Eleni Toumpanaki, eleni.toumpanaki@bristol.ac.uk

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk

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