PhD Studentship - Enhancing Fire Robustness of Steel-framed Buildings Using Innovative Ductile Connections

The project:

Fire presents a critical hazard throughout the life cycle of structures, with regulatory requirements mandating that buildings maintain structural stability and integrity during fire events. In the UK, over 80% of existing buildings were designed prior to the introduction of fire design codes, yet they are expected to remain in use for decades. Retrofitting and strengthening these ageing structures to meet evolving safety and sustainability standards is essential for achieving the UK’s goals of resilient infrastructure and net-zero carbon emissions.

The behaviour of connections under fire conditions is particularly crucial, as failures in connections can lead to catastrophic disproportionate collapse, as evidenced by incidents such as the collapse of the World Trade Centre and the Plasco Building. Therefore, developing practical and efficient strategies to enhance steel connection performance in fire scenarios is vital for improving the resilience of both new and rehabilitated steel-framed structures.

The overarching aim of this project is to enhance the fire robustness of steel-framed structures through the design and evaluation of improved ductile connections that meet structural fire robustness requirements. The project will establish a comprehensive set of benchmark structural fire performance data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ductile connections in enhancing the fire robustness of steel-framed buildings. Additionally, it will develop design guidance and reliability assessment tools to facilitate the application of these novel connections.

Advanced computational modelling, coupled with sophisticated experimental techniques, will be employed in this project to ensure that this study is conducted in great depth. This research will not only significantly contribute to the academic field of fire engineering but also have a profound impact on industry practices, meeting the growing demand for resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure.

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

For eligibility and residence requirements please check the UKRI UK Research and Innovation website

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact:

Dr Xiang Yun, xiang.yun@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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