PhD Studentship : EPSRC ICASE Studentship - Inside Infrastructure: Unlocking Hidden Structural Insights with Muon-Enhanced Digital Twins

In the field of infrastructure monitoring, current practices heavily rely on visual inspections that detect surface-level defects, which can miss underlying issues critical to structural integrity. In contrast, muon flux tomography (MFT) a game changing technology likened to an MRI for infrastructure can provide detailed internal imaging that enables a much deeper understanding of structural health. This ICASE studentship focuses on pioneering data fusion and processing techniques to integrate MFT data into a digital representation of the infrastructure asset suitable for Building Information Modelling (BIM). In collaboration with GScan, a leader in MFT technology, this EPSRC-funded PhD project will develop an advanced processing framework that enables accurate, high-resolution BIMs of reinforced concrete tunnel and bridge structures. By refining MFT data processing, improving spatial resolution, and optimising integration with BIM, this research will create a new tool for structural monitoring and predictive lifecycle management, enhancing infrastructure resilience and longevity.

We are seeking candidates with a strong background and academic track record in information engineering / computer science / ML. The successful applicant will have strong coding skills, a demonstrated ability to liaise with industry and an interest in future construction.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or Computer Science.

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Dr. Erika Parn (eap47@cam.ac.uk ) and Dr Brian Sheil (bbs24@cam.ac.uk).

EPSRC ICASE studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for students eligible for Home fees.

Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg, with Dr Brian Sheil  identified as the potential supervisor.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Advert information