The CONSTRUCT Laboratory at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), EPFL, led by Prof. David Ruggiero, is seeking two highly motivated PhD candidates to join a newly funded Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project: “Multiscale Modelling of Cracked Reinforced Concrete: From Aggregate Interlock to Structural Assessment”. The positions are expected to start in early 2027 (or upon agreement).
The PhD research will focus on the development of a new framework for the mechanics-based assessment of cracked reinforced concrete structures, enabling engineers to directly incorporate observed crack behaviour (shape, width, slip) into structural analysis and evaluation. The project combines experimental testing, advanced sensing, and multiscale modelling, spanning from crack-scale behaviour to full structural systems.
Research activities include:
- Investigation of crack behaviour in concrete under complex loading conditions
- Development of path-dependent constitutive models for crack interface mechanics (aggregate interlock)
- Large-scale testing of reinforced concrete elements (panels, beams, walls)
- Development of analytical and numerical models for crack-based structural assessment
- Integration of experimental data into practical engineering tools and simplified models
The successful candidates will join the Concrete Behaviour and Structural Design Laboratory (CONSTRUCT), which focuses on the mechanics of reinforced concrete structures, with particular emphasis on:
- Experimental investigation of reinforced concrete behaviour
- Development of mechanics-based models for structural response
- Integration of research into engineering practice and design methods
- Sustainable design and assessment of buildings and infrastructure
The lab offers access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including large-scale structural testing systems (e.g., Panel Element Tester) and advanced instrumentation (e.g., Digital Image Correlation and Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing), as well as strong links to international collaborators and industry partners.
