Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.
Councillor internal :
doc. Ing. Jiří Bydžovský, CSc.
prof. Ing. Marcela Fridrichová, CSc.
doc. RNDr. Pavel Rovnaník, Ph.D.
doc. Mgr. Ivo Kusák, Ph.D., MBA
prof. Ing. Rudolf Hela, CSc.
doc. Ing. Radomír Sokolář, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Nikol Žižková, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Pavel Schmid, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
Ing. Zdeněk Jeřábek, CSc.
Ing. Štěpán Bohuš, Ph.D.

The aim of the doctoral study program Physical and Building Materials Engineering is to provide outstanding graduates of the master's degree with specialized university education and scientific training in selected current areas of the field. The study is focused on complex scientific preparation, methodology of independent scientific work and on the development of knowledge in the field of the theory of building materials. and remediation of materials and structures, measuring and diagnostic methods, modeling of physical processes and tasks of building physics. The scientific preparation in this study program is based on mastering the initial theoretical disciplines of the natural science base and theoretical and scientific disciplines of the relevant focus.
The aim of the study is also the involvement of students in the preparation and solution of national and international scientific research projects, presentation of achieved results at national and international scientific and professional conferences and their publishing in professional and scientific foreign and domestic journals. During his / her studies, the student gains new theoretical knowledge, his / her own experience from the preparation, implementation and evaluation of experiments and necessary practical knowledge also thanks to close cooperation with construction practice and also through completion of at least one internship abroad at a cooperating foreign university or other research institute.

Graduates of the doctoral study program Physical and Buillding Materials Engineering are, after successful completion of the highest form of university study, professionally prepared and equipped for solving theoretical and practical tasks within the wide area of ​​production and testing of building materials. Based on the acquired knowledge, experience, skills and knowledge, it is ready for scientific and creative activities, both independently and in teams at national and international level. Thanks to the current trends in the field of building materials development and close cooperation of the branch with foreign universities, the graduate of the doctoral study program fulfills the prerequisites for further professional career and professional academic growth, even abroad. During his / her studies, the graduate practically acquires and acquires pedagogical abilities, which he / she can use during pedagogical-scientific activities at educational institutions dealing with the issue of building materials in the Czech Republic and thanks to acquired language knowledge also abroad.

Graduate of the PhD study program Physical and Building Materials Engineering is ready to apply in development, research, creative engineering solution of problems concerning: design of building materials, their development, innovations, standard and new progressive technologies of production, testing and verification of their properties ; optimal application of building materials in building structures; durability monitoring methods; building technical survey and diagnostic methods; the design of remediation procedures up to the issues of recycling of end-of-life materials.
Graduate gains knowledge in the field of theoretical knowledge of construction (microstructure of building materials, physical chemistry of building materials, durability and remediation of building materials, etc.), economic and ecological aspects of production technology, statistics, scientific work and also new own experience from preparation, realization and evaluation necessary experiments and necessary practical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on research and cooperation with practice in the field of new progressive materials and technologies, the use of secondary raw materials as alternative raw materials resources contributing to the development of environmentally friendly technologies while contributing to the reduction of input and production costs. Within the framework of the acquired skills, the graduate is able to solve complex construction-technical and managerial problems in the building materials industry or their application on construction sites of various character, is able to apply in top management and marketing in the field of construction. At the same time, the graduate is capable of independent scientific research and independent creative work in the field of research and development of new building materials.
The graduate has competence for wide application in the field of production technology of all kinds of building materials (eg mortars, ceramics, concrete, components, composite materials, polymers and other building materials). In practice and in research teams, it has a profound and systematic knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and methods. The graduate is able to manage demanding professional technical activities and bear responsibility for their quality and for professional management of individuals and groups. Its knowledge of foreign languages ​​in the area of ​​its expertise is a prerequisite for eventual work abroad. After fulfilling the length of practice and legal conditions, he can also be authorized by ČKAIT as a civil engineer in the field of Testing and Diagnostics of Buildings, Energy Auditing or in the field of Technological Equipment of Buildings. Ongoing active scientific activity is also a prerequisite not only to achieve the ability to communicate intelligently and convincingly own knowledge in the field to other members of the scientific community at international level and to the general public, but also to the possible employment of graduates as academic and scientific researchers of universities, research institutions and expert institutes with the possibility of career and professional growth.

Fulfillment of the subjects of the individual study plan, successful completion of the state doctoral examination, foreign experience, relevant creative activity and successful defense of the dissertation.

The rules and conditions for the creation of study plans of study programs carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT define:
Rules of BUT study programs (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/vnitrni-predpisy-a-dokumenty), which according to Article 1, paragraph 1, point:
c) defines the processes of creation, approval and changes of study program proposals before their submission for accreditation to the National Accreditation Office for Higher Education,
d) lays down the formal requirements for study programs and courses,
e) defines the obligations of study program and subject guarantors,
f) defines the standards of study programs at BUT,
g) defines the principles of quality assurance of study programs.
Study and Examination Regulations of the Brno University of Technology (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/international-details-and-documents)
Details of the conditions for study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT are governed by the Dean's Directive )
The PhD student studies according to an individual study plan, which is elaborated by the supervisor in cooperation with the PhD student. The individual study plan is binding for the doctoral student. It specifies all duties set in accordance with the BUT Study and Examination Regulations that a doctoral student must fulfill in order to successfully complete his / her studies.
During the first three semesters, the doctoral student consists of compulsory, compulsorily elective or at the same time, it is intensively engaged in its own study and analysis of knowledge in the field determined by the topic of the dissertation and continuous publication of the knowledge and results obtained in this way. In the following semesters, the doctoral student focuses more on research and development related to the topic of the dissertation, on the publication of the results of his / her creative work and on his / her own dissertation. By the end of the fifth semester, the doctoral student has passed the state doctoral examination. The doctoral student is also involved in pedagogical activities, which is a part of his scientific preparation.
The individual study plan includes scientific outputs in individual years:
- regular publishing activity (Juniorstav and similar),
- participation in scientific conferences at home and abroad,
- for defense of DZP it is necessary to publish - min. 2x Scopus or 1x WOS with impact factor.

At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, BUT, barrier-free access to all teaching rooms is currently provided. However, students must be physically fit to be qualified as a civil engineer. In practically oriented laboratory teaching, they must be able to operate measuring instruments and similar laboratory equipment independently without endangering themselves or their surroundings.
BUT provides support to students with specific needs, for details see Guideline 11/2017 (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/international-documents-and-documents/-d141841/uplne-zneni-smernice-c-11- 2017-p147550).
In order to promote equal access to higher education, BUT incorporates the Alfons Advisory Center, part of the BUT Institute of Lifelong Learning, to provide guidance and support services to applicants and students with specific educational needs. Specific educational needs include learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, chronic somatic illness, autistic spectrum disorders, impaired communication skills and mental illness (alfons.vutbr.cz/o-nas).
Students are provided with information concerning the accessibility of study programs with respect to the specific needs of the applicant, information about the architectural accessibility of individual faculties and university parts, about accommodation at the BUT dormitory, about the possibilities of adapting the admission procedure and adapting the study itself. Other services of the Center for Students with Special Educational Needs also include interpreting and rewriting services, or assistance services - guiding, spatial orientation, in order to enable these students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the same way as other students. This is done through the so-called adaptation of study, ie by appropriate adjustment of the study regime, which cannot be understood as a simplification of the content of study or relief of study obligations.

The doctoral study program Physical and Building Materials Engineering is a follow-up to the follow-up master's study program Civil Engineering, especially the study field Civil Engineering Material Engineering, respectively. as well as other fields of study and nursing master's degree programs. After accreditation of the follow-up master's study program Civil Engineering - Building Materials and Technologies for this program.

1. Development of a progressive wood element with higher biological resistance for diffusion-open structures

   The main content of the dissertation is experimental development of a modified wood element, which, with appropriate modification, will show higher useful parameters than the solid wood (stabilization of volume changes, strength parameters). To evaluate these parameters, experimental tests will be carried out to determine the biological resistance not only of the developed element, but also of traditional wood-based board materials. The effect of the selected modification on technological parameters, such as wetting of the surface and the bonding process, will also be monitored. The volumetric stability of the modified materials will also be assessed during long-term exposure to external exposures.

   Tutor: Vaněrek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Preparation and study of cements based on belitic clinkers with reduced CO2 production

   The environmental impact of the production of binders for the construction industry is unfortunately significant. It is therefore essential to look at binders with a lower negative impact on the planet. The development of new binders with a low carbon footprint may be the way forward. For the preparation of these binders, belitic clinkers appear to be advantageous. To understand the mechanisms of hydration and possibly carbonation of belite in heterogeneous systems, it is essential to know the behaviour of the pure phases. The aim of this work will be to prepare pure phases of belite and possibly other calcium silicate with low CaO content and to study their reactivity alone or within a clinker system.

   Tutor: Dvořák Karel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Study and modification of adhesives to increase utility parameters of bonded structural joints

   The student will deal with a comprehensive analysis of the adhesives´ properties, including their chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics in the context of use for glued structural joints. The study of these properties will primarily be focused on increasing the utilized parameters of the adhesives by modifying them, which will consist in filling them with particulate and fibrous fillers. The aim will be to identify the key factors influencing the quality of the resulting glued joint, especially by studying the filler/matrix interphase at the microscopic level. The interaction of different types of fillers with different surface treatments for proper dispersion in the polymer matrix will be monitored. For glued wood joints, improvements in their adhesion properties, mechanical strength and resistance to various environmental conditions (resistance to volume changes of wood and to elevated temperatures) will be expected with the use of modified adhesives.

   Tutor: Vaněrek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. round (applications submitted from 20.10.2023 to 15.12.2023)

1. Alternative binders for cement-bonded particleboards with regard to CO2 reduction

   The dissertation will verify the possibility of using alternative binders as partial or complete substitution of cement, with emphasis on the lower carbon footprint of alternative binders.

   Tutor: Bydžovský Jiří, doc. Ing., CSc.

2. Application of non-contact resonance method for automatic characterization of building elements and composites

   The non-contact resonance method is a technique that is often used to characterize materials, including structural composites. This method uses the properties of mechanical vibration and resonance of materials to obtain information about their internal structure, mechanical properties and quality. This work will focus on the characterization of material properties using acoustic methods. Measurements will be made with a non-contact microphone and then evaluated. Furthermore, a comparison of different types of microphones will be made, where analyses will be performed on representative samples with the need to correctly interpret the measurement results.

   Tutor: Topolář Libor, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

3. Definition of optimal conditions of brick body creation to improve its useful properties and reduce environmental and energy intensity.

   Calcareous (carbonate) brick clays are the predominant basic raw material for brick production. By finding the optimal firing conditions of brick clays (depending on their chemical and mineralogical composition) it is possible to achieve the maximum positive effect of fired body hydration, which can be manifested mainly by increasing in strength, sound reduction index, frost resistance and reducing its water permeability. It is also necessary to define the hydration conditions (time, temperature).

   Tutor: Sokolář Radomír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Development of superinsulating materials based on secondary raw materials

   The work will focus on the possibilities of using alternative (secondary and easily renewable) raw materials in the production of super-insulating materials and products (insulators with a thermal conductivity lower than 0.025 W/(m.K)). The work will be focused primarily on the development of new nanofillers for superinsulating materials, and on the issue of increasing the durability of these materials and other key properties after being built into the building structure.

   Tutor: Zach Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Radiative heat transfer in interiors of buildings

   The recent building thermal technology determines heat losses on the basis of thermal conduction through the envelopes of buildings. There is a possibility to generalize the procedure and to include the transfer of radiative and convective heat transfers. This represents a complex ab initio computation. The radiative and convective heat transfers may be coupled and a system of transcendent equations may be formed. Such a system may be solved e.g. by the Newton iterative method. The Ph.D. thesis should be aimed at creating a general procedure for such computations and applying it to a chosen room of a family house.

   Tutor: Ficker Tomáš, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

6. Silicate rehabilitation system of new generation reducing carbon footprint

   The main aim of the work is to develop a remediation system for silicate surfaces, composed of several unique materials. The aim is to use mixed cements and to replace natural raw materials with secondary ones. The reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere will also be achieved directly, by applying layers with a high specific surface area, to ensure targeted carbonation of silicates. One of the goals is to deeply realcalize the rehabilitated concrete. Aim is to create a new multifunctional adhesive bridge, which will, in addition to bonding the individual layers, create a CO2 impermeable barrier. Part of the system will also be a biogenic self-care component, supporting the sealing of silicate composite cracks.

   Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

7. Sol-gel Method Aplicationin the Preparation of Ceramic Thermal Insulation Materials.

   By the term "sol-gel" we understand a group of procedures for the preparation of oxide and related materials, the common features of which are homogenization of the starting components in the form of a colloidal solution, their conversion to sol and then to gel while maintaining their homogeneity. The aim of this work is to study the sol-gel method with emphasis on its application in the ceramic industry. Testing the potential of the method in the production of thermally insulating ceramic materials.

   Tutor: Nevřivová Lenka, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Study of innovative hot-pressed board elements from sorted municipal waste and hazardous waste

   The subject of the doctoral thesis will be the study of innovative hot-pressed board elements containing very high amounts of municipal waste and hazardous waste. The doctoral thesis will deal with the design and testing of the material mix and production technology while ensuring competitiveness with currently manufactured cladding and structural board/panel elements. The main focus of the work will be on the verification and determination of the effects ensuring high physical and mechanical parameters, low water absorption, low reaction to fire class or health safety and VOC release.

   Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

9. Study of the effect of hygrothermal modifications on the behaviour of wood-based composite materials

   The topic of the PhD study will deal with the possibilities of using hygrothermal modifications on wood-based board material (plywood, particleboard). The method and choice of the sub-parameters of hygrothermal modification plays an important role (choice of the appropriate temperature and time of its duration to ensure the plasticization of wood). The author will carry out research and experimental investigation in the field of thermal resistance of wood in order to be able to optimize the basic parameters of the modification process (wood moisture content, temperature level, pressing time). The adhesive of agglomerated materials is also influenced by the applied temperature, therefore the next part of the thesis will deal with the thermal resistance of selected types of adhesives intended for load-bearing glued timber structures.

   Tutor: Vaněrek Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

10. Study of the resistance of FRP composite reinforcements to selected aggressive influences

    The dissertation studies the issue of resistance of FRP composites when applied in various aggressive environments. The influence of different liquid environments on the properties of FRP composites will be monitored. FRP structural elements and FRP composite reinforcements will be tested. The effect of long-term exposure to the selected environment on the physical-mechanical properties of FRP composites will be monitored. Using modern imaging methods, the internal structure of FRP composites, especially the fiber-matrix interface, will be monitored.

    Tutor: Bodnárová Lenka, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. The monitoring behavior of building materials under mechanical loading by acoustic emission method

    Acoustic Emission Method is an unusual technique which describes only active defects or changes into structure arising as a consequence dangerous tension into structure. The method is appropriate to be used in homogenous structures as metal structures when cracks are highly active (generates sound). Its application in civil engineering is not so much used because building structures are inhomogeneous. Application the Matlab program to evaluate the results.

    Tutor: Pazdera Luboš, prof. Ing., CSc.

12. The monitoring behaviour of building materials based on silicates under mechanical loading by acoustic emission method

    The acoustic emission method is still significantly underestimated in the civil construction industry. It is a non-destructive method that only describes active defects or changes caused by introducing dangerous stresses into a structure. The technique is well developed for use in homogeneous metallic materials with highly active cracks and very well detectable. The application of the acoustic emission method in the construction industry is not so widely used. Therefore, there is scope for further development, especially in locating the damage occurring in the material during loading. The work will focus on all currently used and modern building materials.

    Tutor: Topolář Libor, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

13. The role mineralizers, fluxes and SCMs on properties of low-energy clinker

    Understanding the mechanisms of pre- and post-activation of low-energy clinker using a combination of fluxes, mineralizers and SCMs (supplementary cementitious materials) can lead to significant energy, primary resource savings and reduction of CO2 emissions associated with cement production. The aim will be: Pre-activation of clinker with fluxes and mineralizers to stabilize the reactive forms of belite and alite. Improved grindability of belite and determined role on the reactivity of aluminate and ferrite. Improvement of the initial strengths and durability of cements by SCMs post-activation.

    Tutor: Dvořák Karel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

14. The use of acoustic methods for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires

    The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires. The Impact-echo method and the acoustic emission method when loading the structure will be used to assess the condition.

    Tutor: Chobola Zdeněk, prof. RNDr., CSc.

15. The use of an external electric field to optimize the sensory and thermal characteristics of building materials

    The study and advancement of cement based and cementless composites with increased electrical conductivity has been a subject of interest mainly within last twenty years. These building materials are considered as dielectrics. Increasing the electrical conductivity can be achieved by admixing of a conductive substance (graphite, steel or carbon fibres, metal dust, carbon soot, carbon nanotubes etc.). Higher electrical conductivity presents new possibilities of applications. Such new materials exhibit higher sensitivity to non-destructive testing using impedance spectroscopy, may be heated using electrical current or could be used as electromagnetic smog shielding.

    Tutor: Kusák Ivo, doc. Mgr., Ph.D., MBA

16. Using methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy for nondestructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures

    Based on the study of nonlinear acoustic effects, new defectoscopic and diagnostic methods have been proposed, some of which are potentially also suitable for defectoscopy of building materials. There are a number of these methods. The aim of the work will be the selection of suitable methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy, construction of measuring devices and experimental verification of their usability for non-destructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures.

    Tutor: Matysík Michal, Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 04.04.2023 to 31.07.2023)

1. Application of computer tomography in acoustic testing of building materials

   Acoustic tomography is a method that makes possible to localize inhomogeneities in a medium under investigation. The objective of the study consists in calculating cavities in materials by means of acoustic tomography methods and determining the resolution power of these methods.

   Tutor: Martinek Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

2. Methods of measuring moisture in construction materials

   Study of the spread of moisture in building structures, description of the spread of liquid phase and water vapor through the pore system of structures under different boundary conditions, experimental verification of the humidity state by measurement. As part of the course, the student will become familiar with modern methods of describing both the environment for environmental sulphurisation, as well as the boundary conditions valid for long-term measurements, especially on the electrical principle.

   Tutor: Šťastník Stanislav, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.

3. Novel admixtures designed for alkali-activated materials

   The aim of the topic of the dissertation is the development of noval organic additives for alkali-activated materials. Existing admixtures used in concrete have either no or little effect on the technological properties of alkali-activated materials. Following the application of new technologies, such as 3D printing, and for a wider use of these materials in practice, it is necessary to develop new modifying admixtures. The main part of the work will be devoted to the influence of admixtures on the rheological properties of fresh pastes and the study of the principle of their action. Furthermore, the influence on the microstructure of the binder and the mechanical properties will be determined.

   Tutor: Rovnaník Pavel, doc. RNDr., Ph.D.

4. Problems reusing waste thermal insulation in building constructions

   The work is a contribution in the field of sustainable development in construction and is specifically focused on research into the use of recycled waste plastics, for use in building elements, such as ceramic fittings. The scope of work is the study of properties and processing of recycled waste and optimization of their useful properties for use in building elements.

   Tutor: Šťastník Stanislav, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.

5. Radiative heat transfer in interiors of buildings

   The recent building thermal technology determines heat losses on the basis of thermal conduction through the envelopes of buildings. There is a possibility to generalize the procedure and to include the transfer of radiative and convective heat transfers. This represents a complex ab initio computation. The radiative and convective heat transfers may be coupled and a system of transcendent equations may be formed. Such a system may be solved e.g. by the Newton iterative method. The Ph.D. thesis should be aimed at creating a general procedure for such computations and applying it to a chosen room of a family house.

   Tutor: Ficker Tomáš, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

6. Silicate rehabilitation system of new generation reducing carbon footprint

   The main aim of the work is to develop a remediation system for silicate surfaces, composed of several unique materials. The aim is to use mixed cements and to replace natural raw materials with secondary ones. The reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere will also be achieved directly, by applying layers with a high specific surface area, to ensure targeted carbonation of silicates. One of the goals is to deeply realcalize the rehabilitated concrete. Aim is to create a new multifunctional adhesive bridge, which will, in addition to bonding the individual layers, create a CO2 impermeable barrier. Part of the system will also be a biogenic self-care component, supporting the sealing of silicate composite cracks.

   Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

7. Surface treatment of building objects from renewable sources

   Materials from renewable sources and technologies are already able to compete with commonly used building materials and thus eliminate the negative impact of the construction sector on the environment. Effective technologies using renewable sources of raw materials represent an improvement in the quality of construction in the context of sustainable development. The PhD thesis will deal with the research and development of new types of surface treatment of building objects, the production of which will be based on renewable sources as much as possible. The thesis will not only be about testing the materials themselves, but mainly about the design and verification of a comprehensive solution for surface treatments in order to reduce the negative ecological aspect of the construction and reconstruction of buildings.

   Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

8. The study of the thermal insulation properties the thin air layers with reflective surfaces

   Study the properties of thermal insulation on basis termal-reflective foils and their use in construction, passive and energy-saving houses, production halls, sports facilities etc. The subject is the study of transport phenomena of heat insulators, physical properties and comparing with conventional insulators. Theme includes validation of design methods installation thermal insulation in buildings.

   Tutor: Šťastník Stanislav, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.

9. The use of acoustic methods for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires

   The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires. The Impact-echo method and the acoustic emission method when loading the structure will be used to assess the condition.

   Tutor: Chobola Zdeněk, prof. RNDr., CSc.

10. The use of an external electric field to optimize the sensory and thermal characteristics of building materials

    The study and advancement of cement based and cementless composites with increased electrical conductivity has been a subject of interest mainly within last twenty years. These building materials are considered as dielectrics. Increasing the electrical conductivity can be achieved by admixing of a conductive substance (graphite, steel or carbon fibres, metal dust, carbon soot, carbon nanotubes etc.). Higher electrical conductivity presents new possibilities of applications. Such new materials exhibit higher sensitivity to non-destructive testing using impedance spectroscopy, may be heated using electrical current or could be used as electromagnetic smog shielding.

    Tutor: Kusák Ivo, doc. Mgr., Ph.D., MBA

11. Using methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy for nondestructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures

    Based on the study of nonlinear acoustic effects, new defectoscopic and diagnostic methods have been proposed, some of which are potentially also suitable for defectoscopy of building materials. There are a number of these methods. The aim of the work will be the selection of suitable methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy, construction of measuring devices and experimental verification of their usability for non-destructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures.

    Tutor: Matysík Michal, Ing., Ph.D.