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Original title in Czech: Konstrukce a dopravní stavbyFaculty: FCEAbbreviation: DPC-KAcad. year: 2023/2024
Type of study programme: Doctoral
Study programme code: P0732D260022
Degree awarded: Ph.D.
Language of instruction: Czech
Accreditation: 8.10.2019 - 8.10.2029
Mode of study
Full-time study
Standard study length
4 years
Programme supervisor
prof. Ing. Marcela Karmazínová, CSc.
Doctoral Board
Chairman :prof. Ing. Marcela Karmazínová, CSc.Councillor internal :prof. Ing. Zbyněk Keršner, CSc.doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.doc. Ing. Ivana Laníková, Ph.D.prof. Ing. Leonard Hobst, CSc.prof. Ing. Drahomír Novák, DrSc.prof. RNDr. Ing. Petr Štěpánek, CSc., dr. h. c.prof. Dr.techn. Ing. Michal Varausdoc. Ing. Otto Plášek, Ph.D.Councillor external :Ing. Mojmír Nejezchlebprof. Ing. Stanislav Vejvoda, CSc.
Fields of education
Study aims
The aim of the doctoral study program Structures and Traffic Structures is to provide excellent graduates with a specialized university degree and scientific training in selected current fields of study, particularly in the field of mechanics of load-bearing building structures, concrete, masonry, composite, metal, wood, geotechnics, building testing and diagnostics of load-bearing building structures as well as in the areas of road construction and railway structures and constructions. 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 load-bearing structures, engineering structures and transport structures, with the basic disciplines presented areas of mechanics of load-bearing structures of engineering and transport structures. . The scientific preparation in this study program is based on mastering the initial theoretical disciplines of the science-based basis 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 level and their publication in professional and scientific foreign and domestic journals as well as at scientific and professional conferences. During his / her studies, the student gains not only new theoretical knowledge, but also own experience from experimental activities and necessary practical knowledge also thanks to close cooperation with construction practice in the field of designing and designing and realization of load-bearing building structures as well as to a foreign university or research institution, or work placements at another professional workplace.
Graduate profile
Graduates of the doctoral study program Structural and Transport Engineering will be prepared for creative activities in the field of science, research, development and innovation, both individually and in teams at national and international level. During his / her doctoral program he / she acquires and acquires deep knowledge of theoretical and professional disciplines, acquires not only new theoretical knowledge but also new own experience and acquires the necessary habits for independent scientific research and creative activities in research and development. in addressing current scientific issues and issues arising from practice requirements. Upon successful completion of the highest level of university studies in the doctoral study program Construction and Traffic Structures, the graduate will be able to deepen the knowledge and level of knowledge in the field and successfully use knowledge and scientific approaches in solving theoretical and practical tasks. Scientific preparation is focused on the following basic specializations: Mechanics of load-bearing structures; Concrete and masonry structures; Metal, wood and composite structures; Geotechnics; Experimental technology and testing; Roads; Railway structures and constructions. Graduates can be employed mainly in research and development workplaces, in designing organizations, in state administration bodies, and the experience gained during their teaching experience within the doctoral study program can be applied also in education in the academic sphere or in other educational or research institutions. Completion of the doctoral study program is also a necessary precondition for possible further career and professional academic growth of the graduate.
Profession characteristics
Doctoral degree programs are primarily aimed at graduate employment in science and research, which is, among other things, anchored in the objectives of study, learning outcomes and graduate profile. This implies the employment of graduates especially in organizations, institutions and companies that are engaged in research and development activities. These are mainly research organizations whose main activity is research and development, but also construction practice entities, ie companies, where research and development is one of the part of the whole spectrum of activities in addition to commonly realized activities such as production and implementation. A number of implementing companies are currently creating support for their own research and development as they can strengthen their position, competitiveness and marketability in a highly competitive environment. In this regard, there is a growing demand for younger generation professionals with independent creative scientific work, knowledge and insight into new modern trends not only in their expertise but also in related expertise and activities such as PC modeling, simulation, experimental methods and procedures. Last but not least, the graduate has the opportunity to work in the academic sphere, which involves combining scientific research and educational activities. Graduates can thus find employment especially in research organizations and construction practice companies in the context of related development and innovation activities, in educational institutions, especially in the university sphere, which provides them with the possibility of further personal and career development and professional academic growth. Moreover, experience shows that graduates of doctoral study programs are very successful in organizations of the mentioned types not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad, which is also true for graduates in the field of Construction and Transport Structures. Completion of the doctoral study program gives graduates very good prerequisites for employment in, for example, design organizations or state administration in higher professional and managerial positions.
Fulfilment criteria
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.
Study plan creation
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.
Availability for the disabled
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.
What degree programme types may have preceded
The doctoral study program Construction and Traffic Structures is a follow-up to the follow-up Master's study program Civil Engineering, in particular the study field Construction and Traffic Structures, 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 - Structures and Traffic Constructions for this program.
Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program
The subject of this dissertation is the development of new algorithms for the design and analysis of prestressed, mainly membrane structures. The aim of the thesis is the development of algorithms for automated water and snow loading of structures, where advanced aspects such as ponding effects, spatial snow loading or snow sliding will be considered. The work will also focus on a computational tool development for the simulation of slip between cable and membrane elements. Another planned goal of the work is to collaborate on a mesostructure-based material model development and its parameter identification based on biaxial test records.
Tutor: Lang Rostislav, Ing., Ph.D.
The aim of the work is an analysis of long-term behavior of concrete structures (bridges, buildings, tanks, etc.). Specification of methods for monitoring, specification of statical calculations , comparison of measured and calculated values.
Tutor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
The topic is focused on the application of artificial intelligence methods such as artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, etc. for solving problems in the field of design and assessment of structures, such as optimization of materials and structures, damage detection, reliability of structures, etc.
Tutor: Lehký David, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
The topic is focused on the development of theory and understanding of the actual action of selected parts of steel or wooden structures or structures with combined materials. The aim of the topic is the analysis and subsequent description of the problems found in the field.
Tutor: Barnat Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
The Finite Element Limit Equilibrium Method is an interesting and modern alternative for evaluation of the external stability of various geotechnical structures. The stress state is determined via FEM. Limit equilibrium methods are then applied to determine the factor of safety and the position of the critical slip surface. It is therefore possible to take a full advantage of FEM (advanced material models, staging, coupled analyses) while controlling the area in which the critical shear surface is traced (e.g. quantifying the factor of safety separately for the upstream and downstream slope of the dam). The subject of the proposed thesis is a further development and refinement of the basic algorithm of the FELEM method. Development might be focused in the following areas: a) the progressive failure analysis using the two-way interaction with a FEM solver, b) development of methods for generating the trial slip surface, c) implementation of modern optimization techniques to find the critical slip surface and more.
Tutor: Chalmovský Juraj, Ing., Ph.D.
The dissertation is focused on development of simulation techniques for representation of physical processes in heterogeneous materials. The models are to be focused preferably on materials with irregular inner structure and at the same time, those that are relevant for civil engineering (concrete and similar composites). The processes to be modeled are fracture, transport phenomena and fatigue.
Tutor: Vořechovský Miroslav, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
In the context of the dynamic development of diagnostic methods and instrumentation for the diagnosis of reinforced concrete structures, the field of georadar technology was not left behind either. As part of the dissertation, new types of GPRs will be tested, using multi-frequency technologies (enabling data processing and presentation in the mode of so-called augmented reality, etc.) in the mode of tests and verification on real existing structures. The result should be an offer of hitherto unpublished and standardly unused possibilities of this technology.
Tutor: Anton Ondřej, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
or the assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures, an objective determination of their condition is essential. Standard methods often fail to detect faults within the structure. This work will focus on the detection of static failures in reinforced concrete elements using ultrasonic methods.
Tutor: Cikrle Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Current assessment of fatigue life of concrete structure uses reduction of applied stress in each member below certain limit. This approach does not consider degradation of mechanical properties caused by cyclic loading and its progressive micro-cracking.
Tutor: Seitl Stanislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Numerical and analytical modeling of fatigue in concrete and reinforced concrete
Topic of the Ph.D. track will cover development of discrete mesoscale models of concrete mechanical and coupled multi-physical behavior. These high-fidelity models will be homogenized to be used at continuous homogeneous scale solved by the finite element method. The machine learning will be employed to replace expensive computations of the mesoscale substructure.
Tutor: Eliáš Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
The dissertation is focused on the issues of real behavior, modeling, optimization, and design methods of structural elements and components made of steel and composite materials.
Tutor: Šmak Milan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Development of simulation and appximation methods for numerical analyses of problems featuring random variables. The bottom line is the development of advanced Monte Carlo strategies.
Development of prestressed roof structures for large spans including the rehabilitation of the original post-tensioned beams
Tutor: Klusáček Ladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the resistance of composite structural members/parts/systems combined of steel/timber and concrete/advanced materials on the base of cement/concrete with qualitatively better utility properties (load-carrying capacity, stiffness, fire resistance) and applying advanced technologies will mainly direct towards increasing their reliability and efficiency. Theoretical solutions will be arised from the analytical methods and numerical modelling, which will be verified by the experimental analysis.
Tutor: Karmazínová Marcela, prof. Ing., CSc.
The thesis will be focused on the determination of sealing ability of geomaterials. Attention should be focused on: methods for determining permeability and evaluation of tests, factors influencing the permeability of geomaterials, evaluation of individual methods/factors, laboratory testing of permeability of selected geomaterials, summary and analysis of obtained and published results.
Tutor: Boštík Jiří, Ing., Ph.D.
Téma je zaměřeno na experimentální výzkum procesu smršťování, dotvarování a vzniku trhlin betonů specifického složení, např. bezcementová pojiva, jemnozrnné materiály atp. Hlavním cílem je identifikovat hlavní faktory ovlivňující výše uvedené procesy a získat data pro upřesnění materiálových modelů využívaných v numerických simulacích. Téma navazuje na běžící projekt základního výzkumu financovaného Grantovou agenturou ČR.
Tutor: Kucharczyková Barbara, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
Student will develop numerical models for 3D printed concrete at different scales - from micro to macro. Mathematical homogenization will be employed to transfer information from the lower to the upper scale.
Stainless steel is a new type of building material that lacks long-term observations of structural degradation. Testing of stainless steel materials under different environmental conditions (temperatures) is key to reliable predictions of the behaviour of structural elements, such as bridges, in real operating conditions. With the advanced integrated computational-experimental research program, we aim to build on our experience in modelling stainless steel structures and contribute to a better and deeper understanding of the reliability of stainless steel structures
Random spatial fluctuation of material and geometrical parameters of structures modeled by random fields in computational models.
The dissertation is focused on the issues of real behaviour, reliability, modelling, optimisation and design methods for load-bearing structural members, parts and details made of steel and wood-based materials.
The aim of the work is to analyse mainly bridge structures supported by cables. Detailed description of theory, modelling, static and dynamic analysis. Among the sub-objectives of the thesis is the development and implementation of means for advanced monitoring of selected parameters of prestressed bridges with the aim of obtaining relevant data on their condition over a long time horizon using advanced diagnostic methods based mainly on operational modal analysis in effective combination with numerical computational simulations, experimental verification and long-term monitoring.
Tutor: Nečas Radim, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
The topic includes the development and application of new procedures in the field of data collection on transport structures and buildings, including their transport characteristics. The topic is focused on different modes of transport, road, rail, air, water, special or more modes at the same time. Orientation to transport relations, to the capacity and occupancy of specific transport routes, to the speed of transport or speed of travel or delay, to the occupancy of means of transport or to parking and parking of means of transport, or to tariff policy and other motivating factors is assumed. The topic assumes an orientation both on the methods of automatic data collection using detectors and on the use of advanced methods of mathematical analysis, including methods of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.
In the context of present-day demands, the contemporary building industry has been increasingly returning to classic structural materials, such as timber, both in its tradition form, and in the form of glued sandwich elements. The level and possibilities of the contemporary NDT for the diagnosis of timber structures do not correspond to the pace of the develpoment. The topic should focus on the experimental determination of the optimum combination of the existing methods and the development of new methods of the non-destructive testing of timber structure elements.
Tutor: Heřmánková Věra, Ing., Ph.D.
The topic includes the application and development of a method for evaluating the reliability and durability of railway structures using the so-called digital twin. The digital model of the structure, the so-called twin, will allow the simulation of the behaviour of the structure in different technical states in real time based on the measured response at the monitored points. A digital twin is a set of data and information systems that provide integrated handling of these data. It is a virtual image of the real construction that is predictively managed by IT tools. Thus, the digital twin enables the assessment of the condition and behaviour of the structure, or the prediction of the development of safety and reliability. The results of the work will be used in the management and effective planning of maintenance of railway structures. The digital twin will combine three different technologies, advanced simulation models of railway structures, selected artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, so-called "deep learning" as well as the use and development of modern monitoring systems using smart sensors and filtering techniques.
Construction objects near road infrastructure are exposed to a specific environment. One of the most significant factors that locally influence the aggressivity of the environment near the roads and enhance the degradation of surfaces of structural and non-structural objects is the carbonation, freeze-thaw cycles, and the deposition of chloride ions and their combinations. In Central Europe, the source of chloride ions in the de-icing agents used during the winter maintenance of roads is emitted into the air by passing traffic in the form of an aerosol or whirl-up dust. The thesis aims to describe and understand the effect of gaseous, liquid, and traffic-induced pollutants on the durability of selected concrete as well as to design and test a knowledge-based approach for assessing the deposition and diffusion processes of gaseous atmospheric pollutants and chlorides in concrete-based building structures.
Tutor: Kocáb Dalibor, Ing., Ph.D.
Possibilities of an efficient and reliable design of composite steel-concrete members and structures using high-strength materials (high-strength steel and high-performance concrete) with respect to geometric and material characteristics and to various loading modes.
Tutor: Štrba Michal, Ing., Ph.D.
The theme is focused on study of dynamic behaviour of railway lines. The theme includes railway superstructure and railway subbase. The topic involves experiment and simulation techniques. Within the simulations, an orientation to the Finite Element Method is assumed, and within the experiment to diagnostics with the use of stationary stations and measuring train sets. The theme also includes application of a suitable modern mathematical apparatus for the evaluation of the railway lines parameters including of artificial intelligence methods use. Part of the topic is the implementation of these procedures in the process of verification of new railway structures, including structures designed for higher operating speeds.
The theme of Ph.D. thesis includes the theoretical and experimental analysis of the limit states and actual behaviour of load-carrying members and components of steel structures. The analysis will be arised from the numerical modelling, which will be verified by the experiments.
Tutor: Pilgr Milan, Ing., Ph.D.
Doctoral dissertation will be focused on a laboratory study of behaviour of selected rocks under the influence of temperature. For this study, mainly the methods of petrology, rock mechanics and building testing will be used. Based on the acquired findings, the work will be extended by research of possible uses in the construction industry. In addition to direct heating of collected rock samples, the work can also be broaden by testing the products of young volcanic activity, which may provide further insights into the behaviour of rocks formed at very high temperatures.
Tutor: Krmíček Lukáš, prof. RNDr., Ph.D.
Student will focus on developement and applications of virtual element method. The method allows to use polygonal or polyhedral finite elements with arbitrary shape and number of nodes. The study will start with elastic behavior and later continue with inelastic material response. This topic is offered in collaboration with Institute of mathematics, we expect advanced mathematical knowledge of the applicants.
The aim of the work is to increase efficiency in the design of structures and buildings based on the Building Information Model, which is an input element for advanced simulations and analyzes. The results of the work will be used to optimize BIM technology in the national environment, which is currently implemented on a European scale and replaces existing procedures for designing structures in construction.
Tutor: Apeltauer Tomáš, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.
The goal of the work will be to find new methods of calibrating advanced behavioral models of people's movement using image analysis through deep neural networks. The student will focus on the analysis of new calibration parameters and their use for these model models through the processing of real video recordings of the movement of a large number of people in transport terminals or shopping centers.
The topic is focused on numerical modelling of basic structural details of load-bearing structures, especially of joints. The standardisation of the calculation of structural details using FEM will be included in the currently forthcoming standard EN 1993-1-14 Eurocode 3 - Design of steel structures - Part 1-14: Design assisted by finite element analysis. Stress concentrations realistically occur in the connections of steel structures and the elastic FEA calculation leads to a very conservative design compared to traditional standard procedures. In the design numerical model, the elastic-plastic behaviour of the material is usually adopted and the assessment of the individual parts of the details is limited by a limiting plastic strain of 5% for all types of structures. The aim of the dissertation is to analyse in detail the influence and safety of the limiting plastic strain for shell numerical models of a selected type of steel joints (e.g. thin-walled members or high-strength steel members) and to recommend parameters for numerical design models.
Tutor: Vild Martin, Ing., Ph.D.
Design of resilient and durable concrete structures with modern composite materials; hybrid reinforcement (steel - FRP reinforcement), design of local details, monitoring of structures. Realisation of experimental activities and theoretical analyses in connection with R&D projects.
Tutor: Girgle František, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
The topic is focused on probabilistic and semi-probabilistic approaches for design of concrete structures using nonlinear computational methods based on finite element method. It includes also development and application of response surface methods and sensitivity analysis methods.
Tutor: Novák Drahomír, prof. Ing., DrSc.
Development of methods for experimental analysis of the real stress response of joints of load-bearing structures of buildings. Processing of measurement data for the needs of detailed stress analysis and verification of related numerical models.
Tutor: Schmid Pavel, prof. Ing., Ph.D.
The topic is devoted to the creation of data and information models of linear structures, including methodologies for filling these models with data and the compilation of analyses for the assessment of the state of the structure within the life cycle. At the same time, the topic is also devoted to the issue of interaction and integration of BIM models into GIS, including the management of models in a 3D spatial database and their visualization.
The topic is focused on the development of rail wear on railway lines in small radius curves in relation to other parameters of the track design and geometric layout. The influence of parameters affecting the dynamic properties of the track structure, in particular bridges, tunnels and level crossings, will also be investigated.
Tutor: Plášek Otto, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
The goal of the work is to find methods of displaying realistic movement of people as a result of simulation in a highly realistic environment. The doctoral student will learn to work with advanced behavioral models of the movement of people and at the same time with the basic tools for creating a highly realistic virtual environment (Unreal Engine, Twinnotion, etc.) and will focus on researching methods of connecting them into a functional tool.
The topic is focused on probabilistic approaches for assessment of concrete structures using nonlinear computational methods based on finite element method. It includes also development and application of identification methods based on cracking and data-driven approaches.
The dissertation is focused on the issues of real behaviour reliability, modelling, optimisation and design methods of structural details of load-bearing structural members and parts made of steel and wood-based materials.
The topic includes the development and application of new procedures in the field of experimental analysis of building (railway) structures. Orientation to modern mathematical procedures in the field of time and frequency analysis in conjunction with artificial intelligence methods is assumed. Part of the topic is the implementation of these procedures in the process of verification of new railway structures, including structures designed for higher operating speeds.
The essence of the topic is the development of modern methods of monitoring and diagnostics of railway buildings and structures for the assessment of both the current condition and the evaluation of the effectiveness of maintenance work during the life cycle. The topic includes the development of a "smart" modular system for collecting selected data, the development and application of appropriate sensors, and a set of relevant methods and algorithms that will enable the acquisition of information on the condition of trainsets and railway lines and their components in real-time, transferring and storing this information in the developed information system for subsequent use for the needs of manufacturers, government, design, research, etc. The use of modern methods of measurement and analysis, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, is envisaged.
The theme is focused on study of dynamic behaviour of railway lines. The theme includes railway superstructure and railway subbase. The topic involves experiment and simulation techniques. Within the simulations, an orientation to the Finite Element Method is assumed, and within the experiment to diagnostics with the use of stationary stations and measuring train sets. The theme also includes application of a suitable modern mathematical apparatus for the evaluation of the railway lines parameters including of artificial intelligence methods use.