PhD-Resilience Evaluation of Transport Infrastructure in an Uncertain Climate Future
PhD @Loughborough University posted 9 hours agoJob Description
Transport infrastructure is vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, which leads to more intense and frequent extreme events. For instance, UK infrastructure is increasingly susceptible to flooding, which can cause asset degradation and failures. Additionally, transport infrastructure networks are challenged by a growing number of interdependencies, driven by technological advancements, with other types of networks. For example, a power network failure caused by flooding can disrupt traffic signals, road lighting, and electric vehicle charging stations. Despite the increasing complexity of these interdependencies and the uncertainties of climate change, current approaches to resilience evaluation lack a holistic perspective, focusing on isolated networks and current weather conditions.
This PhD aims to develop and implement a comprehensive framework for evaluating the resilience of transport infrastructure, addressing failure propagation through interconnected networks under various climate scenarios.
The PhD will focus on:
- Modelling transport infrastructure networks along with interdependencies with other networks. A “network of networks” approach will be developed, using advanced network science techniques to capture interdependencies and failure propagation.
- Defining resilience evaluation metrics. Existing metrics, such as robustness, redundancy, resourcefulness, and rapidity, will be assessed and tailored to account for interdependencies with other networks and the socioeconomic impacts of failure, including the effects on vulnerable social groups.
- Validating the framework with real-world case studies. The framework will be tested across diverse geographic and climatic contexts to ensure robustness and practical applicability.
The outcomes of this PhD project will provide engineers, planners, and policymakers with a holistic understanding of transport infrastructure resilience. This knowledge will enable the development and application of data-driven, adaptive infrastructure management and planning approaches. Consequently, this research will contribute to safer, more sustainable, and more reliable transport systems.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor:Â Â Dr Georgios Hadjidemetriou
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience is desirable.
The ideal candidate will have system/network science knowledge and excellent coding skills.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024-25 entry
UK fee
£4,786 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£27,500 Full-time degree per annum
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
£5,006 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025.Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications must be made online and must include a completed studentship application form (instead of a personal statement) and a two-page research proposal based on the project description outlining how you would approach the project and what methods you would use. Under programme name, please select ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’. Please quote reference number ABCE-GH2-25.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents including an up-to-date CV, but a personal statement is not required.
ABCE will use these selection criteria to make a decision on your application.
