At AMADE (Analysis and Advanced Materials for Structural Design), we are a research group from the University of Girona (UdG) internationally recognised for our leadership in innovation and scientific excellence. We are dedicated to developing advanced solutions in strategic sectors such as aeronautical, automotive, and nautical transport, or the civil sector in structures, as well as in emerging areas such as sustainable hydrogen. Our team, ranked among the top 2% most cited worldwide by Stanford University, leads European projects and collaborates with prestigious global companies and institutions.
The retrofitting and strengthening of civil and building infrastructure significantly contribute to extending their service life and promoting global sustainability. This aligns with the principles of circular economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with raw material consumption. Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) have emerged as excellent materials for strengthening concrete structures due to their attractive combination of mechanical properties, ease of assembly and durability. However, the behaviour of flexural concrete elements strengthened with FRPs greatly depends on the bond performance between concrete, adhesive and FRP. Using the most common strengthening techniques, premature debonding of FRP usually takes place, resulting in a severe underutilization of the mechanical properties of the FRP.
We have developed an intensive work, from the experimental and numerical points of view, on the study of concrete structures strengthened and/or reinforced with FRP materials, mainly including bond and flexural behaviour, under quasi-static, sustained and fatigue loading conditions, under different temperature and humidity conditions and with different anchorage systems.
Based on the success of this previous work, we are expanding our efforts to include innovative strengthening techniques and materials that will improve the bond performance. This PhD thesis will focus on grooving methods such as the externally bonded reinforcement on grooves (EBROG) and in grooves (EBRIG). The aim of this PhD thesis is also to foster the use of more sustainable materials for these strengthening systems. In that sense, basalt-FRP will be explored as an alternative to Carbon-FRP. The effects of temperature on the bonding system will be evaluated through experimental programmes on both bond single-shear and flexural tests. Finally, recognizing that flexural debonding is noticeably influenced by the load distribution, which is not accurately represented by the typical four-point loading test, a study on elements subjected to distributed load is anticipated to better simulate real-world conditions.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a master’s in civil engineering, mechanical engineering or similar, specifically attracted to perform experimental and analytical tasks, who are interested in conducting their PhD in a dynamic and highly international frame.
We combine scientific and technological excellence to address the major challenges of modern engineering, contributing to the advancement of key industries and offering a stimulating environment for those seeking to be part of the cutting edge of applied research. Joining AMADE means being part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment where research translates into real impact. Furthermore, working at AMADE is not only a professional opportunity, but also being close to a stimulating environment with all our research lines in simulation and numerical modeling, manufacturing and experimental testing of composite materials, design of lightweight structures, 3D printing, cryogenic applications, sustainability of materials, among others.
Duration of the grant: 3 years
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