PhD student Structural Mechanics: Dynamic system identification and digital twins for underground infrastructure monitoring
24 Jan 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
KU LEUVEN- Department
Structural Mechanics- Research Field
Engineering » Civil engineering- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Application Deadline
15 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)- Country
Belgium- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme- Reference Number
BAP-2026-72- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
This project investigates vibration-based methods for monitoring the structural health of deep underground tunnels throughout their lifetime. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on dynamic system identification and digital twins has demonstrated significant advantages when applied to bridges, wind turbines, and high-rise buildings. Variations in dynamic characteristics - such as eigenfrequencies, mode shapes, and modal damping ratios - can indicate structural changes or damage. Along these lines, this project develops SHM methods for deep tunnels, with the HADES Underground Research Laboratory (URL) serving as the primary case study.
The monitoring strategy combines in situ vibration measurements with advanced numerical simulations. Deep underground structures are strongly influenced by complex dynamic soil–structure interactions. Vibration-based monitoring captures the coupled response of the tunnel and surrounding soil. Conventional techniques—such as visual inspection, strain gauges, and convergence measurements—often fail to detect distributed or deep-seated defects, require manual access, and offer limited spatial and temporal resolution. These methods also lack the sensitivity to detect early changes in global structural behavior. In contrast, wave-based techniques offer a complementary and more responsive alternative, though their application to tunnel–soil systems remains under-explored.
Coupled numerical models of the tunnel and surrounding soil will be developed, combining finite element with boundary element and perfectly matched layer formulations. These models will be used to compute modal characteristics, as well as dispersion and attenuation curves of guided waves along the tunnel. The models will simulate various environmental and damage scenarios, such as thermal loading and local changes in soil properties, and be used for parametric and sensitivity studies.
Forced and ambient vibration experiments will be conducted in the HADES URL to validate the models. Hammer impact tests will identify dispersion and attenuation curves and mode shapes, while long-term ambient monitoring will capture operational vibration patterns due to anthropogenic and natural excitation. The models will help interpret how different damage scenarios affect the ambient vibration signature. Both black-box and white-box damage identification algorithms will be assessed.
The resulting digital twin will serve as the foundation for a permanent SHM system for the galleries in the HADES URL. The developed methodology will also be applicable to future underground infrastructures such as geological disposal facilities, the Einstein Telescope and railway tunnels.
We are looking for a PhD student holding a MSc degree in Civil or Computational Engineering, obtained not earlier than 2023, and having a solid background in one or more of the following subjects: structural dynamics, dynamic-soil structure interaction, computational mechanics, and structural health monitoring.
Transfer of knowledge towards countries that did not sign the non-proliferation treaty or of which the immaculate reputation regarding peaceful applications of radioactivity, scientific integrity or respect of economic rules is questioned in an international context, is conflicting with SCK CEN’s interests and values. Therefore, we will not consider candidatures from citizens originating from those countries.
Interested candidates should be motivated to complete a PhD within four years, starting as soon as possible (preferably no later than 1 October 2026).
The PhD student will enroll at KU Leuven and be affiliated part-time to KU Leuven and to SCK CEN.
We offer a competitive PhD grant of about 2485 EUR per month net, depending on your marital status.
More information on becoming a PhD student at KU Leuven and living in Leuven can be found at www.kuleuven.be/phd , set.kuleuven.be/phd (Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School) and www.kuleuven.be . Depending on their background (MSc diploma, research experience), students may first need to pass a pre-doctoral test, e.g. selected courses (12 ECTS) and research work with presentation (3 ECTS), prior to being allowed to the PhD program.
Interested students are invited to submit their application file online (in a single pdf file) before 15 March 2026, containing the following information: (1) motivation letter; (2) curriculum vitae (including date of birth, hobbies, interests, engagement as a student,…); (3) list of publications (please do not add copies of these publications); (4) transcript of records (BSc and MSc degrees); (5) copy of diplomas (BSc and MSc degrees); (6) proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL or IETLS certificate or equivalent proof); and (7) contact details of three persons who can provide a reference on our request (so please do not include reference letters, only provide contact details).
We request a TOEFL ibt total score of 94, with no section scores below 22, or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with no band scores below 6.5.
Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a Skype interview with the supervisors and mentors.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview with a jury of experts from SCK CEN and ONDRAF/NIRAS.
The deadline of 15 March 2026 might be extended if required.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Geert Degrande, mail: geert.degrande@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Stijn François, mail: stijn.francois@kuleuven.be .
Where to apply
- Website
- https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60614048?hl=en
Requirements
- Research Field
- Engineering
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
- Research Field
- Engineering » Civil engineering
- Years of Research Experience
- None
Additional Information
Benefits
Interested candidates should be motivated to complete a PhD within four years, starting as soon as possible (preferably no later than 1 October 2026).
The PhD student will enroll at KU Leuven and be affiliated part-time to KU Leuven and to SCK CEN.
We offer a competitive PhD grant of about 2485 EUR per month net, depending on your marital status.
More information on becoming a PhD student at KU Leuven and living in Leuven can be found at www.kuleuven.be/phd , set.kuleuven.be/phd (Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School) and www.kuleuven.be . Depending on their background (MSc diploma, research experience), students may first need to pass a pre-doctoral test, e.g. selected courses (12 ECTS) and research work with presentation (3 ECTS), prior to being allowed to the PhD program.
Eligibility criteria
We are looking for a PhD student holding a MSc degree in Civil or Computational Engineering, obtained not earlier than 2023, and having a solid background in one or more of the following subjects: structural dynamics, dynamic-soil structure interaction, computational mechanics, and structural health monitoring.
Transfer of knowledge towards countries that did not sign the non-proliferation treaty or of which the immaculate reputation regarding peaceful applications of radioactivity, scientific integrity or respect of economic rules is questioned in an international context, is conflicting with SCK CEN’s interests and values. Therefore, we will not consider candidatures from citizens originating from those countries.
Selection process
Interested students are invited to submit their application file online (in a single pdf file) before 15 March 2026, containing the following information: (1) motivation letter; (2) curriculum vitae (including date of birth, hobbies, interests, engagement as a student,…); (3) list of publications (please do not add copies of these publications); (4) transcript of records (BSc and MSc degrees); (5) copy of diplomas (BSc and MSc degrees); (6) proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL or IETLS certificate or equivalent proof); and (7) contact details of three persons who can provide a reference on our request (so please do not include reference letters, only provide contact details).
We request a TOEFL ibt total score of 94, with no section scores below 22, or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with no band scores below 6.5.
Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a Skype interview with the supervisors and mentors.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview with a jury of experts from SCK CEN and ONDRAF/NIRAS.
The deadline of 15 March 2026 might be extended if required.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Geert Degrande, mail: geert.degrande@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Stijn François, mail: stijn.francois@kuleuven.be .
- Website for additional job details
https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60614048?hl=en
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- KU LEUVEN
- Country
- Belgium
- City
- Leuven
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Leuven
STATUS: EXPIRED
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