PRR Project

Summary

Detailed description of the tasks to be assigned to the prospective employeeThe studies to be developed within this position aim to assess, preserve, improve the safety, and extend the life of the built heritage, by using sustainable, effective, and compatible techniques.The main research tasks in this position will be:- Systematization of knowledge on structural behaviour and retrofitting of masonry structures;- Development and validation of i n situ tests aiming to safety assessment, focusing masonry structures;- Development and validation of risk assessment methodologies;- Development and validation of laboratory test methods to assess structural behaviour;- Physical and mechanical characterization and optimization of products and innovative structural reinforcement techniques;- Numerical modelling and analysis to simulate structural response under various situations.The researcher must be engaged in the design, development, and execution of research and development projects, organize and collaborate in the institution´s training programs, supervise master´s and doctoral theses, disseminate and publish non-confidential results of scientific and technical activity, exercise the functions for which he/she has been elected or appointed and participate in the sessions of LNEC´s collegiate bodies. Scientific profile required by the HiringThe successful candidate should have a PhD in Civil Engineering, scientific area of Structures (given or recognized by a Portuguese Higher Education Institution) and have a strong background in structural systems’ mechanical performance and diagnosis, hazard assessment, structural behaviour, vulnerability and risk assessment, and structural retrofitting of masonry structures. An experimental analysis background is fundamental to develop and carry out experimental campaigns, both on site and at the laboratory, and to analyse and interpret the results obtained in such campaigns. Programming skills are also important as the researcher should be able to develop analytical models to simulate structural response. The candidate must be able to participate in multidisciplinary studies, be flexible, able to adapt to new themes and tasks and have the spirit to work in a team, as well as individually. Good communication skills as well as a good network of experts in the area will be valued. Rationale for the need to hire for the indicated scientific areaMasonry buildings constitute a significant percentage of the building stock in southern European countries, including Portugal. Given the evolution of construction practices in masonry buildings over time, it is possible to detect significant variations, not only in terms of architecture and construction typologies, but also in terms of materials used, structural performance, and associated damages.Rehabilitation of buildings has, in recent years, gained great relevance, at a time when the construction market for new buildings is more stagnant, and reuse and life extension of old constructions receives higher interest for economic and environmental reasons. In this context, the knowledge on these structures and discussion on suitable and efficient rehabilitation techniques able to reduce the vulnerability of old buildings becomes crucial. In Portugal, particularly in recent years, there has been great interest and consequent investment by public and private entities in the rehabilitation market, with residential buildings gradually gaining greater prominence.Besides, a large number of masonry structures (buildings, fortresses, infrastructures) have high historic and cultural interest and their structural resilience and maintenance for future generations is a major public concern and has been an area of intervention of LNEC for many years.Most of the old masonry buildings are located in the historic centres, some of which are in an advanced state of degradation due to lack of maintenance. The rehabilitation of these historic centres is a necessary strategy for the economic and social revitalization of urban centres, but require the use of effective and viable reinforcement solutions to reduce the vulnerability of the intervened buildings and surrounding area. This is acknowledged by the SDGs of the United Nations 2030 Agenda in the 8, 9, and 11 SDGs that call for enhancing community and infrastructure resilience and promoting sustainable economic growth.To comply with LNEC’s mission and research and innovation strategy (E2I 21-27), the Structural Behaviour Unit should further develop research on diagnosis techniques, safety assessment, rehabilitation, and reinforcement of masonry structures, to ensure community and infrastructure resilience and promote economic sustainable growth. This position is crucial to overcome the present lack of researchers and enable the development of research in this area. The present position is also needed to ensure knowledge sharing and transfer to a younger generation of researchers.