AV Ingenieros, a company specialized in noise and vibration engineering, together Laboratory of Acoustics and Mechanical Engineering (LEAM) of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) are currently seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated person to pursue full-time doctoral studies in the field of railway-induced ground-borne vibration prediction for an industrial doctorate project. An industrial doctorate is based on the collaboration between a company and a research institution for the supervision of the doctoral studies, looking for promote the knowledge transfer between the two environments.

More information on LEAM and AV Ingenieros can be found on the following websites: https://leam.upc.edu/en http://www.avenginyers.com/home.html

Project summary

The overall objective of the project is to develop an efficient tool with a user-friendly interface for the prediction of railway-induced ground-borne vibration in nearby buildings, with a good balance between the flexibility of the input conditions, accuracy, and computational speed.

The prediction tool is designed in three layers: i) semi-analytical/numerical modeling of the subsystems of the railway infrastructure; ii) surrogate modeling of the subsystems using the previously developed models along with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to have a quick-to-compute engine, and iii) Development of a user-friendly interface.

The prediction models are designed by three modules: generation, propagation, and reception. The generation module will be based on a semi-analytical model. The second module, which is associated with the propagation through the soil from the railway track to the building will be based on advanced numerical modeling techniques. The presence of the building will be incorporated through a set of numerically/experimentally based adjustment factors that allow estimating its response in terms of vibration levels based on the level of vibration previously predicted at the base of the building. The proposed method is illustrated in the following picture.

The main objectives of this doctoral study are to:

• Develop surrogate models of the propagation and reception modules using ANN.

• Develop an efficient and intelligent calculation engine based on semi-analytical model of generation module and surrogate models of propagation and reception modules.

• Develop a user-friendly interface for the calculation engine.

Applicant profile

• The applicant is soon to obtain or has obtained an MSc degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

• An IELTS overall band score of 6.5, with no band scores below 6 (or equivalent).

• Experience with programming languages for artificial intelligence is highly valued.

• Previous knowledge in railway engineering, specifically in track dynamic, geotechnical engineering and railway vehicle dynamics is strongly welcomed.

Offer

Between 18.000 and 22.000 € before taxes depending on the profile of the applicant.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to email their application file (in a single pdf file) to Dr. Robert Arcos (robert.arcos@upc.edu) and Dr. Behshad Noori (behshad.noori@avenginyers.com) containing the following information:

• Motivation letter

• Curriculum vitae (with list of publications).

• Transcript of records for the BSc and MSc.

• Copy of diplomas for BSc and MSc.

• Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL/IETLS certificate or equivalent proof).

• Contact details of two persons who can provide a reference on our request.

Please, put DI Collaborative Doctoral Partnership in the Email subject line.