Phd position field monitoring of debris accumulation at hydraulic structures

Recent catastrophic floods showed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of floods on critical (infra)structure as well as better predictive models. One of the key challenges is the lack of high-quality data, pointing out the urgent demand for additional measuring stations across the transboundary catchment areas. In particular, debris accumulations have been a major issue in most recent floods since clogging of flow conveyance structures (e.g. Bridges, culverts, racks) can severely exacerbate flood conditions with mechanisms that are still poorly understood.

This PhD aims to improve flood predictions of debris accumulation at hydraulic structures by integrating innovative field monitoring systems with advanced modelling techniques. By utilizing image processing and machine learning to monitor hydraulic and hydrological parameters (including debris accumulation) and integrating these insights with physical modelling, we will assess their impact on the performance of critical hydraulic (infra)structure during floods. This will lead to more accurate flood predictions and improved management strategies, ultimately enhancing our resilience to future floods.

The PhD project has the following objectives:

• Monitoring: Implement field instrumentation and monitoring systems across transboundary river basins to collect key hydraulic and hydrological data, including water levels, discharges, precipitations and debris characteristics.
• Modelling: Develop and validate models to predict flood behaviour, focusing on the interaction between floodwaters and critical infrastructure.
• Implementation: Use collected data and model results to enhance flood risk assessments, and develop integrated flood mitigation measures, including debris management strategies.

This PhD is part of JCAR-ATRACE funded by Rijkswaterstaat and Deltares to foster long-term research partnerships and knowledge exchange in transboundary regional river basins. The project will be conducted in partnership with University of Liège (Belgium) and RWTH Aachen University (Germany). Connections with non-academic partners (e.g. Deltares, Waterschap Limburg) is anticipated, alongside engagement with ongoing project (e.g. Future FRM Tech, Interreg FloodWisdom and Flash Flood Breaker).

We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• MSc degree in civil (hydraulic), environmental, mechanical engineering, or related fields of expertise.
• Knowledge in hydraulic engineering, hydraulic structures, water management, fluid mechanics or fluid-structure interaction.
• Research experience in experimental or field work is a plus.
• Independent, self-motivated, curiosity-driven and open to communicate and collaborate with peers, as well as international partners and stakeholder.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of Dutch, French and/or German is a plus.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Apply not later than November 30th via the application button.
Please upload:

• a detailed CV
• a motivation letter (max 1 page)
• contact information for two referees we may contact for feedback (if selected for the second round);
• abstract of your MSc thesis (maximum one page, in English) or a paper that you wrote based on your MSc thesis

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.