PhD Programme: Sustainable Technologies for Industrial and Construction Engineering - Research Group: Structural Engineering

Department

Deparment of Engineerign and Applied Sciences, University of Bergamo

Main research activities/topics/projects

Prospective candidates will be integrated into the research activities of the Structural Engineering group, focusing on the design and development of shell exoskeleton systems for the sustainable and integrated retrofit of existing reinforced concrete buildings. This research addresses one of the key challenges in the transition toward a more resilient and low-impact built environment: upgrading the existing building stock while minimizing disruption, resource use, and life-cycle impacts. The proposed shell structural scheme is conceived as an external lateral-force-resisting system, capable of significantly enhancing seismic performance while reducing the need for invasive foundation works, which are typically among the most impactful and least reversible retrofit interventions. This approach enables a shift toward more constructable, adaptable, and circular retrofit solutions, aligned with life cycle thinking and sustainability-informed design principles.

Within this framework, candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to several interrelated research lines, including:

- Nonlinear numerical modelling and analysis, with particular focus on the interaction between the existing structure and the added exoskeleton system under seismic loading;

- Conceptual structural design addressing sustainability-informed life cycle engineering, aiming to optimize performance objectives while minimizing environmental, social, and economic impacts over the life cycle;

- Development of innovative structural details to support design for reparability, disassembly, circularity and adaptability; 

- Fragility analysis and development of fragility curves, to support risk-informed decision-making and performance-based design.

The research activities combine advanced computational modelling, performance-based and Life Cycle Structural Engineering, and life cycle assessment approaches, offering candidates the opportunity to work at the intersection of structural engineering, sustainability, and innovation in retrofit technologies.

Working language

English and/or Italian

Special entry requirements

Depending on the selected research theme:  Lab experience, or Nonlinear numerical analyses, or sustainability-informed design

Duration in months (min-max)

PhD sandwich: 2 - 4

Post Doc: 2-4