PhD Project Electroosmosis in Masonry at Technical University of Denmark

DTU Civil Engineering is inviting applications for a 3-year PhD position starting March 2020, jointly funded by The Landowners’ Investment Foundation, Denmark and DTU Civil Engineering. The overall aim of the project is to map the potential for use of electroosmosis to dewater moist masonry.

Electroosmosis is the transport of water in a porous material under application of an electric DC field. Electroosmosis as phenomenon has been known for more than 150 years, and has been utilized for e.g. dewatering of fine-grained soils. The possibility of using electroosmosis for drying of moist masonry is much debated in Denmark. This PhD study is based on the question: In which types of bricks, porous stones, mortars and masonry as composite can significant electroosmosis be obtained? The necessary theoretical background and documentation to answer this question is currently lacking, but are the major deliveries of this PhD project. An experimental methodology will be developed during the project for mapping of the relation between material characteristics and electroosmotic transport. The influence from interphases between materials with different characteristics on electroosmosis will be determined. The experimental work will be simultaneous to numerical modeling in order to develop the theoretical framework, which finally will be related to the possibility for dewatering masonry of different types and environments by electroosmosis.

or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Further, the candidate should have deep knowledge on the use of electrokinetics for conservation stone and brick monuments. A good command of the English language, both spoken and written, is essential. The candidate is expected to be self-motivated and to publish the project results in international peer-reviewed journals.

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Lisbeth M. Ottosen, Section for Materials and Durability. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

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The main workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus, but the project will require travel and exchange in Greenland and at relevant Arctic universities.

Further information may be obtained from Professor Lisbeth M. Ottosen, Application

Please submit your online application no later than 24 December 2019. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file.

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.