1 PhD Research position in Simulating Concrete Formwork in Sweden | KTH - Royal Institute Of Technology

The PhD student will investigate and develop methods for the simulation of formwork in architecture. This will entail research into the transformation between states of fluidity and solidity germane to casting, the dynamic relationship between casting material, formwork and environmental factors, and the architectural possibilities and consequences. The Research will also seek support in the history of formwork and casting in architecture.Current fabrication processes for casting concrete and other composite materials in architecture assumes rigid formwork in order to control geometry and quality. Examples from research explore flexible formwork in order to achieve more variable geometries and resourceful material usage through complex organic shapes. However, these examples are developed through trial and error and rely on empirical testing. This project will develop methods for simulating the dynamic balance between the hydraulic forces of the liquid material and the formwork that counterbalances it, parallel to material testing. By simulating the complex interdependencies and feedback cycles between materials, formwork and environmental parameters during the casting process, new design opportunities emerge. The project will deploy these methods for creating differentiated architectural building elements with a resourceful approach to material use and require a minimum of resources during fabrication.

The PhD student is expected to develop new design-led methods that integrate simulation of flexible formworks with the hydraulic pressures of the casting process, in parallel to material testing and prototyping of novel and resourceful architectural building elements that reduce material usage through the consideration of geometry and inherent physical properties as performance drivers.

As part of the scholarship, two secondments are planned: Buro Happold mth 12-16, Buro Happold mth 24-28The purpose of the secondments is to situate novel simulation and fabrication processes within industry standards for concrete building and to possibly embed the project within a context for implementing, testing and evaluating flexible formworks in a real world context.

The PhD student will work directly and primarily with the project outlined above together with the support of the other network members. There is also a reciprocal obligation to contribute to other work-packages for the project where necessary and to participate in the planned training activities of the network.

Researcher’s eligibility criteria

A Master’s degree in architecture is required. Mature skills in appropriate fabrication, computational modelling and programming are expected and must be demonstrated in the application. We are looking for a strongly motivated and curious person, a fast learner who is able to work independently in both experimental and theoretical tasks. Good command of English orally and in writing is required.

According to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, to be eligible, each researcher must fulfill the following criteria at the time of recruitment by the host institution concerned within the time frame of this project:

• Nationality

The researcher may be of any nationality.

• Mobility

At the date of recruitment by the host institution, the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc…) in the country (Sweden) of the host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment under the project.

• Qualifications and research experience

Early stage researcher: means a researcher who, at the time of recruitment by the host institution, has not yet been awarded the doctorate degree and is in the first 4 years of his/her research career.