PhD in Engineering, Architecture

Organisation/Company Università degli Studi di Brescia Research Field Engineering Architecture Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Italy Final date to receive applications 17 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – COFUND Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Rehabilitation and Monitoring of Historic Concrete and Masonry Arch Bridges in Italian and French Heritage (Re Mo Bridge )

Arch bridges are key components of transport infrastructure, valued for their structural sophistication and architectural elegance. Their use in Southern Europe dates back to the Roman era, when masonry construction reached high levels of refinement. At the same time, Roman concrete (opus caementicium), the precursor of modern concrete, enabled the construction of increasingly ambitious vaulted structures, such as the Pantheon dome in Rome.

From the late 19th century onward, reinforced concrete gradually replaced masonry in bridge technology (partially not totally), leading to the construction of large span arches still used nowadays for constructing new bridges.
Masonry and concrete arch bridges are widespread across Europe, with Italy and France hosting an extensive heritage. The extensive survey programs promoted by the Italian Government since 2020 revealed the pathologies and the material decay involving a considerable number of existing bridges. Moreover, the steady increase in traffic loads demands continuous safety assessments and targeted retrofitting strategies.
This project aims to advance knowledge of typical arch bridges in Italy and France, with emphasis on both structural and architectural characteristics. Selected case studies will be analyzed through advanced monitoring techniques to identify structural deficiencies and develop innovative retrofitting solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities. The data provided by the monitoring activity will also enable accurate modeling of structural behavior and prediction of deterioration rates, supporting the estimation of residual service life.

Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding the date of the call deadline. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.

Applicants who are non-native speakers of English are required to provide proof of proficiency in the language, as CHORAL’s working language is English.

Candidates must be in possession of valid identity card (for EU citizens) or a valid passport (for visa application, if selected).

The call is open to researchers of any nationality.

This offer is part of the MSCA-COFUND CHORAL programme, which will finance 14 positions out of 20 positions offered