study programme

Structural and Transport Engineering

Faculty: FCEAbbreviation: DKA-KAcad. year: 2020/2021

Type of study programme: Doctoral

Study programme code: P0732D260023

Degree awarded: Ph.D.

Language of instruction: English

Tuition Fees: 1500 EUR/academic year for EU students, 1500 EUR/academic year for non-EU students

Accreditation: 8.10.2019 - 8.10.2029

Mode of study

Combined study

Standard study length

4 years

Programme supervisor

Doctoral Board

Fields of education

Area Topic Share [%]
Civil Engineering Building Construction 70
Civil Engineering Transportation Construction 30

Study aims

The aim of the doctoral study program Structures and Traffic Structures is to provide excellent graduates with a specialized university degree and scientific training in selected current fields of study, particularly in the field of mechanics of load-bearing building structures, concrete, masonry, composite, metal, wood, geotechnics, building testing and diagnostics of load-bearing building structures as well as in the areas of road construction and railway structures and constructions. The study is focused on complex scientific preparation, methodology of independent scientific work and on the development of knowledge in the field of the theory of load-bearing structures, engineering structures and transport structures, with the basic disciplines presented areas of mechanics of load-bearing structures of engineering and transport structures. . The scientific preparation in this study program is based on mastering the initial theoretical disciplines of the science-based basis and theoretical and scientific disciplines of the relevant focus.
The aim of the study is also the involvement of students in the preparation and solution of national and international scientific research projects, presentation of achieved results at national and international level and their publication in professional and scientific foreign and domestic journals as well as at scientific and professional conferences. During his / her studies, the student gains not only new theoretical knowledge, but also own experience from experimental activities and necessary practical knowledge also thanks to close cooperation with construction practice in the field of designing and designing and realization of load-bearing building structures as well as to a foreign university or research institution, or work placements at another professional workplace.

Graduate profile

Graduates of the doctoral study program Structural and Transport Engineering will be prepared for creative activities in the field of science, research, development and innovation, both individually and in teams at national and international level. During his / her doctoral program he / she acquires and acquires deep knowledge of theoretical and professional disciplines, acquires not only new theoretical knowledge but also new own experience and acquires the necessary habits for independent scientific research and creative activities in research and development. in addressing current scientific issues and issues arising from practice requirements. Upon successful completion of the highest level of university studies in the doctoral study program Construction and Traffic Structures, the graduate will be able to deepen the knowledge and level of knowledge in the field and successfully use knowledge and scientific approaches in solving theoretical and practical tasks.
Scientific preparation is focused on the following basic specializations: Mechanics of load-bearing structures; Concrete and masonry structures; Metal, wood and composite structures; Geotechnics; Experimental technology and testing; Roads; Railway structures and constructions. Graduates can be employed mainly in research and development workplaces, in designing organizations, in state administration bodies, and the experience gained during their teaching experience within the doctoral study program can be applied also in education in the academic sphere or in other educational or research institutions. Completion of the doctoral study program is also a necessary precondition for possible further career and professional academic growth of the graduate.

Profession characteristics

Doctoral degree programs are primarily aimed at graduate employment in science and research, which is, among other things, anchored in the objectives of study, learning outcomes and graduate profile. This implies the employment of graduates especially in organizations, institutions and companies that are engaged in research and development activities. These are mainly research organizations whose main activity is research and development, but also construction practice entities, ie companies, where research and development is one of the part of the whole spectrum of activities in addition to commonly realized activities such as production and implementation. A number of implementing companies are currently creating support for their own research and development as they can strengthen their position, competitiveness and marketability in a highly competitive environment. In this regard, there is a growing demand for younger generation professionals with independent creative scientific work, knowledge and insight into new modern trends not only in their expertise but also in related expertise and activities such as PC modeling, simulation, experimental methods and procedures. Last but not least, the graduate has the opportunity to work in the academic sphere, which involves combining scientific research and educational activities. Graduates can thus find employment especially in research organizations and construction practice companies in the context of related development and innovation activities, in educational institutions, especially in the university sphere, which provides them with the possibility of further personal and career development and professional academic growth. Moreover, experience shows that graduates of doctoral study programs are very successful in organizations of the mentioned types not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad, which is also true for graduates in the field of Construction and Transport Structures. Completion of the doctoral study program gives graduates very good prerequisites for employment in, for example, design organizations or state administration in higher professional and managerial positions.

Fulfilment criteria

Fulfillment of the subjects of the individual study plan, successful completion of the state doctoral examination, foreign experience, relevant creative activity and successful defense of the dissertation.

Study plan creation

The rules and conditions for the creation of study plans of study programs carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT define:
Rules of BUT study programs (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/vnitrni-predpisy-a-dokumenty), which according to Article 1, paragraph 1, point:
c) defines the processes of creation, approval and changes of study program proposals before their submission for accreditation to the National Accreditation Office for Higher Education,
d) lays down the formal requirements for study programs and courses,
e) defines the obligations of study program and subject guarantors,
f) defines the standards of study programs at BUT,
g) defines the principles of quality assurance of study programs.
Study and Examination Regulations of the Brno University of Technology (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/international-details-and-documents)
Details of the conditions for study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT are governed by the Dean's Directive )
The PhD student studies according to an individual study plan, which is elaborated by the supervisor in cooperation with the PhD student. The individual study plan is binding for the doctoral student. It specifies all duties set in accordance with the BUT Study and Examination Regulations that a doctoral student must fulfill in order to successfully complete his / her studies.
During the first three semesters, the doctoral student consists of compulsory, compulsorily elective or at the same time, it is intensively engaged in its own study and analysis of knowledge in the field determined by the topic of the dissertation and continuous publication of the knowledge and results obtained in this way. In the following semesters, the doctoral student focuses more on research and development related to the topic of the dissertation, on the publication of the results of his / her creative work and on his / her own dissertation. By the end of the fifth semester, the doctoral student has passed the state doctoral examination. The doctoral student is also involved in pedagogical activities, which is a part of his scientific preparation.
The individual study plan includes scientific outputs in individual years:
- regular publishing activity (Juniorstav and similar),
- participation in scientific conferences at home and abroad,
- for defense of DZP it is necessary to publish - min. 2x Scopus or 1x WOS with impact factor.

Availability for the disabled

At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, BUT, barrier-free access to all teaching rooms is currently provided. However, students must be physically fit to be qualified as a civil engineer. In practically oriented laboratory teaching, they must be able to operate measuring instruments and similar laboratory equipment independently without endangering themselves or their surroundings.
BUT provides support to students with specific needs, for details see Guideline 11/2017 (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/international-documents-and-documents/-d141841/uplne-zneni-smernice-c-11- 2017-p147550).
In order to promote equal access to higher education, BUT incorporates the Alfons Advisory Center, part of the BUT Institute of Lifelong Learning, to provide guidance and support services to applicants and students with specific educational needs. Specific educational needs include learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, chronic somatic illness, autistic spectrum disorders, impaired communication skills and mental illness (alfons.vutbr.cz/o-nas).
Students are provided with information concerning the accessibility of study programs with respect to the specific needs of the applicant, information about the architectural accessibility of individual faculties and university parts, about accommodation at the BUT dormitory, about the possibilities of adapting the admission procedure and adapting the study itself. Other services of the Center for Students with Special Educational Needs also include interpreting and rewriting services, or assistance services - guiding, spatial orientation, in order to enable these students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the same way as other students. This is done through the so-called adaptation of study, ie by appropriate adjustment of the study regime, which cannot be understood as a simplification of the content of study or relief of study obligations.

What degree programme types may have preceded

The doctoral study program Construction and Traffic Structures is a follow-up to the follow-up Master's study program Civil Engineering, in particular the study field Construction and Traffic Structures, respectively. as well as other fields of study and nursing master's degree programs. After accreditation of the follow-up master's study program Civil Engineering - Structures and Traffic Constructions for this program.

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

2. round (applications submitted from 10.10.2020 to 15.12.2020)

  1. Advanced numerical methods for the design and assessment of structures and infrastructure

    The aim of this thesis is the advancement of current state-of-the-art in numerical methods, including simulation techniques, to increase efficiency in the assessment of structures and infrastructure. Results of this thesis will serve as a theoretical basis for the revision of current analytical approaches.

    Tutor: Podroužek Jan, doc. Dr.techn. Ing.

  2. Advanced safety and reliability assessment of structures

    The student will deal with selected aspects of advanced assessment of safety, reliability and durability of structures.

    Tutor: Lehký David, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Design optimization of concrete structures

    Definition of optimisation model of a structure for: 1. design of a member, 2. strengthening of existing member, 3. design and strengthening of a structure. Calculation variant: stochastic, deterministic (according to the application class of the tasks), type of the restraining conditions, classes the target functions.

    Tutor: Štěpánek Petr, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

  4. Fatigue behaviour of metal components with bi-material interface

    In recent years, regular fatigue loading has led to damage to structural elements that are not substantially homogeneous but cover a bi-material interface. This damage has to be repaired and renovation technique should be sustainable. Finite element software will be used for the investigation of stress reducing effect of concrete overlay on the steel deck plate and its vicinity. The stress intensity factor (LEFM) and general stress intensity factor (GLEFM) will be used for description of stress intensity around the stress concentrator.

    Tutor: Seitl Stanislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  5. Fatigue properties of steel components for civil engineering structures (Bridge, crane etc.)

    The use of stainless steel for bridge structures is relatively recent. Significant advances in the use of stainless steel in known. The degradation of properties and lifetime assessment of steel subjected to complex mechanical loading will be investigated. Experimental part of the proposal, evaluation of the input data for finite element software ANSYS i.e. a) S-N curve – smooth or with defined singular concentrator/notch, b) specimen with crack, threshold values, Paris’ law, stress ratios etc.

    Tutor: Seitl Stanislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  6. FRP reinforcement - design, testing, reinforcing of masonry and concrete structures

    reinforcing of concrete and masonrystructures, internal FRP reinforcement, selected design problems, prestressed and non-prestressed variant

    Tutor: Štěpánek Petr, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

  7. Inverse analysis and optimization for reliability and lifetime assessment of structures

    The topic is focused on solving inverse problems and optimization for the design and reliability and lifetime assessment of structures. For solution stochastic and soft-computing methods will be utilized. Main attention will be focused on the methods and procedures applicable in combination with a non-linear FEM analyses of bridge structures.

    Tutor: Lehký David, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  8. Strengthening of concrete/masonry structures

    modern methods of strengthening, prestressing, additional reinforcement

    Tutor: Štěpánek Petr, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

  9. The development and application of new methods for experimental static and dynamic analysis of railway construction.

    The theme includes the development and application of new procedures in the issue of experimental analysis of engineering (railway) construction. It is expected to be focused on advanced mathematical techniques from the field of time and frequency domain in combination with the methods of artificial intelligence. Part of the topic is the implementation of these procedures in the process of verification of new railway structures, or structures for higher operating speeds.

    Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.

  10. The intelligent monitoring system for identifying the condition of railway lines

    The essence of the topic is the design of a modern monitoring system for measuring the dynamic effects on the railway superstructure during the passage of trains, evaluation of its current state and for evaluating the effectiveness of maintenance work during its life cycle. The topic includes the creation of a "smart" modular system of basic data collection and a set of appropriate algorithms that allow to obtain information about the state of railway lines and their components in real time, transfer and store them in the created information system for subsequent use for manufacturers, government, projection, research, etc. The work will be carried out on the current platform at the institute of existing measuring technology.

    Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.

  11. The research of dynamic behaviour of railway lines

    The theme is focused on study of dynamic behaviour of railway lines. The theme includes railway superstructure and railway subbase. The topic involves experiment and simulation techniques. Within the simulations, an orientation to the Finite Element Method is assumed, and within the experiment to diagnostics with the use of stationary stations and measuring train sets. The theme also includes application of a suitable modern mathematical apparatus for the evaluation of the railway lines parameters including of artificial intelligence methods use.

    Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.

1. round (applications submitted from 15.06.2020 to 31.07.2020)

  1. Efficient probabilistic design of concrete structures based on safety formats and response surface methods

    The topic is focused on probabilistic and semi-probabilistic approaches for design of concrete structures using nonlinear computational methods based on finite element method. It includes also development and application of response surface methods and sensitivity analysis methods.

    Tutor: Novák Drahomír, prof. Ing., DrSc.

  2. Methods for calculating the bearing capacity of piles in Ho Chi Minh City

    Although there are many formulas in the world today to calculate the pile bearing capacity, the results of calculating the pile load capacity between theory and reality are still much different. Accurate calculation of the exact loading capacity of the pile is important because it will greatly influence the decision of the foundation option and the cost of the project. The aim of dissertation is analyzed design methods for calculation of the bearing pile capacity and compared their each other. The results will be checked by the results of standard test method in situ for piles under axial compressive load. The analyzis of bearing pile capacity will be done for soil conditions in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Tutor: Miča Lumír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Methods of soil treatment in geotechnical structures of transport infrastructure

    The Mekong River Delta Vietnam and some areas in Ho Chi Minh City where are the areas of sedimentation are deposited originating from rivers and swamps. This is a geologically unfavorable area, the most common foundation soil is the soft soil. Their common feature is the small load capacity and large deformation under the effect of construction loads. Many solutions for soft soil treatment have been applied, but the true nature of soft soil has not been properly assessed in the survey - design - construction so the total settlement and consolidation rate are different. There is a clear difference between theoretical and practical calculations, leading to a number of civil works, roads, etc. Therefore, the study and selection of appropriate technical solutions to soft soil treatment in this area is one of the important and urgent tasks that contribute to improving the efficiency of construction investment in the Mekong Delta Vietnam and some areas in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Tutor: Miča Lumír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  4. Reliability nonlinear analysis of concrete structures

    Topic is focused on nonlinear modelling of concrete structures (e.g. bridges) taking into account uncertainties in material, load and environment, including time-depandent degradation.

    Tutor: Novák Drahomír, prof. Ing., DrSc.

  5. The development and application of new methods for experimental static and dynamic analysis of railway construction.

    The theme includes the development and application of new procedures in the issue of experimental analysis of engineering (railway) construction. It is expected to be focused on advanced mathematical techniques from the field of time and frequency domain in combination with the methods of artificial intelligence. Part of the topic is the implementation of these procedures in the process of verification of new railway structures, or structures for higher operating speeds.

    Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.

  6. The intelligent monitoring system for identifying the condition of railway lines

    The essence of the topic is the design of a modern monitoring system for measuring the dynamic effects on the railway superstructure during the passage of trains, evaluation of its current state and for evaluating the effectiveness of maintenance work during its life cycle. The topic includes the creation of a "smart" modular system of basic data collection and a set of appropriate algorithms that allow to obtain information about the state of railway lines and their components in real time, transfer and store them in the created information system for subsequent use for manufacturers, government, projection, research, etc. The work will be carried out on the current platform at the institute of existing measuring technology.

    Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.

  7. The research of dynamic behaviour of railway lines

    The theme is focused on study of dynamic behaviour of railway lines. The theme includes railway superstructure and railway subbase. The topic involves experiment and simulation techniques. Within the simulations, an orientation to the Finite Element Method is assumed, and within the experiment to diagnostics with the use of stationary stations and measuring train sets. The theme also includes application of a suitable modern mathematical apparatus for the evaluation of the railway lines parameters including of artificial intelligence methods use.

    Tutor: Smutný Jaroslav, prof. Ing., Dr.

Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DOA036Doctoral Seminar 1 (KDS)cs4CompulsoryCrC1 - 39yes
DYA004English Language Tutorial for PhD Studentscs1CompulsoryCrC1 - 26yes
DIB023Diagnostic methods in civil engineeringcs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DFB022Soil and Structure Interactioncs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DMB019Reliability of Road Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DLB040Theory of Concrete and Masonry Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DNB018Permanent Way Theorycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DOB037Theory of Metal and Timber Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DDB034Theory of elasticity, plasticity and failurecs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395806yes
DDB033Structural mechanicscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395807yes
DMB020Traffic Structures Theorycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395807yes
DAB029Discrete Methods in Civil Engineering 1cs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395808yes
DAB030Numerical methods 1cs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395808yes
DAB031Probability and mathematical statisticscs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395808yes
2. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DOA038Doctoral Seminar 2 (KDS)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
DAB032Time series analysiscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395810yes
DAB033Applications of mathematical methods in economicscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395810yes
DAB034Discrete Methods in Civil Engineering 2cs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395810yes
DAB035Numerical methods 2cs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395810yes
DAB036Numerical methods for the variational problemscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395810yes
DAB037Models of regressioncs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395810yes
DLB041Modelling of Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
DFB023Underground Engineeringcs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
DIB024Radiation methods in civil engineeringcs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
DDB035Dynamics of structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
DNB019Railway Substructure Theorycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
DOB039Theory of Composite Steel-Concrete Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
DMB021Environment and road designcs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395811yes
2. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DYA005English for PhD studentscs8CompulsoryExyes
DOA040Doctoral Seminar 3 (KDS)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
3. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DOA041Doctoral Seminar 4 (KDS)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
3. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DOA042Doctoral Seminar 5 (KDS)cs14CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
4. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DOA043Doctoral Seminar 6 (KDS)cs14CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
4. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DOA044Doctoral Seminar 7 (KDS)cs20CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
All the groups of optional courses
Gr. Courses
5806 DIB023, DFB022, DMB019, DLB040, DNB018, DOB037, DDB034
5807 DDB033, DMB020
5808 DAB029, DAB030, DAB031
5810 DAB032, DAB033, DAB034, DAB035, DAB036, DAB037
5811 DLB041, DFB023, DIB024, DDB035, DNB019, DOB039, DMB021