study programme

Building Construction

Faculty: FCEAbbreviation: DPA-SAcad. year: 2021/2022

Type of study programme: Doctoral

Study programme code: P0732D260019

Degree awarded: Ph.D.

Language of instruction: English

Tuition Fees: 4000 EUR/academic year for EU students, 4000 EUR/academic year for non-EU students

Accreditation: 8.10.2019 - 8.10.2029

Mode of study

Full-time study

Standard study length

4 years

Programme supervisor

Doctoral Board

Fields of education

Area Topic Share [%]
Civil Engineering Buildings 100

Study aims

The aim of the doctoral study program Building Constructions is to provide outstanding graduates of the master's program with specialized university education and scientific training in selected current areas of the field. 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 building constructions. and construction, measuring and diagnostic methods, modeling of physical processes and tasks of building physics. The scientific preparation in this study program is based on mastering the initial theoretical disciplines of the natural science base and theoretical and scientific disciplines of the relevant focus.
Part of the study is also the involvement of students in the preparation and solution of national and international scientific research projects, presentation of results at national and international scientific and professional conferences and their publication in professional and scientific foreign and domestic journals. During his / her studies, the student gains new theoretical knowledge, his / her own experience from the preparation, implementation and evaluation of experiments and necessary practical knowledge also thanks to close cooperation with construction practice and also through foreign internships at cooperating foreign universities or research workplaces.
In the final phase of the study, the student synthesizes all theoretical knowledge gained as well as the results of his / her own creative work and elaborates his / her doctoral dissertation, which emphasizes the exactness and formulation of concrete benefits for further development of the studied field.

Graduate profile

Graduate of the PhD study program Building Construction is a versatile theoretically and professionally equipped expert who has mastered the issue of specialization at a high level of his knowledge and is capable of independent creative work. He is ready to work professionally and to hold independent higher positions in the field of research and development of new technologies in the sector of building construction of buildings, but also in designing companies, resp. in state administration. He obtained comprehensive theoretical and professional training for independent solution of technical problems and creative scientific work. Based on the acquired knowledge, experience, skills and knowledge, it is ready for scientific and creative activities, both independently and in teams at national and international level. Thanks to the current trends in the field of building construction and close cooperation with foreign universities, the graduate of the doctoral study program fulfills the prerequisites for further professional career and professional academic growth, even abroad.
During his / her studies the graduate practically acquires and acquires pedagogical abilities, which he / she can use in pedagogical-scientific activities at educational institutions dealing with the problems of building construction in the Czech Republic and thanks to acquired language knowledge also abroad.

Profession characteristics

Substantial development of theoretical and experimental abilities allows graduates of the PhD study program Building Constructions independent creative activity related mainly to building construction including related specializations especially in the field of building technical equipment (HVAC, heating, air conditioning), advanced special building technologies, building physics building acoustics and daylighting of buildings), special building remediation, fire safety of buildings and environmentally advanced buildings.
The graduate is capable of independent creative activity especially in the field of research and development - he / she is professionally equipped and able to solve complex problems independently, eg when optimizing the selection of suitable materials or their compositions taking into account social needs, operational requirements, risks, economic impacts and environmental impacts.
The application of graduates of the Building Constructions program is in wide areas of the building industry consisting eg in the design of special elements and constructions of Building constructions including verification of their functionality and reliability using both experimental procedures and numerical models.
Graduates are well placed to work in the academic sphere and in other institutions dealing with science, research, development and innovation. Its knowledge of foreign languages ​​in the area of ​​its expertise is a prerequisite for eventual work abroad. After fulfilling the length of practice and legal conditions, he can be authorized by ČKAIT as a civil engineer in the field of Building Construction, Environmental Engineering or Energy Auditing.
According to internal statistics, the long-term employability of graduates of the existing PhD study program Building Constructions in Practice is practically 100%, not only after graduation, but also at early graduation. The graduates appreciate in practice the ability to solve complex professional problems independently and the ability to communicate at least in English.
After graduation, many graduates of DSP Civil Engineering are employed at the faculty and subsequently develop their creative abilities, reduce the average age of the faculty teachers and subsequently habilitate, eventually complete the appointment procedure and thus guarantee the development and future of the faculty.

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 PhD study program Building Construction is a follow-up to the follow-up master study program Civil Engineering, especially the study fields Building Construction and Construction Realization, respectively. as well as other fields of study and nursing master's degree programs. After the accreditation of the follow-up master's degree programs in Civil Engineering - Building Constructions and Civil Engineering - Realization of constructions for these programs.

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

2. round (applications submitted from 05.10.2021 to 15.12.2021)

  1. Evaluation of indoor climate of school buildings

    Assessment of school buildings renovation on indoor climate in classrooms.

    Tutor: Mohelníková Jitka, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  2. Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer in Civil Engineering

    Theme of dissertation thesis is aimed at development, validation, verification and theoretical-experimental application of numerical models describing heat transfer in space and time. These space-time deterministic numerical models based on fundamental laws of Thermodynamics are useful in Civil Engineering for creation of indoor climate in buildings as well as for development of advanced energy systems in building.

    Tutor: Plášek Josef, Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Pollution of internal and external surfaces in daylighting of buildings

    Daylight factor calculations do incorporate the so-called pollution coefficients for the exterior, resp. the interior side of the daylighting system. The values of these coefficients were determined in 1994. Since then these coefficients are unchanged, despite the advances in lifestyle (number of cars on the road, fuel used in heating, etc.). Therefore the aim of the work would be to monitor how the actual lifestyle affects the pollution of surfaces and glazing, and lighting comfort in short and long terms.

    Tutor: Vajkay František, Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 09.06.2021 to 31.07.2021)

  1. Analysis of the dynamics of the energy flows in buildings

    The topic is focused on the analysis of the dynamics of flows, especially heat and cold in buildings, depending on the climatic conditions and operating conditions of the indoor environment of buildings. The dynamics of the building's energy needs is linked to the energy obtained by traditional sources and mainly by renewable energy sources. Both experimental methods and simulation methods on simplified models of buildings or their parts will be used for the solution. The criteria for the analysis will be, above all, the year-round efficiency of the use of the energy source, the quality of the indoor environment of the buildings and operational savings.

    Tutor: Hirš Jiří, prof. Ing., CSc.

  2. Eliminates surface condensation on the window and in the corrner

    Condensation of water vapor on the inner surface of the window and corner is most often a manifestation of insufficient solution of the detail of the connecting joint. The task is to model and optimize the layers of the structure so that these negative phenomena do not occur. The evaluation will be carried out at the level of the risk of mold growth as well as at the dew point temperature.

    Tutor: Kalousek Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Ground-coupled Heat systems for Heating and Cooling of Buildings

    PhD thesis focuses on the research use of land for energy for heating and cooling. The scope of work will be theoretical and experimental investigation of the thermal interaction between an building and ground and an optimal design of ground and foundation exchangers. The aim is to streamline obtaining geothermal energy of the elements of foundation structures and to develop a methodology for their design in the Czech Republic. The simulations can use the softwares CalA, TRNSYS, ANSYS Fluent. Optimization methods will be used.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  4. Innovation of refrigeration devices to increase their efficiency with low GWP refrigerants.

    The aim is to innovate a cooling circuit operating with a low GWP refrigerant, to increase efficiency, to utilize waste heat. An integral part of the research is the determination of safety requirements for the use of A2L refrigeration equipment in buildings.

    Tutor: Formánek Marian, Ing., Ph.D.

  5. Modeling and simulation of buildings and smart regions.

    PhD thesis focuses on the modeling and simulation of intelligent buildings and smart regions. Effective use and placement of elements of ventilation, heating and cooling in buildings and their optimal control system. Systems, equipment and strategies for energy storage. Multicriteria optimization methods will also be used.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  6. Modeling the effect of shading structures and vegetation on the thermal load

    The doctoral thesis is focused on modeling and simulation of the effect of shading structures and vegetation on the thermal load of buildings. The use of ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, TRNSYS and DesignBuilder software is expected. Attention will also be paid to optimization of control systems. Multicriteria optimization methods will also be used.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  7. Multi-physical evaluation of insulated buildings

    Thermal insulation of buildings is very beneficial in terms of energy savings, but it is necessary to check all building physic aspects. Especially in terms of moisture and water vapor difusion in structures and the risc of mold formation at the interface of the layers. At the same time, the behavior of the formation in critical situations such as fire or surface overheating. The task is to model real structures and compare the results and predict the ideal state.

    Tutor: Kalousek Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  8. Optimization of PCM-based thermal storage system

    The thesis is focused on modeling and simulation of buildings storing heat and cold in heat accumulators using phase change melting and solidification substances - PCM. The aim is to bridge the mismatch between conventional and alternative energy supply with the building's energy consumption curve. Attention will also be paid to systems and methods for optimum energy storage accumulation in the building. Multicriteria optimization methods will also be used.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  9. Optimization of thermally activated building structures

    PhD thesis is focused on the optimization of Thermo Active Building Structures (TABS) used for heating and cooling buildings. Assumes the use of simulation methods, laboratory experiment and measurement INSITU. The aim is to provide recommendations for optimal design and control of TABS. The simulations can use the softwares CalA, TRNSYS, ANSYS Fluent. Multicriteria optimization methods will also be used.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  10. Simulation of flow and pollutants in buildings

    Topic of doctoral thesis focuses on the application and verification of theoretical research methods airflow in buildings and external aerodynamics of buildings with the current transfer of moisture. The simulations can use the software Fluent, CFX, or OpenFOAM. Multicriteria optimization methods will also be used.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA068Doctoral Seminar 1 (PST)cs4CompulsoryCrC1 - 39yes
DYA004English Language Tutorial for PhD Studentscs1CompulsoryCrC1 - 26yes
DAB029Discrete Methods in Civil Engineering 1cs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395912yes
DAB030Numerical methods 1cs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395912yes
DAB031Probability and mathematical statisticscs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395912yes
DJB043Selected Topics in Building Materials Engineeringcs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395913yes
DTB042Selected Items of Building Service Theorycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395913yes
DWB032Selected Essay from Technology of Building Constructionscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395913yes
DHB069Selected Chapters from Theory of Building Constructionscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395913yes
DBB013Selected chapters from building physicscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395914yes
2. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA070Doctoral seminar 2 (PST)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
DAB032Time series analysiscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395917yes
DAB033Applications of mathematical methods in economicscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395917yes
DAB034Discrete Methods in Civil Engineering 2cs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395917yes
DAB035Numerical methods 2cs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395917yes
DAB036Numerical methods for the variational problemscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395917yes
DAB037Models of regressioncs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395917yes
DWB033Information system in construction technologycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395918yes
DHB071Process and Functional Analysis of Building Structurecs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395918yes
DLB040Theory of Concrete and Masonry Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395918yes
DTB043Theory of Energy and Environment of Buildingscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395918yes
DOB037Theory of Metal and Timber Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395918yes
2. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DYA005English for PhD studentscs8CompulsoryExyes
DHA072Doctoral seminar 3 (PST)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
3. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA073Doctoral seminar 4 (PST)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
3. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA074Doctoral seminar 5 (PST)cs14CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
4. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA075Doctoral seminar 6 (PST)cs14CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
4. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA076Doctoral seminar 7 (PST)cs20CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
All the groups of optional courses
Gr. Number of courses Courses
5912 min. 1 DAB029, DAB030, DAB031
5913 min. 1 DJB043, DTB042, DWB032, DHB069
5914 min. 1 DBB013
5917 min. 1 DAB032, DAB033, DAB034, DAB035, DAB036, DAB037
5918 min. 1 DWB033, DHB071, DLB040, DTB043, DOB037