Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.
Councillor internal :
doc. Ing. Jiří Bydžovský, CSc.
prof. Ing. Marcela Fridrichová, CSc.
doc. RNDr. Pavel Rovnaník, Ph.D.
doc. Mgr. Ivo Kusák, Ph.D., MBA
prof. Ing. Rudolf Hela, CSc.
doc. Ing. Radomír Sokolář, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Nikol Žižková, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Pavel Schmid, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
Ing. Zdeněk Jeřábek, CSc.
Ing. Štěpán Bohuš, Ph.D.

The aim of the doctoral study program Physical and Building Materials Engineering is to provide outstanding graduates of the master's degree 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 materials. and remediation of materials and structures, 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.
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 scientific and professional conferences and their publishing 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 completion of at least one internship abroad at a cooperating foreign university or other research institute.

Graduates of the doctoral study program Physical and Buillding Materials Engineering are, after successful completion of the highest form of university study, professionally prepared and equipped for solving theoretical and practical tasks within the wide area of ​​production and testing of building materials. 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 materials development and close cooperation of the branch 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 during pedagogical-scientific activities at educational institutions dealing with the issue of building materials in the Czech Republic and thanks to acquired language knowledge also abroad.

Graduate of the PhD study program Physical and Building Materials Engineering is ready to apply in development, research, creative engineering solution of problems concerning: design of building materials, their development, innovations, standard and new progressive technologies of production, testing and verification of their properties ; optimal application of building materials in building structures; durability monitoring methods; building technical survey and diagnostic methods; the design of remediation procedures up to the issues of recycling of end-of-life materials.
Graduate gains knowledge in the field of theoretical knowledge of construction (microstructure of building materials, physical chemistry of building materials, durability and remediation of building materials, etc.), economic and ecological aspects of production technology, statistics, scientific work and also new own experience from preparation, realization and evaluation necessary experiments and necessary practical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on research and cooperation with practice in the field of new progressive materials and technologies, the use of secondary raw materials as alternative raw materials resources contributing to the development of environmentally friendly technologies while contributing to the reduction of input and production costs. Within the framework of the acquired skills, the graduate is able to solve complex construction-technical and managerial problems in the building materials industry or their application on construction sites of various character, is able to apply in top management and marketing in the field of construction. At the same time, the graduate is capable of independent scientific research and independent creative work in the field of research and development of new building materials.
The graduate has competence for wide application in the field of production technology of all kinds of building materials (eg mortars, ceramics, concrete, components, composite materials, polymers and other building materials). In practice and in research teams, it has a profound and systematic knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and methods. The graduate is able to manage demanding professional technical activities and bear responsibility for their quality and for professional management of individuals and groups. 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 also be authorized by ČKAIT as a civil engineer in the field of Testing and Diagnostics of Buildings, Energy Auditing or in the field of Technological Equipment of Buildings. Ongoing active scientific activity is also a prerequisite not only to achieve the ability to communicate intelligently and convincingly own knowledge in the field to other members of the scientific community at international level and to the general public, but also to the possible employment of graduates as academic and scientific researchers of universities, research institutions and expert institutes with the possibility of career and professional growth.

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.

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.

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.

The doctoral study program Physical and Building Materials Engineering is a follow-up to the follow-up master's study program Civil Engineering, especially the study field Civil Engineering Material Engineering, 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 - Building Materials and Technologies for this program.

1. Alternative binders for cement-bonded particleboards with regard to CO2 reduction

   The dissertation will verify the possibility of using alternative binders as partial or complete substitution of cement, with emphasis on the lower carbon footprint of alternative binders.

   Tutor: Bydžovský Jiří, doc. Ing., CSc.

2. Cement chipboards using secondary and alternative fillers

   As part of the dissertation, alternative fillers for cement chipboard will be proposed, and their influence on the mechanical and durability parameters of the boards will be monitored with regard to their variable exploitation in building structures.

   Tutor: Schmid Pavel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Construction system for floors using waste from cement-bonded particleboard production

   The dissertation will address the possibility of using shredded waste from cement-bonded particleboard production in dry flooring systems.

   Tutor: Bydžovský Jiří, doc. Ing., CSc.

4. Numerical Methods in Uncertainty and Reliability Analyses

   Development of simulation and appximation methods for numerical analyses of problems featuring random variables. The bottom line is the development of advanced Monte Carlo strategies.

   Tutor: Vořechovský Miroslav, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Problems reusing waste thermal insulation in building constructions

   The work is a contribution in the field of sustainable development in the construction industry and is specifically focused on research into the use of waste plastics - recycled materials, for reuse in building elements, for example ceramic moldings. Their processing technology takes a wide range of editing options. The content of the work is the study of the properties and processing of waste raw materials - recycles and the optimization of their useful properties for use in building elements based on their experimental laboratory measurements under different climatic conditions.

   Tutor: Šťastník Stanislav, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.

6. Properties and utilization of materials for solar heat storage tank

   Questions regarding the availability and consumption of energy for use in buildings constitute a serious social issue, also the issue of "decarbonization" of the energy sector through renewable energy sources is one of the key elements of "green strategies". Energy from renewable sources is one of the technologies with the greatest potential for further expansion, which currently still provides abundant reserves. The efficiency and utility features solar heat storage tank are bound to used heat-storage materials and method of use of the internal energy. Temperature determines the rate of working fluid losses. The object of study are suitable materials for the construction of a solar heat storage tank (sensible heat, phase change materials), their physical properties. The objective is to model, as well as experimental evidence functionality.

   Tutor: Šťastník Stanislav, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.

7. Radiative heat transfer in interiors of buildings

   The recent building thermal technology determines heat losses on the basis of thermal conduction through the envelopes of buildings. There is a possibility to generalize the procedure and to include the transfer of radiative and convective heat transfers. This represents a complex ab initio computation. The radiative and convective heat transfers may be coupled and a system of transcendent equations may be formed. Such a system may be solved e.g. by the Newton iterative method. The Ph.D. thesis should be aimed at creating a general procedure for such computations and applying it to a chosen room of a family house.

   Tutor: Ficker Tomáš, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

8. Silicate rehabilitation system of new generation reducing carbon footprint

   The main aim of the work is to develop a remediation system for silicate surfaces, composed of several unique materials. The aim is to use mixed cements and to replace natural raw materials with secondary ones. The reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere will also be achieved directly, by applying layers with a high specific surface area, to ensure targeted carbonation of silicates. One of the goals is to deeply realcalize the rehabilitated concrete. Aim is to create a new multifunctional adhesive bridge, which will, in addition to bonding the individual layers, create a CO2 impermeable barrier. Part of the system will also be a biogenic self-care component, supporting the sealing of silicate composite cracks.

   Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

9. Study of the possibilities of using neural networks for the design of concrete recipes

   The topic of the thesis is focused on the possibility of using non-iron meshes for optimization and acceleration of the design of concrete mixture recipes. In the process, it will be necessary to compile an extensive set of concrete recipes for the range of strength classes C8/10 to C100/115 and various environmental taps, including the origin and type of components used for their production and the physical-mechanical properties achieved. Then build recipe design models using neural networks. In the experimental part, verify the physical-mechanical parameters of selected recipes obtained by this method.

   Tutor: Hela Rudolf, prof. Ing., CSc.

10. Study of thermal insulation properties of thin air layers with reflective surfaces for builkding

    Study of the properties of heat-insulating thermoreflective foil insulation and their use in construction, passive and energy-saving houses, production halls, sports fields, etc. Reflective surfaces show high reflection and low emissivity. Therefore, reflective materials can be defined as those materials which, with their reflective layer, enable to significantly reflect heat and thereby reduce the thermal conductivity of the air cavity adjacent to the reflective layer. This special type of insulation finds its place in selected fragments of buildings. The subject is the study of transport phenomena of heat propagation through the structure of thermoreflective insulators, their physical properties and comparison with classical insulators. The topic includes the verification of structural thermal insulation systems both in the laboratory in the measuring cabinet and also during installation in buildings.

    Tutor: Šťastník Stanislav, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc. Ph.D.

11. Surface treatment of building objects from renewable sources

    Materials from renewable sources and technologies are already able to compete with commonly used building materials and thus eliminate the negative impact of the construction sector on the environment. Effective technologies using renewable sources of raw materials represent an improvement in the quality of construction in the context of sustainable development. The PhD thesis will deal with the research and development of new types of surface treatment of building objects, the production of which will be based on renewable sources as much as possible. The thesis will not only be about testing the materials themselves, but mainly about the design and verification of a comprehensive solution for surface treatments in order to reduce the negative ecological aspect of the construction and reconstruction of buildings.

    Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

12. The optimization of conductive admixtures in cement or slag based smart materials to enhance the sensitivity to non-destructive methods

    An important goal is to find the best conductivity admixture (graphite, carbon black/soot, CNT) that when added to the base matrix at optimum concentration achieves the highest response of the measurement using electromagnetic-based methods. It is essential, that the materials with a conductivity additive do not suffer significant strength reduction at tensile and compressive stresses.

    Tutor: Kusák Ivo, doc. Mgr., Ph.D., MBA

13. The role of combination of fluxes, mineralizers and SCMs on properties of low-energy clinker

    Understanding the mechanisms of pre- and post-activation of low-energy clinker using a combination of fluxes, mineralizers and SCMs (supplementary cementitious materials) can lead to significant energy, primary resource savings and reduction of CO2 emissions associated with cement production. The aim will be: Pre-activation of clinker with fluxes and mineralizers to stabilize the reactive forms of belite and alite. Improved grindability of belite and determined role on the reactivity of aluminate and ferrite. Improvement of the initial strengths and durability of cements by SCMs post-activation.

    Tutor: Dvořák Karel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

14. The use of acoustic methods for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires

    The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires. The Impact-echo method and the acoustic emission method when loading the structure will be used to assess the condition.

    Tutor: Chobola Zdeněk, prof. RNDr., CSc.

15. Using methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy for nondestructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures

    Based on the study of nonlinear acoustic effects, new defectoscopic and diagnostic methods have been proposed, some of which are potentially also suitable for defectoscopy of building materials. There are a number of these methods. The aim of the work will be the selection of suitable methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy, construction of measuring devices and experimental verification of their usability for non-destructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures.

    Tutor: Matysík Michal, Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 08.06.2022 to 31.07.2022)

1. Application of computer tomography in acoustic testing of building materials

   Acoustic tomography is a method that makes possible to localize inhomogeneities in a medium under investigation. The objective of the study consists in calculating cavities in materials by means of acoustic tomography methods and determining the resolution power of these methods.

   Tutor: Martinek Jan, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

2. Application of the sol-gel method for the production of thermally insulating refractories

   One of the modern directions for obtaining high-quality refractory products is the application of the sol-gel method. The gelation process produces a spatial network that can be used as a lightweight binder in thermal insulation materials. Sol-gel technology brings with it a number of advantages. Compared to hydraulic bonding, the amount of water required for the preparation of the working mass is reduced and the subsequent drying rate can be increased without disturbing the dried material. Chemically pure colloidal solutions are used as a binder, which reduces the amount of unwanted oxides in the material and increases its refractoriness. Another advantage is the formation of new minerals, especially mullite, during firing. This thesis will deal with the design and study of sol-gel bonding for a lightweight refractory material. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

   Tutor: Nevřivová Lenka, Ing., Ph.D.

3. Definition of optimal conditions of brick body creation to improve its useful properties and reduce environmental and energy intensity.

   Calcareous (carbonate) brick clays are the predominant basic raw material for brick production. By finding the optimal firing conditions of brick clays (depending on their chemical and mineralogical composition) it is possible to achieve the maximum positive effect of fired body hydration, which can be manifested mainly by increasing in strength, sound reduction index, frost resistance and reducing its water permeability. It is also necessary to define the hydration conditions (time, temperature).

   Tutor: Sokolář Radomír, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Design and development of MLS signal generation device for excitation generation with conversion to high power

   The main topic of the dissertation will be the creation of a generator for MLS signal generation. The unique properties of the MLS signal will allow the detection of several variables that characterize the acoustic material properties of heterogeneous building materials. The dissertation will also include the creation of a logarithmic amplifier to enable more extensive (sensitive) detection of ultrasonic signals.

   Tutor: Topolář Libor, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

5. Development of environmentally friendly masonry unites for modern building structures

   The work will deal with problematic of the application of environmental measures in the production of ceramic masonry unites. The aim will be to find optimal ways to reduce CO2 emissions, in particular by using lighters that release less CO2 during firing, as well as the process of dematerialising products, which reduces the proportion of matter in the product and preserves its useful properties.

   Tutor: Zach Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Durability of geometric structures created by 3DCP technology depending on the material

   The research will focus on the study of the behavior of elements mmanufactured from cement composites using 3D printing technology. The influence of the composition of the mixture on the properties of the fresh mixture, the course of the hydration process of the cement and the final product will be monitored. Furthermore, the influence of the geometry of the printed element on its service life will be assessed. Accelerated degradation tests (exposure to liquid and gaseous aggressive environments, etc.) will be used to study durability.

   Tutor: Žižková Nikol, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Influence of water-soluble hydrophobizations on the properties of cement composites

   The aim of the work will be to study the interaction of new water-soluble hydrophobizations with the surface of cement composites and an improvement of their durability, chemical resistance, and selected physical and mechanical parameters. The depth of hydrophobization penetration, change of microstructure of the surface layers of treated composites, positive effect on shrinkage of composites, etc. will be monitored. Hydrophobization will be assessed depending on dynamic viscosity, polymer base and method of application. It will also be monitored whether chemical reactions is occurred between the hydration products of the cement matrix and the hydrophobization. CT tomography will be used as a support for monitoring the change in the internal structure of hydrophobized surface layers of cement composites. The dependence of the hydrophobization's penetration depth on the type of elements with a cement matrix will also be observed, i.e. cement-bonded particleboard, various types of concrete, etc. The influence of nanoparticles on the possible improvement of the properties of water-soluble hydrophobization will also be investigated. The long-term durability and the possibility of applying additional layers of secondary protection will be examined.

   Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

8. Novel admixtures designed for alkali-activated materials

   The aim of the topic of the dissertation is the development of noval organic additives for alkali-activated materials. Existing admixtures used in concrete have either no or little effect on the technological properties of alkali-activated materials. Following the application of new technologies, such as 3D printing, and for a wider use of these materials in practice, it is necessary to develop new modifying admixtures. The main part of the work will be devoted to the influence of admixtures on the rheological properties of fresh pastes and the study of the principle of their action. Furthermore, the influence on the microstructure of the binder and the mechanical properties will be determined.

   Tutor: Rovnaník Pavel, doc. RNDr., Ph.D.

9. Radiative heat transfer in interiors of buildings

   The recent building thermal technology determines heat losses on the basis of thermal conduction through the envelopes of buildings. There is a possibility to generalize the procedure and to include the transfer of radiative and convective heat transfers. This represents a complex ab initio computation. The radiative and convective heat transfers may be coupled and a system of transcendent equations may be formed. Such a system may be solved e.g. by the Newton iterative method. The Ph.D. thesis should be aimed at creating a general procedure for such computations and applying it to a chosen room of a family house.

   Tutor: Ficker Tomáš, prof. RNDr., DrSc.

10. Study of the electrically conductive silicate composite system properties for heated outdoor surfaces

    The essence of the dissertation thesis will be composition of a system of silicate based electrically conductive materials with increased electrical and thermal conductivity, which will enable the realization of heated surfaces in the conditions of outdoor exposure. The whole system will be able to regulate the surface temperature through an autonomous system. The dissertation will also propose a technology to accelerate the hydration of fresh silicate composite, which will be achieved by heating the individual components of the composite system already in a fresh state shortly after application. This will prevent slowing down or stopping of the cement matrix hydration due to low ambient temperatures and will expand the range of outdoor conditions for the application of the entire system.

    Tutor: Drochytka Rostislav, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.

11. The optimization of conductive admixtures in cement or slag based smart materials to enhance the sensitivity to non-destructive methods

    An important goal is to find the best conductivity admixture (graphite, carbon black/soot, CNT) that when added to the base matrix at optimum concentration achieves the highest response of the measurement using electromagnetic-based methods. It is essential, that the materials with a conductivity additive do not suffer significant strength reduction at tensile and compressive stresses.

    Tutor: Kusák Ivo, doc. Mgr., Ph.D., MBA

12. The use of acoustic methods for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires

    The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for non-destructive testing of bridge structures with prestressing wires. The Impact-echo method and the acoustic emission method when loading the structure will be used to assess the condition.

    Tutor: Chobola Zdeněk, prof. RNDr., CSc.

13. Using methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy for nondestructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures

    Based on the study of nonlinear acoustic effects, new defectoscopic and diagnostic methods have been proposed, some of which are potentially also suitable for defectoscopy of building materials. There are a number of these methods. The aim of the work will be the selection of suitable methods of nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy, construction of measuring devices and experimental verification of their usability for non-destructive testing of concrete damaged by high temperatures.

    Tutor: Matysík Michal, Ing., Ph.D.