Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Petr Hlavínek, CSc., MBA

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Petr Hlavínek, CSc., MBA
Councillor internal :
doc. Ing. Tomáš Kučera, Ph.D.
Ing. Antonín Tůma, Ph.D.
Ing. Vladimír Habr, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Jakub Raček, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Zbyněk Zachoval, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Daniel Marton, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Aleš Dráb, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Miroslav Dumbrovský, CSc.
doc. Ing. Jaroslav Raclavský, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Jitka Malá, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
Ing. Karel Drbal, Ph.D.

The aim of the doctoral study program Water Management and Water Structures is to provide outstanding graduates of the master's degree with specialized university education in selected and topical areas of the field. These currently include, with a view to maintaining sustainable living conditions, the solution of issues related primarily to the design, optimization, efficiency and quality of operation of existing and new water management systems, such as water management systems, water management structures on watercourses, drinking water supply systems. , waste water removal and treatment, protection of water resources and water quality in the basin, protection against floods etc.
The doctoral study program Water Management and Water Structures is a multidisciplinary program in which students acquire new knowledge in both natural sciences and applied sciences and is also targeted to acquire the necessary habits of students for independent scientific research and creative activities in research and development in solving current theoretical problems and questions arising from the requirements of practice. During the study the student gains both new theoretical knowledge and new own experience from preparation, realization and evaluation of necessary experiments (physical, numerical).
The dissertation thesis is focused on the evaluation of the current state of development of the solved problems in the Czech Republic and abroad, on the definition of the subject and methodology of the topic under development and especially on its own creative contribution. The aim of the study is also to involve 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 publication in professional and scientific foreign and domestic journals.

Graduates of the doctoral degree program in Water Management and Water Structures will be able to complete scientific and creative activities independently and in teams at national and international level. and habits well applied in solving theoretical and practical tasks.
Graduates of this study program can be employed especially in research and development workplaces, in design organizations, in state administration bodies and they can also apply their acquired experience during teaching practice during their doctoral study programs in education or other educational institutions.
Completion of the doctoral study program is also a necessary precondition for its possible further career and professional academic growth. His knowledge of foreign languages ​​will enable him to study abroad as well.

The graduate of the newly designed doctoral study program Water Management and Water Structures is able to hold positions requiring a separate solution of technical technical problems in the field of water management. Graduates of doctoral studies are prepared for employment in research and development activities, enabling creative solutions to problems and development of new methods and approaches applicable to the solution of current water management problems and their application in the construction of water management structures. Doctoral studies are closely linked to scientific, research and development activities at the training site and to technical practice. Ongoing active scientific and pedagogical activity is a prerequisite for eventual employment of graduates as academic staff of universities. Graduates can also work in basic and applied research, at university workplaces, in institutes of the ASCR, in research and technology centers in the Czech Republic and abroad. They also find work in research workplaces and laboratories of water management and water structures and the environment, or they can hold higher management positions in design, implementation and administration companies, public administration or other similar technical level. The general applicability in practice is practically 100%. It is expected that the applicability of graduates of the newly designed doctoral study program will be similar.

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 Water Management and Water Structures is a follow-up to the follow-up Master study program Civil Engineering, especially the study field Water Management and Water 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 - Water Management and Water Structures for this program.

2. round (applications submitted from 20.10.2023 to 15.12.2023)

1. Implementation of biochar to remove pollution contained in rainwater from roads.

   The main specific objectives of the doctoral thesis are i) to define the sources of pollution of urban runoff from roads and ii) to reduce the impact of organic waste on the environment (wood waste, agricultural waste, municipal bio-waste, etc.), thereby minimizing the costs of handling / landfilling this organic waste. The subject of the doctoral thesis is the transformation of organic waste into a further usable product, in this case biochar prepared by pyrolysis process and its implementation as an absorbent to capture contaminants coming from communications (CEC, heavy metals, oil, PAH, etc.).

   Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA

2. Analysis and optimization of energy performance of public water supply systems

   The dissertation topic is focused on sustainable operation of public water supply systems, the outputs could be beneficial for municipalities and water infrastructure operators in reducing their carbon footprint. Expected outline of the thesis: data collection on energy consumption, operational processes and infrastructure characteristics of public water supply systems; statistical analysis to identify patterns and trends in energy intensity; modelling of the impact of different scenarios on energy efficiency; economic analysis including return on investment for energy saving measures.

   Tutor: Kučera Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Dam risk analysis

   The aim is to propose, elaborate and verify the method for the assessment of risks coming from the existence and operation of dams with respect to their violation. Appropriate risk-based method and corresponding tools will be chosen, e.g. event trees for individual types of hydraulic structures, probabilistic assessment for the initiating events using the statistical methods, the assessment of the vulnerability of system components. New trends in design standards and existing dam categorization will be taken into account.

   Tutor: Říha Jaromír, prof. Ing., CSc.

4. Designing of dams in a karst area

   The goal is to summarize knowledge about the design of hydraulic structures in karst areas. The subject of the work will be a summary of knowledge about the design of these works, their critical evaluation and an inventory of critical problems related to the mentioned issues. Part of the work will be the design and analysis of possible measures ensuring the safety and reliability of hydraulic works in karst areas, also with regard to the related surroundings. The practical application will focus on the Hranický Karst.

   Tutor: Říha Jaromír, prof. Ing., CSc.

5. Dimensioning of vacuum systems of sewer networks

   Over the last 30 years, the vacuum sewer system has gradually developed. In many cases, the system was inappropriately designed and undersized. The topic of the dissertation will focus on the issue of dimensioning the vacuum station, the vacuum network and selected objects on the network. Part of the work will be in situ measurements on selected vacuum sewer networks.

   Tutor: Raclavský Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Implementation of partial elements of energy self-sufficient systems at the wastewater treatment plant.

   Within the doctoral thesis, in relation to the new EU Directive on wastewater treatment, technologies and procedures will be defined towards an energetically self-sufficient wastewater treatment plant (i.e. the use of thermal energy, photovoltaic systems, green infrastructure, etc.). The aim of the dissertation is then the implementation of these technologies and procedures into the BIM elements of an energy self-sufficient wastewater treatment plant, i.e. the implementation of the use of energy from waste water, heat pumps, the use of energy from purified waste water at the drain, etc. The principle of BIM is already within the design to include information about energy demands of partial elements (pumps, etc.), maintenance, service life, etc., and setting the compliance of their planned maintenance, services. Furthermore, it involves the development and implementation of the concept of new new control systems, i.e. the connection of treatment plant management with energy regulation and control of the elements of an energy self-sufficient wastewater treatment plant.

   Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA

7. Microplastics as a specific pollution of drinking water

   The presence of micro-plastics in natural and drinking water raises the discussion on the potential consequences to human health. The dissertation will deal with a critical search of studies carried out so far on this topic, focusing mainly on the occurrence and character of microplastics in raw and drinking water, as well as on methods for determining microplastics in water. The possible effects of these processes acting in water on the biological regime and chemical composition of water will be discussed, as well as the possible effects on human health. Laboratory tests will be performed in order to remove a selected group of microplastics from drinking water in order to recommend the most suitable technological procedure leading to their separation.

   Tutor: Kučera Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Modeling of a River Basin Runoff Components Using Hydrological Multi-Model Approaches

   The development of hydrological modelling is gradually bringing greater demands for comprehensive information on river basin runoff components. Current trend is to use a multi-model approach to describe the rainfall-runoff process in a basin. The aim of the dissertation thessis will be to develop a hydrological model of the river basin using a multi-model approach and then test it under selected climatic conditions.

   Tutor: Marton Daniel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Multi-objective optimization of drainage system design from the green-gray infrastructure of cities and municipalities

   In recent years, elements of rainwater management and blue-green infrastructure have been increasingly applied in the field of designing urban and municipal drainage systems. The aim of the dissertation will be the design of the optimization of the drainage system from the green-gray infrastructure based on proposed objectives such as drainage efficiency, construction and maintenance costs, environmental and water quality impacts, aesthetic value and others. Optimized drainage design from green-gray infrastructure is a promising solution to combat urban flooding and water quality problems that are severe due to increasing urbanization, environmental degradation and climate change. A hydrological simulation model (SWIM LID), as well as life cycle cost (LCC), life cycle assessment (LCA) on ecological impact and applicable legislation, will be used when processing the dissertation.

   Tutor: Raclavský Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

10. Possibility of internal erosion initiation in hydraulic structures and its assessment

    The aim is to analyse the possibility of dam failure due to internal erosion and to analyse individual internal erosion phases. Failure modes and places of their origin will be assessed together with the criteria used for the specification of internal erosion phases (initiation, continuation, progression, failure). During the solution uncertainties in input parameters will be assessed and the failure probability will be estimated. The student will be co-operating with the international working group searching appropriate software.

    Tutor: Říha Jaromír, prof. Ing., CSc.

11. Reliability, durability and vulnerability of water treatment plants

    A water treatment plant must be able to deliver potable water in different situations and stages of plant operation, and it is entirely appropriate to look at the key characteristics: reliability, resilience and vulnerability. In the literature, the performance of water treatment systems is monitored through these variables, but usually separately and mostly reliability. The aim of this paper is to transpose the definitions to the situation of water treatment plants, to carry out investigations to quantify these variables at selected water treatment plants, and to address the correlation and correlation with the technical condition of the plants. A quantitative analysis of reliability, resilience and vulnerability at selected water treatment plants and subsequent identification of factors influencing these characteristics is expected.

    Tutor: Kučera Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

12. The use of UV radiation for the treatment of effluents from wastewater treatment plants.

    The goal of the doctoral thesis will be to determine the effectiveness of UV radiation (with the possibility of using an additional catalyst) for the reduction of emerging pollutants and microbiological pollution with regard to the fulfillment of the upcoming legislative limits for the discharge of wastewater and for the fulfillment of the legislative limits for the reuse of these waters in agriculture. As part of the doctoral thesis, sets of laboratory experiments will be carried out, on the basis of which the parameters of the investigated processes will be determined, ensuring the achievement of the legislative requirements.

    Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA

13. Using Remote Sensing datasets for Rainfall-Runoff Modeling

    Using a remote sensing methods and datasets is becoming an imporant part for the purposes of hydrological modeling. The aim of the dissertation thessis will be study of the methods for processing extensive databases of remote sensing data, post-processing and further application to the rainfall-runoff model.

    Tutor: Marton Daniel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 04.04.2023 to 31.07.2023)

1. Implementation of biochar to remove pollution contained in rainwater from roads.

   The main specific objectives of the doctoral thesis are i) to define the sources of pollution of urban runoff from roads and ii) to reduce the impact of organic waste on the environment (wood waste, agricultural waste, municipal bio-waste, etc.), thereby minimizing the costs of handling / landfilling this organic waste. The subject of the doctoral thesis is the transformation of organic waste into a further usable product, in this case biochar prepared by pyrolysis process and its implementation as an absorbent to capture contaminants coming from communications (CEC, heavy metals, oil, PAH, etc.).

   Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA

2. Defining the impact of thermal energy utilization from wastewater on sewerage.

   Within the doctoral thesis, decentralized and centralized systems of heat energy recovery from wastewater on the sewer system will be defined, which will be evaluated in the main parameters (temperature and flow of wastewater) in relation to the impact on the subsequent biological process of wastewater treatment on the municipal WWTP. Within the doctoral thesis, a measurement campaign will be carried out on a characteristic sewer network to measure the temperature and flow of wastewater with the definition of potential thermal energy withdrawals with the creation of a sewer network model including places of potential for thermal energy extraction with defined boundary conditions for the implementation of centralized systems.

   Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA

3. Detection, processes of spreading and removal of dangerous substances in water supply networks in emergency situations

   The aim of the PhD thesis will be, on the basis of delimitation and definition of water security of the Czech Republic, to define methods of on-line analysis of drinking water quality, to model and analyze the speed of contamination spreading in water supply networks, to define for individual pipeline materials and pipeline contaminants the risk of long-term contamination and to determine principles of security and protection of drinking water supplies.

   Tutor: Raclavský Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Dimensioning of vacuum systems of sewer networks

   Over the last 30 years, the vacuum sewer system has gradually developed. In many cases, the system was inappropriately designed and undersized. The topic of the dissertation will focus on the issue of dimensioning the vacuum station, the vacuum network and selected objects on the network. Part of the work will be in situ measurements on selected vacuum sewer networks.

   Tutor: Raclavský Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Microplastics as a specific pollution of drinking water

   The presence of micro-plastics in natural and drinking water raises the discussion on the potential consequences to human health. The dissertation will deal with a critical search of studies carried out so far on this topic, focusing mainly on the occurrence and character of microplastics in raw and drinking water, as well as on methods for determining microplastics in water. The possible effects of these processes acting in water on the biological regime and chemical composition of water will be discussed, as well as the possible effects on human health. Laboratory tests will be performed in order to remove a selected group of microplastics from drinking water in order to recommend the most suitable technological procedure leading to their separation.

   Tutor: Kučera Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Ozonation as a progressive technology for the control of organic matter components in drinking water

   Increasing concentrations of natural organic matter and organic micropollutants are increasingly occurring in natural waters, and current water treatment technologies are not always successful in removing all their components. Ozonation, in combination with other processes, represents a progressive way to eliminate such water pollution and also to prevent penetration into drinking water. The work will be conducted in order to determine, verify and optimize the processability of selected organic substances using ozone.

   Tutor: Kučera Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Reliability, durability and vulnerability of water treatment plants

   The water treatment plant must be able to supply drinking water in the various situations and stages of operation of the plant, while it is entirely appropriate to monitor the key features: reliability, resilience and vulnerability. In the literature, the performance of water supply systems is monitored through these quantities, but usually separately and mostly reliability. The aim of the work is to transpose the definitions on the situation of water treatment plants, to conduct surveys in order to quantify these quantities in selected treatment plants, and also to deal with mutual correlation and correlation with technical treatment.

   Tutor: Kučera Tomáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Risk analysis of public water supply systems

   As part of the dissertation, the issue of risk analysis of public drinking water supply systems will be addressed. The work builds on the existing methodological procedures that were developed as part of the WaterRisk project. Attention will be focused on measures to reduce risks in the system.

   Tutor: Ručka Jan, Ing., Ph.D.

9. The use of UV radiation for the treatment of effluents from wastewater treatment plants.

   The goal of the doctoral thesis will be to determine the effectiveness of UV radiation (with the possibility of using an additional catalyst) for the reduction of emerging pollutants and microbiological pollution with regard to the fulfillment of the upcoming legislative limits for the discharge of wastewater and for the fulfillment of the legislative limits for the reuse of these waters in agriculture. As part of the doctoral thesis, sets of laboratory experiments will be carried out, on the basis of which the parameters of the investigated processes will be determined, ensuring the achievement of the legislative requirements.

   Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA

10. Transportation of waste water by low-pressure sewerage systems

    The work will be focused on the issue of sewage wastewater transport and low-pressure sewer systems. Attention will be focused on the analysis of failures that occur in pressure sewers and also on selected wastewater quality indicators that are characteristic of pressure sewers. The work will further develop the existing technology for controlling the operation of pressure sewers, which was patented by the European patent EP3263786B1.

    Tutor: Ručka Jan, Ing., Ph.D.

11. Treatment of municipal wastewater by anaerobic MBR technology.

    Goal of the thesis is development of technology of municipal wastewater by anaerobic process with aggregated biomass and sludge separation by means of submerged membrane module. Work will be focused on solution of problems connected with membrane clogging by operation, cleaning and process control. The work will be processed on a pilot unit in the AdMaS center. Possibility of internship at BOKU University, Vienna and NTNU Trondheim.

    Tutor: Hlavínek Petr, prof. Ing., CSc., MBA