Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Marcela Karmazínová, CSc.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Miroslav Vořechovský, Ph.D.
Vice-chairman :
prof. Ing. David Lehký, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
doc. Mgr. Irena Hinterleitner, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Milan Šmak, Ph.D.
prof. Dr.techn. Ing. Michal Varaus
doc. Ing. Otto Plášek, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Pavel Schmid, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Radim Nečas, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Hana Šimonová, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
doc. Ing. Jaroslav Navrátil, CSc.
Ing. Mojmír Nejezchleb

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

2. round (applications submitted from 16.10.2026 to 11.12.2026)

1. Analysis of Highly Loaded Precast Concrete Sewer Structures

   This is a general topic. The aim of the work is to analyse precast concrete structures used in sewer systems and subjected to high local loads, for example, in airport pavement structures and similar applications. The work will focus on the refinement of structural analysis models and experimental verification of manholes, precast concrete rings, and other related elements. The work will build on previous analyses and design studies carried out by the supervisor.

   Supervisor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Analysis of structures supported by cables or arch

   The topic of the dissertation thesis is focused on the advanced analysis of bridge structures supported by cables or arches, with particular emphasis on self-anchored suspension and cable-stayed bridges and footbridges, as well as arch bridges. The objective is a comprehensive assessment of their spatial behaviour, the interaction of load-bearing members, the effects of rheological phenomena and geometric nonlinearity, soil–structure interaction, and the optimisation of design procedures using modern computational methods. The results of the research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the behaviour of these structures, more accurate modelling, and the development of more efficient and material-saving structural solutions.

   Supervisor: Koláček Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Analysis of the Long-Term Behaviour of Concrete Structures

   This is a general topic. The aim of the work is to analyse the long-term behaviour of concrete structures, such as bridges, buildings, tanks, etc. The work will focus on the refinement of monitoring methods and structural analysis procedures, as well as on the comparison of measured and calculated values. The work will build on long-term monitoring previously carried out by the supervisor

   Supervisor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Early Warning Systems for Technical Infrastructure

   The dissertation focuses on the application of artificial intelligence methods in Early Warning Systems (EWS) designed to monitor the technical condition and operational reliability of infrastructure assets. The research will primarily address transport and related technical infrastructure, including railway tracks, switches, bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, and other structural components. It will examine existing approaches to infrastructure monitoring and explore the potential of artificial intelligence for processing and evaluating data obtained from measurement and monitoring systems.

   The main objective of the dissertation is to develop and validate a methodological framework for integrating artificial intelligence methods into Early Warning Systems to enable anomaly detection, assessment of changes in asset condition, and prediction of potential failures or adverse trends in monitored parameters. The research will include an analysis of available data sources, the selection of suitable machine learning algorithms and other artificial intelligence techniques, the development of a model-based solution, and its experimental validation using selected infrastructure assets or datasets.

   Particular attention will be paid to the reliability and accuracy of anomaly detection, warning timeliness, the reduction of false alarms, and the ability of the proposed solution to process heterogeneous and time-varying data. The research will also examine the explainability of results and their applicability to infrastructure operators' decisions regarding maintenance, diagnostics, and operational measures.

   The expected scientific contribution of the dissertation is the advancement of methodological and analytical approaches to the application of artificial intelligence in Early Warning Systems and the identification of conditions for their effective use in infrastructure monitoring and asset management.

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

5. Bayesian Physics-informed Polynomial Chaos Expansion

   The topic focuses on the development of Bayesian updating of physics-constrained Polynomial Chaos Expansions. The research will address not only the theoretical foundations for constructing approximations using Bayesian statistics, but also the development of sampling methods, reliability analysis, and, ultimately, the application of the developed theoretical methods in stochastic mechanics.

   Supervisor: Novák Lukáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Combining Nonlinear and Time-Dependent Material Models

   The student will focus on the analysis, custom implementation in finite element software, testing, and application of material models that include a time-dependent (viscous) component in addition to the instantaneous response. These combined material models will be used to simulate both long-term quasi-static behavior (creep, relaxation, etc.) and dynamic behavior (strain-rate dependence, damping, etc.), primarily in orthotropic materials such as wood or membranes. However, the approach (algorithms) may also be applicable to isotropic materials.

   Supervisor: Trcala Miroslav, doc. Mgr. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Computational model of the response (elastic, plastic and viscous) of a structural building element under dynamic loading, including damage modelling

   The topic follows on from the Grant Agency of CR submitted to panel P105 named Parameters optimisation for models of engineering dynamics. The doctoral student will propose a correctly justified unified model for the combined dynamic loading of a building element, taking into account mainly the local situation, based on an energetic and kinematic approach, up to the development of the necessary numerical methods and algorithms dedicated to advanced calculations.

   Supervisor: Kozák Vladislav, doc. Ing., CSc.

8. Developement of Structures, Structure Components and Joints made of Steel or Steel-combined materials

   The topic is focused on the development of theory and understanding of the actual action of selected parts of steel or wooden structures or structures with combined materials. The aim of the topic is the analysis and subsequent description of the problems found in the field.

   Supervisor: Barnat Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Effect of clearances and tolerances on the load-carrying capacity and fatigue life of pin connections according to EN 1993-1-8:2024

   As part of the revision of EN 1993-1-8:2024, a change in the design approach for pin connections has been introduced. Short pins (with L/d < 3) can no longer be verified as single bolts subjected purely to shear. Instead, a verification for bending and for combined shear and bending interaction is now required for all pins. Furthermore, the standard requires incorporating the effects of hole clearances and the mutual misalignment (eccentricity) of the connected plates when determining the design bending moment.

   This calculation of the bending moment is highly conservative, as it assumes the worst-case scenario (maximum plate misalignment combined with maximum hole clearances). However, in real situation, a stress redistribution occurs at the contact zone (the contact forces spread over a larger surface area), reducing the actual bending moment compared to the code assumption (the exact extent of this reduction remains an open question).

   Conversely, under repeated (cyclic) loading, hole clearances and plate misalignment lead to accelerated wear and progressive plastic deformation, despite the standard's calculation relying on the full plastic section capacity.

   Objective|: To develop a methodology for optimizing clearances (and misalignments) that balances the requirement for ease of assembly against the designer's requirement to minimize these values with respect to the resulting bending moment.

   Supervisor: Barnat Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

10. Effect of Wind on the Behaviour of Hybrid Bridge Structures

    This is a general topic. The aim of the work is to analyse the behaviour of large hybrid bridge structures, including pylons, stay cables, and the load-bearing structure, under wind loading. The work will focus on refining the magnitude and characteristics of wind loads acting on such structures and on analysing the resulting structural response.

    Supervisor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. Efficient and Reliable Structural Design of Slender Members of Metal Structures

    The topic focuses on the efficient and reliable structural design of slender metal structural members subjected to compression and/or bending considering the effects of global and/or local buckling, under various boundary and loading conditions. The research will encompass theoretical, experimental, and numerical analyses of the selected problem. Full-scale experimental testing will provide insights into the actual behaviour of a member or a part of a structure and yield data for validating numerical models. Subsequent numerical analysis using validated models will significantly expand the dataset and enable a comprehensive study to investigate the influence of selected parameters on the load-bearing capacity. Particular attention will be paid to the appropriate implementation of global and local imperfections, as well as their combinations, within the numerical models to ensure a safe and reliable structural design. The student is expected to publish the results obtained from the theoretical, experimental, and numerical analyses in respected scientific journals.

    Supervisor: Barnat Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

12. Graph neural networks in mechanics

    The student will develop graph neural network methods to accelerate and simplify computations in structural mechanics software. One of the proposed applications is the dynamic relaxation method, in which a graph neural network will automatically tune the solver parameters for optimal performance. Another application is domain decomposition, where individual blocks will be replaced by surrogate models built from neural networks.

    Supervisor: Eliáš Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

13. Innovative Structural Layers of Road Pavements

    The ongoing development of road transport brings a continuous increase in traffic volume, a rising share of heavy goods vehicles, and, last but not least, the extreme manifestations of climate change. Traditional materials and standard design procedures for flexible and rigid pavement structural layers often reach their limits. This results in premature distresses such as permanent deformations (rutting), fatigue cracking, or degradation due to frost and water action. For these reasons, societal and economic pressures are growing to develop, test, and implement advanced structural layers made of innovative materials that exhibit higher resilience under extreme conditions, longer service life, and lower maintenance requirements. The presented doctoral thesis topic focuses on comprehensive research and development of innovative structural layers for road pavements, emphasizing sustainability and the circular economy. Attention will also be paid to the utilization of materials suitable for the changing climatic conditions in the Czech Republic.

    Supervisor: Dašek Ondřej, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

14. Probabilistic fatigue modeling

    This topic corresponds to a subptoject within ERC Synergy project FatResCon (2025-2031).

     

    The fatigue lifetime of concrete exhibits significant scatter arising from various sources of variability. The PhD student will analyze these sources and study how variability propagates through the mechanistic transformation of input random variables and random fields. High-fidelity numerical models and experimental data will be used to gain deeper insights into these processes and their dependencies on factors such as stress configurations (captured by reduced-order models), rate- and temperature-dependent phenomena, and material heterogeneity. Ultimately, the aim is to predict and extend the mean fatigue lifetime and reduce its variability. Additionally, the student will investigate methods to understand and control the spatiotemporal variability associated with concrete hydration processes. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with other subprojects within FATRESCON.

     

    Expected skills: Fundamentals of computational mechanics, programming, probability, and statistics.

     

    Synergistic interactions: Projects 10-13, 15,17

     

    You will learn: Advanced probabilistic modeling of strength in heterogeneous materials and structural reliability assessment.

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

15. Probabilistic fatigue modeling

    This topic corresponds to a subptoject within ERC Synergy project FatResCon (2025-2031).

     

    The fatigue lifetime of concrete exhibits significant scatter arising from various sources of variability. The PhD student will analyze these sources and study how variability propagates through the mechanistic transformation of input random variables and random fields. High-fidelity numerical models and experimental data will be used to gain deeper insights into these processes and their dependencies on factors such as stress configurations (captured by reduced-order models), rate- and temperature-dependent phenomena, and material heterogeneity. Ultimately, the aim is to predict and extend the mean fatigue lifetime and reduce its variability. Additionally, the student will investigate methods to understand and control the spatiotemporal variability associated with concrete hydration processes. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with other subprojects within FATRESCON.

     

    Expected skills: Fundamentals of computational mechanics, programming, probability, and statistics.

     

    Synergistic interactions: Projects 10-13, 15,17

     

    You will learn: Advanced probabilistic modeling of strength in heterogeneous materials and structural reliability assessment.

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

16. Probabilistic Fatigue Modeling of Concrete

    This topic corresponds to a subptoject within ERC Synergy project FatResCon (2025-2031).

     

    The fatigue lifetime of concrete exhibits significant scatter arising from various sources of variability. The PhD student will analyze these sources and study how variability propagates through the mechanistic transformation of input random variables and random fields. High-fidelity numerical models and experimental data will be used to gain deeper insights into these processes and their dependencies on factors such as stress configurations (captured by reduced-order models), rate- and temperature-dependent phenomena, and material heterogeneity. Ultimately, the aim is to predict and extend the mean fatigue lifetime and reduce its variability. Additionally, the student will investigate methods to understand and control the spatiotemporal variability associated with concrete hydration processes. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with other subprojects within FATRESCON.

     

    Expected skills: Fundamentals of computational mechanics, programming, probability, and statistics.

     

    Synergistic interactions: Projects 10-13, 15,17

     

    You will learn: Advanced probabilistic modeling of strength in heterogeneous materials and structural reliability assessment.

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

17. Robustness of Precast Concrete Structures

    This is a general topic focused on the analysis of precast concrete wall structures used in residential buildings. The aim of the work is to analyse the connections between wall and floor panels with respect to structural robustness, i.e. the overall resistance of the building to accidental loads. Global structural models incorporating the behaviour of these connections will be refined. The work will build on experimental investigations and numerical analyses carried out by the supervisor in previous years.

    Supervisor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

18. Strengthening and Analysis of Cantilever-Constructed Bridges and Their Details

    This is a general topic. The aim of the work is to analyse the strengthening of cantilever-constructed concrete bridges, for example, due to the need to widen a motorway from two to three lanes. The work will focus on the analysis of rheological effects, the refinement of structural analysis procedures, and the comparison of measured and calculated values. The work will build on long-term monitoring previously carried out by the supervisor.

    Supervisor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

19. The Automation of the Optimal Design of Reinforcement for Concrete Elements

    The aim of this doctoral thesis is to develop a computational framework for the automated optimisation of reinforcement using modern, advanced optimisation algorithms and mechanical solvers. This solution will consider both standard limit state requirements and the practical structural and technological constraints of reinforced concrete structures. Automated reinforcement design for concrete elements aims to save time during the design and assessment of structures. An optimal design will also lead to reduced material consumption and logistical costs, as well as a smaller overall environmental impact.

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

20. The Influence of Details on the Global Solution of a Hybrid Bridge Structure

    The aim of the work is to conduct both global and detailed analyses of predominantly hybrid bridge structures that combine concrete, steel, and prestressing cables in various structural configurations. The study encompasses the underlying theory, modeling, detailing, and static and dynamic analyses (including modal and harmonic analysis). Specific objectives include the development and implementation of tools for the advanced modeling of selected details in prestressed bridges—specifically discontinuity regions—to obtain relevant data on their behavior and force transfer within the overall structural system; this approach employs advanced solution methods, primarily combining strut-and-tie modeling with numerical simulations, experimental verification, and structural monitoring.

    Supervisor: Nečas Radim, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

21. Torsional stiffness of steel connections and its influence on lateral-torsional buckling of connected beams

    Unlike bending stiffness, the torsional stiffness of steel connections is so far an insufficiently researched area, even though it can also affect the load-bearing capacity of the connected members. Particularly hazardous is insufficient torsional stiffness of long gusset plates, if its effect is not accounted for in the lateral-torsional buckling resistance of the beam.

    The task is to compile design principles for joints and the available experimental and theoretical research on the influence of joint torsional stiffness on beam lateral-torsional buckling. Furthermore, using own experiments and validated numerical models, to determine the minimum torsional stiffness of joints such that it does not affect the lateral-torsional buckling resistance of beams, as a function of the stiffness of the connected beam. The main obstacle is the high nonlinearity of torsional stiffness.

    Supervisor: Vild Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2026 to 31.07.2026)

1. Analysis of Long-term Behavior of Concrete Structures

   The aim of the work is an analysis of long-term behavior of concrete structures (bridges, buildings, tanks, etc.). Specification of methods for monitoring, specification of statical calculations , comparison of measured and calculated values.

   Supervisor: Zich Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Analysis of Measured Data by Traditional and Non-Traditional Tools via Matlab, Python or Excel

   The basic description of test material or construction is the measurement. The important part is the correct evaluation of the obtained data. When evaluating large volumes of data, it is also advisable to use less traditional methods. Measurements may contain long time data. The basic description takes place in the time domain of the band. Important information can also be obtained in the frequency or time-frequency domain. The aim is to process some procedures in Matlab and/or VBA Excel.

   Supervisor: Pazdera Luboš, prof. Ing., CSc.

3. Analysis of Measured Data by Traditional and Non-Traditional Tools via Matlab, Python or Excel

   The basic description of test material or construction is the measurement. The important part is the correct evaluation of the obtained data. When evaluating large volumes of data, it is also advisable to use less traditional methods. Measurements may contain long time data. The basic description takes place in the time domain of the band. Important information can also be obtained in the frequency or time-frequency domain. The aim is to process some procedures in Matlab and/or VBA Excel.

   Supervisor: Pazdera Luboš, prof. Ing., CSc.

4. Analysis of structures supported by cables or arch

   The topic of the dissertation thesis is focused on the advanced analysis of bridge structures supported by cables or arches, with particular emphasis on self-anchored suspension and cable-stayed bridges and footbridges, as well as arch bridges. The objective is a comprehensive assessment of their spatial behaviour, the interaction of load-bearing members, the effects of rheological phenomena and geometric nonlinearity, soil–structure interaction, and the optimisation of design procedures using modern computational methods. The results of the research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the behaviour of these structures, more accurate modelling, and the development of more efficient and material-saving structural solutions.

   Supervisor: Koláček Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Aprpoximations of random fields and dimensionality reduction techniques

   The research topic is focused on the development of methods for construction of approximations of quantities of interest in form of random fields. During the research, it will be necessary to combine linear and non-linear techniques for dimensionality reduction followed by application of approximation techniques in reduced space. The topic can be further developed in several directions significantly extending state-of-the-art: active learning, application of physically constrained optimization or Bayesian techniques.

   Supervisor: Novák Lukáš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Fatigue of selected metal structural materials under natural conditions

   Fatigue of selected metal structures under natural conditions is a complex phenomenon in which cyclic mechanical stress (wind, traffic, vibrations) combines with the corrosive effects of the environment (humidity, rain, temperature changes, salts). This synergistic effect, known as corrosion fatigue, significantly shortens the service life of structures such as bridges, masts, cranes.

   Supervisor: Seitl Stanislav, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Load-bearing wood-based structural members and parts and structural details

   The dissertation is focused on the issues of the real behaviour and the design methods of load-bearing wood-based structural members and parts and structural details.

   Supervisor: Šmak Milan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Safe and resilient railway infrastructure

   Increasing the safety and functionality of rail transport in adverse climatic or crisis conditions, supporting the state's defense capabilities and crisis mobility, adapting infrastructure to climate change, and reducing the risk of transport disruptions. Specification of load and spatial throughput requirements with regard to growing mobility demands and geopolitical threats, environmentally responsible mobility, and the capacity of railway lines and stations. Analysis of critical elements of railway lines in the area of rail infrastructure. Description and proposal of a procedure for creating a robust network of railway lines for heavy freight transport based on the principle of redundancy, inclusion of multimodality, adaptive mobility management, and strengthening of international interoperability. Analysis of the use of new high-speed lines while maintaining existing design principles for their design and construction. The research will support the long-term sustainability, resilience, and accessibility of rail transport as the backbone of mobility in a security-challenged world.

   Supervisor: Plášek Otto, doc. Ing., Ph.D.