Toward a new generation of intelligent concrete infrastructure rehabilitation: integration of multimodal diagnostics, instrumented repairs, and digital twins
Description
The Department of Civil and Water Engineering at Université Laval is recruiting a PhD student to participate in a collaborative research project supported by the Research Centre on Concrete Infrastructure (CRIB). The project aims to develop an integrated approach to the assessment, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring of concrete infrastructure by combining non-destructive testing methods, instrumented repair systems, and digital twins.
Research scope and objectives
Develop and validate experimental and numerical methods to assess the condition of concrete infrastructure, monitor the performance of repairs, and enable early identification of deterioration mechanisms to support predictive management of infrastructure durability.
Research Field
- Civil and structural engineering
- Structural assessment and non-destructive testing
- Instrumentation and fiber-optic sensors
- Advanced cementitious materials
- Signal processing and data fusion
- Numerical modeling and digital twins
Research Supervisor
Sandra Pozzer
Research Environment
Research Centre on Concrete Infrastructure (CRIB)
Located in Québec City, Université Laval is the oldest French-language university in North America. It is home to approximately 47,000 students across 17 faculties and offers nearly 400 academic programs.
The CRIB brings together complementary expertise in cementitious materials, structural behavior, infrastructure durability, and rehabilitation, while the IID promotes interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence and data science.
Although French is the primary language at Université Laval, graduate-level research can be conducted in English.
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Doctorate in Civil Engineering
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
Doctorate in Civil Engineering – Funding is available for a period of three years.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Progression scholarship 1 - 7
|
7 x $1,600 |
| Progression scholarship 8 |
$800 |
| Total |
$12,000 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $45,000.
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Materials and metallurgical engineering
- Civil and Water Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics Engineering
Requirements and Conditions
- Master's degree in civil engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field, either completed or nearing completion.
- Strong interest in experimental research and numerical modeling.
- Experience in data analysis and signal processing.
- Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
- Ability to work independently, scientific rigor, and strong teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Proficiency in French or English.
Required Documentation
- Lettre de recommandation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to send a brief email with the requested documents to irma@gci.ulaval.ca. The email subject line must follow this format: “Prospective CRIB Doc_Name”.
Application Deadline
December 31, 2026
Find Out More
Sandra Pozzer
Département de génie civil et de génie des eaux
sandra.pozzer@gci.ulaval.ca