INTRODUCTION

Keeping Dutch infrastructure safe and affordable. Want to contribute? Read on. A large part of Dutch civil infrastructure is nearing the end of its lifespan, which comes with very high replacement costs. Managing these costs is essential for our society to be able to plan the necessary actions and keep annual investments affordable. As a researcher at TNO, you contribute to the optimal utilization of Dutch infrastructure.

WHAT WILL BE YOUR ROLE?

As a researcher, you will predict the fatigue behavior of existing and new steel structures to ensure and maintain structural safety. You’ll focus on various types of structures such as (movable) bridges, transportation pipelines, (offshore) wind turbines, and water-retaining structures. Working alongside top experts, you’ll develop methods to accurately predict the (remaining) lifespan of these structures. Your work may involve analytical methods, numerical models, or experiments conducted in the Delft Building Innovation Lab or on site.
You’ll also contribute to the valorization/publication of new knowledge, including its integration into normative frameworks.

Example research questions you may help answer:

• What is the current reliability of the largest steel bridges?
• How do weld defects affect the structural performance of existing bridges?
• How can we quickly determine the reliability of steel bridges in provinces and municipalities?
• What measures can extend the lifespan of offshore wind turbines?
• Can the existing gas pipelines network be repurposed for new forms of energy supply?