The Project

The transition to digital condition-based maintenance (CBM) is essential for asset owners facing labor shortages and aging infrastructure. Traditional CBM relies heavily on manual inspections and planning, which may not provide efficiency gains for complex assets like navigation locks. These locks consist of numerous structural and mechanical components with unique degradation mechanisms, detectable through specific parameter changes. Understanding these triggers is crucial for establishing a functional digital CBM ecosystem. By identifying and clustering these triggers and optimizing sensor deployment, we aim to create a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system that delivers reliable, real-time insights into the condition of a lock complex.

Challenge

This project focuses on designing a framework for the SHM system of the Hengelo Lock Complex. You will explore the current assessment methods for the lock's condition and identify triggers that facilitate automated, continuous SHM with minimal human intervention.

Your research will encompass:

• Analysis of the structural and mechanical behavior of lock components.
• Review of relevant national, regional, and organizational regulations and guidelines.
• Evaluation of current practices and viable structural health monitoring technologies.
• Cost-benefit analysis of sensor deployment and measurement interpretation strategies.

This multifaceted project lies at the intersection of structural and mechanical engineering, asset management, and Civionics—sensor-based SHM of civil infrastructure.

Context and Supervision

The project is sponsored and hosted by Rijkswaterstaat, the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, responsible for designing, constructing, managing, and maintaining key infrastructure in the Netherlands.

You will be supervised by:

• Dr. Farid Vahdatikhaki (University of Twente)
• Dr. Roland Kromanis (University of Twente)
• Mr. Sukon Wu (Rijkswaterstaat)

You will collaborate closely with Rijkswaterstaat to produce a tailored design artifact with real-world impact. The project is based in Enschede/Hengelo.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree, allowing you to use the academic title of Engineering Doctorate (EngD). You will also be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register maintained by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

Your profile

We invite applications from candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Outstanding M.Sc. graduates with a background in structural and mechanical engineering, structural health monitoring, monitoring systems, and asset management.
• Ambition and talent for solving complex technological issues with a multidisciplinary approach.
• High proficiency in professional English; working knowledge of Dutch is highly preferred.
• Enthusiastic about working in a professional organization like Rijkswaterstaat and the academic environment of the University of Twente.
• Systematic approach to work and a passion for designing innovative solutions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong communication and social skills, with the ability to collaborate in teams and take initiative.
• Willingness to relocate to (the vicinity of) Enschede, with daily presence expected at the UT and Rijkswaterstaat branch in Hengelo.

Our offer

• A two-year full-time EngD position, combining scientific research with practical implementation of innovative design.
• Full employee status at the UT, including pension and healthcare benefits.
• A customized educational/development program of at least 6 months (30 EC), including attendance at conferences.
• A gross monthly salary of €3,173.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A minimum of 29 vacation days per year for full-time employment.
• A vibrant work environment on a green campus with sports and leisure facilities.
• Mentorship to support your professional and personal growth.

Information and application

Please submit your application before November 15th, following the instructions below. Your submission must include:

• A recent CV (including relevant academic and professional experience).
• A motivation letter (max 1 page) explaining your interest and relevant background for the project.
• An overview of your M.Sc. degree, including thesis project title, abstract, and grade list.

For more information about the project or your eligibility, please contact the selection committee via email at f.vahdatikhaki@utwente.nl (Farid Vahdati) and r.kromanis@utwente.nl (Roland Kromanis).

About The Organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we focus on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centered, and technological solutions for societal challenges. We integrate fundamental education, research, and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance Engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalized Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy, and Resources.

We engage in education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented manner. Quality, connection, and inclusivity form the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers, and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners to develop insights, applications, and solutions that add value to society.