Digital Twin-enabled Monitoring and Assessment of Hydro-environmental Risks in Heritage Masonry Buildings (Ref: IRISK-26-LU-07)

About the Project

This project will develop a digital twin framework to assess how rainfall, groundwater fluctuation, and moisture-related processes affect heritage masonry buildings in the UK. By integrating point cloud and image data, building information model, and environmental exposure data, the research will create a new digital twin-enabled system to identify deformation, understand deterioration, and forecast vulnerability. The project will deliver practical tools to support inspection planning, maintenance prioritisation, and resilience informed decision-making for heritage masonry assets. Its outcomes will contribute to climate adaptation, conservation, and disaster risk reduction by helping practitioners better manage environmentally vulnerable buildings under current and future UK conditions.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Zhiqi Hu z.hu2@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Qiuhua Liang

Entry requirements:
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject. EU and international applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:
The UKRI studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent international candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates.

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 9th June 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3.5 years, Part-time 7 years

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International