HDR Scholarship - Non-Destructive Pipeline Condition Assessment

The continuing economic success and social well-being of water-scarce countries such as Australia relies on a
sustainable supply of potable water transmitted through efficient and well-planned pipeline systems. Australia has ~$160b worth of urban water assets consisting of pipelines that are corroding and deteriorating. About half of this infrastructure needs to be replaced over the coming three decades according to current asset management practice. However, pipes buried underground are not easily observable. Thus, they have become one of the most complex, costly and difficult areas of civil infrastructure to maintain. Highly targeted and cost-effective pipe condition assessment is needed for strategic pipe maintenance, replacement and rehabilitation.

The PhD candidate will be hosted by the School of Engineering at Deakin University (Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus). Geelong is conveniently located between Melbourne and the Surf Coast, providing an excellent environment for living and studying. The project is funded by the Australian Research Council and in collaboration with the University of Adelaide and industry partner Detection Services. This is an exciting opportunity to be working together with a world-leading research team in addressing the challenges in pipeline condition assessment for sustainable water asset management.

Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

• Stipend of $34,400 per annum tax exempt (2024 rate)
• International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include:

• evidence of ability to publish and disseminate academic research
• strong academic background in mathematics and analytical analysis
• demonstratable technical ability in programming and numerical analysis
• skills and experience in data collection and signal processing
• ability to work independently and also effectively in a team