Research into sensors and robot systems for rapid concrete assessment for sewer maintenance holes
Background
This scholarship is offered by La Trobe University as part of a funded project within the SmartCrete CRC. Applicants should have a background in Robotics/Electronics/Sensors and be interested in applying these skills to real-world applications within the water industry.
Failing wastewater infrastructure can pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. Condition assessment provides the critical information needed to assess the physical condition and functionality of a wastewater collection system, and to estimate remaining service life and asset value. Innovative technologies are required to reduce the cost and improve the effectiveness of condition assessment of sewer maintenance holes (without climbing into them).
This PhD project involves the development of a small transportable inspection robot that utilizes multi-sensor data fusion to eliminate the need for confined-space entry during sewer maintenance hole inspection. A codesign approach will be taken in collaboration with our partner Intelligent Water Network. Trials of the robot will be conducted across Victoria, collecting and analysing data from 150 sewer maintenance holes.
Benefits of the scholarship include:
- a La Trobe Research Scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $30,000.00 per annum, to support your living costs
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- opportunities to work with La Trobe’s outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the proposed course
- not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose
- open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents and International applicants
In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:
- will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an Honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this scholarship, follow Step 3 on our research application page – please ensure you submit a full application for scholarship and candidature
Please note: As part of your application you are not required to identify a potential supervisor – A/Prof Robert Ross is the designated supervisor for this project.
As this is a funded CRC project a research proposal from the applicant is not required.
Selection process:
The University will carefully review your application and consider you for this scholarship.
If you are shortlisted for the scholarship and candidature, you will be invited to an interview with representatives of La Trobe and Intelligent Water Networks.
The final decision will be made based on your application and interview. The successful candidate will be made an offer for candidature and scholarship.
You will be advised of an outcome in January 2023
Who to contact for further information
A/Prof Robert Ross, R.Ross@latrobe.edu.au