EngD position: Designing a framework for the digitalization of condition-based maintenance for Lock Complexes of RWS (Case of Hengelo)
Are you eager to help shape the future of smart infrastructure in the Netherlands? Join us in developing an innovative framework for digital Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) at the Hengelo Lock Complex.
The transition to digital CBM is vital for asset owners as they face challenges such as labour shortages and aging infrastructure. Traditional CBM still relies heavily on information coming from manual inspections, analysis, and planning. While generic digital tools exist, they often fail to deliver efficiency gains for complex and specialized assets like navigation locks.
Navigation locks are made up of many structural and mechanical components, each with unique degradation mechanisms. These can be detected and structural condition indicators drawn when changes in certain parameters are detected/triggered. Understanding these “triggers” is essential for building a digital CBM ecosystem that truly works. By identifying and clustering triggers, and deploying sensors optimally, we can create a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system that offers reliable, real-time insights into the condition of a lock complex.
The aim of this project is to design a framework for the SHM system of the Hengelo Lock Complex. You will investigate how the condition of the lock is currently assessed and identify triggers that allow for automated, continuous SHM with minimal human interventions.
Your research will cover:
- Analysis of structural and mechanical behaviour of lock components.
- Review of relevant national, regional, and organizational regulations and guidelines.
- Evaluation of current practices and feasible structural health monitoring technologies.
- Cost–benefit assessment of sensor deployment and measurement interpretation strategies.
This is a multifaceted project 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. Rijkswaterstaat designs, constructs, manages, and maintains 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 work closely with Rijkswaterstaat to deliver a tailor-made design artifact with real-world impact. The project will start in January 2026 and is based in Enschede/Hengelo.
Information and application
Please send your application using the instructions below before November 15th.
Your submission is considered eligible if it includes (only and no less than) the following documents:
• Recent CV (including relevant academic, and (if any) professional experience)
• Motivation letter (max 1 page) specifically explaining your interest and relevant background knowledge for the project.
• Overview of M.Sc. degree: including thesis project title, thesis abstract, and grade list
Please contact the selection committee for more information about the project or your eligibility. You can reach them via email on f.vahdatikhaki@utwente.nl (Farid Vahdati) and r.kromanis@utwente.nl (Roland Kromanis).
Interviews will take place between 15 November and 30 November 2025.
Screening will be part of the procedure.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
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