List Of Fresh PhD Thesis Topics In Structural Engineering


The field of structural engineering is continuously evolving. Advances in computing, materials, sensors are opening up new innovative research areas in this field. The selection of a Ph.D. thesis is heavily reliant on the research interests of faculty staff, laboratory infrastructure and funding available in your institution. A discussion with one’s supervisor on emerging new areas of this research could lead you to a topic. Below is a broad-based list of some fresh topics.

  • Structural health monitoring of bridges and building.
  • Structural health monitoring using smart sensors e.g. MEMS
  • Structural health monitoring using new computational techniques/methodologies.
  • Structural health monitoring applied to historic structures.
  • Development of autonomous systems and their use in structural health monitoring.
  • Use of carbon fibre in composite materials e.g. carbon fibre wrap reinforcing technology (CFRP).
  • 3D printing applications in structural engineering: its use in the development of materials as well as structural analysis of materials made of this process etc.
  • 3D printing and its impact on finite element analysis (FEA) of solid material.
  • Concrete as a material: advances in its formulation to increase durability, settling times, reduce cement content, new aggregates, self-healing concrete, etc.
  • Environmental impact assessment of concrete
  • The design of intelligent construction materials.
  • Sustainability and its application in structural engineering: reuse/recycling, greenhouse gas impact, waste management, etc.
  • The design of advanced plastic composite and applications in the repair of structures.
  • Environmentally friendly structural materials. Reduction of carbon footprint and development of sustainable structural materials.
  • Application of structural engineering at the nanoscale: nanotechnology and structural engineering.
  • Seismic effect on skyscrapers and other buildings in general and application of seismic design on the same.
  • Mechanics, properties and material science of biological materials with applications as parts of composites and in environmentally friendly structural components.
  • Real life impact of the wind on skyscrapers and spun bridges.
  • Geotechnical earthquake engineering and engineering seismology
  • Low-cost earthquake-resistant structural design.
  • Reliability of Structures: risk, mitigation, and analysis.
  • Application of new computational methods for forming improved mitigation models.
  • Engineering simulation and engineering informatics
  • Non-destructive testing and evaluation with application in infrastructure systems.

This list cannot be exhaustive; the structural engineering field is ever expanding. It’s incumbent on you to evaluate your strengths and interests, those of your faculty where you will engage in your dissertation as well as keenly looking into the body of works encompassing the field to come up with a thesis topic that is fulfilling to you. Good luck