study programme

Building Construction

Faculty: FCEAbbreviation: DKA-SAcad. year: 2020/2021

Type of study programme: Doctoral

Study programme code: P0732D260019

Degree awarded: Ph.D.

Language of instruction: English

Tuition Fees: 1500 EUR/academic year for EU students, 1500 EUR/academic year for non-EU students

Accreditation: 8.10.2019 - 8.10.2029

Mode of study

Combined study

Standard study length

4 years

Programme supervisor

Doctoral Board

Fields of education

Area Topic Share [%]
Civil Engineering Buildings 100

Study aims

The aim of the doctoral study program Building Constructions is to provide outstanding graduates of the master's program with specialized university education and scientific training in selected current areas of the field. The study is focused on complex scientific preparation, methodology of independent scientific work and on the development of knowledge in the field of the theory of building constructions. and construction, measuring and diagnostic methods, modeling of physical processes and tasks of building physics. The scientific preparation in this study program is based on mastering the initial theoretical disciplines of the natural science base and theoretical and scientific disciplines of the relevant focus.
Part of the study is also the involvement of students in the preparation and solution of national and international scientific research projects, presentation of results at national and international scientific and professional conferences and their publication in professional and scientific foreign and domestic journals. During his / her studies, the student gains new theoretical knowledge, his / her own experience from the preparation, implementation and evaluation of experiments and necessary practical knowledge also thanks to close cooperation with construction practice and also through foreign internships at cooperating foreign universities or research workplaces.
In the final phase of the study, the student synthesizes all theoretical knowledge gained as well as the results of his / her own creative work and elaborates his / her doctoral dissertation, which emphasizes the exactness and formulation of concrete benefits for further development of the studied field.

Graduate profile

Graduate of the PhD study program Building Construction is a versatile theoretically and professionally equipped expert who has mastered the issue of specialization at a high level of his knowledge and is capable of independent creative work. He is ready to work professionally and to hold independent higher positions in the field of research and development of new technologies in the sector of building construction of buildings, but also in designing companies, resp. in state administration. He obtained comprehensive theoretical and professional training for independent solution of technical problems and creative scientific work. Based on the acquired knowledge, experience, skills and knowledge, it is ready for scientific and creative activities, both independently and in teams at national and international level. Thanks to the current trends in the field of building construction and close cooperation with foreign universities, the graduate of the doctoral study program fulfills the prerequisites for further professional career and professional academic growth, even abroad.
During his / her studies the graduate practically acquires and acquires pedagogical abilities, which he / she can use in pedagogical-scientific activities at educational institutions dealing with the problems of building construction in the Czech Republic and thanks to acquired language knowledge also abroad.

Profession characteristics

Substantial development of theoretical and experimental abilities allows graduates of the PhD study program Building Constructions independent creative activity related mainly to building construction including related specializations especially in the field of building technical equipment (HVAC, heating, air conditioning), advanced special building technologies, building physics building acoustics and daylighting of buildings), special building remediation, fire safety of buildings and environmentally advanced buildings.
The graduate is capable of independent creative activity especially in the field of research and development - he / she is professionally equipped and able to solve complex problems independently, eg when optimizing the selection of suitable materials or their compositions taking into account social needs, operational requirements, risks, economic impacts and environmental impacts.
The application of graduates of the Building Constructions program is in wide areas of the building industry consisting eg in the design of special elements and constructions of Building constructions including verification of their functionality and reliability using both experimental procedures and numerical models.
Graduates are well placed to work in the academic sphere and in other institutions dealing with science, research, development and innovation. Its knowledge of foreign languages ​​in the area of ​​its expertise is a prerequisite for eventual work abroad. After fulfilling the length of practice and legal conditions, he can be authorized by ČKAIT as a civil engineer in the field of Building Construction, Environmental Engineering or Energy Auditing.
According to internal statistics, the long-term employability of graduates of the existing PhD study program Building Constructions in Practice is practically 100%, not only after graduation, but also at early graduation. The graduates appreciate in practice the ability to solve complex professional problems independently and the ability to communicate at least in English.
After graduation, many graduates of DSP Civil Engineering are employed at the faculty and subsequently develop their creative abilities, reduce the average age of the faculty teachers and subsequently habilitate, eventually complete the appointment procedure and thus guarantee the development and future of the faculty.

Fulfilment criteria

Fulfillment of the subjects of the individual study plan, successful completion of the state doctoral examination, foreign experience, relevant creative activity and successful defense of the dissertation.

Study plan creation

The rules and conditions for the creation of study plans of study programs carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT define:
Rules of BUT study programs (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/vnitrni-predpisy-a-dokumenty), which according to Article 1, paragraph 1, point:
c) defines the processes of creation, approval and changes of study program proposals before their submission for accreditation to the National Accreditation Office for Higher Education,
d) lays down the formal requirements for study programs and courses,
e) defines the obligations of study program and subject guarantors,
f) defines the standards of study programs at BUT,
g) defines the principles of quality assurance of study programs.
Study and Examination Regulations of the Brno University of Technology (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/international-details-and-documents)
Details of the conditions for study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT are governed by the Dean's Directive )
The PhD student studies according to an individual study plan, which is elaborated by the supervisor in cooperation with the PhD student. The individual study plan is binding for the doctoral student. It specifies all duties set in accordance with the BUT Study and Examination Regulations that a doctoral student must fulfill in order to successfully complete his / her studies.
During the first three semesters, the doctoral student consists of compulsory, compulsorily elective or at the same time, it is intensively engaged in its own study and analysis of knowledge in the field determined by the topic of the dissertation and continuous publication of the knowledge and results obtained in this way. In the following semesters, the doctoral student focuses more on research and development related to the topic of the dissertation, on the publication of the results of his / her creative work and on his / her own dissertation. By the end of the fifth semester, the doctoral student has passed the state doctoral examination. The doctoral student is also involved in pedagogical activities, which is a part of his scientific preparation.
The individual study plan includes scientific outputs in individual years:
- regular publishing activity (Juniorstav and similar),
- participation in scientific conferences at home and abroad,
- for defense of DZP it is necessary to publish - min. 2x Scopus or 1x WOS with impact factor.

Availability for the disabled

At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, BUT, barrier-free access to all teaching rooms is currently provided. However, students must be physically fit to be qualified as a civil engineer. In practically oriented laboratory teaching, they must be able to operate measuring instruments and similar laboratory equipment independently without endangering themselves or their surroundings.
BUT provides support to students with specific needs, for details see Guideline 11/2017 (www.vutbr.cz/uredni-deska/international-documents-and-documents/-d141841/uplne-zneni-smernice-c-11- 2017-p147550).
In order to promote equal access to higher education, BUT incorporates the Alfons Advisory Center, part of the BUT Institute of Lifelong Learning, to provide guidance and support services to applicants and students with specific educational needs. Specific educational needs include learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, chronic somatic illness, autistic spectrum disorders, impaired communication skills and mental illness (alfons.vutbr.cz/o-nas).
Students are provided with information concerning the accessibility of study programs with respect to the specific needs of the applicant, information about the architectural accessibility of individual faculties and university parts, about accommodation at the BUT dormitory, about the possibilities of adapting the admission procedure and adapting the study itself. Other services of the Center for Students with Special Educational Needs also include interpreting and rewriting services, or assistance services - guiding, spatial orientation, in order to enable these students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the same way as other students. This is done through the so-called adaptation of study, ie by appropriate adjustment of the study regime, which cannot be understood as a simplification of the content of study or relief of study obligations.

What degree programme types may have preceded

The PhD study program Building Construction is a follow-up to the follow-up master study program Civil Engineering, especially the study fields Building Construction and Construction Realization, respectively. as well as other fields of study and nursing master's degree programs. After the accreditation of the follow-up master's degree programs in Civil Engineering - Building Constructions and Civil Engineering - Realization of constructions for these programs.

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

2. round (applications submitted from 10.10.2020 to 15.12.2020)

  1. Analysis of operation boundary conditions of ground heat exchangers for heat pumps

    Analysis of dynamic boundary conditions of soil in relation to ground heat exchangers of heat pumps and possibilities of operational control and determination of heat exchanger performance. Application of Z-meter for experimental verification of thermal processes in soils.

    Tutor: Hirš Jiří, prof. Ing., CSc.

  2. Analysis of the dynamics of energy flows in nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB)

    Nearly zero nergy buildings use mainly renewable energy. The potential of this energy is variable in time as well as the energy demand in buildings. Analysis of the dynamics of energy flows in buildings will optimize choice of energy sources and efficient use of energy. The analysis will be used to set up a system for monitoring and controlling and designing appropriate technologies.

    Tutor: Hirš Jiří, prof. Ing., CSc.

  3. Controlling of Operation of Building Services Systems

    Research on intelligent systems management on Building Services Systems. Focus on energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and the creation of data inputs for control systems with the use of dynamic modeling of the behavior of buildings and HVAC systems. Intelligent energy distribution between buildings.

    Tutor: Hirš Jiří, prof. Ing., CSc.

  4. Design optimization of concrete structures

    Definition of optimisation model of a structure for: 1. design of a member, 2. strengthening of existing member, 3. design and strengthening of a structure. Calculation variant: stochastic, deterministic (according to the application class of the tasks), type of the restraining conditions, classes the target functions.

    Tutor: Štěpánek Petr, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

  5. Detail in architecture

    Every architectural detail created by an individual is unique. If the detail becomes universal, it becomes obsolete and therefore must be always different to be irreplaceable. In recent years, interesting details of columns, walls, ceilings or stairs have been created in the architecture. This is possible with new technologies and new materials. The role of the PhD student will be to focus on this rapid development. It is sad how few publications deal with this topic comprehensively. The doctoral student will also be directly involved in teaching in the subject Detail in Architecture I. and II.

    Tutor: Dulenčín Juraj, doc. Ing. arch., Ph.D.

  6. FRP reinforcement - design, testing, reinforcing of masonry and concrete structures

    reinforcing of concrete and masonrystructures, internal FRP reinforcement, selected design problems, prestressed and non-prestressed variant

    Tutor: Štěpánek Petr, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

  7. Numerical Simulation of Acoustics Pressure in Building Environment

    The dissertation thesis is based on theoretical and experimental research. This theoretical research is aimed at numerical simulation of acoustics pressure in a building environment with the goal development of advanced building components for the absorption of sound waves. The experimental way is used for validation of the theoretical way. The expected result of the dissertation thesis is extension current state of building acoustics about new knowledge.

    Tutor: Plášek Josef, Ing., Ph.D.

  8. Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer in Civil Engineering

    Theme of dissertation thesis is aimed at development, validation, verification and theoretical-experimental application of numerical models describing heat transfer in space and time. These space-time deterministic numerical models based on fundamental laws of Thermodynamics are useful in Civil Engineering for creation of indoor climate in buildings as well as for development of advanced energy systems in building.

    Tutor: Plášek Josef, Ing., Ph.D.

  9. Research of elements and systems of buildings services

    Research of elements and systems of buildings services as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) will be conducted in order to achieve a thermal comfort in buildings at the minimum operating energy consumption. HVAC systems research will focus on optimizing of their design and operation with the use of low-potential thermal energy sources. The research will be conducted in its theoretical part by development of new mathematical-physical models, and by laboratory experiments and in situ measurements in an experimental part by using PIV method.

    Tutor: Šikula Ondřej, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  10. Strengthening of concrete/masonry structures

    modern methods of strengthening, prestressing, additional reinforcement

    Tutor: Štěpánek Petr, prof. RNDr. Ing., CSc., dr. h. c.

  11. Study of building physical processes in 3D printed buildings constructions

    Study of heat and moisture transfer in 3D printed structures of building envelopes. Including consideration of production technology.

    Tutor: Bečkovský David, Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 15.06.2020 to 31.07.2020)

  1. Building physical aspects of tubular light guides

    Tubular light guides are continuously improved because of the ever-rising requirements put onto thermal comfort in the interiors of buildings. This has some side effects, like the depreciation of their physical properties. Therefore it is required to create a comprehensive overview of building physical aspects of tubular light guides, which can be based on experiments and computer simulations. The conclusions then are bound to be incorporated into the concept of a modified tubular light guide.

    Tutor: Vajkay František, Ing., Ph.D.

  2. Influence of humidity on thermal insulation properties of building materials

    The aim of the work is to describe the influence of moisture penetrating through cracks and holes into ETICS thermal insulation systems on the building physical or mechanical properties of ETICS. The goals are to be achieved on the basis of experimental measurements performed "in situ", laboratory performed epimerimental measurements, numerical simulations and their mutual comparisons.

    Tutor: Šuhajda Karel, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Influence of moisture on the floor layers

    In engineering practice it is easy to come across failures of both water vapour permeable and non-permeable flooring finishes, where these failures are often caused by excess moisture. Whereas there are various flooring solutions available, it is expected that throughout the solution of the work the manifestations and phenomena causing the failures are going to be described for the most widely used floor finishes.

    Tutor: Pěnčík Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  4. Pollution of internal and external surfaces in daylighting of buildings

    Daylight factor calculations do incorporate the so-called pollution coefficients for the exterior, resp. the interior side of the daylighting system. The values of these coefficients were determined in 1994. Since then these coefficients are unchanged, despite the advances in lifestyle (number of cars on the road, fuel used in heating, etc.). Therefore the aim of the work would be to monitor how the actual lifestyle affects the pollution of surfaces and glazing, and lighting comfort in short and long terms.

    Tutor: Vajkay František, Ing., Ph.D.

  5. The use of cement-fiber boards for the construction of interior staircases

    Cement fiber boards, which are now mainly used for additional structures, can also be used for interior staircases. However, their use must be substantiated by material tests with regard to another way of stressing the boards, which would be loaded in their centreline plane, as the case may be. This comprehensive topic assumes both material testing with possible modification of the manufacturing process and composition, as well as the analysis of stair parts by means of numerical modeling (FEA).

    Tutor: Pěnčík Jan, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  6. Thermal bridges of polar stations on extreme climates

    In extreme climate, especially in the South Pole, where a large number of polar station buildings are located, there are more disturbances than in the normal climate in the Czech Republic. It is therefore interesting to design and verify modern solutions. In-situ examination is expected during the study.

    Tutor: Kalousek Miloš, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA068Doctoral Seminar 1 (PST)cs4CompulsoryCrC1 - 39yes
DYA004English Language Tutorial for PhD Studentscs1CompulsoryCrC1 - 26yes
DAB029Discrete Methods in Civil Engineering 1cs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395794yes
DAB030Numerical methods 1cs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395794yes
DAB031Probability and mathematical statisticscs4Compulsory-optionalCrP - 395794yes
DJB043Selected Topics in Building Materials Engineeringcs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395795yes
DTB042Selected Items of Building Service Theorycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395795yes
DWB032Selected Essay from Technology of Building Constructionscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395795yes
DHB069Selected Chapters from Theory of Building Constructionscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395795yes
DBB013Selected chapters from building physicscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395796yes
2. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA070Doctoral seminar 2 (PST)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
DAB032Time series analysiscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395830yes
DAB033Applications of mathematical methods in economicscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395830yes
DAB034Discrete Methods in Civil Engineering 2cs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395830yes
DAB035Numerical methods 2cs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395830yes
DAB036Numerical methods for the variational problemscs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395830yes
DAB037Models of regressioncs10Compulsory-optionalExP - 395830yes
DWB033Information system in construction technologycs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395831yes
DHB071Process and Functional Analysis of Building Structurecs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395831yes
DLB040Theory of Concrete and Masonry Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395831yes
DTB043Theory of Energy and Environment of Buildingscs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395831yes
DOB037Theory of Metal and Timber Structurescs8Compulsory-optionalExP - 395831yes
2. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DYA005English for PhD studentscs8CompulsoryExyes
DHA072Doctoral seminar 3 (PST)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
3. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA073Doctoral seminar 4 (PST)cs8CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
3. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA074Doctoral seminar 5 (PST)cs14CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
4. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA075Doctoral seminar 6 (PST)cs14CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
4. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DHA076Doctoral seminar 7 (PST)cs20CompulsoryCrC1 - 78yes
All the groups of optional courses
Gr. Courses
5794 DAB029, DAB030, DAB031
5795 DJB043, DTB042, DWB032, DHB069
5796 DBB013
5830 DAB032, DAB033, DAB034, DAB035, DAB036, DAB037
5831 DWB033, DHB071, DLB040, DTB043, DOB037

Responsibility: Miroslav Lapčík