Summer Internship Opportunity (Paid) – Civil Engineering
Dynamic Performance Assessment of Church Bell Towers Using Wireless Monitoring, Digital Scanning and Finite Element Modelling
Location: University of Birmingham (with site visits)
Duration: Summer 2026 (Flexible across vacation period)
Funding: £2,000 honorarium (~150 hours total)
Supervisor: Dr Reza Salami
Project Overview
We are seeking a motivated Civil Engineering student (final-year MEng, MSc or PhD) to contribute to an exciting research-led internship focused on the structural behaviour of historic church bell towers.
This project applies modern structural engineering techniques to heritage conservation, with the aim of improving how churches and cathedrals are assessed and maintained. The work will investigate how full-circle ringing bells influence the dynamic performance of masonry towers, bell frames, and their fixings.
You will gain hands-on experience in structural dynamics, field testing, and digital modelling, contributing to ongoing research within the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham.
Key Responsibilities
You will work across two structured work packages:
Work Package 1: Digital Scanning & BIM Development
- Undertake digital geometric capture of a church structure (laser scanning / photogrammetry)
- Develop a 3D BIM model using Revit or similar tools
- Generate accurate geometrical representations for structural analysis
Work Package 2: Experimental Testing & FE Modelling
- Deploy wireless accelerometers to collect vibration data from a bell tower
- Perform operational modal analysis (OMA) to extract dynamic properties
- Develop and calibrate a finite element (FE) model of the structure
- Evaluate structural stiffness, dynamic response, and serviceability behaviour
Outputs & Deliverables
- Processed vibration datasets and modal identification results
- Calibrated FE model and engineering assessment
- BIM model of the surveyed structure
- Summary report of findings
A summary of outcomes will contribute to reporting at the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (early September 2026).
Skills & Requirements
Essential:
- Final-year MEng Civil Engineering or postgraduate (MSc/PhD)
- Strong interest in structural engineering and dynamics
- Experience with:
- Revit / BIM / 3D modelling
- Finite Element (FE) software (e.g. Abaqus, SAP2000, ANSYS, etc.)
Desirable:
- Knowledge of structural dynamics or vibration analysis
- Experience with signal processing or experimental testing
- Interest in heritage structures and conservation engineering
Funding & Structure
- £2,000 honorarium for approximately 150 hours of work
- Flexible working arrangement across the summer (agreed with supervisor)
- Payment is typically made upon completion of agreed deliverables
- Interim payments may be made upon completion of defined sub-tasks
Why Apply?
- Gain hands-on field and modelling experience
- Work on real-world heritage structures
- Develop skills in digital engineering and structural health monitoring
- Ideal preparation for postgraduate research or specialist engineering careers
How to Apply
Please send:
- CV
- Short statement of interest (max 1 page)
to Dr Reza Salami (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham).
Additional Information
All work will follow best practice guidance from:
- Church Buildings Council
- Historic England
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
ensuring adherence to recognised heritage conservation principles.