Graduation Internships

Graduation Projects Civil Engineering (MSc, Research University Level)

Are you a curious master’s student in civil engineering or structural engineering? Do you already have an interesting topic in mind for your graduation project? Or are you still looking for a suitable research question? Are you seeking a challenging environment where experienced technical experts actively engage with you, challenge you, and help you grow? Where you are truly part of the team and have plenty of room for your own ideas and initiative? Then we would love to get in touch.

Do You Enjoy a Serious Challenge?

Great! We set the bar high. You will join a close-knit organization consisting of ambitious and enthusiastic colleagues. Besides working hard, we also value a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

Do you already have a topic in mind? We would be happy to hear about it and explore together how we can approach it. Still unsure? Below you will find several example topics you could work on for your graduation project.

Examples of Graduation Topics in Design and Structural Analysis

Pitting corrosion
In general corrosion, cross-sectional reduction of reinforcing bars can occur, and this is something we calculate. With pitting corrosion, local cross-sectional reduction occurs. At the location of this reduction, a lower allowable steel stress should be considered. A possible research topic is to investigate how to calculate this effect and determine the allowable steel stress at the location of pitting corrosion.

Deformation behavior of incrementally launched bridges
Research into time-dependent behavior using DIANA in combination with RILEM guidelines. This could involve further elaboration of RILEM or investigating possibilities to fine-tune calculations using ALP or Excel.

Generating design tables for concrete slab bridges
Study the relationship between reinforcement ratio, skew angle (not equal to 90 degrees), and deck slenderness. The goal is to generate insight—possibly in the form of design tables—into the required thickness and reinforcement or prestressing for slab viaducts during preliminary or conceptual design phases. For example, determining the equivalent span of a skew deck. Beyond existing rules of thumb from Rijkswaterstaat, there is little recent documentation available on this topic.

This topic can also be linked to the automation of calculations in SCIA Engineer (or another software package) to generate the design tables. The research could consist of the following steps:

1. Defining the scope (e.g., bridge type, number of spans, span length, skew angle, slenderness, etc.).

2. Defining requirements (strength, crack control, deflection, vibrations, etc.).

3. Automating calculations and verifications.

4. Generating design tables.

Tooth constructions (shear key connections)
Many Dutch civil structures were constructed with tooth-shear key connections. Based on current insights, the reinforcement detailing was often inadequate, leading to suboptimal force transfer and cracking. By analyzing these structures differently—e.g., with non-linear analysis or truss models—we can gain better insight into their behavior and determine their actual capacity more accurately.

Examples of Graduation Topics in Circularity and Sustainability

Further development of the Circulator tool
Wagemaker has developed a circularity assessment tool called the Circulator. It has been applied in various design variant studies comparing structures made from different materials. The next step is to compare the results of multiple studies to further develop the tool. Additionally, the Circulator could be expanded for application to existing structures or reused materials.

Fatigue damage in reused girders
This topic can be divided into concrete and steel. For steel, for example, assessing a reused steel structure for fatigue performance, with a focus on material science. This is also highly relevant in relation to codes and regulations.

Reuse of materials
Reusing bridge girders aligns with circular construction principles. You could investigate which additional aspects must be considered when reusing structural components (both concrete and steel). This includes researching applicable Eurocode provisions for fatigue behavior and evaluating the service life of a new structure built with reused girders.

Application of steel fiber reinforced concrete
When strengthening concrete (and steel) bridge decks with an overlay, steel fiber reinforced concrete is often used in combination with conventional reinforcement. Is it possible to use only steel fibers (without additional reinforcement)? A case study could be developed to investigate this.

Application of geopolymer concrete
How can geopolymer materials be applied in civil engineering practice?

You’ll Feel at Home Quickly

We are a consulting and engineering firm with a clear mission, practical vision, and ambitious strategy. We enjoy complex and challenging assignments. Our clients are mainly government authorities (national and local) and large contractors.

You will immediately feel welcome in our open and informal culture. We walk into each other’s offices without knocking, and our director knows the name of your pet—and your partner. With around 80 colleagues, we are large enough to realize high-profile projects while maintaining personal attention. Collaboration and job satisfaction go hand in hand for us.

We are committed to sustainability—in circular and safe solutions, care for the environment, collaboration with clients, and our relationship with colleagues. We work based on connection and trust, giving you ample room for your own ideas and input.

Together, we tackle civil engineering challenges and integrated projects that improve our living environment—now and in the future. Will you help us build?

What Do You Bring?

You are a motivated MSc student in civil engineering looking for an interesting and relevant graduation project—or you already have a topic that aligns with our vision and themes.

You are accurate, proactive, eager to learn, results-oriented, and responsible. You enjoy working in a team but are also comfortable working independently. You have strong communication skills and analytical thinking abilities.

What Can You Expect?

• The opportunity to apply your knowledge to a relevant and interesting research topic, with intensive guidance from one or more experienced civil engineers.

• The chance to work both from home and at our office, as part of a dedicated team that frequently collaborates and exchanges ideas.

• A high degree of freedom and responsibility.

• Flexible working hours—whether you’re an early bird or a snooze enthusiast.

• Fresh fruit and coffee replenished daily.

• A sustainable mobility policy, including reimbursement for commuting and business travel—whether you walk, cycle, or drive. Parking is available, including EV charging, and secure bicycle storage is provided.

• Celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, and successes, as well as team outings and informative staff meetings.

Interested?

Are you interested in one of these graduation projects? Or do you have your own ideas or suggestions? We would be happy to talk with you. Please submit your details via the application button on the website: https://werkenbij.wagemaker.nl/vacatures/afstudeerprojecten-civiele-techniek-wo/. Demy, our corporate recruiter, will contact you. You can also call or message him directly via 06 82 80 35 53.