A joint PhD position on the resilience of infrastructure earthworks subjected to extreme rainfall at Newcastle University and Durham University
Applications are welcome for a joint PhD position between Newcastle University and Durham University. The main objective of this doctoral project is to devise, via analytical and numerical modelling, practical solutions to enhance the resilience of infrastructure earthworks (such as dams, embankments) subjected to extreme rainfall events. The PhD candidate will work on the development of a constitutive model to predict the hydromechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils subjected to different types of stress paths (i.e. isotropic loading and unloading, wetting and drying, shearing). The model will then be implemented into a numerical Finite Element code to assess the stability of infrastructure earthworks and evaluate the effectiveness of several stabilisation measures (e.g. drainages, water runoff interceptors, etc.) with an unsaturated soil mechanics perspective.
We are looking forward to receiving applications from highly motivated and curious candidates with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in Geomechanics or other relevant fields. The position is funded for 3.5 years commencing from the start of the 2021/22 academic year.
The Successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr Agostino Walter Bruno (Newcastle University), Dr Marti Lloret-Cabot (Durham University) and Dr Mohamed Rouainia (Newcastle University).
Candidates can find more details on the project and submit their applications via the following link: https://www.iapetus2.ac.uk/studentships/assessing-and-improving-the-resilience-of-infrastructure-earthworks-subjected-to-extreme-rainfall-an-advanced-unsaturated-soil-mechanics-perspective-aireus/
More details on applicants eligibility criteria can be found in https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/your-responsibilities-if-you-get-funding/meeting-ukri-terms-and-conditions-for-funding/
Deadline for applications: Friday 8th January 2021 at 5 pm (GMT)
Contact details for further information: agostino.bruno@newcastle.ac.uk