The Geotechnical Research Group at Chalmers University of Technology is looking for a highly motivated and talented individual to fill a PhD student position linked with a research project funded by Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish research council). The project is conceived as fundamental experimental research on the genesis and failure of quick clays using a combination of physical model tests, rheology experiments, and miniature hydro-mechanical tests with simultaneous 4D monitoring of the internal structure using optical and X-ray based scattering and imaging methods.
The ultimate aim of the project is to link the unique response of natural quick clays at engineering scale to physico-chemical and micro-mechanical processes during formation (sedimentation, consolidation) and failure. In addition to the main supervisor (Prof. Jelke Dijkstra) and a local co-supervisor (Dr Angela Casarella) at ACE, Dr Stephen Hall at the Division of Solid Mechanics at Lund University will co-supervise the project with his expertise on advanced X-ray and neutron based methods. The project will be embedded in a larger constellation of projects at the department that focus on the fundamental behaviour of (natural) clays, ground improvement and sustainable materials in Civil Engineering.
More information can be found on the following link: