This 4-year fully-funded PhD project will have a focus on developing conceptual and numerical models of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in crystalline, fractured rock masses with and specifically on applications in order to characterize, predict, and value frost damage in tunnels that are exposed to cyclic frost periods. The model will be verified against analytical solutions and validated against experimental data from field and laboratories. The overarching goal of the study is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of frost-induced damage and splitting of rockblocks and shotcrete materials in tunnels. In addition to working at Uppsala University, the PhD candidate will have an opportunity to interact closely with the rock engineering industry and collaborate with other PhD students within Swedish Rock Engineering Research Foundation.

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