Free gas can significantly alter the hydro-mechanical properties of marine sediment, leading to increased compressibility, reduced shear strength, and disrupted permeability. However, its potential role as a hazard to the foundations and structures of offshore wind turbines is often overlooked in calculation standards and foundation design protocols. The degradation caused by the presence of free gas may occur during the installation phase as well as throughout the operational lifespan of a wind turbine.

The PhD will focus on:
-the effect of gas on the static and cyclic response of clayey and silty sediments,
-impact of gas in sediment on the installation and stability of pile and suction anchor foundations,
-develop practical design guidelines for offshore wind foundations accounting for gas effects.

ERAXESS Application
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/427072
Application Deadline: 8 May 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

For further information, see the attached [PDF].