ISGCUBIP: Investigation of the critical SG for cables and umbilicals during various backfilling and installation processes

A Funded 3.5-year PhD Studentship is available at the University of Dundee within Division of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics.

The objective of the project is to develop a greater understanding of the geotechnical controls on the behaviour of cables/umbilicals and pipelines during subsea bed burial. Upheaval buckling of pipelines or unburial of cables has the potential for significant environmental damage or loss of renewable energy revenue, respectively.

The outcome of the research will be to develop guidance on the most appropriate burial techniques to adopt for burial where both seabed and product specific gravity (SG) are varied. This will be further extended to look at minimum burial depths and the effects of co-burial (ie cable(s) and pipelines in the same trench, piggybacks). This will lead to less conservative design, reduced risk for the party installing with benefits to the offshore renewables and O&G sectors. Greater understanding of the backfilling behaviour of marginal SG products will lead to the development of more cost effective product coatings and installation techniques that can be deployed in more onerous situations with enhanced certainty of performance.

The research will consist predominantly of physical model laboratory geotechnical simulations of cables or pipelines in sand seabeds. The project will be supervised by representatives from the University of Dundee, University of Aberdeen and the industrial partner Subsea 7 Ltd.

The successful candidate will have a 2:1 or above (or equivalent) degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline. Candidates with a relevant MSc are also encouraged to apply but this is not a pre-requisite of successful award.

The following guidance relating to evaluation criteria is provided for information to candidates applying for the above studentships. In general, the evaluators in assessing the applications will be looking for evidence closely matching the majority of the following attributes:
1. Relevant first degree and optional relevant second degree.
2. UK or EU nationality.
3. Optional previous research experience in Civil engineering or Geotechnical Engineering

Copies of and up to date CV and covering letter explaining why you would like to undertake a PhD in this area should be sent to [Email Address Removed]. CVs should clearly state education history and the level of degrees awarded and the awarding organisation. Details of any previous research and publication experience would be welcomed but not essential.