Nature-based systems in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering: engineered soil structures to optimise vegetation root architecture.

THIS IS A SELF FUNDED PROJECT

Available start dates: 1^st October 2021, 1^st January 2022, 1^st April 2022, 1^st July 2022.

Duration: 3 years

Geotechnical structures such as engineered slopes on highways and other transportation routes often include plants of various types. Plant root systems contribute considerable stability to surface soils, including resisting mechanical stress to increase soil strength, resisting erosion and loss of soil quality, and helping to prevent landslides.

 This project aims to explore the response of plant root architecture (the three-dimensional arrangement of roots) to soil properties. As a result, the potential for the manipulation of root architecture through engineered soil design will be investigated, with the objective of designing geotechnical structures to encourage optimal plant growth for maximum stabilisation. This will contribute to safer and more efficient design of vegetated geotechnical infrastructure, enhancing the potential of green infrastructure to contribute to infrastructure needs in an environmentally sensitive manner.

 The successful candidate will be based at Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, and will be part of the Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC), an internationally renowned research group in the areas of waste and pollution management and ground engineering.

Candidates should hold a good undergraduate degree (first or upper second-class honours degree) or a MSc degree in a relevant engineering/science subject, such as Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science. Previous laboratory or field experience would be desirable but is not essential.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Candidates will be asked to undergo an assessment process including a test and interview. 

Contact for further information

Dr Mike Harbottle ([Email Address Removed])

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;

• an upload of your CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
• Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date of:

PLEASE CHOOSE - 1^st October 2021, 1^st January 2022, 1^st April 2022, 1^st July 2022.

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for the self funded project , reference MJH2-SF-2021"

Deadline for applications

31/12/2021 - We may however close this opportunity earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.