The role of pipeline-soil interaction in the stability of pipelines

The axial resistance to movement of a marine pipeline is an important factor in the assessment of the stability of subsea and onshore pipelines. Furthermore, the axial resistance of a pipeline is an important component in various geotechnical design applications. A number of factors are responsible for evaluating the axial resistance such as pipe displacement, relative roughness of the pipe-soil interface and the conditions at which the mobilization is taking place (drained or undrained). Current design of pipelines is based on empirical pipeline-soil interaction model that cannot be applied to a wide range of situations/types of seabed in the field. The aim of this project is to develop and experimentally validate a phenomenologically based pipeline-soil interaction model for practical implementation in pipeline design standards.

Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Civil/Mechanical Engineering; Materials Science/Engineering, or Metallurgy.

Knowledge of: Geotechnics; Soil Mechanics; Solid Mechanics; Experimental Mechanics.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
• State name of the lead supervisor as the Name of Proposed Supervisor
• State ‘Self-funded’ as Intended Source of Funding
• State the exact project title on the application form

When applying please ensure all required documents are attached:

• All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate AND Postgraduate MSc-officially translated into English where necessary)
• Detailed CV

Informal inquiries can be made to Professor A Ivanovic ([Email Address Removed]), with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School ([Email Address Removed])

It is possible to undertake this project entirely by distance learning. Interested parties should contact Professor Ivanovic to discuss this.