University of Bath URSA project: Multi-scale probabilistic modelling of storm wave impacts on coastal railway structures [StormRail]

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition, for entry in September 2024.

Project Background: 

UK coastal railway infrastructures are exposed to large storm waves and occasionally suffer damage and destruction leading to line closure. In February 2014, the Dawlish coastal railway was destroyed by extreme storm waves which resulted in a two-month line closure of this strategic railway and a total economic loss of up to £1.2 billion [1,2]. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure these critical infrastructures are resilient to storm waves. Given the increasing pressure from climate change and the recent rise in the intensity and frequency of storms in the UK, the project StormRail is an urgent necessity for the country.  

A key element in enhancing the resilience of coastal railways to storms is the development of accurate modelling tools. While some efforts were made in the past on this subject, e.g., [2], they remain basic and thus more accurate models are urgently required. There are three shortcomings with the existing models: i) they are constructed either in large oceanwide scale or in local small scale and thus do not deliver a highly accurate picture of the problem; ii) they are inputted with simplistic wave parameters; and iii) the probabilistic nature of the waves is not adequately studied. The project StormRail delivers significant advancement by addressing the mentioned shortcomings, constructing multi-scale models with realistic storm wave parameters and incorporating probabilistic calculations.

The project StormRail’s methodology is based on computer simulations in large scale coupled with small scale (coupling package https://mxui.github.io/index.html). For the large scale, the open-source model TELEMAC is used (http://www.opentelemac.org/). TELEMAC

models wave propagation from offshore region to coastal areas. The coastal

waves from TELEMAC are then used as inputs for the local high-resolution model

based on OpenFOAM (https://www.openfoam.com).     

This project builds on the results of a previous PhD project delivered by a former student of the lead supervisor [1,2]. Therefore, a significant knowledge base is available to support the prospective PhD student. In addition, both of the supervisors are leading scientists on wave modelling with numerous publications and significant experience in supervising PhD students. Therefore, the project StormRail benefits from a strong supervisory team plus a significant knowledge base.            

 Candidate requirements:

Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1^st or 2.1, or international equivalent.

Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by 01/02/2024 (unless you will be awarded a UK degree or degree conducted in English between February and September 2024).

https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/postgraduate-english-language-requirements/

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Please contact Dr Mohammad Heidarzadeh - [Email Address Removed]

Please make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering

In the ‘Funding Your Studies’ section, please select ‘University of Bath URSA’ from the first drop-down menu. In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, please quote the project title and supervisor name in the appropriate fields.

Failure to complete these steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

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