This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition. Please see the URSA webpage for more information.
Project
Layers of grassy soil can be remarkably tough. This is useful in day-to-day life, for example for sports pitches, but may also have engineering applications. During construction of infrastructure embankments, layers of rooted soil can act as (temporary) drainage channels and nature-based geotextiles, stabilising the embankment until the newly deposited soil has gained sufficient strength through consolidation. Such living natural fibre-reinforcement provides a more sustainable and carbon-friendly alternative to traditional engineering methods such as the use of synthetic geotextiles.
A much better insight in the mechanical behaviour of such materials is however required. We need to understand the behaviour of soil and grass roots, as well as how they mechanically interact. One of the main challenges is determining the role of the architecture of the roots. Does the entangling of numerous roots results in extra strength? And is the interaction between roots and soil frictional in nature or perhaps cohesive (or both?). How does any root-reinforcement change with changing moisture conditions in the soil, for example after heavy rainfall?
During your PhD, you will design and conduct series of mechanical tests to determine the stress and stiffness properties of grass-rooted soil to answer these fundamental questions. With this test data you will develop a simple material model for the combined soil-root mixture that can be used to make predictions of its behaviour under various types of loading. Your work will provide geotechnical practitioners and researchers with much-needed data to underpin future bio-inspired engineering.
Candidate Requirements
This post is open to applicants with backgrounds in engineering or biology. Applicants should have an interest in soil-bioengineering. Experience with conducting experiments will be an advantage.
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Gerrit Meijer - [Email Address Removed]
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering
When completing the form, please identify your application as being for the URSA studentship competition in Section 3 Finance (question 2) and quote the project title and lead supervisor’s name in the ‘Your research interests’ section.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Funding Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Keywords
Civil Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Forestry & Arboriculture; Geotechnical Engineering; Plant Biology; Solid Mechanics
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