Numerical modelling of dynamic soil-structure interaction

Dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) governs the transient response of many critical civil infrastructure and needs to be appropriately modelled when designing such structures. Examples of dynamic SSI include buildings shaken due to earthquakes, pile foundations of offshore structures, railway-induced vibrations etc. Due to the complexity of the problem, normally SSI is modelled by dividing the problem into two distinct sub-domains considering the structure and the ground separately. While this is an efficient modelling approach it may have limitations when it comes to the actual influence between the two distinct domains.

This project aims to develop and apply appropriate numerical tools to treat dynamic SSI in a coupled monolithic way and determine when “uncoupled” procedures can be reliably used. In particular, it will focus on how piled structures (in particular, tall buildings and offshore structures) respond to transient dynamic loads. It will involve numerical analysis with both in-house developed codes and commercial software. Therefore, the suitable candidate should have a strong interest in engineering mechanics, geotechnical/structural modelling and computational analysis. This is currently an active research topic that is expected to lead to a series of publications in top journals and its outcomes can support the broader research area of offshore structures and foundations and earthquake engineering. The student will acquire valuable computational analysis skills and knowledge of an emerging field that are directly relevant to the Industry and may have the chance to interact with practising engineers.

The position is located within the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Bath. The department was ranked joint first in the UK out of 45 submissions to Sub-Panel C16 architecture, Built Environment and Planning in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework and it has been consistently ranked as the third top Civil Engineering department in the UK. The University was ranked in the top five in the UK, was awarded a TEF Gold for its high-quality teaching and is located in southwest England in idyllic Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Roman baths, gothic abbey and Georgian architecture.

The successful applicant will ideally have graduated (or be due to graduate) with an undergraduate Masters first class degree or MSc distinction (or overseas equivalent). English language requirements must be met at the time of application to be considered for funding.

Informal enquiries should be directed Dr Loizos Pelecanos ([Email Address Removed])

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering. Please ensure that you state the full project title and lead supervisor name on the application form.

https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUAR-FP02&code2=0013

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:

http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 30 September 2019