Geotechnical Engineering: Early detection of seepage-induced internal instability using acoustic emission

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the School was ranked first for research environment in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, with 95% of research rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for its influence on society, the economy and policy. The School boasts world class facilities, with £1.4m recently invested in the 3,000m2 laboratory facilities and a £1.24m High Performance Computing facility – one of the UK’s fastest clusters.

A key part of the School’s ethos is the extensive links with industry. Many research projects are sponsored and applied by organisations in the civil engineering, construction and transport sectors, and Loughborough graduates are extremely sought after by industry and commerce world-wide.

Project Detail:
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in Geotechnical Engineering based in the School of Civil and Building Engineering at Loughborough University.

This PhD aims to develop a novel approach for early detection of seepage-induced internal instability in earth structures, thereby enabling timely repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure assets (e.g. earth dams and flood embankments).
Seepage-induced internal instability is a phenomenon whereby the migration of fine particles causes the destruction or collapse of the soil structure, which can have catastrophic consequences. Seepage flow and soil particle-particle interactions generate high-frequency noise (Acoustic Emission – AE). This project will develop methodologies to interpret seepage-induced internal instability phenomena (e.g. suffusion and suffosion) using AE measurements.

It is envisaged that the project will comprise both laboratory and field experiments. There will be opportunities to travel and work with international collaborators. The student will benefit from the expertise of a supervisory team that have successfully developed and applied AE monitoring innovations in geotechnical engineering (e.g. www.slopealarms.com). Upon completion, the student will be well equipped for a career in academia or industry.

Find out more:
www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/civil-building/doctoral-research/

Entry requirements:
Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A relevant Master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage. A strong analytical background and experience of experimental geotechnics (e.g. laboratory testing and/or field instrumentation) is desirable.

Funding information:
The studentship is for three years and is intended to start by October 2017. The studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £14,553 per annum, increasing in line with the level set by the Research Councils for the duration of the studentship, plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only open to UK/EU applicants.

Contact details:
For information about the research project, please contact:

Name: Dr Alister Smith
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: (01509) 565 179

For information about the application process, please contact:

Name: Mr Berkeley Young
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: (01509) 222 611

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, please select ‘Civil and Building Engineering’.

Please quote reference number: CBE2017GE/AS

Application details:
Reference number: CBE2017GE/AS
Start date: 1 October 2017
Closing date: 7 July 2017
Interview date: w/c 17 July 2017

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Alister Smith
Secondary supervisor: Prof. Neil Dixon