PhD: Are Some Phobias Good? Examining Hydro-mechanical Relationships in Hydrophobic Soils
Physical and Environmental Sciences,Materials Science,Physics and Astronomy,Mathematics and Statistics,Mathematics,Engineering and Technology,Civil Engineering
Short info about job
Company: University of Edinburgh
Department: School of Engineering
Hours: Full Time
Type / Role: PhD
Phone: +44-1495 3659515
Fax: +44-1236 2214538
E-mail: N\A
Site: N\A
Detail information about job PhD: Are Some Phobias Good? Examining Hydro-mechanical Relationships in Hydrophobic Soils. Terms and conditions vacancy
Principal Supervisor: Dr Chris BeckettAssistant Supervisor: Dr Gabriela Medero (Heriot-Watt University)
Soil water repellency naturally arises due to the deposition of plant oils or humic substances or after severe heating episodes, for example wildfires. Artificial treatments can also be used to render soils permanently hydrophobic. Such treatment might be desirable to deter infiltration, for example in engineered cover systems where waste exposure to water may result in severe contamination of the surrounding landscape.
It is well understood that microscopic interactions between water menisci and soil particles govern the macroscopic mechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils. However, how water repellency affects those interactions is largely unknown. Successfully accounting for the effect of repellency on soil hydro-mechanical behaviour could yield significant benefits to geotechnical design.
This project will exploit state-of-the-art experimental techniques to examine the evolution of water-repellent soil hydro-mechanical behaviour on the microstructural and macrostructural scale. The project will take advantage of the long-term strong collaborative relationships between leading UK universities studying unsaturated soil behaviour to deliver an engaging and rewarding PhD experience.
Eligibility
- a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
- the University’s English language requirements.
An undergraduate degree in Engineering with a focus on Civil Engineering is preferred however candidates with a degree in Engineering (any discipline), Mathematics or Physics will be considered.