Artificial intelligence for geotechnical engineering

PGR-P-1394

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Professor David Connolly
Schools: School of Civil Engineering
Research groups/institutes: Cities and Infrastructure, Materials and Structures

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Geotechnical engineering involves the study and use of earth materials such as soil. Soil is characterised by its complex physical, mechanical, and chemical behaviours, which are often non-linear. Further, it is typically anisotropic, non-heterogeneous and its properties vary significantly over short distances. These characteristics result in traditional geotechnical analysis suffering from high complexity and significant uncertainty. However, recent developments in artificial intelligence are improving the reliability, accuracy and speed of geotechnical analysis. Thus, this project provides the opportunity to develop and apply new artificial intelligence technologies in the field of geotechnics.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

Example applications of AI in geotechnical engineering include: <ul> <li>Subgrade soil and pavements: AI assessment of resilient modulus, deformation, dynamic modulus, and susceptibility to cracking. </li> <li>Geotechnical practise/standards: Large language models (e.g. ChatGPT plugins) to assimilate international geotechnical knowledge.</li> <li>Space technology: Using computer vision of satellite and UAV/drone imagery to monitor geotechnical assets. For example, the factor of safety and deformation of earthwork slopes</li> <li>Dams: Deep learning to analyse seepage flow, leakage and deformation.</li> <li>Geotechnical site investigation: AI interpolation of sparsely-populated site investigation data.</li> <li>Geotechnical site safety: Computer vision to detect unsafe behaviour and on-site risks.</li> <li>Foundations: Machine learning to detect settlement and study bearing capacity. </li> <li>Unsaturated soils: Neural networks to determine volumetric water content, soil matric head hydraulic conductivity, effective stresses and soil water retention curves.</li> <li>Rock mechanics: AI assessment of rock fragmentation and unconfined compressive strength. </li> <li>Tunnelling: Analysis of tunnel boring machine penetration rate, tunnel and surface settlement.</li> <li>Landslide and soil liquefaction: Determination of landslide susceptibility, landslide displacement and liquefaction triggers</li> <li>Frozen soils and soils thermal properties: Machine learning for thermal conductivity, water temperature and frost groundwater level. </li> </ul> Please identify your preferred area of geotechnical AI study and contact me to discuss a potential project outline.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course pf Study section that you are applying for PhD Civil Engineering FT, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Artificial intelligence for geotechnical engineering as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly">Professor David Connolly</a> as your proposed supervisor and and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship. If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply. UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> (closing date: Monday 3 February 2025) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025) are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Non-UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (closing date: Monday 6 January 2025). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award. Important: Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about this project, please contact Professor David Connolly by email to <a href="mailto:D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk">D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk</a>