Low carbon soil stabilisation for mitigating the impact of climate change in transport infrastructure

PGR-P-1402

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Source of funding: Other
Supervisors: Dr Ana Heitor
Schools: School of Civil Engineering

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

This PhD project aims to study low carbon soil stabilisation methods for mitigating the impact of climate change in compacted geomaterials incorporated in the transport infrastructure substructure formations.

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

<p>Current performance shortcomings in the transport infrastructure formations induced by extreme climatic events cause excessive maintenance requirements with increased costs and disruptions to commuters and loss of productivity in the freight services. This PhD project aims to study low carbon soil stabilisation methods for mitigating the impact of climate change in compacted geomaterials incorporated in the transport infrastructure substructure formations. While the infrastructure developed in the last 60 years has been built following the principles of compaction, much of the UK transport infrastructure was built before those principles were understood and practiced and thus particularly vulnerable to increasingly severe changes in hydraulic stresses caused by climate as well as degradation of its properties due to increasingly higher traffic demand, e.g. increase in dynamic stresses as a function of speed and axle loads. Hence the consideration of soil stabilisation is critical. <br /> <br /> The project will focus on the study of sustainable stabilisation methods performance in mitigating the shortfalls in performance exhibited as a result of multiple cycles of wetting and drying that stabilised compacted geomaterials undergo during their service life. It will also aims to study the impact of extreme climatic events (e.g. flash flooding accompanied by periods of intense rainfall and extended period of droughts). It will involve advanced laboratory testing and modelling focussing on the water retention behaviour of stabilised compacted materials and monotonic and dynamic stress-strain behaviour simulating typical transport infrastructure conditions.</p>

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

<p>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 of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Civil Engineering FT,</strong></em> in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Low carbon soil stabilisation for mitigating the impact of climate change in transport infrastructure</strong> </em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/6674/dr-ana-heitor#journal_article_div">Dr Ana Heitor</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly <em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">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.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 3 April 2024 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship or 8 April 2024 for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship:</p> <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>

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants (open from October 2023). <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> –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 (now closed for 2024/25 entry). 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.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong>  Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <em><strong>not</strong></em> covered under this studentship.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

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

<p>For further information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p</a><a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">hd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Ana Heitor by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">a.heitor@leeds.ac.uk</a> or by telephone to +44 (0)7849 282475</p>