PhD in Novel Geosynthetics

Geotechnical engineering presents major research challenges as infrastructure networks age and environmental demands expand. This research theme focuses on developing sustainable and intelligent solutions for earthworks, slopes, retaining structures, and foundations through the integration of novel geosynthetics. The core area of investigation involves embedding advanced internet of things sensors and smart capabilities directly into geosynthetic materials to monitor structural health and prevent premature material or structural failure. Research within this theme can be adapted to match your individual engineering background and technical interests, allowing you to design a tailored line of inquiry. By combining traditional ground engineering with emerging sensor technologies, this theme aims to overcome the challenges of signal degradation and structural vulnerability in aging infrastructure, futureproofing critical engineering assets globally.

<h3 data-path-to-node="4">Detailed Description</h3> <p data-path-to-node="5">Aging civil infrastructure networks require continuous health tracking to ensure public safety and optimise maintenance strategies. Traditional structural monitoring techniques often rely on externally attached sensors that are highly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions, leading to rapid signal degradation and premature failure. This research theme addresses these challenges by exploring the development and application of smart geosynthetics that function simultaneously as reinforcement and continuous sensing arrays within the ground.</p> <p data-path-to-node="6">Research within this theme investigates how fiber optics, conductive polymers, and microelectronic components can be seamlessly woven into geotextiles, geogrids, and geomembranes. You will explore how these smart materials can measure internal strain, pore water pressure, temperature variations, and chemical changes within the surrounding soil matrix in real time. The theme also encompasses the technical frameworks required to transmit data from deeply buried sensors to cloud platforms, using internet of things technology to build digital twins of geotechnical structures. By investigating the mechanical and electronic interaction between soil and smart geosynthetics, this theme aims to create robust materials that maintain structural reinforcement capabilities while delivering high fidelity monitoring data over decades of operational service.</p> <h3 data-path-to-node="7">Why This Research is Important</h3> <p data-path-to-node="8">Geotechnical assets such as highway slopes, embankments, retaining walls, and landfill liners are subject to continuous environmental loading and deterioration. Standard inspection methods are often reactive, identifying structural distress only after visible cracking or deformation occurs, which can be too late to prevent catastrophic failures.</p> <p data-path-to-node="9">This research theme is vital because it introduces a proactive approach to asset protection through self monitoring infrastructure components. By embedding sensing systems directly within the primary reinforcing elements, engineers can detect internal strain accumulations, localized erosion, or moisture build up long before any surface signs appear. This capability dramatically reduces maintenance costs, prevents unexpected service disruptions on transport networks, and minimises the safety risks associated with sudden slope collapses or structural failures. Ultimately, this work provides the technical insights needed to transition asset management from expensive manual inspections to automated, data driven maintenance.</p> <h3 data-path-to-node="10">Example PhD Research Topics</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="11"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,0,0">Integrating fiber optic sensor arrays into geogrids for real time slope stability monitoring</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,1,0">Evaluating the long term durability and signal stability of conductive polymer geotextiles in acidic soils</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,2,0">Designing internet of things data transmission protocols for deeply buried smart geosynthetic networks</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,3,0">Developing predictive risk models for highway embankments using continuous geosynthetic strain data</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,4,0">Microstructural analysis of the bonding interface between soil particles and smart geosynthetic materials</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,5,0">Using smart geomembranes for automated leakage detection and moisture tracking in containment facilities</p> </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="12">Methods and Techniques</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="13"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,0,0">Laboratory testing of geosynthetic mechanical properties using wide width tensile and pullout testing</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,1,0">Numerical modelling and finite element analysis of soil structure interaction with smart reinforcements</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,2,0">Sensor integration techniques using microelectronics and conductive materials within polymers</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,3,0">Field monitoring and pilot scale testing of smart geosynthetic installations</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,4,0">Time series data analytics and machine learning for automated anomaly detection in sensor data</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,5,0">Calibration of fiber optic sensors for strain and temperature measurement in geotechnical environments</p> </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="14">Suitable Academic Backgrounds</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,0,0">Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,1,0">Materials Science or Polymer Engineering</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,2,0">Electronic Engineering or Sensor Technology</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,3,0">Computer Science or Data Analytics</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,4,0">Applied Physics or Engineering Geology</p> </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="16">FAQ</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="17"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,0,0">Can I propose my own PhD topic? Yes, the themes above are a guide only.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,1,0">Can I bring my own funding? Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,2,0">Do I need funding before contacting you? You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,3,0">Can I study interdisciplinary topics? Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,4,0">When can I start? Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website.</p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Useful links</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li data-path-to-node="15,0,0" style="margin-left:8px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">University Profile</a> </span></span></span></span></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,1,0" style="margin-left:8px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">LinkedIn</a></span></span></span></span></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,2,0" style="margin-left:8px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Google Scholar</a></span></span></span></span></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,3,0" style="margin-left:8px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ResearchGate</a></span></span></span></span></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,4,0" style="margin-left:8px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ORCID</a></span></span></span></span></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,5,0" style="margin-left:8px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Scopus</a></span></span></span></span></li> </ul>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Civil Engineering Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>PhD in Novel Geosynthetics </strong>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 .</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>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:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

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.

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.

<p>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<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. </p>

<p>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></p> <p>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></p>