PhD in Soil Stabilisation and Ground Improvement

PGR-P-2521

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Friday 30 April 2027
Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Professor David Connolly
Schools: School of Civil Engineering

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

Geotechnical engineering presents major research challenges as construction expands into more complex environments and infrastructure networks age. This research theme focuses on developing sustainable and innovative engineering solutions for soil stabilisation and ground improvement. The core area of investigation involves finding eco friendly alternatives to traditional carbon heavy chemical grout stabilizers which face increasing environmental challenges. Research within this theme addresses the technical difficulties engineers encounter when trying to scale these alternatives due to their unpredictable behaviours in diverse field soils. Projects can be adapted to match your individual engineering background and technical interests, allowing you to establish a tailored line of inquiry. This theme aims to deliver reliable, sustainable ground improvement methods that enhance the load bearing capacity and stability of challenging soils.

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

<h3 data-path-to-node="4">Detailed Description</h3> The expansion of the built environment requires construction on increasingly marginal and challenging ground. Historically, civil engineers have relied on carbon heavy stabilizers such as cement, lime, and synthetic chemical grouts to improve the mechanical properties of weak soils. However, these traditional methods are under intense scrutiny due to their high embodied carbon footprint and potential to contaminate surrounding groundwater networks, leading to widespread environmental challenges. This research theme explores the development, testing, and implementation of next generation soil stabilisation technologies. Research within this theme focuses on understanding the mechanisms that govern innovative ground improvement techniques. The theme also covers the use of industrial byproducts, polymers, and sustainable chemical additives designed to enhance soil shear strength and reduce compressibility. You will explore how stabilizers interact with diverse field soils under varying environmental conditions. This theme seeks to establish robust engineering frameworks that make sustainable ground improvement predictable, scalable, and commercially viable. <h3 data-path-to-node="7">Why This Research is Important</h3> Foundations, embankments, and deep excavations completely rely on the stability of the underlying ground. Failing to adequately improve weak or unstable soils can lead to catastrophic structural failures, extensive foundation settlement, and severe economic losses. At the same time, the civil engineering sector faces immense pressure to reduce its environmental impact and meet strict net zero carbon targets. This research theme is vital because it addresses both structural safety and environmental sustainability simultaneously. Replacing carbon intensive chemical grouts with eco friendly alternatives allows the construction industry to significantly lower its carbon footprint while safely developing marginal land. Furthermore, overcoming the unpredictability of these new materials in real field soils gives asset owners and contractors the confidence to adopt sustainable solutions. Ultimately, this research provides the essential technical foundation needed to construct safer, greener, and more resilient infrastructure on challenging terrain. <h3 data-path-to-node="10">Example PhD Research Topics</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="11"> <li> Using industrial byproducts as low carbon binders for stabilizing soft organic soils </li> <li> Numerical modelling of soil improvement in unsaturated soils and expansive clay minerals </li> <li> Developing predictive frameworks for the behaviour of improved ground in field conditions </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="12">Methods and Techniques</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="13"> <li> Triaxial and unconfined compressive testing to evaluate soil shear strength parameters </li> <li> Permeability and hydraulic conductivity testing of treated porous media </li> <li> Numerical modelling and finite element analysis of treated ground behaviour </li> <li> Standard laboratory soil classification including compaction and plasticity testing </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="14">Suitable Academic Backgrounds</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering </li> <li> Materials Science or Applied Chemistry </li> <li> Engineering Geology or Earth Sciences </li> <li> Environmental Engineering or Biotechnology </li> <li> Applied Mathematics or Physics </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="16">FAQ</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="17"> <li> Can I propose my own PhD topic? Yes, the themes above are a guide only. </li> <li> Can I bring my own funding? Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding. </li> <li> Do I need funding before contacting you? You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application. </li> <li> Can I study interdisciplinary topics? Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines. </li> <li> When can I start? Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website. </li> </ul> Useful links <ul> <li data-path-to-node="15,0,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">University Profile</a> </li> <li data-path-to-node="15,1,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">LinkedIn</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,2,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Google Scholar</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,3,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ResearchGate</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,4,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ORCID</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,5,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Scopus</a></li> </ul>

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

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. • For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate. • The admission year for this project is 2027/28 Academic Year. • You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PHP Civil Engineering Full Time. • The project start date for this project is 1 October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. • Please state clearly in the Research Information Section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is PhD in Soil Stabilisation and Ground Improvement 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 . Please state clearly in the Finance section, the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. 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. 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. 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 including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> 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.

<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>

This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding. You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website. Important: 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.

<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>