PhD in Underground Space Engineering

As cities grow denser, the space available at ground level becomes increasingly constrained, pushing new infrastructure such as metro lines, basements and utility networks further underground. Research in this theme addresses the engineering challenges that arise when construction moves into complex subsurface environments, particularly in areas where existing buildings and infrastructure already occupy the ground above and around new excavations. This includes the stability of deep excavations, the behaviour of retaining structures, ground movement caused by tunnelling and excavation, and the risk this poses to the foundations of adjacent buildings. Working underground introduces uncertainty that is less common in above ground construction, since soil and rock conditions can vary significantly and are never fully known in advance. I am interested in supervising research that improves the understanding, prediction and management of these risks, helping to make underground construction safer and more reliable as cities continue to expand downward rather than outward.

<h3 dir="ltr">Detailed description</h3> <p dir="ltr">Underground space engineering covers the design, construction and monitoring of infrastructure located below ground level, including deep excavations, tunnels, basements and underground stations. As metros and other urban infrastructure expand into increasingly constrained and congested environments, excavations are often carried out in close proximity to existing buildings, utilities and transport networks, increasing the consequences of any unexpected ground behaviour.</p> <p dir="ltr">A central challenge in this theme is deep excavation stability, which depends on the interaction between the retaining structure, the surrounding soil or rock, and any groundwater present. Excavation induced ground movement can propagate outward and downward, potentially affecting the foundations of nearby buildings through settlement, tilting or differential movement. Predicting and controlling this movement requires a detailed understanding of ground behaviour, construction sequencing and the performance of support systems such as retaining walls, props and anchors.</p> <p dir="ltr">This theme also considers how existing structures respond to nearby excavation and tunnelling activity, including the assessment of building damage risk and the development of monitoring strategies to detect early signs of movement. Understanding the complex interaction between new underground construction and the built environment above it is essential for delivering safe and successful projects in dense urban settings.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">Why this research is important</h3> <p dir="ltr">The growth of cities means that horizontal space for new infrastructure is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in established urban centres where buildings and transport networks already occupy the available land. This has driven a shift towards developing space underground, including deeper metro lines, underground stations and basement structures. However, constructing in these environments carries significant risk, since deep excavations can cause ground movement that affects the stability and serviceability of nearby buildings, sometimes leading to structural damage or costly delays.</p> <p dir="ltr">Understanding how excavations interact with surrounding ground and adjacent structures is essential for managing these risks effectively. Without robust engineering knowledge in this area, projects can face increased costs, safety concerns and reputational damage, while opportunities to expand vital urban infrastructure may be missed altogether. Research in this theme aims to improve the prediction, monitoring and mitigation of excavation induced ground movement, supporting the safe and efficient development of underground space in increasingly congested cities.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">Example PhD research topics</h3> <ol dir="ltr"> <li>Prediction of ground movement caused by deep excavation in urban environments</li> <li>Performance and design of retaining wall systems in variable ground conditions</li> <li>Assessment of building damage risk due to nearby tunnelling and excavation</li> <li>Soil structure interaction during deep excavation adjacent to existing foundations</li> <li>Monitoring strategies for detecting early signs of ground and structural movement</li> <li>Influence of groundwater on deep excavation stability and performance</li> <li>Construction sequencing effects on ground movement and structural response</li> <li>Risk based design approaches for excavation near sensitive infrastructure</li> </ol> <h3 dir="ltr">Methods and techniques</h3> <ol dir="ltr"> <li>Numerical modelling of soil structure interaction using finite element methods</li> <li>Field monitoring using inclinometers, extensometers and settlement markers</li> <li>Remote sensing and satellite based ground movement measurement</li> <li>Back analysis of case histories from completed underground projects</li> <li>Probabilistic and risk based analysis of ground and structural response</li> <li>Machine learning applied to ground movement prediction and monitoring data</li> <li>Laboratory testing of soil behaviour under representative stress conditions</li> </ol> <h3 dir="ltr">Suitable academic backgrounds</h3> <p dir="ltr">I welcome applicants from civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, geology and applied mathematics. Backgrounds in soil mechanics, foundation engineering or numerical modelling are particularly relevant, though I am equally interested in hearing from candidates with strong analytical or computational skills who are keen to apply them to the challenges of underground construction.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">FAQ</h3> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Can I propose my own PhD topic?</strong><br /> Yes, the themes above are a guide only.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Can I bring my own funding?</strong><br /> Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Do I need funding before contacting you?</strong><br /> You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Can I study interdisciplinary topics?</strong><br /> Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>When can I start?</strong><br /> Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">Join an International Research Group</h3> <p dir="ltr">My research group includes PhD students and researchers from a range of countries working across Artificial Intelligence, climate resilience, satellite monitoring, railway engineering and geotechnical engineering. Although every student develops their own specialist project, many topics overlap, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate and learn from one another. You will also become part of the wider Civil Engineering postgraduate research community at the University of Leeds.</p> <h3 data-path-to-node="14"><strong data-index-in-node="0" data-path-to-node="14">Useful links</strong></h3> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,0,0"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly">University Profile</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,1,0"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/">LinkedIn</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,2,0"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en">Google Scholar</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,3,0"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7">ResearchGate</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,4,0"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704">ORCID</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,5,0"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800">Scopus</a></p> </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's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>‘Appli</strong><strong>cation type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is <strong>2027/28 Academic Year</strong>. <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>PhD Civil Engineering FT</strong>’. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date</strong> for this project is<strong> </strong>from<strong> 1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>PhD in Underground Space Engineering</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/dr-david-p-connolly">Professor David Connolly</a><strong> </strong>as your proposed supervisor.</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>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application 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 grading scheme</li> <li>CV</li> <li>A personal statement outlining your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</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 (visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.</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>

<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>