geotechnical engineering phd scholarships in europe

Doctoral Programme in Geosciences

Geosciences have a significant role in solving global problems and challenges, such as energy and raw material sufficiency, climate change, and chemicalization of the environment which has led to an increased demand of geoscientists in all sectors nationally and internationally.

Finland is located on the edge of the Arctic region which has significant natural resources but is also highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. In addition, Finland's bedrock has exceptional discovery potential for many hi-tech metals and critical minerals which provide excellent circumstances for geoscientific research and innovations.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the programme.

• Current Students
• News & Press
• Research Excellence
• Teaching & Student Experience
• Graduate Employability
• UK Rankings
• World Rankings
• Single Topic Rankings
• Research Excellence Framework
• Higher Education Awards
• Ageing and Health
• Cities and Place
• Culture and Creative Arts
• Social Justice
• Engagement and Place Awards 2024
• Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Central and South Asia
• Latin America
• Middle East and North Africa
• North America
• Small Island Developing States
• South East Asia and Oceania
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Transparency
• Office for Students Transparency Data
• Access & Participation
• Support for our Community
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
• https://www.ncl.ac.uk/who-we-are/equality/race-equality/black-history-month/
• Faith, Religion & Belief
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
• Let Us Know
• Workplace Adjustments
• Useful Resources
• Equality Analysis
• Social Justice Stories
• Voluntary & Community Groups
• Santander Universities
• Regional Partnerships
• Widening Participation
• Newcastle Helix
• Art on Campus
• History of Newcastle University
• Education Strategy
• Find a Degree
• Subject Areas
• Step-by-Step Guide for UK Students
• Step-by-Step Guide for International and EU Students
• Applying through UCAS
• A and AS Levels
• Application Decisions
• Access Schemes and Pathway Programmes
• Policies and Procedures
• Applicants with Disabilities
• Mature Applicants
• Deferred Entry
• Undergraduate Application Advice
• Subject Scholarships
• Sports Scholarships
• Opportunity Scholarships
• VC's Excellence Scholarships
• VC's Global Scholarships
• VC's International Scholarships
• International Foundation Scholarships
• St Nicholas’ Educational Trust Scholarship
• NU Sanctuary Scholarships
• Undergraduate Norway Scholarship
• International Family Discounts
• VC’s EU Scholarships – Undergraduate
• VC's Excellence Scholarships - Europe
• VC's Business Excellence Scholarships - Europe
• Additional Costs
• Student Loans
• International Student Finance
• Undergraduate Open Days
• Sign up and Discover
• School and College Outreach
• Information for Parents and Supporters
• Why Choose Newcastle?
• Your Study Options
• Qualifications Explained
• Postgraduate Research Programmes
• Search for Funding
• Guide to Funding
• Postgraduate Tuition Fees
• Application Help
• Advice & Resources
• Your Offer Guide
• Postgraduate Open Days
• Doctoral College
• Distance Learning
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Study Support
• Campus Tours
• Life in Newcastle
• Get Involved
• Cost of Living
• Health & Wellbeing
• Mature Students
• Childcare Support
• Care Leavers
• Asylum Seekers
• Teaching & Learning
• Student Blog - Belong
• Types of Rooms
• Accessibility and Individual Requirements
• Bedrooms we offer
• Accommodation Guides
• New Student Guarantee
• Advanced Booking
• Submit an Application
• Part Year Student Accommodation
• What Happens Next?
• Safety and Security
• Returning Next Year
• Extending Your Stay
• Room Changes
• Parking & Bicycle Storage
• Post and Parcels
• Guest Visitors and Going Away
• Energy & Recycling
• ResLife Find a Flatmate
• Your ResLife Team
• Student Support
• Payment Methods
• Payment Schedules
• Managed Partnerships
• Rent Adjustments
• Student Village Receptions
• Your Accommodation Team
• Report a Fault
• Feedback and Complaints
• Internet Connection
• Work Placements
• About the Careers Service
• Careers Service News
• Careers Service Events
• Work for Yourself
• Career Planning
• Careers Modules
• Making Applications
• Interviews, Tests & Assessment Centres
• Internships, Placements & Shadowing
• Finding Jobs
• Handling Job Offers
• Researching Employers
• Making Contacts
• Further Study
• Awards, Competitions & Project Funding
• Volunteering
• Boost Your CV
• Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
• Getting Here
• Self-Guided Campus Tours
• Undergraduate Offer Holder Days
• Postgraduate Schools & Supervisors
• Tier 4 Visa from Inside UK
• Tier 4 Visa from Outside UK
• Short-Term Visa from Outside UK
• International Study Blog
• Our Pathway Courses
• English Language Courses
• Fees, Costs and Scholarships
• INTO Newcastle University
• Student Exchange and Study Abroad
• Request a Prospectus
• Chat to a Student
• Your Academic Experience
• Research Impact
• Research Strengths
• Centre for Ageing and Inequalities
• Centre for Biomedical Engineering
• Centre for Cancer
• Centre for Children and Youth
• Centre for Climate and Environmental Resilience
• Centre for Cyber Security and Resilience
• Centre for Data
• Centre for Energy
• Centre for Healthier Lives
• Centre for Heritage
• Centre for Landscape
• Centre for Mobility and Transport
• Centre for Rare Disease
• Centre for Researching Cities
• Centre for Transformative Neuroscience
• Centre for Water
• Research Culture Action Plan
• Working Together on Research Culture
• Global Partnerships
• Let's Work Together
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• Research Directory
• Research Integrity
• Code of Good Practice in Research
• University Research and Innovation Committee
• Ethics Forms and Processes
• GDPR Information for Research
• Ethics Toolkit
• Responsible Research Innovation
• Animals and Research
• Research Metrics
• Export Control
• Open Research
• Policies and Guidance
• Researcher Development
• Technicians' Community
• Research Facilities
• Research Funding
• Research News
• Case Studies
• CPD Courses
• Collaborative Research
• Company Creation
• Consultancy
• Corporate Partnerships
• DA Power Engineering
• DA MSc Digital Technology Solutions
• DA Executive Education Snr. Leader Apprenticeships
• Facilities and Equipment
• Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Technology Transfer and Licensing
• Clinical Trials & Research
• Working with Newcastle
• Tender Opportunities
• Submitting an Invoice
• Sustainable Procurement
• Code of Conduct & Terms and Conditions
• Health & Social Challenges
• Creative Collaborations
• Connect with alumni
• Develop your career
• Discover lifelong learning opportunities
• Support future generations

Civil Engineering (Geotechnical and Engineering Geology) MPhil, PhD

At Newcastle University you'll work with academics who are leaders in their field so that your research has a real impact on civil engineering.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025
• January 2026

Our geotechnical engineering and engineering geology research is revolutionary worldwide.

By pursuing research in the School of Engineering you'll join a successful research group. Our focus is on geotechnical engineering and geology. Our mission is to foster, promote and conduct research of international quality. We attract high-quality graduates and researchers and train them to international standards. Our geotechnical engineering and engineering geology research is recognised worldwide.

Our research links with the themes of sustainability in construction, adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects in civil engineering.

We provide MPhil and PhD supervision. This is within the broad disciplines of geotechnical engineering and engineering geology. Our current research areas are:

• seismic engineering and extreme loadings
• stability of man-made and natural slopes, open pit mines and tailing dams
• multi-phase flow and coupled multi-field analysis
• soil modelling and numerical modelling
• characterisation and modelling of particulate materials
• waste minimisation and reuse
• ground improvement
• site characterisation

We also encourage multidisciplinary research, such as:

• ground improvement and remediation
• in situ testing
• geotechnical design
• geotechnical processes in construction and the natural environment

As a result of our research we have been able to revolutionise:

• electrokinetic geosynthetics
• self-boring pressuremeters
• Numerical modelling
• geothermal testing

We have also constructed a full-scale embankment for field experimentation and host the National Green Infrastructure Facility (NGIF), a ‘living laboratory’, underpinning research into Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs), Green Infrastructure approaches, and making urban centres more resilient and sustainable for future generations.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Off-campus study may be available in some circumstances, particularly if you have industrial sponsorship. Our programme includes:

• intensive subject-specific supervision
• training in research methodologies and core skills

You may have an opportunity to:

• undertake paid laboratory demonstrations
• do tutoring to gain teaching experience

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will either be provided by our academics, or you can propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

The Geotechnical and Structural Engineering subject group page links to our specialist research areas. You'll be able to:

• explore possible research programmes
• find out more about staff working in these research areas
• identify a potential research supervisor

Your development

Faculty of science, agriculture and engineering (sage) researcher development programme.

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

The School of Engineering has an exceptional range of laboratories equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting our research, teaching and contract research projects.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Postgraduate Research Administrator School of Engineering Email:  [email protected]   Telephone +44 (0) 191 208 6323

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social media

• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

Geotechnical Engineering

COORDINATOR

• Olivella Pastalle, Sebastià

Building C2 (North Campus) Tel.: (+34) 934 011 784 E-mail: [email protected]

https://deca.upc.edu/ca/doctorat-recerca/doctorat/terreny

The doctoral programme in Geotechnical Engineering brings together two areas of knowledge that are widely recognised in international research: geotechnical engineering and groundwater hydrology (or hydrogeology). The subjects proposed in both categories or specialisations are equivalent to those established in the doctoral programmes of university departments that are well-known in other countries. The adoption of a single doctoral programme enriches the two specialisations, as they have numerous topics in common, especially in the conceptual area (some shared subjects are: flow in a porous medium; transport; thermal, mechanical, hydraulic and chemical interactions) that corresponds to the appropriate level for a doctoral programme. The research topics and lines explored by the programme lecturers are reflected in the doctoral theses that have been completed in the past. The group that teaches the programme is well-known for its contributions to the development of mathematical and numerical models in various areas (flow in heterogeneous media, transport of pollutants, resource optimisation, constitutive equations of materials, development of advanced calculation programmes) and for its association with European and international projects in many areas relating to geotechnical engineering over the last twenty years. The projects that it has been awarded are a constant source of new research topics that are offered to students for their thesis preparation.

General information

Access profile.

In relation to scientific and technological areas associated with geotechnical engineering, the admission requirements for students can be summed up in three words: 1) knowledge, 2) ability and 3) motivation.

That is: 1) Students should have sufficient educational experience to access the frontier of knowledge in one of the programme’s subject areas. 2) They should be academically mature and have sufficient ability to go further so that they can make a new, original contribution to the state of knowledge or technology in the area of the doctoral thesis. Consequently, they should be able to research, develop and create. They must have the ability to analyse and synthesise, a critical spirit, the capacity to work, and the ability and skills required for team work and oral and written communication. A command of the English language is also essential. It is important to have a good source of funding. 3) Students should be really motivated and ready for a long-term project, they must be ambitious but realistic, with personal maturity and emotional intelligence and a plan for the future that enables them to benefit from the effort and cost that doctoral studies represent. To date, most of the students on our doctoral programme have had these characteristics. Many of them are now lecturers or researchers in universities, service institutions and research centres in Spain, Latin America and the rest of the world.

The natural route into the doctoral programme is via the master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering at the UPC. If students have completed this degree, they do not need to take additional master’s degree subjects (bridging courses).

Students who come from other master’s degrees must show that they have basic knowledge of fundamental subjects in the area of geotechnical engineering. If students do not have this knowledge, they must take bridging courses in subjects of the master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering at the UPC. The academic committee of the doctoral programme will decide which additional subjects each student must take, depending on what they have studied in their master’s degree.

Main entrance qualifications: Engineers or university graduates, preferably in the areas of civil engineering, geological engineering and architecture. In addition, candidates must have a master’s degree in the area of civil engineering, earth sciences or other related areas. Other curricula and educational backgrounds will be assessed by the programme’s academic committee.

Output profile

Doctoral candidates who complete a doctoral degree will have acquired the following competencies, which are needed to carry out quality research ( Royal Decree 99/2011, of 28 January, which regulates official doctoral studies ):

a) A systematic understanding of the field of study and a mastery of the research skills and methods related to the field. b) An ability to conceive, design or create, put into practice and adopt a substantial process of research or creation. c) An ability to contribute to pushing back the frontiers of knowledge through original research. d) A capacity for critical analysis and an ability to assess and summarise new and complex ideas. e) An ability to communicate with the academic and scientific community and with society in general as regards their fields of knowledge in the manner and languages that are typical of the international scientific community to which they belong. f) An ability to foster scientific, technological, social, artistic and cultural progress in academic and professional contexts within a knowledge-based society.

The award of a doctoral degree must equip the graduate for work in a variety of settings, especially those requiring creativity and innovation. Doctoral graduates must have at least acquired the personal skills needed to:

a) Develop in contexts in which there is little specific information. b) Find the key questions that must be answered to solve a complex problem. c) Design, create, develop and undertake original, innovative projects in their field. d) Work as part of a team and independently in an international or multidisciplinary context. e) Integrate knowledge, deal with complexity and make judgements with limited information. f) Offer criticism on and intellectually defend solutions.

Finally, with respect to competencies, doctoral students must: a) have acquired advanced knowledge at the frontier of their discipline and demonstrated, in the context of internationally recognised scientific research, a deep, detailed and well-grounded understanding of theoretical and practical issues and scientific methodology in one or more research fields; b) have made an original and significant contribution to scientific research in their field of expertise that has been recognised as such by the international scientific community; c) have demonstrated that they are capable of designing a research project that serves as a framework for carrying out a critical analysis and assessment of imprecise situations, in which they are able to apply their contributions, expertise and working method to synthesise new and complex ideas that yield a deeper knowledge of the research context in which they work; d) have developed sufficient autonomy to set up, manage and lead innovative research teams and projects and scientific collaborations (both national and international) within their subject area, in multidisciplinary contexts and, where appropriate, with a substantial element of knowledge transfer; e) have demonstrated that they are able to carry out their research activity in a socially responsible manner and with scientific integrity; f) have demonstrated, within their specific scientific context, that they are able to make cultural, social or technological advances and promote innovation in all areas within a knowledge-based society; g) have demonstrated that they are able to participate in scientific discussions at the international level in their field of expertise and disseminate the results of their research activity to audiences of all kinds.

Number of places

Duration of studies and dedication regime.

Duration The maximum period of study for full-time doctoral studies is four years, counted from the date of first enrolment in the relevant programme until the date on which the doctoral thesis is deposited. The academic committee of the doctoral programme may authorise a doctoral candidate to pursue doctoral studies on a part-time basis. In this case, the maximum period of study is seven years from the date of first enrolment in the programme until the date on which the doctoral thesis is deposited. To calculate these periods, the date of deposit is considered to be the date on which the thesis is made publicly available for review.

If a doctoral candidate has a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%, the maximum period of study is six years for full-time students and nine years for part-time students.

For full-time doctoral candidates, the minimum period of study is two years, counted from the date of an applicant's admission to the programme until the date on which the doctoral thesis is deposited; for part-time doctoral candidates it is four years.

When there are justified grounds for doing so, and the thesis supervisor and academic tutor have given their authorisation, doctoral candidates may request that the academic committee of their doctoral programme exempt them from the requirement to complete this minimum period of study.

Temporary disability leave and leave for the birth of a child, adoption or fostering for the purposes of adoption, temporary foster care, risk during pregnancy or infant feeding, gender violence and any other situation provided for in current regulations do not count towards these periods. Students who find themselves in any of these circumstances must notify the academic committee of the doctoral programme, which must inform the Doctoral School.

Doctoral candidates may request periods of temporary withdrawal from the programme for up to a total of two years. Requests must be justified and addressed to the academic committee responsible for the programme, which will decide whether or not to grant the candidate's request.

Extension of studies If a doctoral candidate has not applied to deposit their thesis before the expiry of the deadlines specified in the previous section, the academic committee of the doctoral programme may, at the request of the doctoral candidate, authorise an extension of this deadline of one year under the conditions specified for the doctoral programme in question.

Dismissal from the doctoral programme A doctoral candidate may be dismissed from a doctoral programme for the following reasons:

• The doctoral candidate submitting a justified application to withdraw from the programme.
• The doctoral candidate not having completed their annual enrolment or applied for a temporary interruption.
• The doctoral candidate not having formalised annual enrolment on the day after the end of the authorisation to temporarily interrupt or withdraw from the programme.
• The doctoral candidate receiving a negative reassessment after the deadline set by the academic committee of the doctoral programme to remedy the deficiencies that led to a previous negative assessment.
• The doctoral candidate having been the subject of disciplinary proceedings leading to their suspension or permanent exclusion from the UPC.
• A refusal to authorise the extensions applied for, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.3 of these regulations.
• The doctoral candidate not having submitted the research plan in the period established in Section 8.2 of these regulations.
• The maximum period of study for the doctoral degree having ended, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4 of these regulations.

Dismissal from the programme means that the doctoral candidate cannot continue studying at the UPC and that their academic record will be closed. This notwithstanding, they may apply to the academic committee of the programme for readmission, and the committee must reevaluate the candidate in accordance with the criteria established in the regulations.

A doctoral candidate who has been dismissed due to having exceeded the time limit for completing doctoral studies or due to an unsatisfactory assessment may not be Academic Regulations for Doctoral Studies Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Page 17 of 33 admitted to the same doctoral programme until at least two years have elapsed from the date of dismissal, as provided for in sections 3.4 and 9.2 of these regulations.

Legal framework

• Royal Decree 99/2011, of 28 January, which regulates official doctoral studies (consolidated version)
• Academic regulations for doctoral studies (CG/2023/09/08)

Organization

• Gili Ripoll, Jose Antonio
• Pinyol Puigmarti, Nuria Merce
• Sanchez Vila, Xavier
• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (PROMOTORA)

Access, admission and registration

Access requirements.

As a rule, applicants must hold a Spanish bachelor's degree or equivalent and a Spanish master's degree or equivalent, provided they have completed a minimum of 300 ECTS credits on the two degrees ( Royal Decree 43/2015, of 2 February ).

Applicants who meet one or more of the following conditions are also eligible for admission:

a) Holders of official Spanish degrees or equivalent Spanish qualifications, provided they have passed 300 ECTS credits in total and they can prove they have reached Level 3 in the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. b) Holders of degrees awarded in foreign education systems in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which do not require homologation, who can prove that they have reached Level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework, provided the degree makes the holder eligible for admission to doctoral studies in the country in which it was awarded. c) Holders of degrees awarded in a country that does not belong to the EHEA, which do not require homologation, on the condition that the University is able to verify that the degree is of a level equivalent to that of official university master's degrees in Spain and that it makes the holder eligible for admission to doctoral studies in the country in which it was awarded. d) Holders of another doctoral degree. e) Holders of an official university qualification who, having been awarded a post as a trainee in the entrance examination for specialised medical training, have successfully completed at least two years of training leading to an official degree in a health sciences specialisation.

Note 1: Regulations for access to doctoral studies for individuals with degrees in bachelor's, engineering, or architecture under the system prior to the implementation of the EHEA (CG 47/02 2014).

Note 2: Agreement number 64/2014 of the Governing Council approving the procedure and criteria for assessing the academic requirements for admission to doctoral studies with non-homologated foreign degrees (CG 25/03 2014).

Admission criteria and merits assessment

The suitability of an applicant’s background will be assessed according to the following criteria:

a) Whether a student’s academic background (subjects taken) is in line with the disciplines in the programme.

The suitability of a student’s background will be assessed in the following terms: a1) Suitable academic background. a2) Suitable academic background with bridging courses. a3) Unsuitable background. An evaluation of a1 indicates that the student can enter the programme with no need for bridging courses, and a2 means that the student can enter if they take bridging courses. An evaluation of a3 indicates that the student has not been accepted.

Sections b1, b2 and b3 are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10. To enter the programme, students must have a score that is no less than 6 for any section and an overall score above 7. The overall score will be calculated as a weighted average, in which sections b1 and b2 are worth 35% and section b3 is worth 30%. This overall score can also be used to prioritise applications if there are more applicants than available places.

Training complements

The natural route into the doctoral programme is via the master’s degree in Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering at the UPC. Students who enter through this route do not need to take bridging courses. Students who enter the programme through other master’s degrees must take bridging courses (a maximum of 60 ECTS) in subjects from the master’s degree in Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering at the UPC. The academic committee of the doctoral programme will decide which additional subjects each student must take, depending on what they have studied in their master’s degree and the research line they will explore in their thesis. Below is a list of subjects from the master’s degree that is associated with the doctoral programme, by line of research.

For students who will focus on research lines in the area of soil and rock mechanics and nanotechnology of engineering materials, the bridging courses will be selected from the following list of subjects of the master's degree in Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering at the UPC (or similar): • Rock Mechanics • Underground Excavations • Water and Heat Flow in Deformable Porous Media • Unsaturated Soil Mechanics • Numerical Models in Geotechnical Engineering • Modern Monitoring Techniques for Ground Movements • Soil Behaviour and Advanced Modelling • Constitutive Equations of Materials • Modelling of Flow and Transport in Porous Media • Geographic Information Systems • Geomechanical and Geotechnical Engineering • Geotechnical Design and Construction • Geomechanics of Breakage • Quaternary Geology • Slope Stability

For students who will focus on research lines in the area of groundwater hydrology, bridging courses will be selected from the following list of subjects of the master’s degree in Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering at the UPC (or similar): • Water resources and Infrastructure • Soil Mechanics • Water and Heat Flow in Deformable Porous Media • Environmental Isotope Techniques in Groundwater Hydrology • Aquifers Balance and Recharge • Reactive Transport • Statistical Methods in Groundwater Hydrology • Hydrogeochemical Modelling • Groundwater and Environment • Geographic Information Systems • Modelling and Upscaling of Solute Transport in the Subsoil • Aquifer Mechanics • Hydrogeology and Public Works • Variable Density, Multiphase Flow • Quaternary Geology

Taking subjects from the master’s degree in Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering associated with the programme, each of which has specific objectives, methodologies and assessment processes, will prepare students to gain competencies. The link to the programme is: https://camins.upc.edu/ca/estudis/master/met

Enrolment period for new doctoral students

Dates to be set every academic year, between September and October. Extraordinary period in February.

More information at the registration section for new doctoral students

Enrolment period

Dates to be set every academic year, between September and October.

More information at the general registration section

Monitoring and evaluation of the doctoral student

Procedure for the preparation and defense of the research plan.

Doctoral candidates must submit a research plan, which will be included in their doctoral student activity report, before the end of the first year. The plan may be improved over the course of the doctoral degree. It must be endorsed by the tutor and the supervisor, and it must include the method that is to be followed and the aims of the research.

At least one of these annual assessments will include a public presentation and defence of the research plan and work done before a committee composed of three doctoral degree holders, which will be conducted in the manner determined by each academic committee. The examination committee awards a Pass or Fail mark. A Pass mark is a prerequisite for continuing on the doctoral programme. Doctoral candidates awarded a Fail mark must submit a new research plan for assessment by the academic committee of the doctoral programme within six months.

The committee assesses the research plan every year, in addition to all of the other activities in the doctoral student activity report. Doctoral candidates who are awarded two consecutive Fail marks for the research plan will be obliged to definitely withdraw from the programme.

If they change the subject of their thesis, they must submit a new research plan.

Formation activities

Activity: Tutorial (compulsory). - 288 hours.

Activity: Courses and seminars. - 60 hours. Activity: Workshops. - 30 hours. Activity: Publications. - 30 hours. Activity: Mobility. - 480 hours. Activity: Training in information skills. - 1.5 hours. Activity: Research methodology. - 12 hours. Activity: Innovation and creativity. - 8 hours. Activity: Language and communication skills. - 18 hours. Activity: Assessment based on doctoral student activity report (DAD) and research plan. - 4 hours.

Procedure for assignment of tutor and thesis director

The academic committee of the doctoral programme assigns a thesis supervisor to each doctoral candidate when they are admitted or enrol for the first time, taking account of the thesis supervision commitment referred to in the admission decision.

The thesis supervisor will ensure that training activities carried out by the doctoral candidate are coherent and suitable, and that the topic of the candidate’s doctoral thesis will have an impact and make a novel contribution to knowledge in the relevant field. The thesis supervisor will also guide the doctoral candidate in planning the thesis and, if necessary, tailoring it to any other projects or activities undertaken. The thesis supervisor will generally be a UPC professor or researcher who holds a doctoral degree and has documented research experience. This includes PhD-holding staff at associated schools (as determined by the Governing Council) and UPC-affiliated research institutes (in accordance with corresponding collaboration and affiliation agreements). When thesis supervisors are UPC staff members, they also act as the doctoral candidate’s tutor.

PhD holders who do not meet these criteria (as a result of their contractual relationship or the nature of the institution to which they are attached) must be approved by the UPC Doctoral School's Standing Committee in order to participate in a doctoral programme as researchers with documented research experience.

The academic committee of the doctoral programme may approve the appointment of a PhD-holding expert who is not a UPC staff member as a candidate’s thesis supervisor. In such cases, the prior authorisation of the UPC Doctoral School's Standing Committee is required. A UPC staff member who holds a doctoral degree and has documented research experience must also be proposed to act as a co-supervisor, or as the doctoral candidate’s tutor if one has not been assigned.

A thesis supervisor may step down from this role if there are justified reasons (recognised as valid by the committee) for doing so. If this occurs, the academic committee of the doctoral programme will assign the doctoral candidate a new thesis supervisor.

Provided there are justified reasons for doing so, and after hearing any relevant input from the doctoral candidate, the academic committee of the doctoral programme may assign a new thesis supervisor at any time during the period of doctoral study.

If there are academic reasons for doing so (an interdisciplinary topic, joint or international programmes, etc.) and the academic committee of the programme gives its approval, an additional thesis supervisor may be assigned. Supervisors and co-supervisors have the same responsibilities and academic recognition.

The maximum number of supervisors of a doctoral thesis is two: a supervisor and a co-supervisor.

For theses carried out under a cotutelle agreement or as part of an Industrial Doctorate, if necessary and if the agreement foresees it this maximum number of supervisors may not apply. This notwithstanding, the maximum number of supervisors belonging to the UPC is two.

More information at the PhD theses section

The maximum period of study for full-time doctoral studies is four years, counted from the date of first enrolment in the relevant programme until the date on which the doctoral thesis is deposited. The academic committee of the doctoral programme may authorise a doctoral candidate to pursue doctoral studies on a part-time basis. In this case, the maximum period of study is seven years from the date of first enrolment in the programme until the date on which the doctoral thesis is deposited. To calculate these periods, the date of deposit is considered to be the date on which the thesis is made publicly available for review.

If a doctoral candidate has not applied to deposit their thesis before the expiry of the deadlines specified in the previous section, the academic committee of the doctoral programme may, at the request of the doctoral candidate, authorise an extension of this deadline of one year under the conditions specified for the doctoral programme in question.

Learning resources

• Access to the UPC virtual environment for teaching: Atenea or https://atenea.upc.edu/moodle/login/index.php

• Classrooms equipped with projectors, class computer and internet access. • Computer equipment and rooms in the department and the Barcelona School of Civil Engineering (ETSECCPB). General and calculation programmes that are specific to the doctoral programme. • Four-wheel drive vehicle that belongs to the department for field visits. • Depending on the availability of space, students will be provided with a workplace in the department with access to high-speed internet (100 Mbps). • Wi-Fi service in the entire UPC campus. • Departmental laboratories for teaching practicals and research • Soil and Rock Mechanics Laboratory • Thermohydrodynamics of Unsaturated Soils Laboratory • Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory • Topography and Geomatics Laboratory • Geophysics Laboratory.

Doctoral Theses

List of authorized thesis for defense.

• AVILES MURCIA, LUIS ANGEL: Numerical modelling of unsaturated soils with the material point method Author: AVILES MURCIA, LUIS ANGEL Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis) Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING Department: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DECA) Mode: Normal Deposit date: 18/06/2024 Reading date: 26/09/2024 Reading time: 15:00 Reading place: ETSECCPB. UPC, Campus Nord Building C2. Classroom: 212 C/Jordi Girona, 1-3 08034 Barcelona Thesis director: PINYOL PUIGMARTI, NURIA MERCE Committee:      PRESIDENT: LIZCANO, ARCESIO      SECRETARI: OLIVELLA PASTALLE, SEBASTIAN      VOCAL: CUOMO, SABATINO Thesis abstract: The Material Point Method (MPM) is presented as an advanced numerical method used to simulate geotechnical problems subjected to large deformations and soil-structure interaction problems, such as landslides, penetration issues, and collapse of geotechnical structures. Its main advantage is the ability to simulate large movements without the mesh-related problems typical of the standard Finite Element Method (FEM).Simulating different material states and external conditions is a challenging aspect in geotechnical engineering. This process requires a detailed analysis of how to address phenomena such as rainfall and water flow through the soil. Additionally, it is crucial to incorporate material constitutive relationships to properly replicate or predict stress-strain behavior.The modelling of unsaturated soils is necessary in various fields, especially in geotechnical works employing compacted materials such as embankments, dams, fills, and natural slopes. The study and analysis of these soils requires modelling the entire process of the work, from its construction, if applicable, to post-failure behavior.Until now, simulating the unsaturated state of materials has mainly relied on FEM, assuming small deformations at a theoretical level. This involves developing coupled mechanical and hydraulic constitutive models and utilizing advanced numerical tools. This Thesis presents advancements in modelling unsaturated soils in large deformation problems through the development of the MPM. The formulation of a single-point, multi-phases has been used, showing its potential for improving the accuracy and reliability of geotechnical simulations involving large deformations.Firstly, the developments for simulating boundary conditions for unsaturated soils (imposed flow and seepage condition) are presented. These conditions are complex, particularly since the boundary where they are applied is not fixed and must be determined during the calculations. Validation of these conditions is consistently performed using a soil column subjected to infiltration flow. The results are compared with those obtained from a widely used finite element code, giving similar results.Next, for the first time, the modelling of wetting collapse in MPM is proposed. A constitutive model is implemented to capture the key characteristics of unsaturated material behavior. This model is based on critical state theory and employs two alternative formulations, depending on whether Bishop's stress or net stress is used, along with suction. Validation is conducted through conventional laboratory tests.The loss of volume due to wetting is analysed, a characteristic associated with unsaturated soils with an open structure. The loss of suction in the material leads to a loss of strength and, consequently, the possibility of failure. This is illustrated by a physical test conducted in a centrifuge on a slope subjected to a rising water table from the base, which results in the evolution of the saturation front, collapse-induced deformations, and ultimately a landslide when critical saturation conditions are reached.Finally, one of the objectives of this Thesis is to model the entire process of a geotechnical project. To achieve this, a numerical scheme was implemented to simulate construction stages, representing a significant advancement in the application of the MPM for analysing material behavior during the pre-failure stage.Modelling of the construction process is crucial because it not only represents the construction process and the displacements occurring during it, but also establishes the initial state of the structure for subsequent analysis stages. The proposed scheme effectively captures deformations and failure processes during construction, unlike conventional methods based on Eulerian formulations, which cannot accommodate large material displacements during construction
• BARANDIARÁN VILLEGAS, LUCÍA BELÉN: THM numerical modeling of multiphase flow in fractured rock masses using zero-thickness interface elements Author: BARANDIARÁN VILLEGAS, LUCÍA BELÉN Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis) Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING Department: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DECA) Mode: Normal Deposit date: 18/07/2024 Reading date: 11/10/2024 Reading time: 12:30 Reading place: Defensa pública presencial-ETSECCPB. UPC, Campus Nord-Edifici D2. Aula: 216 C/Jordi Girona, 1-3 08034 Barcelona Thesis director: CAROL VILARASAU, IGNACIO | LOPEZ GARELLO, CARLOS MARIA Committee:      PRESIDENT: PRAT CATALAN, PERE      SECRETARI: SEGURA SERRA, JOSE MARIA      VOCAL: XOTTA, GIOVANNA Thesis abstract: To address the impacts of climate change, several measures have been suggested among which utilizing renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy and implementing technologies such as hydrogen storage or CCUS. Some of these solutions imply the injection of fluids into fractured rock masses (e.g. depleted O&G reservoirs) with the subsequent change in local stress conditions. This alteration may lead to the initiation of micro-seismic events by reactivating existing faults or the generation of new fractures, with the risk of ultimately establishing pathways for fluid leakage. Additionally, depleted reservoirs contain multiphase and multicomponent fluids that could react chemically with the new injection fluids. Therefore, the accurate prediction of operation conditions demands advanced geomechanical software capable of evaluating the viability and safety of potential extraction or storage locations. In this context, the main objective of this thesis is to develop a thermo-hydro-mechanical multiphase model in fractured porous medium with the Finite Element Method using zero-thickness interface elements to model discrete discontinuities. The main assumptions of the model are: the small strain theory, the system composition with two fluid phases (liquid and gas), two species (water and dry gas) and one solid phase. The gas phase follows the ideal gas law and the liquid phase evaporation is considered. The main variables are: displacements, phase pressures and temperature. The formulation takes into account: the equilibrium equation, the mass balance equation of the water species, the mass balance equation of the gas species and the balance of energy. The formulation of the discontinuities considers similar assumptions as the porous medium and takes into account a reduction factor of the water retention curve parameters based on the mechanical opening of the fracture. The model has been implemented and validated with academic verification examples in a FE code.However, some limitations were observed related to the time integration scheme, the treatment of storage terms of the governing equations and the mass flow. This issues have motivated the following new developments: new mass-conservative approach for diffusion equations using FE formulations, a new physically-based exponential model which considers the pore size or aperture distribution in case of the porous medium or discontinuities, respectively, and a new damage-frictional law which properly models discontinuity closure.
• CUI, HONGZHI: Susceptibility assessment of shallow landslides at the regional scale using physically-based models and probabilistic approaches Author: CUI, HONGZHI Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis) Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING Department: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DECA) Mode: Change of supervisor + Article-based thesis Deposit date: 15/07/2024 Reading date: 25/09/2024 Reading time: 08:00 Reading place: Hohai University, School of civil and transportation engineering , Science Building, No.1 Xikang Road, Gulou District, 210024 Nanjing, China Thesis director: HURLIMANN ZIEGLER, MARCEL | JI, JIAN Committee:      PRESIDENT: ZHU, HONGHU      SECRETARI: MOYA SANCHEZ, JOSE      VOCAL: ZHANG, WENGANG      VOCAL: ZHONG, QIMING      VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: ABANCÓ MARTÍNEZ DE ARENZANA, CLÀUDIA Thesis abstract: This thesis focuses on the evaluation of shallow landslide susceptibility in mountainous areas induced by rainfall or seismic events. The primary aim is to efficiently assess regional-scale landslide susceptibility based on physical modelling within a probabilistic framework while accounting for uncertainties arising from complex geological conditions and challenges related to data collection. The study proposes an innovative framework for probabilistic landslide susceptibility assessment by introducing the first-order reliability method (FORM) in the platform of geographic information system (GIS), called “"GIS-FORM”". This method effectively addresses the challenge of considering uncertainty in geotechnical parameters methods at the regional scale. In response to the challenge of inefficient computation and low prediction accuracy in regional-scale shallow landslide susceptibility assessment caused by transient rainfall-induced, a simplified instantaneous rainfall infiltration model was proposed based on integrating the GIS-FORM method. The model simulates the variation of the wetting front depth due to the vertical infiltration of rainfall and surface run-off. Subsequently, a general software program was developed for Windows platforms. The results show that the coefficient of variation (COV) of random parameters, statistical correlation, and non-normal distribution have a significant impact on the landslide probability assessment. A rapid assessment framework for the probabilistic susceptibility evaluation of shallow landslides at the regional scale is proposed by integrating the “code "Fast Shallow Landslide Assessment Model" (FSLAM) and GIS-FORM. The study reveals that hydrological conditions can significantly influence the spatial distribution of landslides, particularly under the combined impacts of antecedent rainfall and event rainfall. The extent of the high susceptibility area is observed to increase considerably when the event rainfall is between 77 and 107 mm. To further improve the accuracy of susceptibility assessments, this study proposes an innovative clustering method by utilising image processing techniques. This approach effectively simplifies the raster outcome and markedly enhances the prediction accuracy of susceptibility assessment as well.

Last update: 14/09/2024 04:45:16.

List of lodged theses

• ZENG, HAO: Multi-scale hydro-mechanical and gas transport characterisation of granular bentonite Author: ZENG, HAO Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis) Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING Department: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DECA) Mode: Normal Deposit date: 04/09/2024 Deposit END date: 18/09/2024 Thesis director: ROMERO MORALES, ENRIQUE EDGAR | GONZÁLEZ BLANCO, LAURA Committee:      PRESIDENT: VILLAR GALICIA, MARÍA VICTORIA      SECRETARI: LLORET MORANCHO, ANTONIO      VOCAL: JOMMI, CRISTINA Thesis abstract: Bentonite-based materials with low permeability, great water retention and self-sealing properties have been extensively used for engineered barriers in waste disposal facilities. Several typologies of bentonites exist. On the one hand, during installation, powder bentonites can release and disperse fine particles, while pouring bentonites in the form of pellet/powder mixtures can lead to particle segregation. On the other hand, sand/bentonite mixtures have a lower swelling potential compared to pure bentonites. Highly compacted bentonite blocks are more laborious to install and their use could hinder the release of gases formed in long-term operational facilities. These technological challenges could be addressed by using granular bentonite (GB), which has millimetre-sized granules and micrometre-sized grains, along with an extended particle size distribution (PaSD) (Fuller) that improves workability and pourability. Additionally, GB contains numerous macropores that allow gas release at low pressures. Consequently, GB is emerging as a reference material for engineering barriers. However, the geotechnical properties of GB remain poorly understood, particularly in terms of sample preparation, particle size and microstructural evolution and its correlations to hydro-mechanical (HM) and gas transport behaviour and self-sealing capacity. The Thesis provides robust, systematic, multi-scale experimental and theoretical frameworks for studying these aspects. The outcomes offer new particle-scale insights into the preparation technique of GB samples and how it affects the HM behaviour (e.g. compressibility on loading, volumetric expansion/collapse and swelling pressure on wetting under different stress and displacement boundary conditions) and its microstructure. A straightforward methodology combining Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) and X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) has been proposed to improve the characterisation of compacted GB’s granular-type microstructure. Based on this methodology, compacted GB’s HM behaviour (e.g. swelling pressure, water permeability) can be further analysed from the pore-scale perspective, which displays a wide range of sizes. This microstructural information has also served as the basis for developing a multi-scale and multi-physics constitutive model of water retention behaviour. Moreover, the granular-type fabric with numerous and large interconnected macropores has been found to limit entrapped gas accumulation under partially saturated states while its gas transport properties also depend on how the initial microstructure evolves in response to gas pressurisation. The gas migration pathways at different HM states have been tracked by imaging techniques, which have subsequently used to define a model that incorporates this unique microstructure and its evolution to predict gas permeability. Furthermore, the granular-type microstructure with many high-density granules influences the sealing of technological gaps during loading and saturation. After gap-sealing, the HM behaviour of compacted GB is governed by the microstructure of the matrix set on compaction (the artificial gap insertion affected the compaction). The geometry of residual gaps after loading and saturation paths determines whether they could serve as preferential pathways for water and gas flow. In conclusion, this Thesis contributes meaningful information for evaluating the short- and long-term behaviour of GB as a geomaterial for engineered barriers.

Last update: 14/09/2024 04:30:23.

List of defended theses by year

Select a year: 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Committee:      PRESIDENT: SALOMONI, VALENTINA      SECRETARI: PRAT CATALAN, PERE      VOCAL: CIANCIO, DANIELA      VOCAL: LIAUDAT, JOAQUÍN      VOCAL: MAROTTI DE SCIARRA, FRANCESCO Thesis abstract: When concrete is subject to an environment characterised by a high humidity index and rich in sulphate ions, a concrete degradation process may be initiated due to External Sulphate Attack (ESA). The sulphate penetrating into the concrete activates a series of chemical reactions that lead to the formation of secondary ettringite, which may cause non-uniform volumetric expansions that may in turn generate cracking and ultimately culminate in the disintegration of the sample. Because the cracking may in turn facilitate sulphate penetration, ESA may be considered a coupled chemical-mechanical problem. In this study, the numerical analysis of ESA is conducted using the Finite Element Method by considering the specimen at the meso-level composed of larger aggregates embedded in a mortar matrix. Standard continuum finite elements are used to discretise the aggregates and the mortar. Zero-thickness interface elements are inserted along all the aggregate-mortar and selected mortar-mortar contacts to represent potential cracks. The diffusion-reaction of sulphate ions (chemical problem) is formulated following Tixier and Mobasher (2003) and Idiart et al. (2011b). Regarding the mechanical problem, the continuum elements are considered linear elastic, while the interface elements behave according to an elasto-plastic law incorporating concepts of fracture mechanics which was initially developed by Carol et al. (1997) and later extended for 3D analysis by Caballero et al. (2006).The first part of this thesis deals with the verification and use of DRAC5, a completely parallelised version of the in-house code developed within the materials mechanics group (MECMAT) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) which now incorporates MPI and PETSC libraries as well as HDF5 i/o files. This new version of the code, which is used to solve both the mechanical problem and the chemical problem through a staggered scheme, has allowed the analysis of new and more challenging 3D studies, producing realistic results that reflect the 'onion peeling' cracking pattern, similar to what has been observed in the laboratory and in previously studied 2D cases (Idiart, 2009). The second part of the thesis, deals with the development of new numerical solving techniques applicable to this type of mesh. In particular, a solution technique based on substructuring and the Schur complement is applied to the analysis of specimens comprising elements of the continuum exhibiting linear elastic behaviour and interface elements characterised by non-linear (elasto-plastic) behaviour. This new technique, which reduces substantially the number of degrees of freedom that need to be considered during the iterative process, has been preliminarily implemented in DRAC4, a simpler series version of the code, and is tested showing great advantages in terms of solution time for a range of 2D application examples. The development of a new formulation using rigid-plastic interfaces is also initiated. This formulation uses relative degrees of freedom at each pair of interface nodes, and leads to the resolution of a Linear Complementarity Problem. This development allows a further reduction in the degrees of freedom of the problem by only considering the nodes of the interface elements involved in the fracture process.

Committee:      PRESIDENT: SAWYER, AUDREY      SECRETARI: FERNANDEZ GARCIA, DANIEL      VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: PALTAN LOPEZ, HOMERO Thesis abstract: Sustainable groundwater management in rural areas presents multifaceted challenges stemming from hydrogeological complexities, socio-economic disparities, and governance issues. This thesis aims to provide quantitative tools for addressing some of the groundwater access problems in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries by promoting an interdisciplinary approach and the understanding of the expertise of each discipline. The first part of the thesis focuses on developing a comprehensive methodology to assess individual user risk of groundwater shortage. After a preliminary multifactorial analysis incorporating a range of variables from technical to societal, it was found that most of the overall risk of water shortage for an individual household could be attributed to three factors: Proximity, specified as the distance to the closest supply well. Availability of good quality water in the wells, and Sustainability. The factors are mapped onto indicators in the range of [0 - 1] and then represented in a Geographical Information System based on the partition of the entire spatial domain. The three indicators are then combined in a final index based on the product of the three factors, thus mapping time-dependent overall risk and allowing the assessment of temporal risk-evolution scenarios. The methodology is applied to Kwale County, Kenya, where community handpumps and groundwater points comprise the main water supply system. Apart from mapping the present situation, the methodology is also used to assess the impact on hypothetical scenarios. The second part of the thesis extends the analysis to four Eastern African countries, as an attempt to address the complexity and heterogeneity that characterise the human-groundwater interaction in rural water supply systems, we propose a multivariate approach that combines many different variables, such as water point functionality and groundwater quality characteristics, social and economic parameters, such as water point maintenance, finance, and governance system. The combination of variables of very different types and ranges of values is better suited using Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) as a way to determine formally the main variables that affect water access and the relationship amongst them. The methodology was applied in four different countries of Eastern Africa supplied mainly with hand-pumps. The analysis was performed on datasets collected during a waterpoint census by the UPGro "Hidden Crises" and "Grow for Good" Projects from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia. The results of the analysis show the existence of common trends, indicating that water access in Eastern African rural areas can be described mainly by three main components: one representing the hydrogeological environment, a second comprising water point management agreements, and a third component linked to the sustainable functionality of hand-pumps. Finally, the thesis explores into household water usage patterns and the impact of groundwater salinity on (ground)water source selection. A mixed-methods approach combining household surveys and physicochemical analysis of groundwater was employed across Kwale County during the dry season. Co-occurrence matrices were used to analyse usage patterns, while logistic regression models were used to understand the influence of salinity, demographic and socio-economic factors on water source preferences. Despite limited changes in drinking water sources between wet and dry seasons, significant shifts occur in non-drinking water uses, demonstrating the community's adaptability in utilizing available water sources. Factors such as taste, safety, and proximity play significant roles in households' decisions regarding their main drinking water source. Moreover, the study highlights the significant impact of groundwater salinity levels on usage patterns, identifying threshold salinity levels beyond which households are less likely to choose certain water sources.

Committee:      PRESIDENT: GÓMEZ HERNÁNDEZ, JAIME      SECRETARI: SANCHEZ VILA, FRANCISCO JAVIER      VOCAL: PROVOST, ALDEN Thesis abstract: Aquifers are naturally heterogeneous systems across multiple scales, which poses a known difficulty for grid-based solvers of solute transport. When advection is the dominant transport mechanism, concentrations obtained from these solvers are prone to be influenced by oscillations and numerical diffusion, causing a negative impact upon the calculations related to chemical reactions. Particle methods are free of these issues thanks in part to advection being incorporated into the particle displacement. Therefore, simulations based on particles lead to an improved description of complex transport processes and related metrics, motivating their consideration for simulating reactive transport through aquifers. Nevertheless, limitations related to computational efficiency, or the availability of particle-based programs, still influence the ability of these methods to reach the end-users and real-world studies. The objective of this thesis is to contribute to the development of particle methods for reactive transport modeling in aquifers. The work provides novel methodologies, complemented by computer programs that can be integrated into the workflow of modelers. The first part of the thesis focuses on the progressive development of a solute transport code based on the Random Walk Particle Tracking (RWPT) method. Several components needed to be developed to achieve a functional program seamlessly integrated with groundwater flow models employed by hydrogeologists. The work began by implementing parallel capabilities into a well-known particle tracking code, which is the base for the main program. A complementary module provides the smoothed reconstruction of concentrations, compatible with non-uniform-weight particle sets and three-dimensional domains. These merge into a single major program implementing RWPT, which also required the formulation of a new method to displace solute particles exactly to the interface of a flow-model cell. The product of these developments is a new multispecies solute transport code, integrating several other functionalities necessary for reactive transport studies. The thesis continues with a chapter presenting a review of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method, focusing on its ability to simulate anisotropic dispersion in heterogeneous porous media. The potential of SPH for this kind of problem is recognized in the literature. However, an unphysical effect seems to have hindered its adoption for practical studies: conservative simulations present negative concentrations in scenarios with anisotropic dispersion. To address the issue, three different SPH formulations were evaluated, discussing the origin of negative concentrations. This chapter presents the first application of the SPH method to an aquifer with an explicit representation of heterogeneity and dispersion anisotropy, without negative concentrations. The potential of the method for applications related to mixing-controlled reactive transport is discussed, and one of the formulations stands out as a robust solver in terms of the particles’ disorder, for a wide range of dispersion anisotropies. The thesis finalizes with a new nonlinear formulation of multicomponent reactive transport with species-specific dispersion properties. The study is motivated by a recurrent assumption in the literature considering dispersion coefficients to be the same for all chemical species. However, recent experiments have shown that specific diffusion coefficients limit transverse mixing, controlling the extent of reactions. A new expression for computing reaction rates while accounting for differences in transport coefficients is presented. This expression explains nonlinear mixing processes proportional to the differences in transport coefficients, which are also influenced by the chemical signature of the input solutions.

Committee:      PRESIDENT: CARRERA RAMIREZ, JESUS      SECRETARI: SAALTINK, MAARTEN WILLEM      VOCAL: DE SIMONE, SILVIA Thesis abstract: Deep geological disposal is currently the preferred option for managing long-lived and heat-emitting radioactive waste. This method involves confining the waste for an extremely long period, potentially severa! hundreds of thousands of years, by placing it in a deep geological formation. Therefore, understanding the migration of gases produced by metal corrosion, microbial degradation, and radiolysis of water within a deep geological repository is crucial for assessing the repository's performance and long-term evolution. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the predictive capability of numerical models for understanding the processes and mechanisms of fracture initiation and growth in claystones with inherent heterogeneity and anisotropy, especially under rapid gas overpressure increases. To achieve this, geostatistics were applied into the finite element method software CODE_BRIGHT to generate a spatially correlated heterogeneous field for porosity. In CODE_BRIGHT, properties such as Young's modulus, intrinsic permeability, and thermal conductivity are functions of porosity, making these properties heterogeneous as well. Additionally, the solution of Eshelby's problem was implemented to introduce both heterogeneity and anisotropy in Young's modulus. lt is crucial to select the appropriate constitutive laws to effectively introduce anisotropy in intrinsic permeability. Simulations were conducted to validate the proposed framework, and sensitivity analyses were performed at both laboratory and in-situ experiment scales to assess the model's performance. The results indicate that the proposed model successfully captures the main observed features of heterogeneous anisotropic claystones during gas injection, including the formation of preferential gas pathways.

Last update: 14/09/2024 05:01:22.

Theses related publications

Research projects

Teaching staff and research groups

Research groups.

UPC groups:

• GHS-Hydrogeology Group
• MECMAT-Mechanics and Nanotechnology of Engineering Materials
• MSR-Soil and Rock Mechanics

Doctoral Programme teachers

• Alonso Perez de Agreda, Eduardo
• Arroyo Alvarez de Toledo, Marcos
• Buill Pozuelo, Felipe
• Carol Vilarasau, Ignacio
• Corominas Dulcet, Jordi
• Fernandez Garcia, Daniel
• Folch Sancho, Albert
• Gens Sole, Antonio
• Hurlimann Ziegler, Marcel
• Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro
• Lantada Zarzosa, Nieves
• Ledesma Villalba, Alberto
• Lloret Morancho, Antonio
• Lopez Garello, Carlos Maria
• Moya Sanchez, Jose
• Nuñez Andres, M. Amparo
• Prat Catalan, Pere
• Puig Polo, Càrol
• Romero Morales, Enrique
• Saaltink, Maarten W.
• Sempere Torres, Daniel
• Vaunat, Jean

The Validation, Monitoring, Modification and Accreditation Framework (VSMA Framework) for official degrees ties the quality assurance processes (validation, monitoring, modification and accreditation) carried out over the lifetime of a course to two objectives—the goal of establishing coherent links between these processes, and that of achieving greater efficiency in their management—all with the overarching aim of improving programmes.

• Verification Memory (Doctoral Programme) - 2012
• Verification Resolution (MECD)
• Agreement of the Council of Ministers (BOE)
• Monitoring report (Doctoral Programme) - 2016
• University monitoring report (Doctoral School) - 2016
• Follow-up Assessment Report (AQU) - 2017
• Follow-up Assessment Report (AQU) - 2020

Accreditation

• Accreditation Report (Doctoral Programme) - 2018
• University Monitoring and Accreditation Report (Doctoral School) - 2018
• Official Degree Accreditation Evaluation Report (AQU) - 2019

Registry of Universities, Centers and Degrees (RUCT)

• Registration of the Doctoral Programme in the RUCT

• Geotechnical Engineering

Fully funded Geotechnical Engineering Scholarships in 2024 - 2025

20+ best scholarships for geotechnical engineering students.

DAAD-ISAP Germany Scholarship Program 2025/2026

• Fully Funded, Partial Funding
• Germany Universities
• Bachelor, Masters, PhD
• All Subjects
• International Students

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Germany Universities, Germany. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for DAAD-ISAP Germany Scholarship Program 2025/2026.

NSTC Taiwan International Internship Pilot Program 2024 (Funding up to 30,000 NTD)

• Partial Funding
• Taiwan Universities

This is a internship scholarships for International Students at Taiwan Universities, Taiwan. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for NSTC Taiwan International Internship Pilot Program 2024 (Funding up to 30,000 NTD).

LPDP - Australia Awards Scholarship 2024 (Fully Funded)

• Fully Funded
• Australian Universities

This is a Masters scholarships for International Students at Australian Universities, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for LPDP - Australia Awards Scholarship 2024 (Fully Funded).

Government of Sweden - Chalmers University of Technology IPOET Scholarships 2025

• Tuition Fee Reduction
• Chalmers University of Technology

This is a Masters scholarships for International Students at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Government of Sweden - Chalmers University of Technology IPOET Scholarships 2025.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Japan Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2025

• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
• Masters, PhD

This is a Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Japan Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2025.

SI Sweden Government Global Professional Scholarship 2025/2026 (Fully Funded and Without IELTS)

• Swedish Institute

This is a Masters scholarships for International Students at Swedish Institute, Sweden. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for SI Sweden Government Global Professional Scholarship 2025/2026 (Fully Funded and Without IELTS).

American Australian Association Graduate Education Scholarships 2024

• Australian Universities, USA Universities
• Masters, PhD, Post Doctorate
• Australia, USA

This is a Masters, PhD, Post Doctorate scholarships for International Students at Australian Universities, USA Universities, Australia, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for American Australian Association Graduate Education Scholarships 2024.

Rotary Yoneyama Japan Scholarship 2025 for International Students

• Japan Universities

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Japan Universities, Japan. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Rotary Yoneyama Japan Scholarship 2025 for International Students.

PASET - RSIF Africa PhD Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)

• Africa Universities

This is a PhD scholarships for International Students at Africa Universities, Africa. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for PASET - RSIF Africa PhD Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded).

La Trobe University Australia High Achiever Scholarship 2025 for International Students

• 25% Off Tuition Fee
• La Trobe University
• Undergraduate, Postgraduate

This is a Undergraduate, Postgraduate scholarships for International Students at La Trobe University, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for La Trobe University Australia High Achiever Scholarship 2025 for International Students.

Edith Cowan University Australia International Scholarships 2025 for Bachelor Degree

• Edith Cowan University

This is a Bachelor scholarships for International Students at Edith Cowan University, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Edith Cowan University Australia International Scholarships 2025 for Bachelor Degree.

Nanyang Technological University Singapore Global Connect Fellowship 2025

• Nanyang Technological University Singapore
• Bachelor, Masters

This is a Bachelor, Masters scholarships for International Students at Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Nanyang Technological University Singapore Global Connect Fellowship 2025.

Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025, Study in Ireland

• Ireland Universities

This is a Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Ireland Universities, Ireland. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2025, Study in Ireland.

CWAJ Japan Graduate Scholarships 2025 (Worth ¥2.0 million)

• College Women’S Association of Japan

This is a Graduate scholarships for International Students at College Women’S Association of Japan, Japan. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for CWAJ Japan Graduate Scholarships 2025 (Worth ¥2.0 million).

Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded)

• University of Cambridge
• Masters, PhD, Diploma

This is a Masters, PhD, Diploma scholarships for International Students at University of Cambridge, UK. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Gates Cambridge UK Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded).

Quick Links

• Facebook like 25.7 K
• twitter share

Recent Updates

• Scholarships

UK Government Chevening Energy Market Reform Fellowship 2025 (Fully Funded)

A comprehensive guide to fully funded scholarships for international students 2024/2025, a five-step guide to uscis translation requirements, how to preserve academic integrity, 5 best caribbean medical schools, erasmus mundus vs eu scholarships 2025 - the ultimate guide for aspiring scholars, become a teacher in new zealand: start preparing for teachnz scholarships 2025, university of florence announces fully funded scholarships for 2024, applications open for the 2025 lester b pearson international student scholarship at university of toronto.

List of Engineering Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students

Daad scholarships in germany for development-related postgraduate courses.

Deadline: Aug-Oct 2024 (annual) Study in:  Germany Next course starts AY 2025/2026

AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women

Deadline: 15 Nov 2024 (annual) Study in: USA Next course is 1 July 2025-30 June 2026

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

Deadline: before 30 October 2024 (annual) Study in: Canada Course starts May/Sept 2025

Tuition Fee Waivers for International Students at University of Pavia

Deadline: 23 May 2024 (annual) Study in: Italy Course starts Sept 2024

Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships

Deadline: 17 April 2024 (annual) Study in:  UK Course starts September 2024

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries

Deadline: 28 March 2024 (annual) Study in: any Country Course starts September 2024

Türkiye Scholarships for International Students

Deadline: 20 Feb 2024 (annual) Study in:  Turkey Course starts 2024

Singapore International Graduate Award

Deadline: 1 June 2024 (annual) Study in:  Singapore Next course starts Jan 2025

UCL Global Masters Scholarships for International Students

Deadline: 7 May 2024 (annual) Study in:  UK Course starts Sept 2024

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarships

Deadline:   22 Apr 2024 (annual) Study in:  UK Course starts Sept 2024

Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Program

Deadline: 15 March 2024 (annual) Study in: Taiwan Course starts September 2024

Heinrich Boll Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Deadline: 1 Mar/1 Sep (annual) Study in:  Germany Next course starts 2024

• Top 15+ Study Abroad Scholarships for US Citizens
• 10+ Scholarships in Canada for International Students
• Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
• Top 25 Scholarships in USA for International Students
• Top 5 Countries Where Tuition is Free in 2024
• 10 Distance Learning Scholarships & Tuition Free Online Degree/Courses
• Top 10 Scholarships in Italy for International Students
• 35+ International Scholarships for Development-Related Studies
• Top 10 Prestigious Scholarships for the Best International Students
• Top 15 International Scholarships for Developing Country Students
• Scholarships in Germany for International Students
• 20+ Tuition Scholarships offered by Universities for International Students

Home | About | Contact | Sitemap | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright

• University College Dublin
• Posted on: 7 March 2023

PhD Scholarship in Geotechnical Engineering at UCD: Seabed Anchor for Floating Wind

Job information, offer description.

Optimized and Reliable Seabed Anchor Systems for Floating Wind

Position description:  Applications are invited for a fully funded 3-year PhD position in Geotechnical Engineering. The position starting date is Sep 2023 .

Research project:   The PhD position will involve laboratory testing and numerical simulations of seabed anchors to advance floating wind technologies. The west coast of Ireland, with its strong winds in waters deeper than 50 metres, provides an ideal location for testing floating wind. Additionally, Ireland aims to achieve 30 GW of floating wind capacity by 2050. The research will mainly focus on the Atlantic Marine Energy Testing Site (AMETS), located 16 km northwest of Belderra Strand. As part of this project, the successful candidate will participate in ongoing geological and geotechnical site investigations, perform centrifuge tests on anchor capacity using the facilities at ATU Sligo, and integrate seabed characterization and centrifuge testing data with machine-learning-enhanced numerical simulations to optimize the anchor systems. The candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of experts in geotechnical engineering, marine geology, and relevant industrial stakeholders.

Supervisors : Dr Budi Zhao, Dr Mike Long (Co-supervisor)

Collaborators: Dr Mark Coughlan & Dr Jennifer Keenahan (UCD), Dr Pat Naughton (ATU)

Location:   University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Applicant Requirements:  We seek a highly enthusiastic PhD candidate who can independently plan and conduct the research project. Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in geotechnical engineering, civil engineering or other relevant fields such as mechanical engineering or physics. Excellent written, oral communication skills and a high level of competence in the English language are essential (See UCD’s policy on minimum English language requirements  here ).

Stipend & fees:  The successful candidate will receive a stipend of €18,500 per annum and the fully funded tuition fees for EU/non-EU applicants. The position is funded for three years - subject to satisfactory progress.

Application procedure:  Applicants should submit their CV, transcript, and recommendation letters from two referees as a single .pdf document to  [email protected] .

Application deadline:  14th April 2023

Where to apply

Requirements, additional information, share this page.

• Home »
• Search »
• geotechnical engineering

Postgraduate Courses in Geotechnical Engineering in Europe - 46 Courses

• Refine your search:
• Marine geotechnics
• Soil mechanics

University of Aberdeen School of Engineering

• Offshore Engineering MSc
• Offshore Engineering (Online) MSc
• Petroleum Engineering MSc
• Petroleum Engineering (Online) MSc
• Subsea Engineering MSc
• Subsea Engineering (Online) MSc

University of Birmingham Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering

• Geotechnical Engineering MSc Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip

Cardiff University School of Engineering

• Civil Engineering MSc
• Civil and Geoenvironmental Engineering MSc

Kingston University Civil Engineering, Construction and Surveying

• Management in Construction (Civil Engineering) MSc

Newcastle University School of Engineering

• Geotechnical Engineering MSc

Newcastle University School of Engineering (Civil)

• Civil Engineering (Geotechnical and Engineering Geology) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Master of Philosophy - MPhil

Queen's University Belfast School of Natural and Built Environment

• Civil Engineering Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Master of Philosophy - MPhil

University of Surrey FEPS - Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

• Advanced Geotechnical Engineering MSc

University of Exeter Engineering

University of greenwich school of engineering.

• Civil Engineering with Industrial Practice MSc

Imperial College London Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering MSc
• Geotechnical and Geological Engineering MSc

Imperial College London Earth Science and Engineering

• Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering MSc

University of Leeds School of Civil Engineering

• Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng)

University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment

• Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship MSc

Loughborough University Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

• Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MPhil (Res)

Luleå University of Technology Single tier structure

• Civil Engineering with specialization in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering

University of Portsmouth Faculty of Science and Health

• Engineering Geology MSc

Robert Gordon University School of Computing, Engineering and Technology

• Drilling and Well Engineering MSc

Trinity College Dublin School of Engineering

• Engineering (Environmental / Structural and Geotechnical / Transport) MSc PG Dip

Search for geotechnical engineering by...

• Attendance :
• All attendance types
• Online / distance learning
• Short / block course
• All qualifications
• Masters/Diploma/PG Cert
• Research/PhD
• All countries
• Europe (any country)
• EU (any country)
• Republic of Ireland
• Europe non-EU (any country)
• Northern Ireland
• United Kingdom
• UK Location :
• All regions
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and the Humber

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Complete Our Destination Survey

Take 2 minutes to complete our Destination Survey for the chance to win a Postgrad Study Bursary worth £2,000.

All we need to know is:

• Your university
• Your PG course

We have 4 Geotechnical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Non-European Students

Engineering

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

I am a non-European student

Geotechnical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Non-European Students

Interpretable machine learning models for landslide susceptibility mapping, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Anchoring technology solutions in challenging ground conditions for application in a floating wind farm array

Fully funded phd studentships in resilient infrastructure, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

PhD Research Programme

PhD Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Determining the water retention behaviour of unsaturated hydrophobic granular soils

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

2,250 geotechnical-engineering positions in pesticide-phd-positions

Filtered by.

• geotechnical-engineering
• pesticide-phd-positions

Refine Your Search

• Scholarship 1383
• Uni Job 545
• Research Job 353
• United Kingdom 442
• United States 420
• Netherlands 348
• Germany 209
• Australia 182
• Switzerland 94
• Luxembourg 33
• Singapore 25
• Saudi Arabia 19
• New Zealand 3
• South Africa 3
• Worldwide 2
• Hong Kong 1
• Morocco-Ca 1
• South Korea 1
• Postdoctoral 270
• Fellowship 72
• Postgraduate 4
• Staff Scientist 4
• Group Leader/Principal Investigator 2
• Undergraduate 2
• Cultural Resource Management 1
• Open Rank 1
• Research Scientist / Analyst 1
• Senior Scientist 1
• Delft University of Technology 114
• Eindhoven University of Technology 85
• Technical University of Munich 78
• ETH Zurich 61
• Chalmers University of Technology 55
• ; University of Southampton 53
• University of Nottingham 53
• RMIT University 49
• University of Twente 49
• University of Groningen 45
• Cranfield University 38
• Ghent University 34
• Queensland University of Technology 33
• NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology 28
• Indiana University 27
• Cornell University 26
• University of Amsterdam 24
• Nature Careers 23
• ; The University of Manchester 22
• ; University of Nottingham 21
• University of Oslo 21
• ; Loughborough University 19
• ; Swansea University 19
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology 19
• Uppsala University 19
• Forschungszentrum Jülich 18
• Yale University 18
• Monash University 17
• University of Luxembourg 17
• Aalborg University 16
• Binghamton University 16
• Institute of Photonic Sciences 16
• University of Maryland, Baltimore 16
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft 15
• University of Sheffield 15
• ; Newcastle University 14
• ; University of Birmingham 14
• Curtin University 14
• Linköping University 14
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel 14
• Aarhus University 13
• Central State University 13
• Lulea University of Technology 13
• University of Bergen 13
• ; Cranfield University 12
• Kennesaw State University 12
• Stanford University 12
• Umeå University 12
• University of Melbourne 12
• Broward College 11
• Case Western Reserve University 11
• Leiden University 11
• University of North Carolina Wilmington 11
• Wageningen University and Research Center 11
• ; University of Warwick 10
• Newcastle University 10
• Swinburne University of Technology 10
• University of British Columbia 10
• University of Stavanger 10
• ; Manchester Metropolitan University 9
• ; University of Surrey 9
• Technical University of Denmark 9
• University of Lund 9
• University of Texas at Austin 9
• AIT Austrian Institute of Technology 8
• Nanyang Technological University 8
• University of Western Sydney 8
• Virginia Tech 8
• Wayne State University 8
• William and Mary 8
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences 7
• University of Basel 7
• ; The University of Edinburgh 6
• Canadian Association for Neuroscience 6
• Karolinska Institutet 6
• SciLifeLab 6
• University of Delaware 6
• University of Göttingen • 6
• University of Manchester 6
• University of Waterloo 6
• Central Oregon Community College 5
• Harvard University 5
• Helmholtz 5
• Institut Pasteur 5
• University of Michigan 5
• University of Pittsburgh 5
• ; Imperial College London 4
• ; Leiden University 4
• ; University of Aarhus 4
• ; University of Bristol 4
• AcademicTransfer 4
• Computer Science 628
• Engineering 290
• Economics 199
• Medical Sciences 190
• Biology 152
• Materials Science 120
• Chemistry 81
• Mathematics 69
• Linguistics 52
• Environment 42
• Education 38
• Arts and Literature 35
• Electrical Engineering 35
• Business 32
• Humanities 26
• Earth Sciences 23
• Psychology 17
• Social Sciences 16
• Philosophy 14
• Sports and Recreation 11
• Statistics 1

PhD Studentship: Climate change-resilient geotechnical infrastructure

targeted and timely preventative actions. This PhD will take advantage of the new National Engineered Slope Simulator (NESS) facility; a large-scale, configurable, climate-controlled clay slope testing

Tenure Track Faculty Position, Geotechnical Engineering

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING FACULTY POSITION Position Statement: The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware invites applications for a

PhD Studentship: Anchoring technology solutions in challenging ground conditions for application in a floating wind farm array

(Fees, Stipend and travel budget) is open to applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Geotechnical , Structural or Civil engineering . Please apply by submitting your CV

PhD Position Technology Entrepreneurship

The Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship (DCE) within the Delft University of Technology is seeking a motivated PhD candidate (m/f/d) to contribute to the dynamic research area of Technology

PhD Studentship: Quantum Systems Engineering

its site. It will make this testbed available to users for testing hardware and applications. NPL will lead on the testing and security evaluation of the testbed and collaborate widely on the technology

Team Leader, Client Technology (2 positions available)

are we looking for? We are seeking a Team Leader, Client Technology (2 positions available) to join Digital Business Solutions, Administrative Division. The Team Leader, Client Technology provides

PhD Studentship: Accelerated Systems Assurance with Model-Based Systems Engineering

, engineering and technology company that helps organisations deliver innovative engineering and technology solutions to make lives safe, secure, sustainable, and affordable. Co-funded by Frazer-Nash and EPSRC

eligible and encouraged to apply. Who are we looking for? We are seeking a Team Leader, Client Technology (2 positions available) to join Digital Business Solutions, Administrative Division. The Team Leader

Stationary Engineer - (Multiple Positions) (Provisional)

Details Posted: 04-Jul-24 Location: USA Salary: Open Categories: Staff/Administrative Internal Number: 28677 Stationary Engineer - (Multiple Positions) (Provisional) GENERAL DUTIES Under general

AI System Engineer (multiple positions)

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description AI System Engineer in the Software Technology Section, Directorate of Technology , Engineering and Quality (D/TEC). The Software Systems Division

Searches related to geotechnical engineering

• engineering
• civil engineering
• phd geotechnical engineering
• postdoctoral geotechnical engineering
• geotechnical
• postdoctoral
• phd in geotechnical engineering
• geotechnics
• rock mechanics