The investigation of coastal cliff instability due to extreme weather conditions (project code: CIV-06-Gaspar)

Details

Given the increasingly evident impacts of climate change, there is a growing focus on ensuring the resilience of geo-infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events. While a significant portion of ongoing research is concentrated on failures triggered by rainfall-events, it is important to recognise that this perspective does not fully encompass the broader issues related to climate resiliency in geo-infrastructure.

In 2022, two coastal cliff collapses occurred in Sidmouth, Devon. What makes these incidents particularly intriguing is that they did not occur after a heavy rainfall event. Instead, these collapses were linked to a heatwave that resulted in record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40°C in the UK and England. Although failures stemming from extended dry periods are not frequently examined, factors like reduced soil strength, the onset of desiccation cracking, and the thermal expansion of geological materials all have the potential to trigger such failures. Furthermore, as the UK continues to experience hotter summers, it's probable that these types of failures will become more commonplace.

This project's primary focus is to examine how extreme weather conditions can act as triggers for coastal cliff instabilities. This investigation will involve conducting element testing and physical modelling using the geotechnical centrifuge at the University of Sheffield. The project will be carried out within the dynamic geotechnical research group in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering. It will also entail close collaboration with researchers from the British Geological Survey (BGS). The involvement of BGS will allow the student to i) access BGS’ National Landslide Database (NLD) and have the opportunity to be hosted at BGS to update NLD records for the study area, ii) participate in site investigations and sample collection along the Jurassic Coast, iii) utilise BGS’ laboratory facilities, and iii) have the opportunity to interact with relevant stakeholders through BGS’ Coasts and estuaries geohazards team.

The project start date will be 01 October 2024.

This project will be supervised by Dr Tiago Gaspar and Dr Elisabeth Bowman from the University of Sheffield, and Dr Vanessa Banks and Mr David Boon from the British Geological Survey.

We are seeking candidates who possess or are expected to achieve a first class/2.1 degree or an equivalent Masters level qualification in civil engineering, engineering geology, or a related discipline. Previous laboratory/experimental experience in a geotechnical or geological field is desirable.

Please refer to the EPSRC DTP webpage: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/scholarships/science-engineering for detailed information about the EPSRC DTP and how to apply.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.

For informal queries please contact: Tiago Gaspar ([email protected])