Partially-funded PhD in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering at Aarhus University

This post is relevant to partially self-funded applicants interested in a 3-year research PhD study at Aarhus University. 

The Geotechnical Engineering Group of Aarhus University is seeking motivated self-funded candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering on “Investigation of soil-pile interaction in soft and high plasticity clays using field data from the Danish geotechnical test sites”. This doctoral project aims at characterising the mechanical behaviour of challenging Danish soils such as Gyttja and high plasticity clays for deep foundation design. 

The ideal candidate may be interested in experimental laboratory testing of soils and modelling of deep foundations. The geotechnical laboratory is equipped with the latest element machines for the testing of soils as well as advanced sensing capabilities for the monitoring of field trials and construction. The doctoral student will have access to the Geotechnical Laboratory, Danish Test Sites, and real data provided by the industry. Thanks to a large network, including Danish design firms and research centres of excellence in the UK and EU, a national or international placement may be arranged as part of their doctoral degree. 

Two test sites have been established by AU in collaboration with project partners in Hinge (2018) and at Randers Havn (2013), East Jutland, to support research into soil-structure interaction and mechanical behaviour of challenging Danish soils. Pile loading tests have been conducted at these test sites. The objective of this research is to ensure greater use of the test sites and collected results to better characterise soil-pile interaction in soft and high plasticity Danish clays by: (i) laboratory element testing of soil samples for large strain interface, residual strength, and viscous behaviour using triaxial tests, interface and ring shear test equipment; (ii) numerical FEM and analytical load-transfer based modelling of driven or bored piles to capture rate dependency and softening; (iii) development of constitutive models and their calibration using field and lab data to incorporate features such as ageing and rate effects, structure and destructuration.

Funding:

- Candidates should have their living costs either covered by self-financing, by a scholarship from their home country (for instance, China Scholarship Council CSC), or by private companies. If a proposal is required by an external funding body, the candidate should get in touch with our Group to discuss knowledge gaps, research aims and possible research methodologies.

- Funding is available for tuition fees and other administrative costs.

Entry requirements: 

-  Minimum GPA of 60% and 70% for BSc and MSc in Civil Engineering, respectively. Geotechnical laboratory experience is desirable. Programming skills and/or experience in physical testing are also beneficial.  

- To ensure that your application fulfils all the requirements, including language skills, read the application guide at https://phd.tech.au.dk/for-applicants/application-guide/.

Supervision:

The student will be based in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering - CAE (https://cae.au.dk/en) at Aarhus University under the supervision of Prof. (Docent) Kenny Kataoka Sørensen and Dr. Andrea Franza. The supervision team may include representatives of industry supporters.

Date:

- The PhD will begin as soon as possible after the most suitable candidate is selected

Further Information/Application:

- Initial screening: Submit your Curriculum Vitae (including GPA in %), a cover letter expressing your suitability and research interests, proof of English skills, and BSc/MSc transcripts to Dr. Andrea Franza ([email protected]). 

- Selected candidates may be invited for a 1-3 month study visit to Aarhus University as part of the screening process. The study visit will be fully funded by Aarhus University. 

- After the initial screening the most suitable candidate(s) will be invited to apply for enrolment at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences Aarhus University (https://phd.tech.au.dk ).