This project is one of a number in competition for a studentship from the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. If successful, this studentship is expected to commence 04 October 2027.
An alternative start date may be possible if agreed with your intended supervisors and the Doctoral College.
Project Background:
The construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce embodied carbon and transition towards more circular use of materials and infrastructure. Reusing existing foundations, rather than automatically replacing them during redevelopment, offers substantial potential to reduce concrete consumption, construction waste, cost and programme. However, widespread adoption is limited by uncertainty regarding the condition, geometry, capacity and future performance of ageing foundations.
This project will develop new approaches for assessing the suitability of existing foundations for reuse. The research will combine probabilistic methods, enhanced analytical and numerical modelling, monitoring data and non-destructive testing to quantify uncertainty in existing foundation performance and support rational reuse decisions.
Key research questions will include how ageing, consolidation, pore-pressure changes and deterioration affect foundation performance; how existing foundation capacity can be inferred from limited historical records and in-situ testing; how uncertainty can be incorporated within reliability-based assessment; and how sufficient confidence can be demonstrated for safe, code-compliant reuse. The project will also investigate how additional testing and monitoring can reduce uncertainty and inform decisions on whether an existing foundation can be reused, strengthened or requires replacement.
The overall aim is to establish a practical framework for making safe and confident engineering decisions under sparse and uncertain data conditions, helping move foundation reuse from occasional engineering practice towards a more systematic component of low-carbon construction.
Candidate requirements:
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1st or 2.1, or international equivalent. A master's level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme's English language requirement before the application deadline – no exceptions will be considered.
Informal enquiries are encouraged. Direct these to Dr Cormac Reale.
Please follow the below instructions carefully.
You must make a formal application via the University of Bath's online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering.
Please note that you can apply for a maximum of two PhD projects on this programme.
In the 'Funding Your Studies' section, you must select 'University of Bath URSA' from one of the drop-down menus.
In the 'Your PhD project' section, you must quote the project title in the PhD project title field, and you must quote the lead supervisor's name in the field 'Name of intended supervisor at University of Bath.'
If you are applying for two projects, you must quote the project title for your second choice project in the field 'Project 2 Title' and the lead supervisor's name in 'Name of intended supervisor for 2nd choice project at University of Bath.
You must ensure that you follow the above steps correctly. Failure to complete these steps will cause errors in the automated processing of your application and may mean that you are not considered for a particular project.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.
Keywords
Probabilistic geotechnics; foundation reuse; pile foundations; structural reliability; embodied carbon; sustainable construction
Funding Notes
Applicants will be considered for a studentship. The Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath has studentships available for Home and Overseas students. However, in line with UKRI policy, the number of studentships available to Overseas students are capped. Studentships cover tuition fees, provide a £1k per annum training support fee, and a maintenance stipend (£21,805 2026/27 rate). International students will be required to cover the cost of a Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge from personal funds.
