About the Project
Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.
The PhD will be based in the School of Civil Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Mehdi Rouholamin, Dr Nikos Nanos and Dr David Begg.
Applications are invited for a self-funded PhD project investigating the dynamic soil–structure interaction of monopile foundations for offshore wind turbines. The project will examine the behaviour of monopile-supported turbines under dynamic loading, with particular interest in seismic loading and the potential effects of liquefaction in offshore seabed soils. The research may combine laboratory testing and advanced numerical modelling to better understand the response of monopile foundations during transient loading conditions. Depending on the candidate’s interests and experience, the work could include soil element testing, small-scale physical modelling and three-dimensional numerical analysis. This project is suitable for motivated applicants with an interest in geotechnical engineering, offshore renewable energy, structural dynamics and/or earthquake engineering.
The work on this project will:
- Investigate the dynamic soil–structure interaction of monopile foundations supporting offshore wind turbines.
- Examine the response of monopiles under seismic loading, including the effects of excess pore water pressure generation and potential seabed liquefaction.
- Combine experimental testing and three-dimensional numerical modelling to evaluate monopile performance during transient loading conditions.
- Contribute to the development of more resilient offshore wind turbine foundations for deployment in challenging ground and seismic environments.
Project description
Offshore wind energy has a vital role in the transition to a low-carbon future. As turbines become larger and are deployed in increasingly challenging environments, understanding the performance of their foundations is essential. Monopiles are widely used to support offshore wind turbines, yet their response under dynamic loading remains a significant engineering challenge, particularly where seabed soils may be vulnerable to earthquake-induced excess pore pressure generation and liquefaction. This PhD project will investigate the dynamic soil–monopile interaction in offshore wind turbine foundations, with a particular focus on their behaviour under seismic loading and the transition to liquefied soil conditions. Such conditions may lead to excessive rotation, settlement or loss of foundation performance, affecting the safety and serviceability of offshore wind infrastructure.
The research will seek to improve understanding of the mechanisms governing monopile response in potentially liquefiable soils. Depending on the background and interests of the successful applicant, the project may involve soil element testing to characterise relevant soil behaviour, small-scale physical modelling, and three-dimensional numerical analysis of monopile–soil systems under dynamic loads. There may also be opportunities to explore the influence of loading combinations and soil conditions on foundation performance. This project will appeal to applicants interested in offshore geotechnical engineering, renewable energy infrastructure, soil dynamics and earthquake engineering.
The successful candidate will develop advanced research skills in experimental and/or computational geotechnics while contributing to knowledge needed for safer and more resilient offshore wind turbine foundations. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified self-funded candidates who are enthusiastic about addressing an important challenge in sustainable energy infrastructure.
General admissions criteria
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
International students will require a study visa from UKVI to pursue the degree in the UK. If the research is in a sensitive or technological subject, the student may also need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign Office.
How to Apply
We’d encourage you to contact Mehdi Rouholamin (mehdi.rouholamin@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Civil Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
When applying please quote project code SCS10650529.
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