We are seeking a Research Fellow for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) to lead an advanced investigation into ground deformation and wall stability in sand-reclaimed coastal regions. The project evaluates the impact of cyclic water table fluctuations on ground settlement, wall movement, and earth pressure redistribution using a combination of 1-g testing, centrifuge physical modelling, and advanced finite element simulations during water pumping.
Key Responsibilities
- Geotechnical Physical Modelling: Plan and execute 1-g and geotechnical centrifuge tests (utilizing a 40 g-ton centrifuge facility at 50g) to capture the vertical and horizontal deformation of sand-clay profiles.
- Advanced Instrumentation: Implement laser displacement transducers, earth pressure cells, and displacement tracking systems to monitor structural and soil responses under accelerated consolidation.
- Numerical & Analytical Modelling: Develop constitutive numerical models in ABAQUS or PLAXIS 3D using advanced elastoplastic models (e.g., Modified Cam-Clay). Integrate non-linear compressibility, permeability, and stress history of Singapore marine clay.
- Risk & Field Assessment: Evaluate structural serviceability, hydraulic gradient risks (seawater seepage beneath cut-off walls), and simulate site-scale multi-layer reclaimed site responses over long-term equivalent periods.
- Project Leadership: Supervise junior researchers, collaborate with industrial/academic partners, and publish high-impact peer-reviewed journal papers.
The findings will offer hydrological, geotechnical, and environmental insights into the entire implementation process and substantiate the feasibility of using seepage cut-off walls for underground reservoir establishment and coastal protection. This work will advance geomechanics and hydrogeology understanding, underground space development, coastal protection infrastructure multi-utilization, and sustainable urban planning.
Job Requirements
- Possess a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Experience: Demonstrated background in geotechnical centrifuge testing, physical model setup, or advanced finite element modelling (PLAXIS 3D, ABAQUS) involving coupled hydro-mechanical processes.
- Knowledge Base: Strong expertise in soil mechanics, clay consolidation theory, elastoplastic constitutive modelling, and soil-structure interaction.
- Track Record: Proven track record of high-quality research publications in top-tier international journals.
- Skills: Excellent problem-solving capabilities, project management skills.
- Strong written and spoken communication.
- Open to fixed-term contract.
