About the Project
Climate change is arguably the biggest challenge facing humanity. Climate change is defined as the shifting of climate patterns driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including carbon. According to the Climate Change Committee Carbon Budget Report, in the United Kingdom, heating commercial and industrial buildings accounts for approximately 17% of total GHG emissions. In response to this, the UK’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy supports the acceleration of low-carbon heating technologies…
to support the transition to Net Zero by 2050.
Shallow geothermal energy is heat stored below the ground resulting from solar energy absorbed by the earth, which is typically harnessed through the use of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). Shallow geothermal energy is renewable, reliable, environmentally friendly and readily available independent of location, but remains underutilised. This is often associated with high capital costs. Energy geostructures (EGs) offer an advantage by utilising shallow geothermal energy through geostructural elements in contact with the ground by embedding heat exchanger pipes inside the structure. This provides an opportunity to use EGs for a dual purpose of structural stability (which was already required) and heat exchange, reducing the capital investment and minimising return periods.
Despite EGs considerable potential, barriers remain which limits widespread use, including technical challenges involving their design and optimisation to ensure maximum heat exchange efficiency. Whilst energy piles have been extensively studied, using field tests, physical modelling, and numerical modelling, the behaviour of energy piles under complex thermomechanical loading (e.g. vertical-horizontal-moment (VHM), tensile loads, or more extreme climate scenarios) has not yet been extensively studied. Understanding of the thermomechanical behaviour under complex loading is required to provide standard, more comprehensive guidance on EGs design and operation.
The overall aim of this research is to understand and measure the thermomechanical response of energy piles under complex thermomechanical loading. The objectives are as follows:
- Develop a novel centrifuge testing programme to measure the thermomechanical response of energy piles under complex loads, which will include VHM and tensile loading.
- Develop a numerical model using Abaqus Finite Element Modelling (FEM) software, validated through comparison with the centrifuge modelling data.
- Using the validated numerical model, conduct a comprehensive parametric study which will cover a range of VH and VHM loading combinations and uplift scenarios.
- Using the validated numerical model, model the impact of different climate scenarios on VHM and tensile behaviour of energy piles.
This PhD studentship is a collaboration between Abertay University and the University of Dundee. The student will be registered at Abertay University, which will be the student’s primary base. Centrifuge modelling will be conducted at the University of Dundee and will be supported by University of Dundee staff. It is anticipated that the output from this research will be of significant benefit to the development of guidelines dedicated to the design and operation of energy piles.
Supervisory Team: The candidate will be supervised within the Department of Built Environment and Life Sciences by Dr Andrew Minto and Dr Ehsan Jorat at Abertay. Further supervision will be provided by Dr Pengpeng He at the University of Dundee. For further information on this project, candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Andrew Minto (a.minto@abertay.ac.uk).
Entry Requirements: Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a first class or upper second-class honours degree in Civil Engineering, or another closely aligned discipline. Candidates who have a masters degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology are encouraged to apply. Applicants should also have some experience of numerical modelling (preferably with Anaqus).
For applicants who are non-native speakers of English, the University requires IELTS of 7.0 (with no band less than 6.5) or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Home Office.
Applications and closing date: 30th September 2026
Applicants should submit through the Abertay University jobs page https://www.abertay.ac.uk/about/working-at-abertay/jobs/, submitting a personal statement of application detailing why you are interested in undertaking this project, and a CV.
If you are selected for interview you will be required to complete an online Research Student Application Form which includes the submission of a research proposal. Guidance on how to write the proposal can be found here: https://www.abertay.ac.uk/study-apply/how-to-apply/how-to-apply-postgraduate-research/ Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Andrew Minto (a.minto@abertay.ac.uk) for advice on developing a proposal prior to submitting it.
Funding Notes
A PhD studentship that comprises tax-free stipend of £21,805 (increasing in line with UKRI per annum), tuition fees paid, and a generous study package (e.g., limited research consumables, travel budget, and training when appropriate) each year for 3 years. The studentship is fully funded for 3 years. An extension of funding for a further 3 months is available, contingent upon the candidate completing 35 hours of teaching per year during the initial 3 years.
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