PhD Studentship: Mechanics of Helical Pile Installation in Chalk

Supervisory Team: David Richards, Fernando Alvarez-Borges, Madhu Murthy, Benjamin Cerfontaine

Project description:

Around 70% of Europe’s offshore wind turbines are installed in the North Sea. Chalk, a calcareous weak rock, is widely present in this area. Driven piles are currently the preferred foundation system for these structures, but pile design entails a high level of uncertainty. Our recent collaborative work on helical (‘screw’) piles has indicated their potential suitability for these highly challenging offshore applications. The relative ease of installation of screw piles at depth may offer a much more convenient method for anchoring wind turbine foundation systems. This can potentially reduce the cost of offshore renewables, accelerate the rate of infrastructure deployment, and significantly contribute towards meeting energy decarbonisation targets. 

This project builds on previous cutting-edge work on both helical piles and computed tomography (CT) scanning applications at Southampton, and aims to extend existing soil mechanics frameworks for Chalk to helical pile installation mechanisms to produce improved predictive tools that may then be incorporated into pile design. As part of your PhD, you will perform advanced geotechnical tests at our state-of-the-art National Infrastructure Laboratory (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/national-infrastructure-laboratory) using our Hollow Cylinder Apparatus, while at the same time harnessing world-leading X-ray CT tools at our µ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/muvis), to investigate the complex loading and deformation conditions that are generated during chalk-structure interaction. You will interpret your observations using available soil mechanics frameworks for chalk and produce game-changing insight on how helical design and installation for offshore renewable applications would be like in the near future.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor David Richards

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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