Vacancies

PhD Opportunity in Geotechnical Engineering: “The effect of surcharging on secondary settlement in peat”

Background:
Intact peatland ecosystems serve several important functions, one of which is carbon sequestration. However, excavate-and-replace is currently the preferred method of handling peat encountered on road schemes in Ireland, engendering CO2 release with negative environmental implications. Surcharging, a ground improvement process that enables compressible soils to remain in place, is largely unproven in peat where secondary settlement can be very significant, and the technique is not currently permitted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in highly organic soils. The objective of this research is to appraise the technical viability of surcharging as a method of secondary settlement reduction in peat. Specifically, the research will aim to capture the effect of surcharge magnitude and duration on the extent of longterm settlement reduction (i) at laboratory scale (extended-duration oedometer tests), (ii) in the field (surcharge trials facilitated by industrial partners) and (iii) numerical modelling, using a soil model appropriate to peat. By addressing technical knowledge gaps, this 4 year PhD project has the potential to lead to an improvement in the environmental credentials of road schemes in peatlands, with international application.

Supervision:
The student will be based in Civil Engineering at the National University of Ireland, Galway under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Bryan McCabe. The supervisory team will include Assoc. Prof. Mike Long (UCD) and representatives of all five industry supporters. The Fellowship will begin as soon as possible after the most suitable candidate is selected.

Application Procedure:

Submit an electronic copy of your Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter expressing your suitability for the position and a copy of your driving licence to Dr. Bryan McCabe (bryan.mccabe@nuigalway.ie). Please note that after the online interview stage, the preferred candidate will be required to attend a follow-on interview in person at NUI Galway before a final decision is made.

Closing date:
5pm on Friday 18th February 2022.

Full job descrioption: Surcharging in Peat