This joint PhD project will be based at KU Leuven with a minimum 12 month stay at The University of Melbourne, Australia and is part of the "Cyclic soil-structure interaction framework for the foundations of offshore renewable energy structures" project.
Recent developments in offshore renewable energy sector have resulted in bigger wind turbines and thus an increase in the mostly commonly used monopile foundation’s diameter to guarantee their performance especially under higher lateral cyclic loads due to waves and wind.
Taking into account the effects of the cyclic loading especially on the long-term foundations’ capacity, highlights the monopiles’ ability to control the response as well as the life span of such energy infrastructure. Despite the diverse group of available approaches to estimate cyclic soil-structure response, an alternative which can considers strain accumulation by means of a thermodynamically consistent, multi- surface plasticity framework to generate more accurate predictions of cyclic long-term displacements, remains still unexplored.
In this regard, this joint KU Leuven (KUL) – University of Melbourne (UoM) project aims to develop a novel three-dimensional (3D) soil-structure interaction model for monopiles subjected to lateral cyclic loading in sand by means of a finite element solution using advanced soil constitutive modelling and laboratory testing. Theoretical development will include model calibration via a laboratory cyclic testing program and application to monopile-soil interaction problems including comparisons with predictions from existing models and available test data.
The specific objectives of this project can be summarized in the following: (objective 1) development of a novel rigorous 3D finite element model to predict the response of soil-pile system supporting wind turbines under lateral cyclic loading and (objective 2) conduction of advanced laboratory monotonic and cyclic triaxial tests.
The outcomes of the project will be integrated into an accessible design tool to enable better predictability of monopiles cyclic capacity in engineering practice. The successful candidate will be primarily based at KUL to conduct the theoretical work and will spend a period of 12 months at UoM to conduct the experimental work.
The project will be complemented by the project on "Soil-structure interaction framework for plate anchors in sand under cyclic loading" and the collaboration will ensure a successful completion of the project.
Ample additional opportunities to develop yourself professionally benefiting from training sessions offered by the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School https://set.kuleuven.be/phd/dopl/whytraining
To apply for this position please follow the online application tool and make sure you submit the following documents:
(1) a motivation letter (max 1 A4 page addressing your strengths and qualifications relative to the project)
(2) your complete academic CV (including clear and detailed information about education, work experience - if any, employment gaps - if any, hobbies, interests, extracurricular activities, stays abroad, projects which demonstrate your programming/software skills and degree of experience)
(3) a list of publications (please do not include pdfs of the publications)
(4) copies of (translated in English) diplomas (BSc and MSc degrees)
(5) detailed (translated in English) transcript of records (BSc and MSc degrees). In case you have not finished your masters degree yet, please do provide available credits and scores and a list of courses you are taking next semester.
(6) an English version of your master thesis or a detailed summary in case you have not yet completed your masters degree
(7) proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL, IETLS, C1 Advanced (CAE) or the C2 Proficiency (CPE). We request a TOEFL iBT total score of 94 or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with no band scores below 6.5.
(8) contact details of three references who can provide a recommendation letter upon request (please do not include letters)
Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview. Screening of applications will start after February 19th, 2021. Shortlisting and final selection of the PhD student are based on scientific background, merit and potential, with due consideration given to gender equality and minority rights. The scientific merit of the candidates not only considers course grades, but also evidence of team work, interdisciplinary knowledge, creativity, independent working, transferable skills, and public engagement. The promotion of equal opportunities and gender balance will be a key recruitment strategy.
The deadline of February 19th, 2021 might be extended in case applications do not meet the requirements of the position.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Georgios Anogiatis (known as George Anoyatis), tel.: +32 50 66 49 78, mail: george.anoyatis@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Stijn François, tel.: +32 16 37 35 83, mail: stijn.francois@kuleuven.be.