Download Sustainable use of vegetation

School of Engineering and Built Environment
Self-Funded PhD Research Project
Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the
successful candidate will be required to source external funding for tuition fees
and expenses while studying at the university.
Project Title:
Sustainable use of vegetation for slope stabilisation and
protection against landslides and erosion
Project Reference Number: SEBE_SELF_SBM2
Key words: Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences
Background
The mechanical effects of vegetation on slope stability have been extensively studied in the past, leading to a
number of numerical models of how roots stabilise the soil and behave during slope instability. This has been
supported by a number of studies characterising the strength of the vegetation roots and the root-soil
continuum.
Although the hydrological effects of the vegetation on slope have been recognised in the past, detailed studies
on the hydrological behaviour of vegetation and the basic mechanisms of affecting slope stability are lacking.
There is a need of characterising the hydrological behaviour and effects of vegetation on slope stability with an
aim of decreasing the risk of slope failures by vegetation selection. A full understanding of both mechanical
and hydrological aspects of slope stabilisation by vegetation is needed in order to successfully design for
stability and remediation. The issue is topical as the number of landslides and mass wasting events is
increasing as the number of extreme precipitation events is increasing in the changing climate.
The project is envisaged to be multidisciplinary, incorporating not only biological and ecological aspects in a
geotechnical problem but also creating a possibility to involve hydrological modelling, land surveying, and GIS
into the engineering assessment of stability through risk analysis. A combination of theoretical and practical
research, the project will encompass literature review, laboratory studies, field studies, numerical modelling
spanning across different disciplines.
The project topic and the results from the investigation will be directly applicable to any civil
engineering problem concerned with slope stability, erosion and environmental protection. The
added value from the project will be the development of a risk-based model for environmental
protection using vegetation which will lead to sustainable design by vegetation selection.
Example References
1. Mickovski, S B and Thomson, C S. 2016. Innovative Approach in the Stabilisation and Erosion
Protection of Coastal Slopes in Scotland. Coastal Management (Jan. 2016), 587-596.
2. Tardio, G. and Mickovski S.B. 2016. Implementation of eco-engineering design into existing slope
stability design practices. Ecological Engineering 92: 138–147.
3. Stokes, A et al. 2014. Ecological mitigation of hillslope instability: ten key issues facing researchers
and practitioners. Plant and Soil 377(1-2): 1-23.
4. González-Ollauri A., Mickovski S.B. 2016. Using the root spread information of pioneer plants to
quantify their mitigation potential against shallow landslides and erosion intemperate humid
climates. Ecological Engineering 95: 302-315.
Aims
The aims of the project are to:
 develop and apply a multi-disciplinary design framework
 collect and/or analyse relevant data form the study sites
 perform laboratory testing and data collection
 develop and verify a numerical model addressing the stability aspects and couple it with GISbased mapping
Research Supervisor(s)
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details:


Dr Slobodan B. Mickovski, [email protected]
Dr Craig Thomson, [email protected]
Mode(s) of Study
This project is available as a:


PhD: 3 years full-time 4-6 years and part-time (provided UK Visa eligibility criteria are satisfied)
1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time] + PhD as above
APPLICATION DETAILS
Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject
relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research
experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no
element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
Specific requirements of the project:
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate understanding of geotechnical/civil engineering or plant
sciences or agricultural sciences but have some understanding of and a particular interest in adapting ideas
and models from other types of system e.g. natural, ecological, physical.
How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor(s) for the project before applying. Applicants
should download and complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/media/gcalwebv2/study/postgrad/GCU-Postgrad-Research-App-Form-Oct%2014.pdf
stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above). Or they may attach an alternative research
proposal (see Guidance on writing a research proposal) that is related to the themes and expertise of the
School (http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchopportunities/ebe/).
The completed GCU
Research Application form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2
references and any other relevant documentation to: [email protected]. Applicants shortlisted
for a PhD will be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadlines
The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application
deadlines are as follows:
Start Date
Application Deadline
May 2017
1 March 2017
October 2017
1 July 2017
February 2018
1 December 2017
May 2018
1 March 2018
October 2018
1 July 2018
Research Degree Fees
Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/feesandfunding/tuitionfees/