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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/