PhD Position Tunnel-soil-interaction Modelling Delft • TU Delft

Tunnels are an essential part of our infrastructure and of great economic and social value. They ensure optimal transportation, efficient use of space, and improve our quality of life. However, many existing tunnels are aging and in need of major renovation. These renovation projects are costly and expected to lead to additional indirect social costs due to the necessary tunnel closures. Tunnel operators are faced with the challenge of carrying out renovations as smartly and as quickly as possible, and to deliver a futureproof solution that minimizes the scope of future maintenance. To make this possible, fundamental knowledge about the long term behaviour of tunnels, their aging process, and their individual components need to be further studied and enhanced, because of gaps in our current knowledge.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences has started a research cooperation with Centrum Ondergronds Bouwen (COB), the Dutch Center for underground space technology and underground space use. This Futureproof Tunnels research program looks into the challenges posed by aging underground infrastructure and the upcoming renovations of (mostly immersed) tunnels in soft soil conditions and hosts several PhD and PostDoc projects. Within this program a new PhD position on immersed tunnel-soil interaction is available within the Section of Geo-Engineering. 

Immersed tunnels are constructed by immersing tunnel elements made up of segments and connecting them underwater. These connections results in joints, also referred to as immersion and segment joints. Ongoing research has shown that tunnels are undergoing daily and seasonal (cyclic) deformations that may impact their long term structural reliability. This PhD project  will develop a 3D tunnel-soil-interaction modelling strategy that provides insight into all interactions between the tunnel, its structural components including joints, and the surrounding soil, in order to accurately predict the long term behaviour of the tunnel and accurately estimate the reliability and remaining life span of existing immersed tunnels.

This PhD project will combine different numerical modelling approaches and will interact closely with the other ongoing PhDs on monitoring and modelling of immersed tunnel deformation. 

Within the department of Geoscience and Engineering the Section of Geo-Engineering has 11 full-time and 6 part-time academic staff, and 40 PhD and Post-Doctoral researchers. Areas of expertise include soil mechanics, dykes and embankments, foundation engineering, underground space technology, engineering geology, and geo-environmental engineering. There are extensive experimental laboratory facilities, including large-scale soil-structure interaction testing facilities and a geotechnical centrifuge, as well as excellent computing facilities including access to national High Performance Computing networks.

There is another PhD Position availabe within the Futureproof Tunnels project: PhD Position Immersed Tunnel Joints

Applicants should possess a master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

Experience with developing numerical models and use of 3D finite element codes is essential.

As this project lies on the interface between soil mechanics and structural mechanics, a background in these field is highly appreciated.

Communication skills are important, and applicants should have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken Dutch and English.

The successful candidate will be expected to cooperate closely with the other members of the research team and with the COB industry expert committees that will guide the project in conjunction with the university supervisors. 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

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The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management. 

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