The vulnerability and sustainability approaches to assess and maintain the structural integrity of pipes buried in shrink-swell soils

Shrink-swell (expansive) soils are probably the most challenging soils globally. They pose several challenges to the infrastructure and built environment in general. Millions of kilometres of pipelines for transport of water, gas, electricity, and oil are buried in these soils. This means that these pipes are subjected to seasonal instability associated with seasonal behaviour of expansive soils, which change volume with changes in moisture content. Shrinking during the dry season and swelling during wet season means that any pipes buried in those soils are never stable and techniques to keep pipes stable in expansive soils have shown several shortcomings. This research will assess the vulnerability and sustainability of continuous and jointed pipes in expansive soils, develop an effective protocol for monitoring early warning on their structural integrity and provide data informed directives to reduce costs associated with the damages of buried pipes in expansive soils. Interested applicants can contact Dr Esdras Ngezahayo ([email protected]) for further details and guidance on how to apply.

Eligibility: Home and International students

Requirements: MSc/MEng degree in geotechnical engineering, geology, geoenvironmental engineering, civil engineering, and related disciplines. A first-class undergraduate degree in these areas with relevant working experience can be considered.