in the project area:

Geotechnical calibration and interpretation of in-situ soil data from North Sea wind farm areas

Offshore CPTu is used as a standard tool for soil investigations in the North Sea wind farm areas. However, so far there exists no generally accepted correlation to link CPTu data directly to lab derived design parameter for North Sea sands. The objectives of the project are:

• To develop a laboratory CPTu calibration chamber.
• To perform calibration chamber tests and advanced laboratory tests with granular samples from the North Sea to refine CPTu design parameter correlations for wind farm areas.
• To make use of CPTu test-, PS-logging and in-situ density data to verify findings.
• To formulate recommendations and guidelines for the practical use of CPTu in offshore wind construction projects in the North Sea.

The research project is a collaborative approach between science (MARUM, Fraunhofer IWES, NGI) and industry partners (STRABAG Offshore Wind, Geo-Egineering.org). The focus for the successful candidate during the three-year PhD research will be on the performance of calibration chamber tests and advanced laboratory tests of well-known “standard sands” and typical North Sea sands as well as the use of a new seafloor CPTu device.

Requirements:

• A completed MSc or Diploma degree in Geology, Civil Engineering, Geotechnics, Geophysics, Earth Sciences or related fields with a total of 300 CP, in a comparable Diploma- or equivalent course.
• Knowledge/interest in engineering geology, geotechnics, soil testing or related fields
• Sound theoretical understanding of advanced geotechnical soil behaviour
• Skills in scientific computing, programming and practical field work are highly welcome
• A good knowledge and understanding of English is required. The knowledge of the German language is beneficial.

A PhD project in Bremen commonly takes three years. The PhD position is funded for three years. Salary and benefits are according to the German state employees salary scheme TV-L E 13 (66 %). International candidates are encouraged to apply. The position is available starting December 2011.

Applicants should submit their CV, a short synopsis (one page max.) of the Master/Diploma thesis and other previous research achievements and indicate at least two referees by e-mail to Prof. Dr. Tobias Mörz (tmoerz@uni-bremen.de) with reference number A 180/11. The e-mail attachment (1 PDF-file) should not exceed 1 MB. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The University of Bremen aims at increasing the number of women in science and therefore explicitly encourages applications from female candidates. Disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification. Applicants with a migration background are welcome.