Three scholarships are available for PhD studies commencing in 2019. The scholarships will provide support for three years on a full-time basis for a research project leading to a PhD.
Project 1: The project aims at developing an experimentally validated theory of the behaviour of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) under high temperatures and salt gradients that will lead to a significant improvement in the understanding of their hydraulic behaviour. The PhD will focus on the evaluation of temperature effects, wet/dry cycles salt gradients and stress changes on the water retention curves (WRCs) of geosynthetic clay liners.
Project 2: The project will focus on contaminant transport through lining systems. Particular emphasis will be given to chemical compatibility issues between a suite of emerging contaminants (PFAS, etc. ) and geosynthetic clay liners. This project aims at providing practitioners with better tools to estimate the design life of hydraulic barriers systems.
Project 3: This project aims to establish baseline knowledge on the effects of key parameters of pavement energy systems on their thermal performances, which can later be used as a guide to develop field-scale heat exchange installations. Targeted experimental studies and numerical simulations will be undertaken to evaluate the long-term thermal response of pavement systems under relevant parameters encountered in the field
Applicants should have an Honours 1 or First Class Honours Degree in Engineering or Science and an interest in analytical/numerical and experimental research. The scholarship value is $28,500 per annum, with the possibility of a top-up depending on academic standing and/or experience. The potential for further earning is also possible through tutoring.
For further information, contact Prof. Malek Bouazza, at malek.bouazza@monash.edu. Applications including a curriculum vitae, a copy of academic transcript, evidence of English-language proficiency (international applicants only), names and contact details of at least two academic referees should be sent to the above email address.