Geological and geotechnical risk assessment of offshore wind farms

New offshore wind farms are being constructed in new areas such as the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and India, where different types of risks are encountered. These risks include geological and geotechnical ones (such as highly crushable carbonate soils, green sands, seismically liquefiable soils, etc) and extreme loadings such as typhoons, hurricanes and earthquakes. Furthermore, there are technology risks due to larger turbines (size exceeding 15MW) and floating technologies (Semi-submersible, Spar and Tension Leg Platforms). The aim of the project is to quantify some of the risks through a mix of methodologies such as experimental and numerical modelling and case studies. The work primarily involves engineering and also enables the candidate to understand finance related to the quantification of risks used in the insurance industry. 

The SAGE lab houses advanced geotechnical element testing equipment, which will give the student an opportunity to acquire unique experimental skills. The Geomechanics group at Surrey, led by Professor Bhattacharya, works closely with industry, and the candidate will work closely with the industrial partners. In particular, the research work will be supported by the University of Surrey Spin-off Renew Risk (www.Renew-Risk.com), a fintech company headquartered in Lloyds of London which developed Catastrophe Modelling for Offshore wind farms needed for insurance/reinsurance pricing. The candidate will also have an assured placement at Renew Risk.   

Apart from academic training, the candidate will gain industrial experience through the association with industrial partners. After the successful completion of PhD, the skills developed will allow them to have coveted research or industry careers or join as a Risk Engineer/Cat Modeller in the Insurance/Finance sector.

Open to any UK or international candidates. Up to 30% of our UKRI funded studentships can be awarded to candidates paying international rate fees.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

A background in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or Offshore Geotechnics or data science is desirable.