Research Group: Geotechnical and Structural Engineering
Developing sustainable and resilient urban environments.
We provide cutting-edge sustainable solutions to today’s geotechnical and structural engineering problems. We develop innovative ways to mitigate the risk of natural hazards for communities across the world.
The GEST (Geotechnical and Structural Engineering) Group is at the core of the Civil Engineering discipline. We deal with the fundamental concepts of material behaviour, construction, and design technology.
Our research reflects these core aspects. It also links with the theme of sustainability in construction and climate change effects in civil engineering. We are involved in:
- Geo-energy
- We are looking at the development of geothermal systems to decarbonise heating and cooling. Our research includes ground source heat exchange in green infrastructure.
- Digital manufacturing and construction
- We are contributing to the Digital Manufacturing Hub. This Hub is a part of the Stephenson project.
- Catastrophe modelling of infrastructure networks
- We work in large-scale infrastructure monitoring and modelling. We undertake urban observation and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
- Material modelling
- We carry out multi-scale (molecular vs continuum) multi-physics multi-phase material modelling.
We are founding members of UKCRIC. In the North-East, we host:
Research
We have categorised our ground-breaking research into four interrelated themes.
Each research theme includes projects based on our capabilities in:
- advanced numerical simulation
- material characterisation
- multi-scale testing
Our projects often cut across themes and research capabilities. We are proficient in each of these themes. Our emerging specialism is the synergic effect of our expertise. We find solutions to problems through high-quality input and output at all levels. Our projects often bring together leading researchers from around the world.
We have a long-term involvement in field investigations and industrial engineering projects.
Leading the way in advanced modelling, simulation and data analysis
We have an international reputation in modelling and simulation. We have built our reputation over the last decades.
We have considerable expertise in computational mechanics and geotechnics. Our skills lie across a wide range of topics. We work in both application and analysis of problems, and in the development of numerical methods and constitutive models.
Our computerised modelling projects mainly cover the following topics:
- multi-phase flow and coupled multi-field analysis
- multi-scale geotechnical modelling
- structural textiles and polymeric composites
- structural optimisation and reliability
- seismic engineering and extreme loadings
- network vulnerability and lifelines
Our communication approaches and technologies allow non-specialists to engage with our research. The tools and frameworks we use help stakeholders and policymakers make better decisions.
We work in the field of plate, shell and membrane structures. Our work involves analysis and optimisation. We place special emphasis on high levels of material and geometric non-linearity. We also specialise in the development of stochastic frameworks.
This work has strong links to the:
- development of testing technologies
- numerical modelling of structural textiles and polymeric composites
Our research on earthquake engineering concentrates on seismic structural analysis and soil dynamics. We use field observations of extreme events to investigate fundamental reassessments of:
- current practice
- structural performance design qualification
We investigate problems in multi-phase flow and coupled multi-field analysis. We have expertise in modelling problems concerned with partially saturated soils. We study the effects of climate change on slope stability.
We also undertake coupled hygro-thermal-mechanical modelling of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. We look at nuclear applications and the effects of fire.
Directly allied with this is our work on constitutive model development.
Impact
We provide effective solutions to societal challenges.
Our group works in partnership with:
- governments and industry
- the creative and cultural sector
- community groups
We identify current and future challenges faced by society. We provide innovative ideas and solutions that will make a difference.
Professor Stefano Utili has been seconded at the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee as an Academic Fellow. He advises on the impact of EU and UK national research funds on the UK research and development ecosystem.
- Read more about GEST group researcher working with Parliament
Our research in geohazards is fundamental and interdisciplinary. We are developing a step change in our current understanding. We are investigating monitoring capabilities. In turn, this will boost the resilience of current infrastructure under changing climates.
- Read more about geohazards resilient infrastructure under changing climates
We predicted the faecal coliform concentrations for all major rivers in the Ganga (Ganges) catchment. Considering human and non-human sources, we found that:
- urban populations contribute around 100 times more microbial pollution per head to the river than their rural counterparts
- untreated sewage discharged from a sewer is worse for river water quality than having no sewers
- for 79% of the population of the Ganges catchment, their nearest river fails faecal coliform standards for safe bathing and irrigation
Our findings will be included as a case study in an upcoming WHO policy briefing document.
- Read more about exploiting ten years of archival water quality data
We proposed an improved gully block design that could provide a much larger flood peak reduction than existing designs. Moors for the Future Partnership have installed thousands of gully blocks. They have also revegetated hundreds of acres of degraded peat across the South Pennines.
We are working with the National Grid. Together, we are developing a new methodology to determine the most suitable location to site demountable flood defences. This means that they can be easily deployed to defend critical substation assets in the event of a flood.
- Read more about creating adaptive solutions to ensure resilient infrastructure
We work with architects, synthetic biologists and microbiologists. Together, we are developing biological materials which respond to their environment. This work could result in new ways of designing and constructing which are more efficient and sustainable. The work forms part of the UKRI-funded Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment.
- Read more about developing Engineered Living Materials for construction
We actively seek and recruit high quality research students. several funded PhD studentships are available for Home and EU prospective students. The University also offers scholarships for the very best international students.
Take a look at our current PhD candidates and our staff research interests to see the opportunities available.
There are also scholarships funded by Centres for Doctoral Training and Doctoral Training Partnerships:
We work with a range of partners in Newcastle, the UK, and internationally, including:
- multi-national corporations and SMEs
- the public sector
- civil society
- professional institutions
- voluntary organisations
- schools and colleges
- policymakers
This ensures our students are ready to work in the civil engineering sector, and to maximise the impact of our research.
Teaching
Taught Programmes
From day one, our Civil Engineering Undergraduate Programmes give students a path to become a professional engineer addressing major global challenges.
- Civil and Structural Engineering BEng/MEng
- Civil and Structural Engineering with Year in Industry BEng/MEng
Our Civil Engineering Postgraduate Taught (MSc) Programmes equip students with the advanced skills and expertise to help shape the world.