Project List05 06

List of Undergraduate Projects Academic Year 05/06
Project Number
AFLH1 CONSTRUCTION STRESS PATHS IN MADE GROUND

CONTAINING ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Supervisor Dr Adrian Hyde
Description Modernisation of infrastructure in cities and elsewhere frequently
results in the disturbance of archeological remains. The aim of
this project is to use finite element analysis to examine the
influence of ancient buried structures on the stresses in overlying
fill materials in order to assess the probability of damage to
buried artefacts.
Literature survey
Theoretical analysis
Computer-modelling
Number of Students One only
AFLH2 DAMPING AND RATE EFFECTS IN CLAYS

Description Very little research has been carried out on radiation damping in
soils. The analysis of vibrations in structures requires a
knowledge of the damping characteristics of the foundations. In
addition the prediction of force-displacement curves for piles in
clays using rapid load testing techniques is problematic due to the
non-linear nature of damping in clays. The aim of the project is to
carry out a literature search on damping in soils and combine this
with an analysis of data obtained from statnamic tests carried out
on instrumented piles at the University of Sheffield full scale pile
test site to assess the degree of radiation damping and its effect
on the interpretation of pile testing data.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
AFLH3 GEOTECHNICS APPLIED TO ARCHAEOLOGY

Description The aim of this project is to categorise archaeological resources
in Europe and North Africa and establish areas where the
application of geotechnical knowledge would help in
interpretation or preservation. The student would work with
researchers in the archaeology department as well as civil
engineering. This project is ideal for a student with imagination,
an ability to think laterally and an interest in history and culture.
Literature survey
Laboratory experiment
Fieldwork
AFLH4 PRESERVATION OF BURIED ARCHEOLOGICAL

ARTEFACTS
Description Modernisation of infrastructure in cities and elsewhere frequently
results in the disturbance of archeological remains. The aim of
this project is to look at the effect of stress changes due to
construction work on buried artefacts. A literature survey will be
carried out to assess the scale of the problem. Alongside this a
laboratory investigation will assess the probability of damage to
buried artefacts, examining variables such as relative strength and
stiffness of the artefact, applied stress and nature of the sediment
containing the inclusion.
Literature survey
AFLH5 RAPID LOAD TESTING OF PILES

Description Statnamic testing is a new kinematic rapid load technique for
testing piles which offers the advantages of economy and
efficiency. However the use of the test for predicting force-
displacement curves for piles in clays is still problematic.
Researchers at both Sheffield University and TNO Building and
Construction based in Delft have developed software for
analysing Statnamic test data. The project will involve assessing
and improving the Sheffield software and investigating the
sensitivity of the predicted force displacement curves to changing
rate effects for clays using the improved software.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
AFLH6 SEISMIC STABILITY OF RECLAIMED LAND USING

RECYCLED MATERIALS
Description Reclaimed land and artificial offshore islands are often used for
Airport and Harbour Facilities in earthquake zones. The aim of
the project is to use triaxial testing to investigate the strength and
compressibility of soils containing recycled materials. A literature
survey will be carried out into seismic soil mechanics and
earthquake damage mitigation techniques.
Literature survey
AJS1 CSO SCREEN PERFORMANCE

Supervisor Prof Adrian Saul
Description Screens are often included in Combined sewer overflow to
prevent the discharge of aesthetic solids to the receiving
watercourse. Several new CSO screens have recently been tested
at Knostrop WwTW. The results of these studies are available
and require further analysis. The students will be expected to
critically review the results and to develop spreadsheet software
to aid the design engineer to establish an appropriate technique to
establish the screen cleaning frequency.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
Number of Students Two only
AJS2 EXECUTIVE WATER FEATURES

Description You are challenged to create, construct and test a design of a
water feature that will sit in the office of the Chief Executive of
Yorkshire Water. This challenge is open ended and may involve
music, lights, bubbles, water falls and computer control. The
design will be constructed and tested in the Water Engineering
Laboratory and representatives from YW will assess its
suitability for their Chief Executive.
Literature survey
AJS3 HAWKEYE DATA

Description Yorkshire Water have recently formed a strategic alliance with
the Pennine Water Group in the Department and this project is
collaborative with Yorkshire Water. Currently YW operate
approximately 200 Hawkeye monitoring systems in CSO
chambers to record the change in water depth at 15 minute
intervals. Currently the data is interrogated only to alarm when
the depth of flow in the CSO is too high. There is considerable
scope therefore to enhance knowledge from this data and to better
understand how individual CSO chambers perform at the time of
storm events. The student will be expected to analyse this data
and liaise with YW to improve the operation and maintenance
strategies for CSOs. Yorkshire Water are keen to attract good
quality graduates onto their graduate training programme and this
project offers the opportunity to interface with key YW staff.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
AJS4 SEWER FLOW QUALITY MODEL

Description The modelling of sewer flow quality in combined sewer systems
is not easy and to utilise water industry standard software require
much calibration. Even then the results may be in excess of 100%
different to measured results. Over several years the Pennine
Water Group have been involved with the monitoring of the flow
and quality of combined sewer flows at many sites and have
developed the SQS (sewer quality simulation software) in
collaboration with Yorkshire Water. This is based on simple
regressional relationships and a novel moddeling concept.
Additional data is available and the student will be expected to
enhance the modelling concept to better describe the temporal
change in sewer flow quality
Computer-modelling
AJS5 SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE

Description Siphonic roof drainage systems are able to transport larger
quantities of roof runoff to the downstream sewer system. You
are challenged to formulate and construct a new design of
siphonic outlet that will optimise the siphonic action and be an
improvement of the performance of existing outlets. This is your
chance to make your name in siphonics as this is a rapidly
emerging field due to the threat of climate change resulting in
increased intensities of rain that will defeat conventional drainage
systems. Data on the performance of existing systems is available
but you will be expected to test the performance of your new
design in the specially constructed siphonic roof drainage system
located on the roof of the structures laboratory of the department.
Lets see how good you are.
Literature survey
AJS6 STORAGE TANK PERFORMANCE

Description The Pennine Water Group is currently working on a UKWIR
(UK Water Industry Research) project to study the performance
of storm tanks at Wastewater Treatment Works, both in the
laboratory and at fieldsites operated by Yorkshire Water and
United Utilities. Currently, the design of storm tanks in civil
engineering practice may be based on classical sedimentation
theory. The Water Framework directive will require companies to
understand how pollutants such as BOD and ammonia are treated
in storm tanks such that the quality of the spilled flows to
receiving waters are better understood. To do this we have to
understand how fine sediments and solutes move through such
tanks. The students will assist in the completion of the
experimental study (and fieldwork study should you wish) to
examine the relationship between classical sedimentation theory
and the way in which fine sediments behave in tanks, for tanks of
different volume and plan shape. Both rectangular and circular
tanks will be studied. Other variables include the magnitude of
the inflow and the surcharge level in the chamber.
Literature survey
AT1 DESIGN OF STRUCTURES AGAINST BLAST LOADING

Supervisor Dr Andy Tyas
Description Structural engineers are increasingly having to consider the
effects of blast loading on their buildings. The increased threat of
large scale terrorist attack has been amply demonstrated by a
number of recent events. This project will involve a study of
existing best practice around the world for design of main load-
bearing elements and cladding against blast loading. The student
will then carry out the design of a structure taking these issues
into account.
Literature survey
AT2 ENTASIS: AESTHETICS OR ENGINEERING

Description Entasis is the term used to define the subtle curvature of Greek
columns, where the column is slightly thicker near the middle
than it is at either end. This effect has typically been ascribed to
the Greek architects (sic) counteracting the optical illusion which
makes a stright column appear to bow inwards. However, the
central thickneing can also give a column increased resitance to
buckling and other sideways forces.
This project will use computational optimisation tools to find the

optimal shape for a column under self weight, axial load and
lateral disturbing forces. With these findings, the project will
investigate whether entasis may possibly have had an engineering
rather than aesthetic driving force.
This project is only suitable for students on the MEng Structural

Engineering and Architecture (CIV405)
Literature survey
Design (involving an investigative aspect)
Computer-modelling
AT3 LESSONS FROM NATURE FOR STRUCTURAL

DESIGNERS
Description Many architects and engineers claim to be inspired by nature and
natural forms when developing their designs. Yet their reasoning,
when examined closely often reveals that the structure of the
natural forms which they take as inspiration has little bearing on
the structural designs which the human designers propose.
Examples include "tree columns" which have the outward
appearance of a tree, but structurally behave in an entirely
different way. Is this a superficial approach, or is there a deeper
lesson for structural designers to appreciate? This project will
investigate the work of designers who have claimed to use Nature
as inspiration, and is aimed at developing a critique of the use of
Nature as a source of structural inspiration. It is possible that the
project may result in the student producing their own designs
based on the conclusions of the research. This project is suitable
for MEng Structural Engineering and Architecture students only.
Literature survey
AT4 STEEL BRIDGE DESIGN COMPETITION

Description Each year Corus and the SCI organise a student competition to
design a steel bridge. A panel prepare a detailed brief which is
published in September. This project is built around this
competition and will require a thorough investigation of steel
bridge design and the preparation of a detailed competition entry.
The brief for the 04/05 competition is not yet available but will
likely be similar to those in previous years (see http://www.steel-
sci.org/education/competitions.shtm for details) Projects of a
suitable standard will be entered for the national competition.
Project has relevance to architecture.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
AT5 USE OF NOVEL MATERIALS IN STRUCTURAL

ENGINEERING
Description Architects and engineers are increasingly making use of novel
materials for the load-bearing components of structures.
Materials such as glass-fibre reinforced plastics, glass, carbon
fibres or recycled materials are being tentatively used in
exemplary structures. Starting with a study of the properties of
the materials and case studies of previous usage, the student will
go on to conduct their own design of an example structure using
a chosen material. This project is only available for students on
the MEng in Structural Engineering and Architecture.
Literature survey
AT6 USE OF STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION AS A DESIGN

AID
Description Structural optimisation tools are widespread in the automotive
and aerospace industries. These tools are able to identify efficient
and practically viable structural forms for a given set of loads,
supports and other constraints. Yet, despite their great potential,
these tools are scarcely used by the structural engineering
profession. This project will use a new structural optimisation
tool developed at University of Sheffield to develop structural
forms for complicated design problems. The student will then
produce a critique of these computer generated forms, identifying
practical difficulties and changes that a human designer would
need to make in order to produce a finalised design.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
CCH1 COMPRESSIBILITY OF STABILISED SOIL

Supervisor Dr Charles Hird
Description Soft clays are often stabilised by mixing in cement and / or lime
so as to increase their strength and reduce their compressibility.
Stabilised columns can be created beneath embankments and
foundations using in situ mixing technology. In this project one
dimensional (oedometer) tests will be carried out to measure the
reduction in compressibility and, through the analysis of typical
cases, the results will be used to illustrate the reduction in
settlement that can be achieved.
Literature survey
CCH2 GEOTECHNICAL MODELLING USING A

TRANSPARENT SYNTHETIC SOIL
Description Previous research has shown that a mixture of very fine silica
powder and a blend of mineral oils behaves similarly to natural
clay soils. Because the silica-oil mixture can be made transparent
(by matching the refractive indices of the solid and liquid
components) it is useful in physical models of geotechnical
problems. For example, the displacements around a model pile
can be observed in detail as the pile is installed. This project will
involve making some small-scale models and using laser based
technology to record soil movements around penetrating objects
such as piles. The laser will illuminate a number of reflective
target particles suspended in the transparent soil. Images will be
processed by computer using existing software.
Literature survey
CCH3 OPTIMUM DESIGN OF VERTICAL DRAINS IN SOFT

GROUND
Description Prefabricated vertical drains (band drains) are often installed in
soft clays to speed up consolidation beneath loaded areas. The
aim of the project is to develop a computer spreadsheet program
to assist in design, so that the optimum type and arrangement of
drains can be determined. The effects of variation of soil
properties with depth will be taken into account.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
CCH4 PILE PENETRATION IN COMPACTED SOILS

CONTAINING ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS
Description As piles are driven into soil, the resulting displacements can
cause damage to archaeological remains. This is a problem in
redeveloping many urban sites where layers of compacted soil
have built up over time due to human activities and there is a
requirement to preserve the archaeology in situ. Through physical
model testing, this project will explore the deformations resulting
from pile installation and compare results with previous research.
Digital photographs of the model cross-section will be analysed
by computer to measure the deformations.
Literature survey
CCH5 PREDICTING THE PERMEABILITY OF SANDS

Description Engineers often find it useful to estimate the permeability of
sands based on a knowledge of their grading and density (or void
ratio). This project will test the validity of relationships
sometimes used for this purpose (including the Kozeny-Carman
equation) by conducting a series of tests in a constant head
permeameter with specimens prepared at various void ratios.
Alternative methods of preparing the specimens may be
investigated.
Literature survey
CCS1 IN-SITU CHARACTERISATION OF BACKFILL FOR

ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT
Supervisor Dr Colin Smith
Description The assessment of historical structures such as retaining walls
and masonry arch bridges where soil-structure interaction is
important requires sufficient characterisation of the (often
variable) backfill to establish the safety of the structure under
currently imposed loads. Simple fast characterisation tests
involving minimal disturbance to the backfill are ideal and while
each individual test may provide relatively low quality data,
combining data from large numbers of tests may provide a
sufficiently good description of the engineering properties of the
fill to permit the required assessment of the structure. The
challenge is to assess and quantify the uncertainty in the data.
The purpose of this project is to (a) assess the relative

performance of a selection of in-situ tests in the above context (b)
develop and evaluate a test for measuring shear strength of
cohesive soils within a trial pit.
The work will primarily involve lab testing, some field testing
and it is also anticipated that it will involve the characterisation
of backfill in full scale models used in a current industry funded
research programme.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Number of Students One or two
CCS2 INVESTIGATION INTO THE GEOTECHNICAL

STABILITY OF ACID TAR LAGOONS
Description Acid tar lagoons are historically contaminated sites, typically old
quarries or pits that have been used to dispose of acid tars (a
hazardous waste product from coal gasification). Such lagoons
may be ~8m deep and cover a large area. One way in which site
owners have attempted to deal with these lagoons is simply to
cover them with a layer of soil (a capping layer) to separate them
from the surface environment and people. However, while the
tars are very viscous, they typically have a lower density than the
covering soil, and so instabilities may be initiated where parts of
the capping layer may slowly sink into the tar while the tar oozes
out onto the surface. The long term stability of a capping layer
will be a function of the soil strength and density, and the
underlying tar viscosity and density. It is important to identify the
risk of instabilities occurring on existing capped sites and the
viability of capping for uncapped sites. The aim of this project is
to investigate the parameters influencing stability and to examine
methods of reducing instability through e.g. soil reinforcement.
The study will be undertaken primarily using scale laboratory
models and a non-hazardous substitute for the acid tar of similar
density and viscosity.
Literature survey
CCS3 INVESTIGATION OF MICROSCALE GROUNDWATER

FLOW PROCESSES IN SOILS
Description As water flows through soils or rocks, its overall average velocity
may remain constant. However observed at the microscale, the
water velocity is continuously varying as it passes through pore
spaces of varying cross sectional area. This has an important
effect on movement of pollutants in groundwater causing them to
spread out or disperse as they move. Understanding of this
process can play an important role in dealing effectively with
groundwater pollution incidents. The aim of this project is to
undertake a study of microscale flow processes in laboratory
models to elucidate how the spreading process changes with
distance travelled through the soil. The modelling will make use
of transparent porous media models and use coloured dyes to
allow clear visual observation of processes. Images will be taken
by digital camera and processed using standard software.
Literature survey
Number of Students One or Two
CCS4 INVESTIGATION OF SOIL STRUCTURE INTERACTION

IN MASONRY BRIDGES UNDER FAILURE LOADS
Description The interaction of a masonry bridge arch with the soil fill above
and to the side of the arch can play a significant role in the
overall load capacity of the bridge. To date this interaction is
poorly understood. This project seeks to better understand the
nature of the interaction process by undertaking a series of
laboratory tests on model arches backfilled with sand and/or clay.
Parametric studies will compare the load/deflection response with
soil type and fill depth. In addition, tests will be conducted in
transparent sided sand tanks and use state of the art PIV (Particle
Image Velocimetry) on sand grains to determine deformation
patterns. These deformation patterns play an important part in
predicting masonry bridge behaviour and will feed into current
PhD research on bridge stability analysis. As part of the project
there may be opportunities for site visits to bridges undergoing
assessment.
Joint Supervisor Dr Matthew Gilbert

CCS5 MODELLING OF TRACER MOVEMENTS IN

POLLUTED SOILS
Description Tracers are often injected into groundwater systems to try and aid
the characterisation of the system itself by measuring the time
variance of downstream tracer concentrations. Migration of these
tracers through heterogeneous soils is a complex process and is
affected by zones of stagnant and low flow water. This leads to
difficulties in the interpetation of the downstream concentration
data.
The aim of this project is to model a range of idealised

heterogenous groundwater systems with similar bulk
characteristics and investigate the effect on the resulting
downstream concentration data. This will then provide guidance
on interpretation strategies. An existing computer model will be
provided, but will require some (relatively straightforward)
modification to model the more complex scenarios. The ability to
program (e.g. Visual basic, FORTRAN or MATLAB is essential).
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
CJL1 CALCIUM SULFOALUMINATE CEMENT CONCRETE

Supervisor Dr Cyril Lynsdale
Description Environmental concerns related to the manufacture and use of
Portland cements with respect to energy consumption and
emission of green-house gasses, lead to the search of alternative
cementitious materials. This project investigates the potential of
calcium sulfoaluminate as the binding material in concrete by
studying its fresh and hardened properties.
Literature survey
CJL2 LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

Description Lightweight concrete is used in structural and non-structural
applications. When used as a structural material, as in composite
slabs in steel-framed structures, the cement content is usually
increased to maintain structural grade strength. However, in such
application, high strength is not essential, and low stregth may be
even more desirable, when consideration is given to re-cycling
and re-use. The project involves designing lightweight concrete
using a variety of methods, for two low grades of concrete, 10
and 20MPa at 28 days. In addition to the concrete being
lightweight, the project's other objective is for the concrete to
have low cement content.
Literature survey
CJL3 PERMEABILITY OF CONCRETE INCORPORATING

CEMENT REPLACING MATERIALS
Description Permeability is an important property of hardened concrete
controlling the ease with which concrete can be degraded by the
ingress of harmful species. The project looks at permeability
using various methods and relates permeability to porosity and
strength for blended cement concrete.
Literature survey
CJL4 PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE INCORPORATING

CEMENT REPLACING MATERIALS IN BINARY AND
TERNARY BLENDS
Description Cement replacing materials, e.g. pulverised fuel ash, blast furnace
slag, condensed silica fume and metakaolin, are used to enhance
the long-term properties of concrete. However, all have
limitations when used in concrete. This project investigates the
potential of ternary blends and the advantages that can be
achieved over binary blend in terms of overall performance. The
project involves a literature review and an experimental study.
Literature survey
CJL5 PROPERTIES OF FLOWING CONCRETE

Description Flowing concrete is concrete that is designed, using appropriate
materials and methods, to be self-compacting. This has huge
practicle and safety advantages as cost is reduced due to less
labour time is needed and less noise and 'white finger' incidents
as there is no vibration. The project compares traditional concrete
and flowing concrete of similar grade, with respect to their
microstructure, permeability and bond strength to steel
reinforcemenet.
Literature survey
CJL6 RHEOLOGY OF CONCRETE

Description As a result of the complexity of the system, the flow of fresh
concrete is difficult to model or predict for given mix parameters.
Workability is often determined using empirical methods,
yielding results not necessarily reflecting the flow of concrete in
a particular construction operation. This is especially
compounded given the variety in types of binder and admixtures
in use. The project involves utilising Tattersall's two-point test to
predict the flow behaviour of various types of concrete in a
model formwork under different flow conditions.
Literature survey
CJL7 THE HIGHEST CONCRETE STRENGTH POSSIBLE
Description Over the last decade, high strength concrete has become
increasingly utilised in the construction of high rise buildings and
slender sections. The aim of the project is to produce in the lab,
concrete with the highest strength possible given certain materials
and conditions. The work should be supported with clear logical
progression of ideas based on the concepts that control the
strength of concrete. The project should enable the student to
enter the High Strength Concrete University Challenge organised
by Messers Sandberg (testing house), the details of which will be
publicised at a later stage.
Literature survey
CJL8 TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF 'GREEN'

CONCRETE
Description With the increase in environmental awareness, there is a need to
find alternatives to natural resources and alternative materials and
processes for the production of the cementing material in
concrete which are less demanding on energy resources and with
smaller contribution to atmospheric pollution. The production of
Portland cement accounts for around 7-10% of the industrially
produced carbon dioxide world-wide.. The project aims towards
developing a new type of structural concrete based on minimum
reliance on OPC through the use alkali-activated PFA and slag as
the sole binders. The project involves a literature review and an
experimental investigation.
Literature survey
EAB1 A NEW POZZOLANIC CEMENT FOR CONCRETE

Supervisor Dr Ewan Byars
Description This project will investigate the potential for using ground waste
glass from various sources as a pozzolanic material in concrete.
Waste container glass, plate glass from demolished buildings,
scrapped windscreens, lightbulbs and waste glass fibres will be
considered. The project benefits from having an RA specialising
in this area working in the laboratories and extensive
collaboration from industry, including the possibility of
successful concrete products being developed for full-scale
production at a later stage. Dedicated new apparatus in the
Concrete Materials Laboratories that can analyse the gradings
and hydration products of very finely ground cementitious
materials also support this project.
Literature survey
EAB2 ARCHITECTURAL CONCRETE

Description The Concrete Materials Research Unit researchers are involved in
a number of projects related to architectural form, finish and
function. Any research and development proposals from students
would be welcome for discussion.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
EAB3 SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE

Description The Concrete Materials researchers have recently developed a
form of self-compacting concrete (SCC) that is much more
economic and of higher performance than exists elsewhere in the
UK, if not the world. As a result of Health and Safety legislation,
contractors are increasingly using this new type of concrete,
which cuts out the need for compaction by noisy vibration on site
and in factories. The aim of this project is to extend the current
research to investigate the engineering and durability properties
of our SCC for high-performance applications, such as bridge
beams, high-rise building applications and slender architectural
concrete. Other strands of the investigation could include the use
of pigmentation and/or exposed aggregate finishes to further
enhance the appeal of this type of concrete product.
Literature survey
EAB4 YOUR CONCRETE PASSION?

Description Proposals are invited from students with a keen interest in any
area of Concrete Materials technology that they would like to
investigate. This could be, for example
i) archaeological mortars wrt modern mortars - chemical and
physical attributes
ii) Highest possible concrete strength
iii) Lowest possible concrete alkalinity using conventional
materials
iv) Any other interest will be considered
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
GZ1 EFFECTS OF SPATIALLY VARYING EARTHQUAKES

ON BRIDGES
Supervisor Dr Giovanna Zanardo
Description Bridges are typically more sensible to geotechnical factors as
well as soil-structure interaction effects than buildings are.
Further, bridges are often constructed at sites with difficult
ground conditions, thus relative displacements often occur
because of small settlements of the ground layer, as well as large
relative displacements of supports may occur due to fault
dislocation during an earthquake. Therefore, the first step in
conducting a seismic performance evaluation of bridges is to
study their seismic vulnerability, in terms of overall expected
behaviour as well as localised structural damaging sources, as
earthquakes have a habit of identifying structural weaknesses and
concentrating damage at these locations. In this project a seismic
analysis of a bridge will be performed, by using both a uniform
excitation and spatially varying earthquake ground motions in
input. FE codes (ANSYS or SAP2000) will be used to develop
the model and a review of the available seismic specifications
(especially Eurocode 8) will be undertaken for the analysis.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
GZ2 MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF TUNNELLING

INDUCED SETTLEMENTS
Description Tunnelling action is inevitably accompanied by the risk of sub-
surface ground movements which are manifest at the surface in a
trough centered over the tunnel and extending in front of the
advancing face. Empirical data derived from a number of
tunnelling projects (including CTRL tunnels), confirm that the
shape of the initial surface settlement trough developed across
and behind the tunnel face (longitudinal wave or bow wave)
follows that of an inverted normal distribution curve for a variety
of ground conditions and tunneling methods. The lateral extent of
the trough (transverse wave) is primarily related to the depth of
the tunnel, the volume loss due to the tunneling process and the
properties of the soil. The movements induced by the bow wave
are generally transient resulting in negligible permanent
longitudinal differential settlement, whilst the transverse wave
results in permanents ground displacements.
In this project, different formulations of tunnelling induced
ground settlements will be analysed and compared. The
numerical formulations will be implemented with either
Mathematica or MatLAB software.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
GZ3 SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF A MASONRY STRUCTURE

WITH ANSYS
Description Masonry is quite a complex material and masonry structures are
usually treated as discontinuous structural systems. Interface
discontinuities are between adjacent blocks (joints) and make the
overall system to have an anisotropic behaviour. Failure
mechanisms under seismic excitation are mainly of the brittle
type and they are depending on the crack pattern. Therefore, the
actual dynamic behaviour of masonry structures is often
investigated through a non-linear analysis. To investigate the
behaviour of unreiforced masonry construction, a seismic
analysis of a FE model of a shear wall will be performed. In
particular, to exploit ANSYS facilities and wide range of FE
elements, both a micro and a macro-model of a masonry structure
will be defined and its performance under earthquake ground
motion will be evaluated. A review of the modelling approaches
available in literature will be carried out. The accuracy of the
results will be discussed depending on the assumptions made in
the definition of the models.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
GZ4 SEISMIC PROTECTION OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

Description The dynamic behaviour of Offshore Structures under ground
excitation is still under research. It is known that the vibration of
these structures or the crucial structural members can cause
fatigue and, in extreme cases, failure of the system. To maintain
the integrity (condition) of new and older platforms it is
necessary, in many cases, to take measures to reduce the
vibrations, either in the design phase or by retrofitting the
existing structure. In this project a study of an offshore structure
under earthquake ground motion will be developed. In particular,
the results from a simplified reduced-scale experimental model
will be compared with those obtained from a numerical FE model
of the considered offshore system. Isolators will be included in
the models to assess the effectiveness of the application of
seismic protection devices.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
Number of Students Two
HA1 ANALYTICAL AND NUMERICAL MODELLING OF

FLOW AND SEDIMENT THROUGH OPEN CHANNELS
Supervisor Prof Harm Askes
Description Flow through open channels occurs in various fields of Civil
Engineering, such as rivers, irrigation and drainage channels. The
accurate modelling of flow through open channels is important to
analyse and predict changes in water level, which could lead to
severe damage and loss of life if exceeding certain thresholds. In
this project, analytical and numerical models for water flow in
open channels will be developed.
In the analytical part of the work, the relevant parameters for the
flow will be identified. A prototype example of flow through
open channels will be studied in detail and will be integrated with
sediment transport. In particular, the influence of
slope/roughness/channel shape will be investigated. The simplest
version of the model will be linear, so that an analytical solution
can be attempted. The inclusion of expressions for sediment
transport may give rise to nonlinearities in the model, which will
be modelled numerically. In the numerical part of the work,
iterative solution strategies will be developed so that an
approximate solution for the nonlinear equations can be found.
Also, a time integration scheme will be formulated to monitor the
evolution of the water surface profile and sediment
concentrations in time in response to an unsteady flow rate.
The project consists of a short literature study, the analytical

formulation of the models, analytical solutions for the linear
model and numerical solutions for the nonlinear model.
Joint Supervisor Dr Simon Tait

Literature survey
Computer-modelling
HA2 MICRO-MECHANICAL ELASTIC CONTINUUM

MODELS
Description Three-dimensional particle systems, such as atomic lattices or
sand grains, will be transformed into continuum models by
means of continualisation methods. The micro-structural
properties (e.g. particle spacing) will enter the continuum
description as additional parameters. As such, a multi-scale
material description is obtained whereby the microscopic
behaviour is automatically coupled to the macroscopic behaviour.
The improved continuum description will then be used to model

the dynamic behaviour of the material. In particular the
dispersion of high-frequency waves through the particle system
will be studied.
The project involves a literature study. The derivations may be

carried out with specialised software such as Maple or
Mathematica.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
HA3 MODELLING OF RESTRAINTS IN FINITE ELEMENT

ANALYSIS WITH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE PENALTY
FUNCTIONS
Description All structural problems are subject to restraints, as for instance
supports or settlements. This project deals with the handling of
restraints in finite element analysis. Penalty functions constitute
one class of numerical techniques to handle restraints.
Traditionally, these penalty functions should adopt positive
values, but it has recently been proven that also negative values
can be used. The exact solution of a problem is then bounded
from above and from below by the positive and negative penalty
functions. Proofs exist for vibration analysis, but in this work it
will be pursued to show that these bounds exist in a larger class
of problems.
The project will involve a literature study and the development of

a small finite element code in MATLAB, to which the penalty
methods will then be added.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
HA4 MODELLING OF RESTRAINTS IN FINITE ELEMENT

ANALYSIS WITH VIRTUAL INERTIA
Description All structural problems are subject to restraints, as for instance
supports or settlements. This project deals with the handling of
restraints in finite element analysis. In a recently developed
method, the restraints are imposed by adding virtual masses to
the system. The virtual inertia that is the result of this virtual
mass then restricts certain degrees of freedom.
In this project, the concept of virtual inertia will be used within a

numerical context. The project will involve a literature study and
the development of a small finite element code in MATLAB, to
which the virtual inertia will then be added.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
HA5 NUMERICAL MODELLING OF RAYLEIGH WAVES

Description Rayleigh waves are waves that propagate along the surface of a
medium. They accompany the so-called body waves that
propagate through the bulk of the medium. Rayleigh waves can
be a source of structural failure, and therefore the accurate
description of Rayleigh waves is of importance.
Recently, a new method to model Rayleigh waves has been

developed, in which the solution is decomposed into two parts: a
propagating along the surface and a stationary one perpendicular
to the surface. In this project, the two solutions will be studied
from a numerical point of view, and to this end a numerical
implementation of the two solutions will be pursued.
The project involves a literature study and the development of a

small finite difference or finite element code. The successfull
completion of CIV 340 is essential for this project.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
HA6 REMOVING SINGULARITIES FROM STRESS AND

STRAIN FIELDS
Description The classical equations of elasticity predict singularities in the
stress and strain fields if sharp cracks are present in the material.
This could give problems in the interpretation of the results, for
instance the output of a finite element code.
To solve this problem, an alternative formulation of elasticity

could be used, in which stresses and strains are post-processed
based on the inherent micro-structure of the material. (Note that
information on the microstructure is absent in classical
elasticity!)
The project involves some literature study, after which a simple

finite element code will be developed to study the singularities in
classical elasticity. As a next step, the post-processing steps will
be added to this code, such that the singularities can be removed.
The successfull completion of CIV 340 is essential for this
project.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
JBB1 LABORATORY STUDY OF MECHANISMS AND
PROCESSES LEADING TO DISCOLOURATION OF
POTABLE WATER
Supervisor Dr Joby Boxall
Description Discolouration of potable water is the single biggest cause of
customer complaints in the international water supply industry.
Such aesthetic complaints are often indicative of potentially more
serious public health related contamination. These events are
thought to be a result of the mobilisation of materials and
biological layers from within the pipe work of distribution
systems. Such layers build up over a prolonged period and are
influenced in character, rate of build-up and compositions by a
complex interaction of processes. This project will involve
laboratory based study of the processes and mechanisms involved
in material accumulation and mobilisation. This will be as part of
a wider ongoing programme of research and experimentation,
working under the supervision of a PhD Research Associate
employed on the project.
Literature survey
JBB2 LEAKAGE DETECTION WITHIN WATER

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Description Non-revenue water, primarily leakage, accounts for
approximately one third of the treated water supplied into water
distribution systems. However, water distribution systems are
complex encompassing thousand of km of pipe, thousands of
connections and hundreds of control structures for ever town or
city served. Hence understanding the performance of such
systems is complex. Yet water service providers make little or no
use of available tools to aid in interpretation and understanding of
the current performance of these systems, for example the timely
identification of leakage through localised reduction in pressure
could lead to leakage repair prior to incurring customer
complaints, loss of service and reduce loss of water. This project
will focus on the identification of optimal instrumentation
numbers and locations to provide such information of distribution
systems performance. This will be informed through the use of
scenario modelling utilising distribution system simulation
software. The practicality of such an approach is only recently
available due to improved instrumentation and in particular
remote communications technology. Dependent on progress the
project will potentially entail live system trials for proof of
concept with Yorkshire Water Services.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
JBB3 LIVE REPAIR OF WATER PIPES

Description The repair of pipe bursts and leakage currently requires the
reduction of water distribution system pressures such that a safe
working environment can be established for positioning of a
repair clam. This reduction of pressure causes significant
disruption to supply, and is a major cause of customer contacts
received by water companies. Yorkshire Water Services are
seeking the development of new technologies to facilitate pipe
repairs without the need for pressure reductions, hence improving
their customer service. There is no restriction on the concepts to
be developed, including internal or external approaches. As a by
product of this development Yorkshire Water are also particularly
keen to reduce excavation sizes, reducing highway disruption and
associated costs (“key hole” repairs?).
The project will require the development of innovative
solution(s) to prototype stage including the potential for testing
on live systems.
This project is supported by Yorkshire Water Services and
Morrison (contractor).
The project may be in association with a Mechanical Engineering
dissertation project student (dependent on Mech Eng project
allocation).

Fieldwork
JBB4 POLLUTANT INGRESS INTO POTABLE WATER

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Description Leakage thorough pipe bursts accounts for a significant amount
of the potable water produced in the UK, typical estimates are
around 35%. On this basis leakage management is a major
undertaking of most water utilities. However there is an
economic threshold where the savings in lost water does not
justify the expense of leakage location and repair, hence many
leaks remain undetected and un-repaired. The ingress of
potentially polluted ground water into the treated water supply
through such apertures is not normally considered by water
companies as the system maintains a significant positive pressure
over the ground water conditions, prohibiting ingress. However,
under certain operational conditions, in particular transient or
water hammer events, ingress can occur. This project will
investigate the phenomena of contaminant ingress into
distribution systems using surge modelling techniques, with the
aim of quantifying the associated level of risk as a driver for
leakage repair and changes to operational practice.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
JBB5 POLLUTANT MIXING AND TRANSPORT UNDER

FLOOD CONDITIONS
Description It is imperative for environmental impact studies to be able to
predict the fate of pollutants. Pollutants enter natural
watercourses from a wide variety of sources and maybe
particularly severe under flood conditions, for example run off
and combined sewer overflows. The relevant mixing and
transport processes maybe predicted with a limited degree of
confidence under normal flow conditions, provided site-specific
field studies are undertaken. However, the pertinent processes are
dramatically altered under flood conditions, and it is not feasible
to undertake field studies under such conditions. This project will
undertake laboratory studies simulating over-bank flow
conditions to obtain new data, this data will be analysed and
compared to new prediction techniques, recently proved for in-
bank flow conditions.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
JBB6 THE IMPACTS OF CALIBRATION ASSUMPTIONS ON

WATER QUALITY PREDICTIONS USING WATER
DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS MODELS
Description Potable water quality is of fundamental importance for public
health. Improved understanding, model functionality and
increasing legislative pressures are driving the water supply
industry towards quality modelling. Such modelling will utilise
hydraulic models of distribution network as the bases to predict
quality transformations occurring within the distribution systems,
for example prediction of disinfection residual decay (most
commonly free chlorine). The majority of water quality reactions
are time dependent; hence quality predictions are intrinsically
linked to the travel time of water through distribution systems.
Travel time prediction are directly linked to hydraulic solution for
velocity. However many hydraulic models are calibrated for
pressure criteria alone. Calibration is a complex function of
model parameters such as demand allocation, pipe diameter and
roughness coefficients. This project will look at the factors
commonly considered as model calibration variables, in
particular demand patterns and variability, and investigate the
relative impacts of these variables on water quality modelling
predictions.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
JBD1 BUILDING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Supervisor Dr Buick Davison
Description This project aims to investigate the environmental impacts and
structural implications of building for sustainability. A number of
avenues may be followed - eg a detailed comparison of building
materials, consideration of construction methods, a review of
current legislation and its likely effects on design - but the brief is
intentionally open so that you may follow what interests you the
most. The project is particularly suitable for Structural
Engineering and Architecture students.
Literature survey
JBD2 COMPARISON OF STEEL FRAME DESIGN METHODS

Description Multi-storey steel frames may be designed in a number of ways.
The most popular method in the UK is to assume the beam to
column connections are simple joints (which acts as if pins) and
ignore any interaction between beams and columns. This method
has proved attractive as an analysis of the complete frame is
unnecessary. With the wide availability of analysis software and
the recent publication of Eurocode 3 other methods are likely to
become more widely used, such as continuous (rigid) and semi-
continuous (semi-rigid or partial strength) design and the wind-
moment connection method. The aim of this project is to
investigate these design methods through the design of a number
of trial frames. The resulting designs will be compared for weight
of steel, cost and ease of design. A local fabricator, Billington
Structures Ltd, have agreed to assist with this project.
Literature survey
JBD3 DESIGN OF LATERALLY UNRESTRAINED BEAMS AND

BEAM-COLUMNS
Description The recent publication of Eurocode 3 is likely to require a greater
understanding of the behaviour of unrestrained beams and beam-
columns in order to correctly interpret the design
recommendations. The design of members subject to both axial
load and bending can be daunting. The key to understanding this
topic is to appreciate the different modes of failure and how these
are related to the approximate formulae used in design equations.
The aim of this project is to first research the background to the
behaviour of laterally unrestrained beams and biaxially loaded
beam-columns. To assist students understand these design
equations, a spreadsheet will be developed to quickly evaluate the
effect of changing variables. The resulting spreadsheet will prove
useful in taught courses in future years and therefore must be
easily understood by other users.
Literature survey
JBD4 DESIGN OF STEEL FRAMES WITH SEMI-RIGID

CONNECTIONS
Description In steel frames the behaviour of the joints between the beams and
columns is often idealised as either pinned or rigid. In reality
joints tend to behave as semi-rigid with partial-strength.
Eurocode 3 has introduced guidance to make use of semi-rigid
connections. But is this type of design practical? The aim of this
project will be to examine a number of methods proposed in the
literature in recent years each of which purports to present a
practical method of incorporating semi-rigid action into frame
design. An example of the type of work to be examined is shown
in a paper by Cabrero, JM and Bayo, E, Development of practical
design methods for steel strcutures with semi-rigid connections,
Engineering Structures 27(2005) pp1125-1137 (available through
University Library electronic journals link).
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
JBD5 LABORATORY TESTING OF TRADITIONAL

CARPENTRY JOINTS
Description Restoration or refurbishment projects often involve the structural
engineer in repairs to timber beams and frames. Significant loss
of strength or even actual failure may have occurred due to
degradation of the timber following water ingress or insect
infestation.
A number of modern repair techniques have been developed to
restore structural capacity. These often involve steel flitch plates
or epoxy resin fixing of steel bars. In the past, however,
successful repairs were carried out using traditional carpentry
joints, such as scarf, with oak pegs and wedging. In a modern
context it is often difficult to justify these methods by calculation.
They can offer advantages in terms of cost and speed of repair.
They are also more historically in keeping and assist in
maintaining traditional skills and crafts.
This project would aim to load test scale specimens of traditional

carpentry joints in oak.
Other aspects which could be explored include:
Literature search for previous experimental work;
Building an analytical model of a traditional joint;
Calibration of the analytical model with the load testing;
Extrapolation of the results to full size joints.
It is hoped that a York company may be able to provide the

specimens at a reduced cost. There is also the possibility of grants
being made available via the National Trust or English Heritage.
Literature survey
JBD6 RATIONALISED COMPUTER MODELLING OF

COMPLEX STRUCTURES
Description The power of computer analysis has advanced dramatically in
recent years. Three dimensional models of structures in three
dimensions can be readily created in a few hours with, literally
tens of thousands of elements using aplications mounted on the
average office PC.
Modelling of this type can craete problems, particularly with
error trapping and trying to develop an intuitive feel for the
structural behaviour.
One particular example in question focuse on a modular steel
system, recently used in an Alan Wodd and Partners project for a
seventeen storey building. The frame was analysed including
every physical element, which led to a considerable number of
doubled up beams and columns.
This project would aim to create a rationalised computer model
for this type of structure. It would investigate:
The simplest model which would still provide accurate overall
stiffness characteristics;
Enhanced modelling of one area to enable local element design;
A methodical approach to error trapping;
Formulation of general principles and good practice which could
be applied to other structural frames or materials.
Computer-modelling
JBD7 STEEL BRIDGE DESIGN COMPETITION

Description Each year Corus and the SCI organise a student competition to
design a steel bridge. A panel prepare a detailed brief which is
published in September. This project is built around this
competition and will require a thorough investigation of steel
bridge design and the preparation of a detailed competition entry.
The brief for the 05/06 competition is available (see
http://www.steel-sci.org/education/competitions.htm for details).
Projects of a suitable standard will be entered for the national
competition. Project has relevance to architecture.
Literature survey
JCC1 CONTROLS ON THE DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF

MUDSTONES
Supervisor Dr John Cripps
Description The performance of mudstones in slope, fills and other
engineering situations depends on the rate and extent to which
they loose strength when they are exposed to weathering
processes. Standard durability tests are used to classify the
durability of the materials but do not always provide reliable
results compared with the behaviour of the materials in situ. The
objective of the project is to investigate some of the factors that
affect the durability properties of mudstones in terms of
performance in slake durability, sulphate soundness, wetting and-
drying and freeze-thaw tests. It is envisaged the project will
consist of a series of such laboratory experiments in which
samples of a variety of mudstones are subjected to simulated
weathering conditions and durability determinations. The work
will also include a literature review and an assessment of the
implications of the results in terms of the performance of the
materials in engineering situations.
Literature survey
JCC2 EFFECT OF POREWATER COMPOSITION ON

GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF CLAYS
Description Changes in porewater composition occur in response to natural
weathering processes, the application of road salt, sea spray and
pollution from waste disposal sites. Due to chemical interaction
with clay minerals, changes in porewater composition may bring
about changes in the engineering properties of the materials such
that designs based on parameters determined using standard
laboratory methods at the time of construction may not apply
though the life of the structure. One of the aims of the project
will be to quantify the change in residual shear strength and
plasticity with changes in pore water composition. Residual shear
strength determinations will be carried out using a modified
Bromhead ring shear machine. Other geotechnical parameters,
including permeability may also be determined. The project is
largely laboratory based with a literature survey and analysis to
consider the significance in engineering applications of the
effects measured.
Literature survey
JCC3 EFFECTS OF MOISTURE CONTENT ON THE

STRENGTH OF ROCKS
Description Standard laboratory testing to determine the strength of rocks is
often carried out on oven dried specimens. This gives consistent
results but may over-estimate the strength of the material in situ.
The objective of the project is to carry out uniaxial strength
determinations on specimens of different rock types at different
states of saturation. Both compressive and tensile strength tests
can be carried out. Thus the effects of factors such as mineralogy,
grain size and density on the changes in strength with moisture
content will be investigated. One of the challenges of the project
is to devise a method of achieving a predictable degree of
saturation in specimens that are being tested. It is envisaged that
the project will include a literature review and an evaluation of
the results in terms of the design of engineering structures in
rock.
Literature survey
Number of Students one/more
JCC4 METHODS OF IMPROVING THE ENGINEERING

PERFORMANCE OF COLLIERY SPOIL
Description Colliery spoil is the waste rock material resulting from coal
mining activities. It consists of a mixture of mudstone, sandstone
and coal fragments. Although it is not now being produced in
large volumes, there is much available in some areas and it has
potential for use as a fill and landfill lining material. Previous
work shows that by selecting finer material and adding clay it can
be used to construct satisfactory low-permeability barriers for
landfill sites. When used as fill, problematic swelling or large
settlements may occur but the addition of fly ash or demolition
waste may be used to improve the performance of the compacted
material. The objective of the project is to investigate the
engineering performance of colliery spoil in various states of
compaction with or without added materials. The investigation
will be largely based on laboratory experiments with literature
review. Possible areas for investigation include settlement
behaviour, potential for swelling and variation in permeability
where there is scope for variation in the emphasis placed on
different aspects of the study and interpreting the results in terms
of engineering applications, according to the preferences of the
investigator.
Literature survey
JCC5 MINING AND OTHER HAZARDS IN SHEFFIELD
Description The ground conditions and past exploitation of natural resources
in Sheffield give rise to conditions that may be problematic or
hazardous to present and future land-uses. The objective of the
project is to review the ground conditions and past land-uses and
report on factors that should be taken into account when making
land-use decisions and civil engineering work. Initially this will
be based on a literature study. Various forms of hazard may also
be considered, including slope instability, flooding, contaminated
ground, acid mine water discharge and poor ground conditions.
Of particular concern are the extensive areas where mining for
coal has taken place as these pose a serious threat to ground
stability in various parts of the city, expecially the city centre.
Part of the project may focus on Sheffield City Council
procedures for assessing development plans. In addition, recently
acquired site investigation data can be collated to increase the
area of maps showing the distribution of past mining activities. A
map, produced in a previous project, showing mining in the
Devonshire Green area may be extended to cover parts of the city
centre or the West Street - Glossop Road area. This will involve
collaboration with the City Council and local civil engineering
consulting companies that are responsible for the design and
construction of new structures in the city. The report should
include recommendations for safety precautions for hazards and
designs for appropriate remedial measures.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
JCC6 THE STABILITY OF ROCK SLOPES IN SHEFFIELD

Description There are a large number of disused quarries and natural slopes in
and near to Sheffield that pose threats to present day land users
due to various forms of instability. The objective of the project is
to conduct a survey of slopes and disused quarries to identify
possible hazardous conditions and thier causes. It is expected that
certain slopes will then be chosen for more detailed study. Then
working in accordance with published recommendations for the
recording of rock mass conditions, particular slopes or quarries
that will be surveyed. Computer software and manual
calculations may be used to plot survey data, assist with the
identification of failure modes and determine factors of safety.
Laboratory testing for shear strength and other properties may be
carried out. The project will include a literature review,
description of stability controls and design of remedial measures
with possible contact with consultants who have designed and
undertaken stabilisation works.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
JMB1 FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF A SUSPENSION

BRIDGE
Supervisor Prof James Brownjohn
Description As part of a project on monitoring the behaviour of civil
infrastructure, a finite element model of Tamar Suspension
Bridge needs to be created. This is major exercise that involves
understanding the physics that govern suspension bridge
behaviour and creation of models of increasing complexity. The
end product is expected to be a simulation of the bridge that
reproduces the 3-dimensional attributes of the sructure and which
can if necessary be refined with additional detail. The models can
be checked against each other and against experimental data
obtained from the bridge.
The modelling exercise is beyond the capability of a single
student.
Finite element program ANSYS will be used.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
Number of Students Two
JMB2 PERFORMANCE OF HIGH-FREQUENCY FLOORS

-EXPERIMENTATION
Description Floors having first natural frequencies above approximtely 10Hz
are classified as 'high frequency' since walking across them does
not cause resonance. The cut-off frequency is somewhat arbitrary
and there is a need for harder evidence from tests on a range of
floors. The project will involve limited free vibration
measurements followed by walking tests on suitable floors
accessible within Mappin building.
If possible the student wil work in parallel with a partner dealing
with analsysis by finite element modelling
Fieldwork
JMB3 SUBSTRUCTURE REPRESENTATION OF
ORTHOTROPIC PLATE AND TRUSS GIRDER
SEGEMENTS OF A BRIDGE
Description When creating a finite element model of a structure, a
manageabel level of detail should be used. Structural sub-
assemblies such as orthotropic deck plates are attachd to the main
structure at only a few points so that it should be pssible to find a
simple but structurally equivalent representation. The project
student will use ANSYS finite element code to model a deck
plate in full detail, determine its stiffness and mass characteristics
and devise a simple plate equivalent. The same exercise could be
repeated for a section of truss-deck girder.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
KP1 CONCRETE IN ARCHITECTURE

Supervisor Prof Kypros Pilakoutas
Description Some architects and engineers can use concrete with spectacular
effect, but that requires a good understanding of the material and
its uses. Initially the student working on this project will report
on the historical developments in this field and categorise the
different uses of concrete finishes and elements. The second part
of the project will involve the conceptual design of an
architecturally significant concrete structure, furniture,
monument or statue. Alternatives proposed will be examined and
approval will have to be obtained before proceeding to the final
part of the project. The final part of the project will involve either
the detailed design and production of suitable drawings or the
physical construction of the proposed item, depending on the
scale and complexity of its nature.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
KP2 DESIGN OF A ROOF FOR THE PARTHENON

(ACROPOLIS-ATHENS)
Description Air pollution and acid rain have deleterious effects on many
historical monuments world-wide. Protecting such structures
from rain can do a lot to reduce environmental damage. The
object of this project is to design a suitable roof for the
Parthenon, after detailed consideration of the various structural
materials and forms that would be architecturally acceptable. A
computer analysis of an approved structure will take place after
taking into account all loading. Detailed design of typical
structural elements and suitable fixing systems will be
undertaken in the second semester. ' Project has relevance to
architecture.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
KP3 FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

Description Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) elements have been accepted in
construction due to their strength, toughness and durability. The
object of this project is the design, manufacture and testing a new
FRC element. The student(s) is initially required to undertake a
literature research of existing uses of FRC and find out the
material properties of FRC and methods of design. By the end of
the first semester the student is expected to make the preliminary
design for three new FRC elements, such as, Architectural panels,
sculptures, street furniture, garden furniture or construction
formwork. One element will be fully designed and detailed
(including the formwork) and casting will take place in the
second semester. Finally, the element will be tested to check
compliance with design specifications. ' This project may have
relevance to architecture
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
KP4 FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER (FRP)

REINFORCEMENT
Description FRP reinforcement has recently been introduced as a replacement
for steel, to address durability concerns. The EU funded Marie
Curie network En-Core (European Network for Composites in
Construction)aims to develop design guidelines for the use of
FRP. The student taking this project will work along side a
research team working with several leading academic partners
from Europe. The student will participate in experimental and
analytical research which aims to address issues like bond
behaviour, mechanical characteristics of the FRP and strength of
concrete reinforced or strengthened with FRP.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
KP5 STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION

OF MAPPIN BUILDING
Description The Sir Frederick Mappin Building in which our Department is
based has been constructed and extended over more than 100
years. The space offered does not meet all the requirements of
modern Engineering Departments. The aim is to come up with a
comprehensive plan for modernisation.
This project will start by undertaking a comprehensive survey of
one part of the building (CSE), including taking measurements
and making comparisons against existing drawings. Both non-
destructive methods and limited coring will then enable the
determination of structural parameters.
The loads that can be safely sustained by the floors will be
assessed by using modern analytical techniques.
Proposals for moderninasion by taking into account Departmental
needs will then be worked out, including the modernisation of the
Structures laboratories. Preliminary costs and timetable for works
will be prepared, having in mind budgetary constraints and
minimisation of distruption to normal activities.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
Number of Students One or two
KP6 USE OF WASTE IN CONSTRUCTION

Description As environmental legislation tightens on waste disposal,
innovative approaches have to be developed in reusing waste in
construction. The object of this project is to enable students to
understand the basics in environmental legislation and how that
may affect the materials used in construction. The students are
initially required to study and report on the different types of
waste materials currently used in construction and identify new
sources of waste materials, which could be potentially used in
construction. Students will be expected to find out the properties
of these materials through experiment and then find ways of
using them in construction (in particular concrete).In the second
semester the students will be expected to demonstrate the ability
of these materials to be used in construction through the design
and construction of prototypes. ' This project may have relevance
to architecture.
Literature survey
MER1 APPLICATION OF GEOCHEMICAL MODELLING ON

PREDICTING THE STABILITY OF THAUMASITE
Supervisor Dr Maria Romero Gonzalez
Description The stability of calcium silicate hydrate is affected by the
presence of sulfate, carbonate and chloride ions from atmospheric
deposition, snow melting and runoff. This project aims to
incorporate the thermodynamic stability constant of the present
phases at different temperatures and pH conditions, by using the
geochemical modelling software PHREEQCi to simulate solution
conditions from experimentally obtained data as input parameter.
The results will contribute to predict chemical reactions that may
affect the stability of the cement structure as a result of loss of
bond or cracking.
Joint Supervisor Dr Cyril Lynsdale

Literature survey
Computer-modelling
MER2 COMPETITION BETWEEN METAL AND ORGANIC

POLLUTANTS FOR BINDING SITES IN SOIL SURFACES
Description Soil organic matter is largely known to be responsible for
adsorption of pollutants on the surface. However, sorption
capacity is limited and it can be quantified. In a series of batch
experiments this study aims to quantify competition for binding
sites on the surface of soils between metals and organic
compounds. The results will be modelled by fitting well-known
sorption isotherms and metal-species distribution on the aqueous
phase. Selectivity of the soil surface toward a pollutant will
confirm the nature of the binding sites and will contribute to the
prediction of transport of contaminants in the environment.
Computer-modelling
MER3 DETERMINATION OF ACID-BASE CAPACITY OF SOILS

Description Acid-base properties of soil are of paramount importance to
quantify when studying transport of metal pollution in soil and
groundwater. Acid-base behaviour of three type of soils will be
charaterised using potentiometric titrations at different solution
ionic strength values. Results will be fit into an acid-base model
and predictions of sorption behaviour toward metal cations will
be performed.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
MER4 MICRO FTIR-ATR SPECTROSCOPY OF THE CELL-

MINERAL INTERFACE
Description The FTIR-ATR technique has proven to be a powerful method to
obtain relevant information for revealing biomaterials
composition, its interaction with ion metal solution and
understanding adsorption to surfaces. This project aims to
develop a method for obtaining reproducible IR spectra of
bacterial cell in solution and attached to mineral surfaces. The
work involves: i) obtaining spectra of bacterial cell solution at
different pH and ionic strength values; obtaining spectra of
coated colloidal silica solution on the ATR reflection element. ii)
Design and testing of different flow cells to perform in-situ
measurements of bacteria attached to colloidal silica.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
MER5 SELECTION OF MINEWATER REMEDIATION

TREATMENT BY APPLICATION OF GEOCHEMICAL
MODELLING
Description Minewater treatment technologies are complex and varied. The
success of treatment application often depends on the polluted
water initial conditions as well as other factors. One way to save
costs and decide what process to apply is using geochemical
modelling. This project aims to create a toolbox based on
Phreeqci to select appropriate minewater treatment based on the
minewater chemistry. A step by step user's guide will also be
created. The final phreeqci template product will assist
goverment agencies and industrial consultants with the selection
of minewater remediation technologies.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
RDW1 AN EXAMINATION OF SOLID PHASE NUTRIENTS

ACROSS THE REACTIVE FRINGE OF A
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINANT PLUME
Supervisor Dr Ryan Wilson
Description Solid ferric (oxidised) iron and manganese oxides and
oxyhydroxides are key immobile terminal electron acceptors
(EA) involved in the natural biodegradation of organic
groundwater contaminants. Byproducts of this bioactivity are
ferrous (reduced) iron and manganese, which may become
reoxidised if they come in contact with oxygen. Such conditions
may occur near plume fringes, especially where water table
elevation may fluctuate. This recycling of iron and manganese
confounds the assessment of natural attenuation, which
conventionally only accounts for one reduction of ferric to
ferrous metal (and oxidation of stoichiometric amount of
contaminant). One way to shed light on this cycling is to examine
the speciation of iron and manganese minerals across the active
plume fringe along a flow path to see if there are differences that
can be associated with on-going bioactivity. The project will
involve work in the lab performing a microscopic examination of
sandstone core taken from a contaminated site, analysis of total
and bioavailable iron and manganese, and some assessment of
iron mineral speciation.
Literature survey
RDW2 CORRELATING PERMEABILITY, GRAIN SIZE AND
CARBONATE CONTENT IN TRIASSIC SANDSTONE
Description The Triassic sandstone assemblages that stretch across the UK
are an important aquifer resource. The sandstone is comprised
predominantly by silica sand cemented together by calcium
carbonate. When this system is contaminated by organic
pollutants (petrol, phenolics, pesticides, etc), natural or
engineered microbial degradation results in the generation of acid
that leaches the carbonate cement. The removal of carbonate
opens pore spaces, increasing the permeability and potentially
adversely affecting the performance of remediation. It may be
possible to accommodate these changes in engineering design if
the changes in permeability (difficult to measure) can be
correlated to grain size and carbonate content (easier to measure).
This project will involve analysis of sections of Triassic
sandstone core collected from a contaminated field site with the
goal of establishing such a relationship.
Literature survey
RDW3 ENHANCED MIXING OF GROUNDWATER

CONTAMINANTS AND ELECTRON ACCEPTORS AT
THE PLUME FRINGE DUE TO WATER TABLE
FLUCTUATIONS
Description It is at the plume fringe where the majority of contaminant mass
is biodegraded by native organisms. The vertical profile of
electron acceptor distribution can be used to estimate vertical
dispersivity, the key parameter that defines vertical dispersive
(mostly diffusive) mixing and therefore how long the plume may
become. However, this assumes that the observed profile is not
enhanced by vertical advection caused by the water table rising
and falling in response to rainfall, local periodic groundwater
pumping or even strong barometric changes. Such impacts will
enhance the apparent mixing, resulting in overestimation of
vertical dispersivity and grossly underestimation of maximum
plume length. This project involves the application of a numerical
computer model to assess the impact of vertical advection on the
mixing process.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
RDW4 GEOCHEMICAL MODELLING OF THE EFFECTS OF
SOLID OXYGEN RELEASE COMPOUNDS ON
GROUNDWATER QUALITY
Description Solid oxygen releasing compounds have been used to stimulate
aerobic bioremediation of aquifers contaminated with organic
compounds for a number of years. They are metal peroxides that
release oxygen when wet. Sharp rises in pH have often been
noted, but little attention has been focussed on impacts to general
water quality. Such drastic geochemical changes can adversely
affect downstream remediation systems or natural ecosystems.
This project will involve the application of a geochemical
modelling program to examine any dissolution/precipitate
reactions that may occur as a result of the decomposition of
magnesium peroxide, and how they might impact aquifer
permeability
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
RDW5 HIERARCHICAL RANKING OF GROUNDWATER

CONTAMINANT FATE AND TRANSPORT PROCESSES
USING MONTE CARLO ANALYSIS
Description It is common practice in hydrogeology to model the fate and
transport of organic contaminants (in pure and/or dissolved form)
using complex process-based numerical codes. Because
environmental systems are spatially complex, modelling these
systems requires a high resolution grid to accurately account for
often spatially discrete processes. The result is usually very long
run times (days to weeks), which is not useful when designing
remediation systems or when rapid response is required. System
emulator models are a recent development that replace the
mathematics of complex processes with a series of Baysian
statistical relationships that represent the variability inherent in
those processes. These models are far quicker to run, making
them ideal for system design, scenario modelling, and sensitivity
analysis. However, in order to build such emulator models, the
statistical relationships need to be constructed. This project will
involve running a complex numerical model a number of times,
incrementally varying one parameter each time. The results will
be factored by a common performance metric so that the
statistical relationship between performance and the tested
parameter can be established. The overall goal is to identify and
rank the most important parameters included in the numerical
model.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
RDW6 MODELLING GROUNDWATER FLOW AT PETROL

SPILL SITES
Description When underground storage tanks leak petrol and contaminate
groundwater, they are removed and the excavation is backfilled
with fill material coarser than the surrounding sediments. During
the excavation, an attempt is made to remove all native sediments
impacted by the spill. Inevitably, however, some contaminated
sediments remain in the subsurface that will ultimately generate a
plume of dissolved constituents. The combination of residual
contamination and altered hydraulic flow through the tank area
may result in unpredictable flow directions and therefore
complicated contaminant mass flux. Treating such mass flux will
be predicated on understanding the flow and transport from these
source areas. This project will involve scenario modelling based
on a real field site, using a sophisticated numerical code to
simultaneously simulate 1) the flow of groundwater through
excavated tank areas, 2) dissolution of residual petrol products
and 3) the spatial and temporal natural of dissolved plumes
generated. Such information could change tank excavation
completion practices.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
RMA1 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTING DRAINAGE

SYSTEMS TO COPE
Supervisor Prof Richard Ashley
Description PWG are leading a national programme to develop new
techniques and ideas to adapt local drainage systems to cope with
future climate change.
This projects will deal with aspects of the study related to
adaptation and capacity building. The precise scope of the work
will depend on progress and student competence, but may
include aspects of technical, economic, social and environmental
performance as well as computer modelling.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
RMA2 FLOOD ESTIMATION AND MANAGEMENT

Description The PWG has been assisting a local building society with the
management of flood risk at their head offices. So far, computer
models have been produced for the flood prediction (FEH), river
routing and in process for the site drainage.
The project entails the use of specialist FEH software, using the
flow measurement from the past 18 months, to update the
predictions of flood risk and devise a range of adaptation
techniques.
This is a real project with real outcomes.
Joint Supervisor Dr Simon Tait

Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
RMA3 FLOODS IN THE FUTURE

Description This project stems from the Government's recent Foresight
programme in which the PWG were responsible for scoping the
urban flood risk increase up to the end of the century. The project
timescale was very short and the project proposed here would re-
work the very cursory analytical studies already published that
looked at how the flood risks will change with climate.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
RMA4 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR WASTEWATER

SERVICE PROVISION
Description Present day wastewater utilities manage their services and
systems in an increasingly demanding and complex way. For this
reason, it is important to support their work and decision
processes with the best available tools in order to deliver the
services with the most effective and efficient performance. The
PWG have been involved in developing a manual of performance
indicators (PIs) for wastewater services for the International
Water Association (IWA). The main aspects of PI assessment are
based on data related to: environmental, operational, personnel,
physical, quality of service and economic and financial
performance. Data are mostly made available through the various
common-use information systems in the utilities. This IWA work
(published in a manual in 2003) is important not only for the
dissemination of the work already developed but also for the
promotion of a wider discussion which will enhance the final
draft version of the Manual. The project will entail piloting the
Manual with Yorkshire Water and (ideally) an overseas
wastewater service provider.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
RMA5 RATS AND SEWERS

Description A few years ago the PWG produced a major report on rats in
sewers. Rats cause emotive responses and everyone has some
fear of their abilities. Recent media articles are misleading when
they say that the problem is increasing and it is due to poor
control in sewers. Recent PWG project work with Welsh Water,
established new procedures that are being implemented to
manage sewer rat problems in an efficient and effective manner,
using a new protocol. The project will investigate the
effectiveness of the new protocol using data being collected by
the rat control contractors and work with Yorkshire Water to
apply it locally. It will entail some site visits to see what is being
done.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
RMA6 THE PERFORMANCE OF WETLAND SYSTEMS

Description Wetlands are increasingy being seen as a means of enhancing
storm drainage quality. PWG have a number of projects studying
the performance of wetlands. This project will concentrate on one
of these at Manor Park, Sheffield, working with Sheffield CC.
The project will entail field sampling, laboratory analysis and
modelling of the hydrological and quality performance.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
Number of Students Up to two
RMA7 WATER CYCLE MANAGEMENT FOR NEW

DEVELOPMENTS
Description PWG are leading players in a large national project looking at
how water services may be provided sustainably to new
developments. This projects will begin with a review of the facets
of sustainability and then move on to look at a case study. The
precise scope of the work will depend on progress and student
competence, but may include aspects of technical, economic,
social and environmental performance as well as computer
modelling.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
RMA8 WATER RESOURCES AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Description The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and
Technology has appointed a Sub-Committee, chaired by the Earl
of Selborne, to investigate the future management of water in the
United Kingdom in the context of demographic and economic
development, and, in the longer term, of climate change. PWG
have been appointed as scientific advisers to the Committee from
October 05 to April 06. There are major concerns that in the UK,
water companies are concentrating on developing new supply
rather than managing demand. The Committee has recently
invited evidence on all issues affecting the future balance of
supply and demand. The project will work with Yorkshire Water
to investigate good practice and develop guidance as to how
water resoiurces and supply could be better handled in the UK.
Financial support may be available to a suitable student.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
SAB1 DESIGN MODELS FOR REMEDIATING MINE WASTE
IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Supervisor Prof Steve Banwart
Description The impact of mine waste tips on the environment can often be
reduced by implementation of restoration methods such as cover
layers that keep out infiltrating rain water. Mathematical models
are used for assessing how cover layer designs will perform in
preventing pollution release. This project will build on earlier
undergraduate projects that have initiated several types of
modelling approaches, and have assessed several types of cover
layers. Development of design criteria for acceptable cover layers
is one particularly important application for such models. Other
application could include study of a specific mine site for detailed
design of cover layers.
Computer-modelling
SAB2 LABORATORY ASSESSMENT OF MINE WATER

POLLUTION POTENTIAL
Description There are currently few methods to assess the potential for
contamination to leach from mine sites into the environment.
Regulatory authorities in the UK such as the Environment
Agency and local councils, need methods to decide what
environmental impacts will result from closing existing mines, or
issuing permits for new mining. This project will apply
laboratory experimental methods to assess how contamination
leaches from mine rock, and will study factors that increase or
decrease the potential contamination load when the rock is in
contact with infiltrating rainwater, or groundwater. The work can
be extended by scaling lab results to field sites, by using existing
mathematical models for mine water contamination.
SAB3 MINE WASTE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Description In many mining areas, waste rock and low grade ore or coal are
tipped at the ground surface where infiltrating rainwater can act
to leach contamination from the material, into surface waters or
into groundwaters. This project is field based, with sampling of
spoil tip discharges in the South Yorkshire Coal Field, as a basis
for assessing potential environmental impacts from such waste
sites. This assessment can either be deepened by development of
mathematical models for a better understanding of processes that
create contamination, or can be broadened to conceptual design
of remediation methods for mine sites.
Fieldwork
SAB4 MODELLING WATER POLLUTION FROM COAL MINE

DISCHARGES
Description Many parts of the UK experience severe degradation of surface
water quality from uncontrolled discharges of pollution from
abandoned coal mines. Mathematical models of groundwater
flow and reactions that produce the pollution are applied to
predict how the amount of pollution will change with time after a
coal mine is closed. There are a wide variety of possible
modelling approaches, ranging from spread sheet calculations to
complex 3-D groundwater transport and reaction simulations.
This project starts from simple approaches but leaves the student
with freedom to progress to more sophisticated modelling
methods, according to their interest and the type of minewater
pollution selected for study. Assessment of results can be
extended to conceptual design of remediation methods.
Computer-modelling
SAB5 ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN GROUNDWATER

Description The history of UK industry includes significant contamination of
soil and groundwater. Organic pollutants are often the most
serious contaminants that must be removed when a contaminated
site is cleaned up for re-development. This project applies
laboratory experimental studies of organic pollutant behaviour, to
assess how natural processes such as biodegradation can act to
remove contaminants from groundwater. The work can be
depended, for example to mathematical modelling of degradation
processes at lab scale, or broadened by scaling of laboratory
results to field sites, in order to assess the reliability of natural
processes to clean up groundwater.
SFT1 ENGINEERING DESIGN EVALUATION OF

ATTENUATION LINERS FOR LANDFILL SITES
Supervisor Dr Steve Thornton
Description Natural attenuation has historically been used as a barrier to
pollutant migration from landfill sites. Natural processes (e.g.
dilution, sorption, degradation) can occur in compacted clay
liners used to contain leachate in landfill sites, such that the liners
can chemically attenuate pollutants as well as providing a
hydraulic barrier to leachate flow. The key issue is linking these
processes with prediction of attenuation in clays and the
engineering design of liners through modelling and scale-up of
processes for field-scale applications. This is a modelling design
project that involves coding a 1D analytical reactive transport
model into a spreadsheet, which is then used to interpret
experimental data from laboratory columns containing clay
materials, to provide the information necessary to design field-
scale attenuation liners for a typical landfill scenario. The work
requires conceptualisation of attenuation processes in the
laboratory experiments, modelling of the laboratory data and the
development of design calculations that can be used for the
engineering of attenuation liners using the clay materials. The
project would suit someone with a background in mathematics
and chemistry (A level standard), with an interest in
environmental engineering. Project supervision will be provided
by Dr Steve Thornton.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SFT2 FACTORS CONTROLLING THE SORPTION OF

AMMONIUM IN LANDFILL LEACHATE BY AQUIFER
SEDIMENT
Description Landfill leachate is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic
chemicals originating from the biochemical breakdown and
leaching of compounds from domestic waste. Many of the
chemicals found in landfill leachate are hazardous to human
health or the environment, particularly if they enter groundwater
or surface water resources. Ammonium is an important pollutant
in domestic waste leachate from landfills, where it reaches
concentrations which substantially exceed the drinking water
standards for this species. In aquifers contaminated by landfill
leachate, ammonium may be removed, or attenuated, by sorption
to the aquifer sediment. This is potentially an important process
which reduces the rate of migration of ammonium in the
subsurface. Attenuation of ammonium by sorption is typically
evaluated with simple laboratory batch shake tests which
determine the proportion of sorbed ammonium ion using a
ditribution coefficient, Kd. However, the value of Kd for
ammonium depends on the properties of the sediment (e.g. grain
size, mineralogy, metal oxide content) and composition of
solution used in the batch tests. It also depends on the
assumptions of the mathematical model used to interpret the
sorption data. This project will use laboratory batch shake tests to
estimate the sorption of ammonium to different sandstone aquifer
materials. The effects of different sandstone properties and
solution composition on ammonium sorption will be investigated
using synthetic landfill leachate compositions and interpred with
various mathematical models.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
SFT3 QUANTIFYING NATURAL ATTENUATION OF

CONTAMINANT PLUMES IN DUAL-POROSITY
AQUIFERS
Description The reduction in concentration or destruction of pollutants in
aquifers can occur by a combination of in-situ processes,
collectively termed natural attenuation. An estimation of the
magnitude of these processes can be used to predict the impact of
a contaminant spill on groundwater quality in an aquifer and
define the remediation options for a contaminated site. However,
the accuracy of such estimates and predictions made from them
depends on proper evaluation of the data, taking account of the
aquifer characteristics(e.g. hydrogeology), range of processes
contributing to natural attenuation and performance targets set for
the remediation programme. This project will evaluate the natural
attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons in a dual-porosity Chalk
aquifer using a combination of existing field data sets and
published technical guidance for the assessment of monitored
natural attenuation (MNA) in groundwater. The analysis will
include quantitative assessment of the contribution of different
processes to natural attenuation at the site, using a range of
techiques to deduce mass balances, estimate degradation rates
and predict impacts on potential receptors, which may be affected
by the contamination. The project would suit someone with a
background in mathematics and ideally chemistry (A level
standard), with an interest in environmental engineering. Overall
project supervision will be provided by Dr Steve Thornton.
Literature survey
SFT4 QUANTIFYING NATURAL ATTENUATION OF

ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS IN GROUNDWATER
USING PLUME-SCALE MASS BALANCES
Description Natural attenuation is the combination of physical, chemical and
biological processes which occur in the subsurface environnment
to reduce the concentration or mass of contaminants to levels
which present no risk to the natural environment or human
health. Natural attenuation, particularly biodegradation, is
effective in the management and in situ remediation of organic
contaminants in aquifers. There are several approaches which can
be used to quantify attenuation at field-scale, as a means to
evaluate the efficiency of the processes involved. In this project,
a published method to calculate mass balances for contaminant
plumes will be applied to data from a research site in
Wolverhampton, to estimate the performance of natural
attenuation as a management technology for a plume of phenol
contaminants. The analysis will be compared for site
investigation and groundwater chemistry data obtained from
different monitoring wells at the site to understand the effect of
monitoring well design and related data quality on predictions of
plume development achieved with the mass balance. The work
involves the development of a spreadsheet-based mass balance
model and evaluation of the effects of uncertainty in the data on
the model predictions.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SJT1 COHESION AND ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF

IN-SEWER BED STRENGTH
Supervisor Dr Simon Tait
Description The study of cohesion and its impact on the release and
movement of pollutants from an in-sewer sediment deposit is
important. One aspect of the erosion of in-sewer sediments is the
sudden release of sediments during the initial part of a storm.
This phenomenon has been called "the first foul flush". Sewer
deposits contain amounts of organic material the aim of the
project is to assess whether cohesion developed by a partially
organic sewer sediment deposit would have a significant impact
on the re-erosion of sediments from an in-sewer deposit. The
project will involve the examination and analysis of sediment
data recently collected in a temperature controlled annular flume
in which real sewer sediment beds were subjected to increasing
flows to simulate storm conditions. The project will involve
examination of data from similar field studies in order to gather
evidence that the processes observed in the annular flume are
similar to those observed in the field. The student will then
examine the laboratory data in order to develop a grain size
fraction based model to predict the release of sediment from in-
sewer deposits that have been consolidated for different times
under different environmental conditions (eg temperature and DO
levels).
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SJT2 HYDRAULIC ROUGHNESS AND WATER SURFCAE

DYNAMICS IN TURBULENT FLOWS
Description Determining hydraulic roughness is a key measurement in many
free surface turbulent flow problems. The aim of this project is to
examine the hypothesis that the energy losses within a turbulent
flow over a rough bed can be estimated by measuring the
behaviour of the water-air boundary. This seems reasonable as in
such flows the majority of the energy lost is due to large coherent
flow structures that are scaled by the flow dpth. This project wil
involve laboratory experiments and theoretical analysis.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SJT3 PROBABILISTIC MODELLING OF BEDLOAD

COMPOSITION
Description The prediction of bedload composition is notoriously difficult.
Early calculation of transport rates in graded sediments used a
single representative grain diameter in formulae that had been
developed from uniform grain size data. Later it was recognised
that the interaction between different grain size fractions, the
river bed topography and the near bed turbulent flow created a
much more complex problem that for the transport of single sized
sediment. Empirical functions have been derived to adjust the
relative mobility of size fractions to account for these various
effects. A large number of such hiding functions exist, each
associated with a particular transport equation. Generally the
performance of a particular hiding function deteriorates when it is
applied to data other than which it was derived from this implies
a lack of generality with this approach. The aim of this project is
to investigate a new approach to bedload transport prediction; the
use of probabilistic methods to predict bedload composition
movement. It is believed that this approach will take greater
account of site-specific river bed characteristics as it is possible
to account for fluid turbulence and the heterogeneous behaviour
within the grain size fractions explicitly. This method will not
rely on the same fractional transport rate data for both its
determination and evaluation. The project will involve the
development of a modelling methodology based on the overlap of
probability distributions describing grain and near bed fluid
behaviour. Data has been collected, in the Department over the
last two years, that can be used to validate such an approach.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SJT4 SEWER DESIGN AND ITS RESPONSE TO LONG TERM

CHANGE
Description Sewer design in the UK has evolved over the last 150 years, it is
relatively unsophisticated. The public sewer network, comprising
over 300,000kms of pipes worth around £100 billion, operates
with a reasonable level of performance. This infrastructure faces
large challenges over the next 20-75 years. Climate and social
changes are all going to put hugh demands on the current system.
This project will aim to gather evidence and carry out sewer
network modelling of scenarios to develop alternative design
codes for UK sewers to cope with future pressures and also
hopefully deliver a better level of service to UK customers.
Joint Supervisor Prof Richard Ashley

Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SJT5 THE INFLUENCE OF NEAR BED FLOW TURBULENCE

ON THE MOVEMENT OF DIFFERENT GRAIN SIZE
FRACTIONS WITHIN A RIVER SEDIMENT BED
Description In most natural rivers in the UK especially those with a
significant bed slope, the river bed consists of a wide range of
grain sizes. The aim of this project is to investigate the role that
near bed fluid turbulence has on the erosion of different grain
size fractions. This has important engineering applications; there
are many problems associated with mixed grain size river
channels in which either finer grains appear to "diffuse" into a
bed, or they appear to be "winnowed" from the bed causing a
coarser armoured bed surface to form. The accurate prediction of
the movement of the different grain size fractions will allow the
composition and structure of mixed grain size river beds to be
determined. The project will be involved with the analysis of
laboratory data, which has already been collected, on near bed
turbulence and grain movement. This data will allow the student
to investigate various hypothesis that are believed to explain the
movement of mixed grain size sediment by turbulent flows. This
improvement in understanding will enhance the ability of
engineers to predict the movement of river channels in the case of
coarser armoured beds and to estimate the rate at which gravel
bed rivers can be "silted up" in the case of the diffusion of fine
material into the river bed as this can cause significant ecological
damage.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SJT7 USE OF IN-SEWER INVERT TRAPS AS PART OF A

SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Description A recent project in the Department has designed a novel 38m3
invert trap for a combined sewer in Zurich. This trap has been
constructed and has been operational since July 2005. A field data
collection programme has been started by the owners of the
Zurich sewer system to assess the observed and predicted
performance of this trap. This project will be involved with
examining the research models used (computational and
physical) to design the trap and estimate its performance. A key
requirement will be to improve these models as necessary and to
examine the whole life cost of this approach on a network scale.
Joint Supervisor Prof Richard Ashley

Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
SZ1 FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING AND MODEL

UPDATING OF A FOOTBRIDGE
Supervisor Miss Stana Zivanovic
Description This project includes detailed finite element modelling of a
pedestrian bridge and then a comparison between calculated
modal properties (natural frequencies and mode shapes) and
those obtained experimentally. Then the finite element model will
be updated in order to improve its correlation with
experimentally estimated properties. The aim of the project is to
determine finite element modelling features which have major
impact on the modal properties of the structure investigated.
Also, differences between 2D and 3D modelling of the particular
footbridge will be investigated.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
SZ2 STATISTICAL CHARACTERISATION OF PARAMETERS

DEFINING HUMAN WALKING ACROSS FOOTBRIDGES
Supervisor Miss Stana Zivanovic
Description To have a reliable estimate of the footbridge vibration response
under pedestrian-induced excitation, knowledge of parameters
that characterise human walking (such as walking frequency, step
length and walking velocity) is required. Since all these
parameters may significantly very between different people, it is
necessary to include them into a design model statistically, i.e.
via their probability density functions.
The aim of this project is to collected data related to parameters

that describe human walking on a full-scale footbridge. A
moderately busy footbridge in Sheffield or near Sheffield should
be selected for this purpose. The data collected should then be
analysed in statistical sense and with help of MATLAB.
Identification of type of probability density functions is expected
as the main outcome of this research.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
TMM1 APPLICATION OF LATTICE DYNAMICS TO MODEL

WAVE PROPAGATION IN MATERIALS
Supervisor Dr Thomas Michelitsch
Description By means of a one dimensional linear chain of particles
connected by linear springs we investigate the main dynamic
effects of a solid.
By assuming periodic boundary conditions we learn to determine
to diagonalize the dynamic matrix of the system in normal
coordinates
which represent the aplitudes of Bloch waves.
Dynamic effects are discussed by means of a locally applied
point force. In the this project key propperties of the
mechanics/physics
of solids are studied. The project aims on students having some
theoretical-mathematical ambitions.
Literature survey
TMM2 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN EGINEERING

MECHANICS
Description Many problems in engineering and physical science are
described in terms of differential equations. In the project
we learn how simple physical processes can be formulated in
terms of differential equations and what methods exist to solve
them.
Simple benchmark examples such as the harmonic escillator are
considered. The project especially focus on students with interest
in theoretical problems.
Literature survey
TMM3 MODELLING OF THE DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF A

RANDOMLY LAYERED SYSTEM
Description The project focuses on wave propagation threw a a multilayered
material. We study the influence of the ramdomness of the layers
on the wave propagation propeties. Depending on the 'degree of
randomness' we find different degrees of damping. As an extreme
case we will find a periodical structure (zero randomness) to
reveal zero damping. The key goal of the project is to learn by
means of simplistic models to find fundamental material
properties.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
TMM4 SIMPLE MODELS FOR THE BEHAVIOUR OF SOLID

MATERIALS
Description In the ideal case the microstructure of a solid is a regular periodic
lattice of moleculs or atoms. In reality a pure rugular lattice does
not exist at finite temperatures. In real material systems the lattice
is diturbed by flaws, point defects, dislocations
inclusions, etc. In this project we make simplistic assumptions
how
a certain defect species influnces the constitutive behaviour,
for instance the elastic properties of such material. The goal of
the project is to learn establishing simple models.
Literature survey
TMM5 SIMPLE MODELS IN COMPUTATIONAL/ANALYTICAL

MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
Description In the project we learn how to solve analytically and numerically
simple problems of isotropic elasticity. Examples may be the
determination of the displacements of an isotropic point defect
embedded into a 2D/3D infinite isotropic medium. By means of
this simple example we learn the application of analytical and
numerical methods and how they complement each other. Both
mathematical and programming skills are developed in the
porject.
Joint Supervisor Prof Harm Askes

Literature survey
Computer-modelling
TMM6 STATISTICAL MODELLING OF COMPOSITE
MATERIALS
Description As a rule the microstructure of a real material is rather unknown.
Especially in the case of composite materials when the
microstructure is determined by the presence of inclusions, flaws
and
particles of aother material. Due to the randomness of these
inhomogeneities material properties can only be determined
on a macroscopic level where the details of the microstructure
become irrelevandt, however statistical effects become important.
By applying the central limiting theorem we learn to derive
probablity distribution functions for relevandt material parameter
such as elastic moduli or average stresses.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
TMM7 THERMODYNAMICS OF A SOLID MATERIAL

Description In the project we use and learn the concept of latticecs to
determine thermodynamic response quantities of a one
dimaensional
material system which is modelled by a linear chain of particles
connected with linear springs with periodic boundary conditions.
By using the periodic boundary conditions we determine the
possible
values of the Bloch-wave vector which defines the states in the
phase space available to determine the partition function
analytically. Once done so the complete set of thermodynamic
quatities can be obatined from Gibbs free energy function.
Joint Supervisor
Literature survey
VRS1 DEVELOPMENT OF A 'GREEN ROOF' RETROFIT 'KIT'

Supervisor Dr Virginia Stovin
Description Vegetated roof surfaces are believed to have considerable
potential in urban stormwater management. By retaining
stormwater they reduce the runoff from the catchment, with
consequent positive impacts on urban flooding and on pollution
associated with combined sewers. They may also improve the
thermal performance of buildings, biodiversity and other aspects
of the urban environment. This project focuses on issues
associated with 'retrofit' (i.e. to replace an existing roof) green
roofs. It will be necessary to consider structural issues (can
existing structural elements accept the weight of a waterlogged
green roof, does roof slope affect the viability and effectiveness
of a green roof?), logistical issues associated with access and
scheduling, as well as cost, in order to develop a retrofitting 'kit'
for at least one type of building (e.g. Victorian terraced house,
flat-roofed industrial building, school). There are likely to be
some opportunities to visit local green roof installations.
Literature survey
VRS2 FLUSHED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Description What happens to all the solid and dissolved material that gets
flushed into our sewer systems? This project will utilise
commercial three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) software to explore the way in which individual sewer
system elements may control the movement of sediments or
dissolved substances through the system. For example, in urban
drainage systems it is often desirable to design ancillary
structures - such as manholes and combined sewage overflow
(CSO) chambers - in such a way that most of the sediments in the
flow pass through one particular outlet, or are retained within the
structure. CFD software will be used to model the flow patterns
and to predict sediment/solute transport, ultimately with a view to
optimising the structure's design.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
VRS3 HYDROLOGICAL MONITORING AND MODELLING OF

A 'GREEN ROOF'
Description Vegetated roof surfaces (or green roofs) are believed to have
considerable potential in urban stormwater management. By
retaining stormwater they reduce and delay the runoff from the
catchment, with consequent positive impacts on urban flooding
and on pollution associated with combined sewers. They may
also improve the thermal performance of buildings, biodiversity
and other aspects of the urban environment. Green roofs are
presently under-utilised in the UK, partly because of a lack of
guidance relating to their hydrological performance. The aim of
this project will be to collect and analyse data from a green roof
test rig and to identify an appropriate hydrological modelling
approach. There are likely to be some opportunities to visit local
green roof installations.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
VRS4 POLLUTION REMOVAL/RETENTION BY A SUDS

DETENTION POND - CFD-BASED PREDICTIONS
Description Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems is a general term that refers
to various measures aimed at minimising surface runoff (and
consequent flooding and pollution problems) from urban
catchments. SUDS include local infiltration, re-use of 'grey'
water, etc. Surface runoff may contain significant levels of
pollutants, and this project will focus on the efficiency of a
detention pond in removing sediments and/or retention times for
dissolved pollutants. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
software will be used to model the flow patterns and pollutant
transport within a pond that has recently been constructed in
Bradford. There is a possibility of fieldwork to collect validation
data for the modelling work.
Literature survey
Fieldwork
Computer-modelling
VRS5 SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SUDS) -

VIABILITY ASSESSMENT
Description Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) refers to various
measures aimed at minimising surface runoff (and consequent
flooding and pollution problems) from urban catchments. SUDS
include local infiltration, re-use of 'grey' water, etc. For SUDS to
be feasible in a specific catchment, the local conditions must be
right. For example, infiltration is not feasible if there is no open
space or the soil is clay. The project will focus on the design and
evaluation of SUDS elements to replace some of the conventional
drainage within a Sheffield subcatchment. Use will be made of
urban drainage hydraulic models.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
ZH1 SCI STRUCTURAL STEEL BUILDING DESIGN

COMPETITION 2005-06
Supervisor Dr Zhaohui Huang
Description The Steel Construction Institute runs annual national
competitions for undergraduate structural steel design work. The
specifications for the competitions in 2005-06 are not yet
available, but the specifications tend to pose real challenges
which are intended to be addressed in imaginative ways (see
http://www.steel-sci.org/education/competitions.shtm for details).
There is always considerable scope for imaginative and
innovative designs. It is expected that you will fully research the
solutions which others have achieved for similar requirements,
and that you will develop at lease two concepts in the first part of
the project. Complete printed specifications will be available
later. The prizes for these projects are substantial and there is
some publicity for the winners. Recent titles have included a
jumbo-jet hangar, a transport interchange, a theatre and a display
space for archaeological remains.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
ZH2 STRUCTURAL STEEL BRIDGE DESIGN COMPETITION

2005-06
Description The Steel Construction Institute runs annual national
competitions for undergraduate structural steel design work. The
specifications for the competitions in 2005-06 are not yet
available, but the specifications tend to pose real challenges
which are intended to be addressed in imaginative ways (see
http://www.steel-sci.org/education/competitions.shtm for details).
There is always considerable scope for imaginative and
innovative designs. It is expected that you will fully research the
solutions which others have achieved for similar requirements,
and that you will develop at lease two concepts in the first part of
the project. Complete printed specifications will be available
later. The prizes for these projects are substantial and there is
some publicity for the winners. Recent titles have included a
medium-span bridge across a gorge with difficult access
conditions, an opening bridge across a navigable river, a canal
aqueduct and a much more standard medium-span river
crossings.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
ZH3 TENSILE MEMBRANE ACTION OF CONCRETE SLABS

IN FIRE
Description From six large scale fire tests at Cardington it seemed that tensile
membrane action in the concrete floor slabs could have played an
important role in preventing run-away failure of the structure
during the fire tests, especially when deflections had become very
large. Therefore it is important to fully understand the tensile
membrane action of concrete slabs in fire. This project involves
analysis of floor slabs in fires using simplify BRE method. The
project will also include detailed computer modelling of thermal
and structural behaviour of slabs at elevated temperatures in
order to gain more deeply insights of tensile membrane actions of
slabs subject to fire.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
ZH4 THE BEHAVIOUR OF CONCRETE FILLED COMPOSITE

COLUMN IN FIRE CONDITIONS
Description Column is a fatal element within the building therefore the
sufficient fire resistance of column is very important for the
building fire safety design. Due to good thermal insulation
property of concrete the composite concrete filled column are
widely used in current composite building. In this project,
thermal and structural analyses of concrete filled column subject
to ISO fire will be carried out by using Vulcan. The analyses will
include several typical types of concrete filled column which are
most commonly used in current construction practices. The fire
resistances of different types of column will be accessed and
compared with Eurocode's design. A series of parametric studies
will be performed in order to be deeply understand the column
behaviour in fire. Also some comments to the current design
codes will be made.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
ZH5 THE INFLUENCE OF STRUCTURE CONTINUITY ON

THE FIRE RESISTANCE OF STEEL MEMBERS
Description The main limitation of current design codes for steel framed and
composite structures is that they are based on the behaviour
under test of isolated simply supported members, usually heated
according to the standard ISO834 time-temperature curve. In real
buildings structural elements form part of a continuous assembly,
and building fires often remain localised, with the fire-affected
region of the structure receiving significant restraint from cooler
areas surrounding it. The real behaviour of these structural
elements can therefore be very different from that indicated by
standard furnace tests. In this project a series analyses using
Vulcan for a heated steel member at different positions within the
frame analysed will be conducted. Also different connection
characteristics of beam to column or beam to beam will be
employed. The behaviour of heated member will compared with
isolated single element. Also the results of computer modelling
will be compared with Eurocodes design.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling
ZH6 THERMAL ANALYSIS OF STEEL MEMBER IN FIRE

USING EUROCODES AND ADVANCED COMPUTER
MODELLING
Description Current Eurocodes allow designer to use simplified calculation
method to predict temperature of protected and unprotected steel
member subject to standard fire or natural fire. The object of this
project is to perform thermal analyses of protected or unprotected
steel member using more advance computer program, such as
Vulcan, to predict temperature distributions within the cross-
section of steel member in fire with different boundary
conditions. The results will be compared with code's predictions
which assume uniform temperature within the member. Some
useful investigations will be conducted to access the accuracy
and conservation of the current codes.
Literature survey
Computer-modelling

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List of Undergraduate Projects Academic Year 05/06

AFLH1 CONSTRUCTION STRESS PATHS IN MADE GROUND

AFLH2 DAMPING AND RATE EFFECTS IN CLAYS

AFLH3 GEOTECHNICS APPLIED TO ARCHAEOLOGY

AFLH4 PRESERVATION OF BURIED ARCHEOLOGICAL

AFLH5 RAPID LOAD TESTING OF PILES

AFLH6 SEISMIC STABILITY OF RECLAIMED LAND USING

AJS1 CSO SCREEN PERFORMANCE

AJS2 EXECUTIVE WATER FEATURES

AJS3 HAWKEYE DATA

AJS4 SEWER FLOW QUALITY MODEL

AJS5 SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE

AJS6 STORAGE TANK PERFORMANCE

AT1 DESIGN OF STRUCTURES AGAINST BLAST LOADING

AT2 ENTASIS: AESTHETICS OR ENGINEERING

This project will use computational optimisation tools to find the

This project is only suitable for students on the MEng Structural

AT3 LESSONS FROM NATURE FOR STRUCTURAL

AT4 STEEL BRIDGE DESIGN COMPETITION

AT5 USE OF NOVEL MATERIALS IN STRUCTURAL

AT6 USE OF STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION AS A DESIGN

CCH1 COMPRESSIBILITY OF STABILISED SOIL

CCH2 GEOTECHNICAL MODELLING USING A

CCH3 OPTIMUM DESIGN OF VERTICAL DRAINS IN SOFT

CCH4 PILE PENETRATION IN COMPACTED SOILS

CCH5 PREDICTING THE PERMEABILITY OF SANDS

CCS1 IN-SITU CHARACTERISATION OF BACKFILL FOR

The purpose of this project is to (a) assess the relative

CCS2 INVESTIGATION INTO THE GEOTECHNICAL

CCS3 INVESTIGATION OF MICROSCALE GROUNDWATER

CCS4 INVESTIGATION OF SOIL STRUCTURE INTERACTION

Joint Supervisor Dr Matthew Gilbert

CCS5 MODELLING OF TRACER MOVEMENTS IN

The aim of this project is to model a range of idealised

CJL1 CALCIUM SULFOALUMINATE CEMENT CONCRETE

CJL2 LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

CJL3 PERMEABILITY OF CONCRETE INCORPORATING

CJL4 PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE INCORPORATING

CJL5 PROPERTIES OF FLOWING CONCRETE

CJL6 RHEOLOGY OF CONCRETE

CJL8 TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF 'GREEN'

EAB1 A NEW POZZOLANIC CEMENT FOR CONCRETE

EAB2 ARCHITECTURAL CONCRETE

EAB3 SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE

EAB4 YOUR CONCRETE PASSION?

GZ1 EFFECTS OF SPATIALLY VARYING EARTHQUAKES

GZ2 MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF TUNNELLING

GZ3 SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF A MASONRY STRUCTURE

GZ4 SEISMIC PROTECTION OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

HA1 ANALYTICAL AND NUMERICAL MODELLING OF

The project consists of a short literature study, the analytical

Joint Supervisor Dr Simon Tait

HA2 MICRO-MECHANICAL ELASTIC CONTINUUM

The improved continuum description will then be used to model

The project involves a literature study. The derivations may be

HA3 MODELLING OF RESTRAINTS IN FINITE ELEMENT

The project will involve a literature study and the development of

HA4 MODELLING OF RESTRAINTS IN FINITE ELEMENT

In this project, the concept of virtual inertia will be used within a

HA5 NUMERICAL MODELLING OF RAYLEIGH WAVES

Recently, a new method to model Rayleigh waves has been

The project involves a literature study and the development of a

HA6 REMOVING SINGULARITIES FROM STRESS AND