Integrating Sewer Network Flood Modelling and Evaluation and Validating Adaptation Options through Scenario Modelling

Reference Code: CI611

Details:

Name of supervisor
Dr Vedrana Kutija 
Sponsor
Scottish Water 
Duration of the award
Four Years EngD

Project description
There is a considerable flood risk to a lot of urban areas in the UK and emerging challenges associated with it are on the increase due to the further urbanisation and observed and predicted changes to rainfall patterns. Holistic assessment of urban flood risk is difficult due to variety of flood sources and complexity of the natural and man-made features which determine flow paths in the built environments. Even more difficulty lies in the ability to evaluate how different proposed adaptation scenarios or mitigation measures would influence flood risk levels on a broader scale.
The proposed research will:

• develop a methodology for the assessment of urban flood risk under climate change scenarios, evaluating the effectiveness of different urban drainage adaptation strategies, and apply it to a series of real case studies involving urban areas of different sizes;
• model different adaptation measures and validate against Scottish Water’s live assessment of the impact of a range of adaptation measures (e.g. Surface Water Separation, storage schemes, permeable areas, etc).

Value of the award and eligibility
Please check the EPSRC’s eligibility criteria for full tuition fees and stipend. If eligible, the stipend is £19,000 per annum in years 1 and 2, rising to £20,000 per annum in years 3 and 4.

Person specification
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate that they are already high flyers and have the potential to exploit the opportunities to excel that a STREAM studentship provides. You are expected to have a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree in a relevant scientific or engineering subject.

How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form via the ‘Apply’ button below, selecting ‘Engineering Doctorate in Skills Technology Research and Management’ as the programme of study (programme code 8811F). Once you have selected the programme, please insert the studentship reference number CI611 and ensure that you include the supervisor(s) name and project title in your application form. Only mandatory fields need to be completed and a covering letter, CV and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must also state the title of the studentship, quote the studentship code (CI611) and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

Closing date for applications  
Prompt application is advised as this position is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Further information
If you would like further information on the project, please contact:

Dr Vedrana Kutija
E-mail: vedrana.kutija@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)191 222 5842

Or

Justine Easten
E-mail: Justine.easten@ncl.ac.uk  
Telephone: +44 (0)191 222 6034