Project details
Rationale
Flooding stands as the most prevalent natural hazard. However, whilst substantial research effort has been reported in the last decade to develop high-performance physics-based models for more accurate prediction of different types of flooding processes, these latest flood modelling technologies have not yet been fully leveraged to support practical flood risk management. This shortfall is attributed to the demanding computational requirements and the need for high-level expertise in specialized knowledge and programming skills. Simultaneously, effective flood risk management demands a spatially explicit assessment to pinpoint flooding exposure and risk at an object-based scale. However, conducting object-based evaluation requires comprehensive data support. Data is often dispersed across different organizations, stored in various formats, or challenging to obtain, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, we aim to develop a user-friendly web-based platform that integrates Loughborough’s in-house High-Performance Integrated hydrodynamic Modelling System (HiPIMS) [2], with various high-quality open-source datasets covering exposure and vulnerability to buildings, infrastructure, and people. Consequently, the platform not only functions as a web service for high-performance flood simulations but also serves as a data and analytics portal, providing a comprehensive, one-stop solution for flood risk assessment to support practical flood risk management in both data-rich and scarce environments.
Methodology
This exciting PhD project aims to harness the latest developments in high-performance numerical models and data analytics technologies to address some of the key practical challenges in flood modelling and risk management, and finally achieve a web-based platform for large-scale rapid flood risk assessment to improve current practice. The project will deliver the following key research tasks:
- Develop a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) based on the JavaScript library ReactJs, in which the HiPIMS can be completely set up, run, and analysed in a standard web browser. HiPIMS computations can be executed on local GPUs or through cloud-based GPU services, empowering users to conduct large-scale fast flood simulations without worrying about computational resources.
- Collect a variety of spatial datasets related to exposure and vulnerability and present them in a standardized format in the platform, enabling users to access and analyse the datasets easily and effectively.
- Streamline the object-based flood risk evaluation by seamlessly integrating HiPIMS hazard results with exposure and vulnerability datasets to assess flood impact and risk on individual buildings and objects.
Demonstrate the platform for practical flood risk assessment in a selected case study site.
Background Reading
Chen, H., Zhao, J., Liang, Q., Maharjan, S. B., & Joshi, S. P. (2022). Assessing the potential impact of glacial lake outburst floods on individual objects using a high-performance hydrodynamic model and open-source data. Science of The Total Environment, 806, 151289.
Xia, X., Liang, Q., & Ming, X. (2019). A full-scale fluvial flood modelling framework based on a high-performance integrated hydrodynamic modelling system (HiPIMS). Advances in Water Resources, 132, 103392.
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Huili Chen
Secondary supervisors: Qiuhua Liang
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
FLOOD-CDT is multidisciplinary, and we welcome applicants from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to: physical scientists, engineers, mathematicians, life and social scientists.
Students should have an interest in multidisciplinary research, as well as other skills relevant to one or more of the core Research and Training themes within the CDT.
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject.
Academic attainment is only one of our criteria for selection; we equally value the ability to work in teams, excitement for research, enthusiasm for the research focus of the CDT and the ability to communicate ideas.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT.
The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate.
Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under the programme name, select Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. Please quote reference FCDT-24-LU6a application. Failure to include this reference will result in the application not being considered for this studentship competition.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents:
- an academic transcript of your undergraduate degree showing the modules studied and marks achieved
- a copy of your degree certificate, if you have already graduated
- a copy of your CV
- a personal statement – this should explain your motivation for studying the programme, any relevant skills and experience you have (through studying or work) for this particular project, and your future career aspirations and how this programme will support you in achieving this. Remember to let your passion for the subject shine through!
- names of two academic referees
For more information about required documents, learn how to start your research application.
Applications close on Sunday 7 July (midnight), with interviews to follow (dates to be confirmed)
The selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
