Comments for ALERT Geomaterials

Comment on Post-doctoral Fellowships in Machine Learning/Numerical Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering at SDU by Dr. Muhammad ishfaque

Dr. Muhammad ishfaque — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:44:13 +0000

Exploring Postdoctoral position

Comment on ALERT Geomaterials Nova-bates: Discussions on Geomaterials and Geomechanics by Siddhartha Ommi

Siddhartha Ommi — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:06:48 +0000

Much awaited initiative I think that the last video of the 3 part series on this first topic was missing or mistakenly hidden on the Youtube channel. I marked it for later, but couldn't find it after.

Comment on PhD Candidate in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams by Taye Tadesse Asrat

Taye Tadesse Asrat — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:11:26 +0000

Taye Tadesse
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
tadtaye@gmail.com +251-917432254
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Jimma University
Subject: Application for PhD Candidate Position in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams
Dear Members of the Selection Committee,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the PhD candidate position focused on Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams at the Alliance of Laboratories in Europe for Education, Research and Technology .I am graduated With an MSc and BSc in Hydraulic Engineering from Jimma University, active research experience in watershed hydrological modeling, and over 5 years of professional practice as a Dam and Irrigation Engineer, I am highly motivated to undertake advanced research on the coupled hydraulic and geotechnical behavior of embankment dam structures.
During my postgraduate and undergraduate studies at Jimma University, I built a solid foundation in fluid mechanics, sediment transport, open-channel hydraulics, and geotechnical principles. My academic research culminated in the publication of my paper, “Modelling Surface Water Using WEAP Model in Nashe River Watershed,” which enhanced my proficiency in hydrological system analysis, quantitative water resource modeling, and analytical problem-solving. This research deepened my understanding of dynamic hydro-meteorological inputs and their impact on water infrastructure.
In addition to my academic credentials, I have been serving as a Dam and Irrigation Engineer since March 2022. In this capacity, I have gained extensive hands-on experience in the design, supervision, hydraulic analysis, and practical engineering operations of dam and irrigation projects. Working directly with hydraulic control structures and soil media has given me practical insights into critical dam stability issues—such as seepage analysis, internal erosion, slope stability, dynamic loading, and piping mechanics. This bridge between design theory and real-world dam behavior uniquely prepares me to address complex, multidisciplinary hydraulic-geotechnical challenges in embankment dam engineering.
The PhD opportunity at aligns perfectly with my career objective to advance resilient infrastructure design and safety assessment for embankment dams. I am eager to apply my background in surface water modeling, hydro-geotechnical engineering concepts, and site experience to investigate innovative solutions for embankment integrity, seepage control, or failure risk mitigation.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my academic training, research publications, and professional dam engineering experience make me a strong candidate for this position.
Sincerely,
Taye Tadesse
BSc, MSc in Hydraulic Engineering, Dam engineer@ Engineering Corporation Of Oromia

Comment on PhD Candidate in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams by Abrar Ullah

Abrar Ullah — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:20:38 +0000

I am a postgraduate Geotechnical Engineer with 17 years of practical experience working on major infrastructure projects, including dams, underground tunneling, slope stabilization and large hydropower projects with capacities of 108 MW, 800 MW & 1,420 MW. Over the years, I have gained extensive hands-on experience dealing with challenging ground conditions and different geotechnical and rock engineering problems. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Rock Mechanics, which has further strengthened my technical background. Alongside my professional career, I have maintained an interest in research and have published two conference papers based on experimental work investigating the contribution of piles and raft under lateral loading in a combined piled-raft system. I now want to take the next step in my academic career by pursuing a PhD in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams. I believe my practical experience, particularly from dam and hydropower projects will provide a strong foundation for this research and I would be very interested in joining the program if given the opportunity.

Comment on Two PhD positions in the joint research project “MICAP-4D”, funded by ANR and DFG by Tadesse Demisie Fenta

Tadesse Demisie Fenta — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:41:48 +0000

I am interested and it is align with my specialization!

Comment on PhD Candidate in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams by Ashenafi Dechasa Tolosa

Ashenafi Dechasa Tolosa — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 09:47:28 +0000

My name is Ashenafi Dechasa Tolosa, and I hold an MSc in Hydraulic Engineering from Bule Hora University, Ethiopia. I am currently a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering at Bule Hora University, where I have been working since 2017. My academic background, teaching experience, and research activities have strengthened my interest in dam engineering, hydrological processes, sediment transport, and the sustainable development of water resources infrastructure.
I am highly motivated to pursue this PhD project in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams because it addresses critical challenges in ensuring dam safety, extending infrastructure service life, and improving the reliability of hydropower systems. Through my research on watershed hydrological modelling, sediment yield assessment, and best management practices for dam catchments, I have developed a strong appreciation of the importance of understanding the interactions between water, soil, and engineered infrastructure. These experiences have encouraged me to expand my expertise beyond catchment-scale hydrological processes toward the hydraulic and geotechnical mechanisms governing embankment dam performance.
I am particularly interested in investigating internal erosion and the effectiveness of filters in protecting moraine-core embankment dams. I recognize that understanding the behaviour and compatibility of core and filter materials is essential for preventing seepage-related failures and maintaining dam stability, especially under changing hydraulic conditions associated with flexible hydropower operation. The opportunity to combine laboratory testing with investigations of existing Norwegian embankment dams is particularly attractive to me because it would allow me to develop practical experimental skills and contribute to research with direct applications to dam design, safety assessment, and long-term asset management.
Furthermore, I am interested in how safe and flexible hydropower operation can support the transition toward more sustainable energy systems while maintaining the integrity of critical infrastructure. Through this PhD, I hope to strengthen my knowledge of geotechnical engineering, seepage behaviour, internal erosion mechanisms, and experimental methods while developing interdisciplinary research skills. I am also eager to learn from experienced researchers and collaborate with industry partners to translate scientific findings into practical engineering solutions.
In the long term, I aim to apply the knowledge and research skills gained through this doctoral project to advance dam safety, sustainable hydropower development, and water resources engineering in Ethiopia and other developing countries. I believe this opportunity would be an important step in my academic and professional development, enabling me to contribute to safer, more resilient, and sustainable water infrastructure while building my capacity as a researcher, lecturer, and future expert in dam engineering.

Comment on Two PhD positions in the joint research project “MICAP-4D”, funded by ANR and DFG by Ebanehita Uadiale

Ebanehita Uadiale — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:42:03 +0000

I don’t know if I am the right fit for this. I have a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a 3.14 CGPA from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Nigeria. No masters. I have 5 years of experience. 2 years working for the Ministry of works. 1 year internship with BUA group(NYSC). And working as a real estate agent.
I can design with Auto Cad and Archicad.
I can write python codes and use Claude very well.

Comment on PhD Candidate in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams by Deda

Deda — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:09:46 +0000

Dear Selection Committee,
I am a geotechnical engineer from Mauritania, currently based in France. I hold a Master 2 in Soil, Rock and Structural Mechanics (MSROE) from École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, and an engineering degree in Soil and Subsoil Management and Exploitation from the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Rabat.
Your project on the internal erosion performance of filters protecting moraine cores matches my recent research experience closely. During my research internship at the ESTP construction research institute, I worked on strengthening embankments against erosion. I characterised soils through grain-size distribution, Atterberg limits and Proctor tests, then ran an erosion test campaign with the Erosion Function Apparatus (EFA). I analysed erosion rate, flow velocity and shear stress, and studied the influence of dosage, curing time and compaction on soil behaviour, comparing my results with the literature. This gave me hands-on laboratory experience of the kind your project requires on core and filter materials.
My background also covers the engineering side of embankment safety. I have studied slope stability and retaining structures, and I use PLAXIS, Phase2 and TALREN for numerical modelling.
I am highly motivated to contribute to the safe design and management of embankment dams, and to support flexible hydropower in the energy transition. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Kind regards,

Comment on Nenad Bicanic passed away by Philip Ryan

Philip Ryan — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:21:26 +0000

There is a stone hut (Istrian Kažun) on the High Peak Trail near Parsley Hey in Derbyshire a gift from Croatia dedicated to his memory.

Comment on PhD Candidate in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams by ACHIR AYOUB

ACHIR AYOUB — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:47:53 +0000

I am very interested in this PhD opportunity, as the research topic closely aligns with my professional background and technical interests. I am a civil engineer with five years of experience, including four years specializing in dam engineering. I have contributed to the design and execution studies of several major embankment dams in Morocco, including RHISS Dam (86 m), TAMRI Dam (75 m), and RIBAT AL KHEIR Dam (76 m), all concrete-face rockfill dams. I have also participated in the conceptual design of several embankment dams.
My experience includes embankment stability and seepage analysis, dam safety evaluations, and technical coordination during design and construction. These projects have given me practical exposure to the challenges associated with embankment materials, drainage systems, and long-term dam performance.
I believe my practical experience with embankment dam projects would provide a valuable foundation for this research, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Kind regards