About the research project
Debris flows are a form of catastrophic landslide, predominantly occurring in mountainous terrain. Debris flows consist of a fluidized mixture of soil sediments, fragmented rock, boulders, and water which flow in the down-hill direction at high velocity. Many debris-flow protective structures are suitable for impeding flow, including check dams, screens, and flexible barriers.
The landslide vulnerabilities are based on imperfect knowledge of ground and climate conditions and models that represent our current understanding of the landslide process. How humans use these vast global knowledge sets is vital to understanding complex landslide systems.
This study will combine large-scale infrastructure-based databases detailing specifics related to the built environment with machine learning techniques to enhance landslide susceptibility maps and identify at-risk infrastructure. The objective of this project is to develop debris flow forecasting and detection methods by combining freely available geospatial data with computational analyses.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fee offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process, you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and Fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A solid knowledge of geotechnical engineering and soil-structure interaction
- A solid knowledge of Finite Element methods and their application in geotechnical engineering
- Knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python and MATLAB)
- Strong academic background in engineering and capability to work independently
- Motivated to learn and have a scientific mindset and team spirit
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Ali Tolooiyan to discuss your suitability and the project’s requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees, and your project research proposal.
- Apply before 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the ‘How to apply‘ section at Research Degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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