Effects of Installation and Use of Polymer Support Fluids on the Load Capacity of Piles in Low to Medium Permeability Soils Kingston University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Kingston University investigates the effects of polymer support fluids on the load capacity and deformation of piles installed in low to medium permeability soils. The installation of bored piles in collapsible soils often requires temporary casings or support fluids, such as bentonite or polymers, to stabilise the shaft. While previous research has explored the impact of these fluids on base and shaft resistance, there is limited understanding of their influence on lateral load capacity and pile deformation, and current engineering codes lack specific guidelines for these effects.

The research aims to fill this gap by combining laboratory model tests and advanced numerical analysis. Key objectives include assessing how different pile installation methods and polymer support fluids affect the lateral load capacity of piled foundations, experimentally evaluating strain distribution and deformation behaviour under lateral loads, and investigating the interaction between soil properties (such as shear strength, permeability, and density) and support fluids. The project will also use three-dimensional finite element simulations to model pile behaviour and develop best practice guidelines for optimal pile installation and support fluid use.

Experimental work will involve casting piles of various sizes in a wooden chamber filled with soft to firm soil, using sand-cement mortar with wire mesh reinforcement and support fluids of varying properties. Instrumentation such as dial gauges, strain gauges, and transducers will be used to monitor pile response under incremental lateral and vertical loads. Numerical simulations will complement the experiments, providing insights into the load-deformation response of the pile-soil system for different support fluid scenarios.

The project is part of the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry, offering potential funding for tuition and stipend. Applicants should have a strong background in civil engineering or a related field, with skills in geotechnical engineering and experimental or analytical methods. The application deadline is March 4, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Kingston University PhD Studentships webpage and the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment research page.