PhD in Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering in Orono United States | University of Maine

Maine's coastal areas are recognized for their Presumpscot Formation clay, a glacial soil deposit prone to significant landslides. This material has led to building settlement issues and posed difficulties for constructing structures of various scales. The Presumpscot Formation was the central topic of two regional symposia held in 1987 and 2015, with their proceedings accessible through the 2015 Symposium's online platform.

Studies can explore the properties of both soft and stiff clays (including the Presumpscot Formation), examining natural hazards across terrestrial, coastal, and nearshore zones. Investigations may involve soil-structure interactions through full-scale installations or scaled models, site assessment techniques using in-situ, geophysical, and laboratory approaches for both land and marine environments, as well as soil thermal properties concerning energy exchange, permafrost risks, and engineering in cold climates.