Job Description

Do your internship on the application of a novel bio-cementation technique to improve erosion resistance of sandy pockets in a levee project.

Background

This study focusses on the erosion risk of sandy pockets in river dike toes during higher river discharges. Currently, if this type of erosion is found to occur at levee sections, the section will either be repaired (so the risk is accepted) or be strengthened with e.g. a falling apron to protect the erodible sandy pockets (so future risks are reduced). A new type of solution could be to improve the erosion-strength of the sandy pockets with a soil improvement technique. The market offers various techniques such as bio-cementation to mitigate this problem.

Goal

Medusoil’s patented technique is a game-changer in the bio-cementation field. It has been demonstrated at various test sites in Switzerland and France that its technique can improve the erosion resistance of sandy soil. Medusoil’s solution solves the nitrogen issue usually associated with bio-cementation. At the same time, it improves the soil’s erosion resistance while minimally altering the permeability. In the Netherlands erosion is currently garnering more attention. For this Fugro has developed multiple tests (PET, JET, HET) to measure the erosion resistance both in-situ and in the laboratory.

It is therefore interesting to develop a decision framework in which the various design alternatives are compared, such that they can be applied where they are though to work best. This will encompass for e.g. technical aspects, costs and environmental impact of the solution. Next to this comparison, the student will design a field test for a pilot location in Limburg (?) where this solution can be applied best. Depending on the overall timeline, you or another student, will be involved in the field test to process and analysis the data to draw conclusions.

Goal

Establish a clear framework/guideline when a soil improvement technique could be considered to reduce erosion risks at sandy river dike foreshores, and which soil improvement technique(s) would be most suitable.

Design of a fieldtest with bio-cementation.

Practicalities

This is a joint graduation thesis with Fugro and Medusoil. Daily supervision will be provided by Fugro at its offices in Utrecht or Leidschendam. An internship renumeration will be offered. Supervision from Medusoil will be provided through Teams and sporadic organized visits. Laboratory tests can be conducted at both university and Fugro facilities. Fugro has ample experience in guiding students and many stay employed after graduation.

Desired profile

MSc Geotechnical Engineering or equivalent;

Proactive, independent, and comfortable reaching out to multiple stakeholders;

Innovative mindset to explore novel techniques.

What we offer

We offer you a fixed monthly compensation during your internship. In addition, you get the opportunity to improve your professional skills within an international organization. From experience we know that many interns tend to stay at Fugro after their graduation. Under mutual agreement we can add a research component to the internship.

Are you interested?

Please visit our Company Page to find out more on what it is like to work at Fugro. If you have any further questions, please contact Bram van der Ploeg, Campus Recruiter, +31 6 3458 0051.

After you have applied 

You will receive an automated confirmation-email of the receipt of your application.  

When we see a match, we will invite you for an interview within a couple of days. Of course, you will also receive a message if we will not invite you;

If we are both positive after the interview, we will make you an offer and with that we hope to welcome you at Fugro!

Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated.