Numerical Modelling of Flood Induced Riverbed Erosion
Supervisor: Dr Maggie Creed
School: Engineering
Description:
Scour around bridge piers is the leading cause of bridge failure worldwide. In the UK, climate change is intensifying rainfall and flood events, increasing river discharge and the risk of bridge collapse due to scour. Recent failures have highlighted the urgent need to better understand how riverbeds respond to extreme flows and how this response may change under future climate scenarios.
This project focuses on the North Esk River and aims to investigate how flood magnitude and frequency influence riverbed erosion and scour at a bridge site. The internship will involve numerical modelling to simulate past, present, and future flood events and to assess how sediment is mobilised during high‑flow conditions.
During the internship, you will receive training in state‑of‑the‑art hydraulic and geomorphological modelling tools, including HEC‑RAS and CAESAR‑Lisflood. You will learn how to use high‑resolution topographic data to build model domains, prepare input datasets, and run simulations to predict erosion and scour patterns. A key part of the project will be calibrating and validating model outputs using field data on sediment mobility and flood inundation.
You will also develop skills in data analysis, visualisation, and scientific communication by interpreting model results and presenting your findings clearly. Throughout the project, you will be supported with structured training and regular supervision.
The internship is a collaborative project involving Dr Creed (University of Glasgow) and Dr Mark Naylor (Reader, University of Edinburgh), with input from industry partners AMEY Consulting and Railway Paths. This provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience at the interface of academic research and real‑world infrastructure challenges.
A basic understanding of fluid mechanics, hydraulics, or numerical modelling would be an advantage, but no prior modelling experience is required. Applicants should have an interest in rivers, flooding, and environmental modelling.
At the end of the internship, you will deliver a short presentation on your findings to the academic supervisors and project partners.