Funded Master’s Project in Civil Engineering: Optimization of Granular Materials for Northern Runways
Top Benefits
About the role
University: University of Laval
Country: Canada
Deadline: Not specified
Fields: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering
Are you passionate about advancing infrastructure sustainability and safety in challenging northern environments? Are you seeking a master’s research project that combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and impactful partnerships with leading industry and government agencies? If so, this funded master’s project at University of Laval could be the perfect next step in your academic and professional journey.
About The University Or Research Institute University of Laval, located in Quebec City, is one of Canada’s most prominent research-intensive universities, renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. As a leader in northern infrastructure research, the university fosters a vibrant academic environment with strong ties to industry, government, and international partners. The Sentinel North Chair on Northern Infrastructure at Laval provides a collaborative platform for addressing the unique challenges faced by remote and northern communities, making it an ideal setting for graduate research that bridges theory and real-world application.
Research Topic and Significance The focus of this master’s project is the “Optimization of Granular Materials Used in Surface Layers for Northern Runways.” In regions such as James Bay and Côte-Nord, Hydro-Québec operates five airports with unpaved runways constructed from crushed aggregates. These surfaces, while advantageous for winter operations and ease of repair, present challenges related to surface roughness, lower bearing capacity, and susceptibility to degradation from aircraft movements and maintenance activities.
The performance of these gravel runways is critical not only for the safety and reliability of airport operations but also for the socioeconomic vitality of Quebec’s northern regions. Degradation of the granular materials can lead to increased maintenance costs and safety risks. Therefore, optimizing the selection, use, and maintenance of these materials has significant implications for infrastructure resilience, operational efficiency, and public safety.
Project Details This Master’s Project Is Conducted Under The Aegis Of The Sentinel North Chair On Northern Infrastructure At University Of Laval. The Research Will Pursue The Following Objectives
– Optimize the in-situ performance of granular materials used in Hydro-Québec’s gravel runways.
– Employ both laboratory and field methodologies to analyze how the characteristics of rock, aggregates, and materials affect stability in remote airport contexts.
– Develop performance prediction tools for granular surfaces.
– Propose targeted maintenance methods tailored to the unique aggregates used on these runways.
The project is distinguished by its strong partnership network, involving Hydro-Québec, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, WSP, and the City of Québec. These collaborations ensure that the research outcomes will be directly relevant and applicable to current industry and governmental needs.
The project is supervised by Jean-Pascal Bilodeau, ing., Ph.D., Assistant Professor and member of the Sentinel North Chair on Northern Infrastructure.
Candidate Profile Ideal Applicants For This Master’s Project Will Have – An undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a closely related field (such as geotechnical engineering, materials science, or environmental engineering).
– A strong interest in infrastructure research, particularly in the context of northern or remote environments.
– Analytical skills and a willingness to engage in both laboratory and fieldwork.
– A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external partners.
– Motivation to contribute to the development of sustainable, safe, and efficient infrastructure solutions.
Application Process To express your interest or to apply for this funded master’s project, please contact:
Jean-Pascal Bilodeau, ing., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Sentinel North Chair on Northern Infrastructure
Email: jean-pascal.bilodeau[at]gci[dot]ulaval[dot]ca
Conclusion This master’s project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the optimization of critical infrastructure in northern regions, working alongside leading experts and industry partners. If you are eager to make a meaningful impact through your research and develop advanced expertise in civil and geotechnical engineering, you are encouraged to apply. Stay tuned for more opportunities like this by following updates and similar positions in your field.
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Also See
- Three Fully Funded PhD Positions in Geotechnical Engineering at Auburn University
- PhD Position in Fire Safety Engineering at Carleton University
- Funded M.S./Ph.D. Positions in Traffic Safety, Machine Learning, and Emerging Mobility…
- Postdoctoral and PhD Research Opportunities in AI, VR/AR, and Safety Systems at Texas…
- PhD Position in Distributed Continual Machine Learning at Uppsala University
Funded Master’s Project in Civil Engineering: Optimization of Granular Materials for Northern Runways
Top Benefits
About the role
University: University of Laval
Country: Canada
Deadline: Not specified
Fields: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering
Are you passionate about advancing infrastructure sustainability and safety in challenging northern environments? Are you seeking a master’s research project that combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and impactful partnerships with leading industry and government agencies? If so, this funded master’s project at University of Laval could be the perfect next step in your academic and professional journey.
About The University Or Research Institute University of Laval, located in Quebec City, is one of Canada’s most prominent research-intensive universities, renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. As a leader in northern infrastructure research, the university fosters a vibrant academic environment with strong ties to industry, government, and international partners. The Sentinel North Chair on Northern Infrastructure at Laval provides a collaborative platform for addressing the unique challenges faced by remote and northern communities, making it an ideal setting for graduate research that bridges theory and real-world application.
Research Topic and Significance The focus of this master’s project is the “Optimization of Granular Materials Used in Surface Layers for Northern Runways.” In regions such as James Bay and Côte-Nord, Hydro-Québec operates five airports with unpaved runways constructed from crushed aggregates. These surfaces, while advantageous for winter operations and ease of repair, present challenges related to surface roughness, lower bearing capacity, and susceptibility to degradation from aircraft movements and maintenance activities.
The performance of these gravel runways is critical not only for the safety and reliability of airport operations but also for the socioeconomic vitality of Quebec’s northern regions. Degradation of the granular materials can lead to increased maintenance costs and safety risks. Therefore, optimizing the selection, use, and maintenance of these materials has significant implications for infrastructure resilience, operational efficiency, and public safety.
Project Details This Master’s Project Is Conducted Under The Aegis Of The Sentinel North Chair On Northern Infrastructure At University Of Laval. The Research Will Pursue The Following Objectives
– Optimize the in-situ performance of granular materials used in Hydro-Québec’s gravel runways.
– Employ both laboratory and field methodologies to analyze how the characteristics of rock, aggregates, and materials affect stability in remote airport contexts.
– Develop performance prediction tools for granular surfaces.
– Propose targeted maintenance methods tailored to the unique aggregates used on these runways.
The project is distinguished by its strong partnership network, involving Hydro-Québec, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, WSP, and the City of Québec. These collaborations ensure that the research outcomes will be directly relevant and applicable to current industry and governmental needs.
The project is supervised by Jean-Pascal Bilodeau, ing., Ph.D., Assistant Professor and member of the Sentinel North Chair on Northern Infrastructure.
Candidate Profile Ideal Applicants For This Master’s Project Will Have – An undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a closely related field (such as geotechnical engineering, materials science, or environmental engineering).
– A strong interest in infrastructure research, particularly in the context of northern or remote environments.
– Analytical skills and a willingness to engage in both laboratory and fieldwork.
– A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external partners.
– Motivation to contribute to the development of sustainable, safe, and efficient infrastructure solutions.
Application Process To express your interest or to apply for this funded master’s project, please contact:
Jean-Pascal Bilodeau, ing., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Sentinel North Chair on Northern Infrastructure
Email: jean-pascal.bilodeau[at]gci[dot]ulaval[dot]ca
Conclusion This master’s project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the optimization of critical infrastructure in northern regions, working alongside leading experts and industry partners. If you are eager to make a meaningful impact through your research and develop advanced expertise in civil and geotechnical engineering, you are encouraged to apply. Stay tuned for more opportunities like this by following updates and similar positions in your field.
Get the latest openings in your field and preferred country—straight to your email inbox. Sign up now for 14 days free: https://phdfinder.com/position-alert-service/
We’re an independent team helping students find opportunities.
Found this opportunity helpful? Support us with a coffee!
Also See
- Three Fully Funded PhD Positions in Geotechnical Engineering at Auburn University
- PhD Position in Fire Safety Engineering at Carleton University
- Funded M.S./Ph.D. Positions in Traffic Safety, Machine Learning, and Emerging Mobility…
- Postdoctoral and PhD Research Opportunities in AI, VR/AR, and Safety Systems at Texas…
- PhD Position in Distributed Continual Machine Learning at Uppsala University