Professor Colin Smith
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Professor in Geotechnical Engineering


+44 114 222 5717
Full contact details
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Room E106
Sir Frederick Mappin Building (Broad Lane Building)
Mappin Street
ºù«Ӱҵ
S1 3JD
- Profile
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My research focuses on the development of optimisation-based tools for geotechnical analysis and design together with novel low-carbon construction techniques.
Prof. Colin Smith
Colin Smith graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1987. He joined the Cambridge Soil Mechanics research group in the same year and completed a PhD in 1991. Following two years as a research associate at Cambridge he joined the Department in 1992.
He is co-developer of the novel Discontinuity Layout Optimisation (DLO) numerical limit analysis method and is co-founder and director of University spin-out company , where he led the development of the DLO based ultimate limit state analysis and design software . The software rapidly analyses the safety of geotechnical constructions and is now in use by over 100 companies and ~240 Universities across the world. It is also used within several taught modules at ºù«Ӱҵ.
He currently teaches geotechnical design modules within the Department at Level 3 and MSc level.
His research is aimed at developing enhanced limit analysis techniques and in the application of robust optimization techniques to geotechnical design.
He is also researching novel low carbon geotechnical construction techniques. Adopting the broad paradigm of in-situ resource utilization, this work seeks to ‘go back to the future’ combining traditional approaches (including masonry) with digital technology to achieve modern standards of engineering with minimal external material inputs. This work combines experimental studies with numerical modelling.
His current research includes:
- Limit analysis and optimisation in geotechnics: providing easy-to-use tools for engineers to identify critical collapse mechanisms and associated margins of safety.
- Low-carbon geotechnical construction through numerical design optimisation and the application of low-impact construction techniques. This encompasses traditional methods using soil and rock, application of unsaturated soil strength, and development of rigorous chemistry based bio-additive techniques for soil improvement.
- Masonry arch bridge analysis, modelling and assessment.
Further information may be found in his dedicated .
His research at ºù«Ӱҵ has been funded by EPSRC, NERC and industry.
- Publications
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Books
Journal articles
Chapters
Conference proceedings papers
Patents
Reports
Preprints
- Research group
- Grants
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Exploiting the resilience of masonry arch bridge infrastructure
The goal of this project is to provide those responsible for the management of bridges with a powerful suite of analysis modelling tools and a robust overarching multi-level framework capable of being applied to the diverse population of masonry arch bridges in-service today (i.e. undamaged, damaged and repaired).
Practical 3D model of masonry arch bridges and tunnel linings
The decision support tools currently used by bridge owners and their consultants tend to be highly simplified, and incapable of identifying bridges which are likely to deteriorate under traffic loads, and of diagnosing the causes of a range of commonly encountered defects...
The global soil stabilisation market is forecast to grow from $25 billion in 2019 to $35 billion by 2027 driven primarily by infrastructure and construction activities and exacerbated by the increasingly urgent need to adapt to climate change, flood risk and sea-level rise. Soil chemical stabilisation (where soil is mixed with an additive to enhance its strength) is forecast to be the fastest growing sector of the market, taking just under half the share. However the most widely-used additives, cement and lime, suffer from significant carbon and energy costs and substantial environmental impacts.
Such concerns have stimulated interest in biologically-derived alternatives as a low-carbon sustainable solution. There is existing evidence that naturally sourced biopolymers have significant potential, achieving higher strength in stabilised soils with lower additive mass than cement and at similar cost. However, widespread uptake of biopolymers is impeded by the fact that they generally suffer from poor water resistance and poor resistance to biodegradation over time. If these challenges can be addressed, biopolymers could achieve a transformational impact on soil stabilisation. This cross-disciplinary project aims to investigate a number of novel strategies to achieve this goal, designing solutions from the molecular level upwards.
- Professional activities and memberships
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Co-founder and Director of the University spin-out company . The company specialises in the development of novel analysis and design software applications which make use of methods developed in the University. LimitState software is now used by >150 industry organizations in >30 countries.
Secretary of International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) Technical Committee TC205 Safety and Serviceability in Geotechnical Design (2010-2017).
Member of Eurocode 7 evolution group EG4, working groups WG1-TG2, WG7, WG3-TG6 (reinforced soil), TGD1.6 (numerical methods) (2011 – present).
Recipient of the ICE Baker Medal (2007) published journal papers.
- PhD opportunities
Design Optimization in Geotechnical Engineering
This project is concerned with the development of numerical methods for the design optimization of earthworks, foundations and retaining structures combining general purpose optimization techniques developed for analysis (e.g. http://www.limitstate.com/geo) and design. An aptitude for computer programming would be essential for this project.
If you're interested in one of these projects, or would like to self-propose a project, please contact Colin at the above email. Current PhD opportunities in the department can be viewed here.