Before starting his doctorate in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, Geoff Eichhorn spent 7 years at an engineering consulting firm in Canada. He worked with clients to protect critical energy utilities from geo hazards such as flooding and landslides and focused on natural gas pipelines, which are an essential part of the Canadian economy and saw firsthand the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on these infrastructures and on the environment. This experience inspired him to pursue a PhD at Cambridge. His research would look at the effects of geo hazards on energy pipelines and would help protect pipelines, which are essential to the Canadian economy, as well as protect the environment that surrounds them.
To build resilient infrastructure in Canada, critical utilities must be designed to resist extreme events. Geoff is specifically studying landslides created by extreme weather events, and how they affect infrastructure. Computer modelling cannot always reproduce ground deformations in cases where the underlying physics are poorly understood. However, it is possible to use physical modelling to re-create earth processes that are not well understood. Geoff uses centrifuge modelling, a type of physical modelling that employs small models which are accelerated at many times earth’s gravity, to scale-up the physical size and time dependent processes. This allows him to investigate the mechanics of pipeline-soil interaction in unstable soils in order to quantify pipeline risk from geo hazards.
In doing this research Geoff recreates environments where landslides occur and investigates the trigger mechanisms that lead to landslides. The ultimate goal of Geoff’s research is to propose a design methodology to improve infrastructure resilience.
Geoff’s PhD research aims to address the need for updated engineering practice in pipeline design by collaborating with industry and the publication and presentation of his findings.
Sharing knowledge has been a focus for Geoff during his time in Cambridge. He carries out experimental demonstrations, supervises undergraduate students and volunteers with the geotechnical society. Proud to represent Canada on the world stage of research scholarship, Geoff believes that research findings should be shared not only academically, but also with industry to truly benefit the general public and the environment. His PhD work will contribute to the creation of easily implementable guidelines. These guidelines will allow pipelines to be constructed and operated safely and in a cost-effective manner which will minimize the environmental impact. Given the enormous length and size of these pipelines, reducing their impact is essential to the modern Canadian economy.
Geoff currently lives in the UK with his wife and young son. In his first two years at Cambridge, Geoff rowed for Fitzwilliam College. As a family they enjoy travelling and exploring the great outdoors. He feels that walking is one of the best things that you can do that doesn’t cost anything.
Geoff did his B.Sc.E. in Geological Engineering at Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario, where a large component of his training included exposure to industry experience through the teaching he received. Upon graduation Geoff is leaning towards continuing in academia in a teaching and research role. He firmly believes that the training of new engineers and scientists should incorporate experience relevant to the jobs that students will eventually hold in industry and society.
