Contact
Biography
Dr Charles Heron completed his undergraduate and PhD studies at the University of Cambridge. Although Charles' PhD focused on the dynamic soil-structure response of shallow foundations located on dry sand layers, he worked in a multitude of different project throughout his time in Cambridge. Through these projects he saw the spectrum of challenges and opportunities for research in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.
In 2014 Charles took up an Assistant Professor position at the University of Nottingham - based within the Department of Civil Engineering and as a member of the Nottingham Centre for Geomechanics (NCG) research group. In 2020 Charles was promoted to Associate Professor and continues to contribute to the teaching work of the department and the research work of NCG.
Expertise Summary
With a background in experimental research, Charles' expertise are focused on centrifuge modelling and element scale testing - especially developing novel testing apparatus. Charles has used these tools to investigate a range of problems during his research career, with the key topics including:
- The dynamic response of shallow foundations located on dry sand beds (PhD work)
- The cyclic response of axially loaded pipelines (Post Doctoral work)
- The cyclic response of monopolies (supervised PhD students)
- The transmission of vibrations through soil layers (supervised PhD students)
- The behaviour of soil-structure interfaces (key research area and supervised PhD students)
The primary focus of Charles' research is on better understanding the behaviour at soil-structure interfaces. This research currently focuses on the element and micro-mechanical scale. Once the element scale behaviour is understood and characterised, then the knowledge can be extended to understand the impact of the soil-structure interface on the global response of soil-structure systems, such as monopiles, suction caissons, and pipelines.
Teaching Summary
Dr Charles Heron teaches soil mechanics to Year 1 and Year 4 students. The focus of the Year 1 course is on an introduction to basic soil mechanics principles (phase relationships etc) and then… read more
Research Summary
Charles' research priority is on better understanding the behaviour at soil-structure interfaces. This research currently focuses on the element and micro-mechanical scale. Once the element scale… read more
Recent Publications
FAIZI, K., FARAMARZI, A., DIRAR, S., CHAPMAN, D., CUI, G., HERON, C. M. and MARSHALL, A. M., 2023. Assessing the performance of winged caisson foundations for offshore wind turbines: Marine Georesources and Geotechnology Marine Georesources and Geotechnology.
Dr Charles Heron teaches soil mechanics to Year 1 and Year 4 students. The focus of the Year 1 course is on an introduction to basic soil mechanics principles (phase relationships etc) and then extends to the principle of effective stress and Mohr circle analysis of stress.
For Year 4 students, Charles introduces them to the practical side of triaxial element testing. In the first part of this module (taught by Professor Glenn McDowell) the students learn about critical state soil mechanics and Modified Cam Clay. The students then undertake some triaxial testing (under the supervision of Dr Charles Heron) and compare the results against the modified cam clay analytical predictions. In the final part of the module, delivered by Professor Alec Marshall, students use a finite element package to model the triaxial tests and compare the results to the laboratory data they collected.
Charles also supervises a range of undergraduate individual and group projects and co-manages to 'Portfolio of Civil Engineering Skills' modules.
From an administrative perspective, Charles is the National Student Survey lead for the department, Year 2 Senior Tutor, a member of the Department Management Board, and a member of the Department Health and Safety committee. He also leads in the organisation and delivery of open and offer-holder day for the department.
Current Research
Charles' research priority is on better understanding the behaviour at soil-structure interfaces. This research currently focuses on the element and micro-mechanical scale. Once the element scale behaviour is understood and characterised, then the knowledge can be extended to understand the impact of the soil-structure interface on the global response of soil-structure systems, such as monopiles, suction caissons, and pipelines.
Future Research
I welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates from Home, EU and international countries who are interested in the following research areas: Behaviour of soil-structure interfaces; Geotechnical centrifuge testing; Element testing.