Jonathan Knappett

Jonathan Knappett is a Professor (Teaching and Research) of Civil Engineering at the University of Dundee. He holds roles including Programme Lead for MSc Civil Engineering (since 2023) and Postgraduate Research Lead for Civil Engineering (since 2022). His expertise spans centrifuge modeling, numerical simulation, and analytical modeling, focusing on low-carbon geotechnical engineering, energy decarbonization, and earthquake engineering. He has secured over £8.2M in research funding and authored influential textbooks like Craig's Soil Mechanics. Knappett has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Telford Gold Medal (2024) and the ICE Geotechnical Research Medal (2023).

Education:

• PhD, Piled Foundations in Liquefiable Soils, University of Cambridge (2007)
• MEng, Dynamic Bearing Capacity, University of Cambridge (2003)

Research Interests:

• Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation
• Geotechnical engineering for offshore renewables
• Earthquake-resistant urban infrastructure design

His research integrates physical and computational methods, addressing challenges in soil-structure interaction and sustainable infrastructure.

Key Projects:

• Efficient Ground Energy Systems (£8.2M+ funding from UK/EU bodies)
• Braced Excavations: Corner Stability Analysis

Awards:

• British Geotechnical Association Medal (2009)
• TK Hsieh Award (2010)
• ISSMGE Young Researcher Award (2018)
• Telford Gold Medal (2024)

Teaching & Leadership:

• Discipline Lead for Civil Engineering (2016–2021)
• Co-developed MSc Geotechnical Engineering (2010–2016)
• Author of internationally acclaimed textbooks