Rajeeth Ambikaipahan

Blk 540, Bukit Batok St 52

#04-511, Singapore 650540
25th September 2012

Attention to :
Robert Oakley
Student Services and research officer
School of Geoscience
Monash University

Application for PhD position in Structural geology and tectonics

I am applying for admission to the PhD program in Structural Geology and tectonics because, I
want to be a researcher and teacher in Earth Science. In particular, I'm interested in plate tectonics
which is one of the interesting research area in solid earth science. As a Master's graduate in Geoscience
the opportunity will diverse my knowledge and experience deeply into the earth's interior.
I believed that the PhD program at Monash university invaluable in helping me to achieve these
objectives. It would enable me to channel my quantitative and conceptual skills in analyzing technical
issues and would open up new avenues in research. Subsequent to earning a PhD, I would like to apply
for a staff position at a leading University in Australia.
I believe that my background in Geoscience (Master's) and Earth resource engineering
(Bachelor's) has prepared me for such a career. My four years bachelor's and two years master's
education have provided me with a strong grounding in mathematics and theoretical aspects of
technology as well. Further, I have obtained vast of knowledge and experience in research
methodologies during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
I want to do a PhD at Monash University for many reasons. First of all I would like to say about
the reputation of the University. The Monash University being one of the leading research institution in
Australia. Further, the research environment in the School of Geoscience seems excellent by review. I
have viewed many researcher's profile in the department and got to know that the department has wide
range of research area.
While the research, my interests in photography, music and games will help me to maintain a
sense of perspective in life.
I hope that the admission committee finds my background and strengths commensurate with
the requirements of university's PhD program.

Sincerely
Rajeeth Ambikaipahan Singapore 25th September 2012
A brief Proposal on

A dynamic and analytical model for the process of

deformation of tectonic plate margin interaction in a
Subduction zone
Introduction

A Subduction zone remains as a result of collision of two converging plates of earth’s crust where
one plate moves under another plate and sinks into the earth’s mantle. The subduction may occur
when converging an oceanic crust and a continental crust or two oceanic crusts. The subducted
crust may drive down into the mantle beneath about 55,000km. Subduction zones are the cause of
volcanic activity, earthquake and mountain building.

At present the process of subduction is almost well understood except the origin of it. The contrast in
density of two convergent crust slabs is the key for the formation of subduction zone. An analytical
model can be used to identify the initiation of subduction based on where appropriate combination
of two density contrasted plats positioned in convergent manner. However the of natural hazards
caused by the convergent plates such as earthquake and volcanism is depend entirely on the
processes of deformation during the collision.

Objectives

1. Identify the processes of deformation during the various stages of plate collision.
2. Create an analytical model for the stress distribution on different zones in both plates for
corresponding process of deformation.
3. Evaluate the critical deformation stage for occurring volcanic and earthquake activities.
4. An advanced dynamic model for the potential plate deformation based on the entire
processes of deformation.

Research methodology

1. Use of seismic data analysis to identify the processes and stages of deformation and stress
distribution.
2. 3D-Finite element modelling for the simulation of potential deformation.

Outcomes

1. Guidelines and specification for estimating the past and potential deformation of plates in
subduction zone.
2. Correlations between processes of deformation and the stress distribution.
3. Correlation between plate deformation and the potential hazards intensity.
 Rajeeth Ambikaipahan
Blk 540, #04 – 511, Bukit Batok St 52, Singapore 650540.
Email: rajeeth_uom@hotmail.com
Tel: +65-9369 6927
Date of Birth:09/06/1984

Education
August 2009 – June 2011 University of Oslo, Norway

Master of Science in Geoscience

Specilization : Environmental Geology and Geohazards
Master’s Thesis: Failure of an Earth Dam, An analysis of earth dam break, Nedre Eiker municipality, Norway
Supervisors : Øyvind Armand Høydal (Norwegian Geotechnical Institute), Farrokh Nadhim (International
Centre for Geohazards, Oslo)

January 2004 – July 2008 University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Hons)

Specialization: Mining and Minerals Engineering
Bachelor’s Thesis: Feasibility studies of a Constructed wetland to treat contaminated water
Supervisor: Dr.S. Karunaratne (Head of the Department, Department of Earth Resources Engineering)

January 2000 – April 2003 Jaffna Hindu College, Sri Lanka

G.C.C Advanced Level

Mathematics (B), Physics (A), Chemistry (B)

Research Experience
January 2011 – June 2011 University of Oslo - Norwegian Geotechnical Institute

Master’s Thesis
Title: Failure of an Earth dam, An analysis of earth dam break, Nedre Eiker Municipality, Norway

Abstract:
The consequence of dam failure is one of the major hazard to human life as well as to infrastructure..
Studies about a natural dam failure are very common, but the thesis included numerical modeling and detailed
analysis of dam conditions when a dam is under abnormal flooding conditions. The old industry dam Årbogen has
been failed during an intense rainfall occurred in August 2010 with three major slides along the downstream slope.
The local municipality requested to Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) to carry out some immediate
temporary measures and a detailed analysis of dam condition. The primary objective of the thesis is analyzing the
seepage and stability of the Årbogen dam for the extreme flood condition caused by the intense rainfall. In addition,
soil analysis of the deposits, determination of flood path and flow accumulation, and consequence of the dam break
are considered as secondary tasks. Stability and seepage has been analyzed using the popular geotechnical software
called GeoSlope. A contour map and ArcGIS program are used to explain the possible flood paths which may
impact the nearest community.
September 2007 – June 2008

Bachelor’s Thesis
Title: Feasibility studies of a Constructed wetland to treat Contaminated Water
Abstract:
Among the vast number of methods that can be applied for the treatment of contaminated water, one of
the best method of treating abandoned mine water was identified as the subsurface flow constructed wetlands
through pytoextraction. Therefore further research was carried out to the applicability of constructed wetland to
treat polluted water at abandoned quarry in Ragama (Prison Quarry). The main objective of the study was to
measure the removal efficiency of BOD, COD, NH3, NO3_ PO43- using Thypha Latifolia (Cattail). The hydraulic
retention time was 8 days. The concentration of Nitrate, Orthophosphate, and Ammonia was monitored twice a
week and BOD and COD were monitored once a week in order to determine their removal rate. While
monitoring the removal efficiencies, the mechanisms of N,P and COD removal were identified. The mechanisms
are based on the principle of mass conversion. The main Nitrogen removal mechanisms identified were plant
uptake and denitrification. It is assumed that ammonia and nitrate removal from wetlands by macropytes depend on
the biomass of the root. Average nitrate and ammonia removal from the plant cell was 42.9% and 27.8%
respectively, whereas the removal efficiency of Ortho phosphate was 17.5% in the planted tank. Typha latifolia was
identified as a suitable wetland plant which can remove nitrogen compounds in contaminated water.

Research Techniques
I am competent in the following research and modelling technique;
1. 3D – Finite element methods
2. Data collection, interpretation and analysis
3. Sampling and Laboratory testing for material properties

Teaching Experience
October 2008 – May 2009 University of Moratuwa

I worked as Instructor for undergraduate students at Department of Earth Resources Engineering. Key
responsibilities are;
1. Teaching laboratory experiments for undergraduate students(Geotechnical, Structural geology and
Analytical laboratories)
2. Evaluate experiment coursework.
3. Supervising undergraduate research projects.

Industrial Experiences
September 2006 – March 2007 Foundation and water well Engineering, Sri Lanka
Position: Site Engineer
Key Works: Designing and locating boreholes, Borehole sampling and laboratory testing for soil, rock and
water properties, Soil stabilization.

January 2012 – Present Kwang Sing Engineering Pte. Ltd, Singapore

Position: Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Key Works: Subsurface geological investigation, Foundation design, Micro piling, Laboratory testing for
soil and rock properties.

Computer Skills

I have excellent skills and experience in MathLAB, ArcGis, Reflux, GeoSlope, Plaxis and Microsoft office
package.
Publications

Author(s): Rajeeth Ambikaipahan

Title: Failure of an Earth Dam
Subtitle: An analysis of earth dam break-Årbogen dam, NedreEiker municipality, Norway
Year Published: 2011
Document type: Master thesis
Language: English
Tutor(s): Øyvind Armand Høydal (NGI) and Farrokh Nadhim (ICG)
Permanent link: http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-28174

Conferences, Presentations and Seminars Attended

• Presentation on Master's thesis defend - University of Oslo (June 2011)

• ERE Annual Conference 2008 (“Mining for a better future”) for defending Bachelor’s thesis (Department
of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa)
• Weekly seminars at Department of Geoscience, University of Oslo (January 2010 - June 2011)
• Monthly discussion on 'Present Geohazards in all over the World' - Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo

Professional Society Affiliations

• Member of 'Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka'(IESL)

Referees

Professor. Per Aagaard Dr.Nazmul H. Mondel

Professor Associate Professor
Section of Environmental Geology and Geohazards Section of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics
Department of Geoscience Department of Geoscience
University of Oslo
University of Oslo
P.O. Box 1047, Blindern
P.O. Box 1047, Blindern
0316, Oslo
0316, Oslo
Norway
Norway
Email: per.aagaard@geo.uio.no
Tel:+47 2285 6644 Email: nazmul.haque@geo.uio.no
Tel:+47 2285 6693
Fax: +47 2285 4215

Øyvind Armand Høydal M.Senthilkumar

Senior Engineer Post Graduate Student
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute Room G24, Building 60
P.O. Box 3930, Ullevål Stadion Department of Civil Engineering
N-0806 Oslo Monash University
Norway Victoria 3800, Australia
Email: oyvind.armand.hoydal@ngi.no Tel:+613 9905 5576
Tel:+47 2202 3190 Fax: +614 2582 2555