Graduation Internship: Creep Behavior and Remaining Capacity of Timber Pile Foundations

Haskoning; Amersfoort; Hybrid; EUR 7,600 - 9,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internship allowance €750/month

Hybrid working

Mentor guidance

Job summary

Haskoning is offering a structural engineering internship in the Maritime structures team, focused on timber pile foundations and quay walls in the Netherlands. You will combine numerical modelling with monitoring data to study creep in timber piles and its effect on long-term capacity.

The project builds on TU Delft work and uses Abaqus/PLAXIS, with field data from Amsterdam and Delft. You will work under a mentor, with hybrid working options, and an internship allowance of €750 per month.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing MSc in a relevant field at a Dutch university.
• Experience with numerical modelling and soil-structure interaction.

Responsibilities

• Review existing research on creep behavior of timber pile foundations.
• Develop advanced numerical models (e.g. Abaqus) that account for pile tapering, pile group effects, soil-structure interaction and non-linear pile behavior.
• Investigate the influence of timber creep on load redistribution, pile group performance and remaining foundation capacity.
• Validate model results using field data from load tests and monitoring projects in Amsterdam.
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations for assess­ment of quay wall foundations.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Soil-structure interaction

Abaqus

PLAXIS

Education

MSc student in Hydraulic Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related field at a Dutch university

Tools

Abaqus

PLAXIS

Job description

Help solve a real-world engineering challenge affecting historic quay walls in the Netherlands. In this internship, you will combine advanced numerical modelling with practical monitoring data to better understand how creep in timber piles influences the long-term behaviour and remaining capacity of quay wall foundations. The findings may contribute directly to future assessment methodologies for existing quay structures used by asset owners and municipalities.

What you will do as intern

As an intern, you will work on a dedicated research project within our Maritime structures team. You will investigate the long-term behavior of timber pile foundations supporting quay walls, building upon earlier research conducted at TU Delft and extending it with state-of-the-art modelling approaches. The internship combines numerical modelling, literature research, and validation using real-world monitoring and load test data.

Your responsibilities may include

• Reviewing existing research on creep behavior of timber pile foundations.
• Developing advanced numerical models (e.g. Abaqus) that account for pile tapering, pile group effects, soil-structure interaction and non-linear pile behavior.
• Investigating the influence of timber creep on load redistribution, pile group performance and remaining foundation capacity.
• Validating model results using field data from load tests and monitoring projects in Amsterdam.
• Translating research findings into practical recommendations for the assessment of existing quay wall foundations.

This internship is suitable as a graduation project. The research focuses on understanding how creep in timber piles affects the long-term performance of quay wall foundations. Earlier studies have primarily considered simplified two-dimensional representations. In this project, you will develop more advanced numerical models that include three-dimensional soil interaction, pile group effects and recent insights into non-linear pile behavior. A key objective is to investigate whether load redistribution within pile groups can explain why some existing quay walls continue to perform adequately despite seemingly unfavorable assessments. The research outcomes may support future developments of assessment frameworks for existing quay structures and could also provide valuable insights for other piled maritime structures.

Where you will work

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee-owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design, and consultancy services with software and technology. Our mission, "Enhancing Society Together", drives us to create a positive impact on the world.

We offer purpose-driven and challenging work in diverse international projects, leveraging our 140+ years of expertise. With over 6,800 employees in more than 25 countries, we work together to turn challenges into opportunities and make a real impact on society. We collaborate with leading clients in markets such as infrastructure, climate resilience, renewable energy, decarbonisation of industry, and sustainable mobility.

As our new structural intern, you will become part of the team Maritime structures in Delft or Amersfoort (the Netherlands). The Maritime structures team is a very diverse team regarding background, age, gender and knowledge. From this team you can get the support that you need to fulfil your graduation assignment.

What you bring

You are curious, analytical and motivated to tackle complex engineering challenges. You enjoy combining theory, modelling and practical engineering applications, and you are comfortable working independently while collaborating with specialists from different disciplines.

Requirements

• MSc student in Hydraulic Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related field, at a Dutch university.
• Interest in numerical modelling and soil-structure interaction problems.
• Experience with or willingness to learn finite element software such as Abaqus, PLAXIS or similar tools.
• Affinity with programming, data analysis or scientific research methods.
• Strong communication skills in English and/or Dutch, enabling you to document and present your findings in the project team in a clear way.

This internship is particularly suitable for students interested in geotechnics, structural mechanics, foundation engineering and the long-term performance of civil infrastructure.

What you can expect from us

During your internship at Haskoning, you’ll have the opportunity to grow professionally in an inspiring and inclusive work environment. We offer support, guidance, and attractive conditions to help you get the most out of your internship:

• Internship allowance of €750 per month (based on a 40-hour workweek)
• Personal guidance from a dedicated mentor
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects
• Access to knowledge groups and development programs
• Hybrid working and flexible hours
• Informal and inclusive work culture with social and sports activities
• Access to Young Haskoning, our network for young professionals, where you can join inspiring events, workshops, and informal gatherings with colleagues

Are you our new intern?

Do you have any questions about the role or the process? You can contact Anouk de Winter, recruiter, at [e-mail].

At Haskoning, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission of "Enhancing Society Together" drives us to create an environment that embraces each individual’s unique background, identity, and perspective. Regardless of your experience, background, age, gender, and other personal characteristics—you are welcome here. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that an inclusive culture gives everyone the opportunity to grow and contribute. Read more about our ED&I initiatives on our dedicated webpage.