Life-cycle performance of low-carbon concrete structures under service loading

Summary

This project will characterise the life-cycle performance of low-carbon concrete structural systems with various forms for optimal life-cycle costs and embodied carbon. Concrete is the most used construction materials with the global consumption of around 30 billion tonne per year. The concrete materials are made from cement as the binder and the cement production leads to significant CO2 emission and energy consumption, resulting in high embodied carbon of the concrete structural systems.

To decarbonise the structures for the net-zero target, this project will look at the use of low-carbon concrete generated by replacing cement with the eco-friendly binder made from wastes (e.g. plastic and agricultural wastes) or industry by-products such as GGBS and calcined clay. Research will be performed to experimentally characterise the properties of concrete made with different wastes for the mix design optimisation. The performance of the structures made with concrete using the optimal mix proportions will then be investigated considering typical service loading conditions that represent the realistic application conditions. The life-cycle embodied carbon and costs of the structural systems will also be evaluated numerically. The research outcomes will allow for the generation of concrete structural designs for lower carbon footprint and optimal life-cycle costs.

For the project, you are expected to have good knowledge in Civil/Structural Engineering, be open to experimental and numerical studies and interested in research on low-carbon construction materials and life-cycle sustainability of infrastructures.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.