Low-carbon and reusable structural systems formed with eco-friendly materials for sustainable infrastructures

Summary

This PhD project will focus on the development of eco-friendly and easy-to-reuse structural systems for the next generation infrastructures in a circular economy. Infrastructures, such as bridges, buildings, and electricity transmission towers, play an important role in the society to ensure people’s living quality and the effective operation of various sectors. The demand is increasing with growing population, as revealed by the over £483 billion of investment on infrastructure from UK government (2016 – 2021). However, the infrastructure construction not only generates great challenges for the supply of raw materials and resources, but also causes severe environmental impacts including the CO2 emission during construction materials production and the large quantity of demolition waste generation.

To overcome the challenges, you will carry out the research to develop and investigate the structural systems that are formed with eco-friendly and high-strength materials (e.g. green concrete made from industry wastes such as Calcined clay and GGBFS) and are also demountable for dis-assembling and reuse in new construction to eliminate waste generation. You will consider the different types of structural components for infrastructures and investigate them under the critical service loading conditions via numerical modelling and physical testing with the state-of-the-art facilities at the George Earle Heavy Structures Laboratory. The expected research outcome will be a meaningful contribution to the Structural Engineering field, industry and society as it brings the potential for sustainable infrastructure by reducing the consumption of new construction materials and the generation of wastes that damage the environment.

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.