Optimisation of reinforced-concrete structures for sustainability and cost-efficiency with the consideration of uncertainties

Summary

This project will develop low-carbon and cost-efficient reinforced-concrete structures for infrastructures applied in different environments. Reinforced-concrete structures have been widely used in bridges, tunnels, buildings and structures in the power industry. The exposure of these structures to the atmosphere, temperature, moisture and chloride in the service environment often leads to the deterioration of the strength and serviceability of the structures. This degradation can cause catastrophic failures of infrastructures and pose severe safety risks, resulting in uncertainties in life-cycle management and measurement increment of life-cycle costs and carbon footprint. For example, the annual cost in the UK for repairing motorway bridges with corrosion damage is about £616.5 million (Broomfield, 2022).
To resolve these problems, this project aims to find the optimal reinforced-concrete systems with due consideration of the life-cycle performance and with uncertainties associated with the applications in different environments. You will carry out investigations through experimenting, numerical modelling and validation, on the performance of reinforced-concrete structural elements with different reinforcing materials and mix designs for concrete (e.g. the use of industry by-products or waste and fibres) under the effect of environmental weathering. Environmental and economic life cycle assessment (LCA) will be carried out on defined functions of comparative structures. References to relevant Eurocode and ISO (e.g. ISO14040) will be made, to ensure fair comparison of material, design and maintenance intervention. Data validated obtained in this project will complement secondary data from literature. Sensitivity analysis will be carried out of key assumptions and methodological choices, such as allocation method and end-of-life scenarios (Huang et al., 2013). Furthermore, optimisation of the structural systems for lower-embodied carbon and life-cycle costs will be performed. The research outputs such as the reporting of key parameters influencing the structural performance in the life-cycle of reinforced-concrete systems for optimisation will benefit the industry in their pursuit of sustainable, economical and durable infrastructures.
For the project, you are expected to have good knowledge in Civil/Structural Engineering, be open to experimental and numerical studies and interested in sustainability of infrastructures. You will also benefit from the research resources and facilities such as the access to George Earle Laboratory for experimental investigations.

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.