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Project Background:
Bio-based materials are widely marketed as sustainable in comparison with more established non-renewable alternatives. Advantages of bio-based materials include that they: (1) have a renewable supply chain when sustainably and responsibly managed; (2) are often fast-growing, (3) can offset carbon emission through the photosynthetic carbon stored within them, (4) can be potentially recycled. However, sustainable bio-based projects have not proliferated in the construction sector. However, professionals are concerned about costs, availability, and knowledge of durability and performance of bio-based solutions. A better understanding of bio-based materials is vital to reduce embodied carbon emissions and to enable all stakeholders to accept and increase the uptake of natural biobased materials.
This project aims to give more confidence in the use of bio-based materials solutions for regenerative buildings, by focusing on end-of-life scenarios and improving durability. Often bio-based material manufacturer claim that bio-based materials can be reused or recycled, however, not specified how these materials can be recycled, whether there are infrastructure/plan in place to recycle natural material, and whether degradation can affect material performances either when reused or used for the manufacturing of other products. The focus of this project is to investigate the potential of bio-based material to be reused and/or recycled by analysing the impact of degradability on material performances and possible recyclability routes.
The postgraduate student will:
This interdisciplinary project involves experts in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Materials, and Life Cycle assessment. The research will also contribute to publications in The International Energy Agency Annex 89 - Ways to Implement Net-zero Whole Life Carbon Buildings, facilitating international dissemination and networking opportunities for the PhD researcher.
Candidate requirements:
We seek an enthusiastic, flexible, and open-minded student with knowledge in at least one the following fields: building physics, civil engineering, architectural engineering, material science, chemistry, chemical engineering or similar fields.
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, an honours degree at 2.1 or 1st (or non-UK equivalent). A Masters degree would be advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet English language entry requirements https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/information/postgraduate-english-language-requirements/
Enquiries and Applications:
Please send informal enquiries to Dr Valeria Cascione - [Email Address Removed]
Please submit formal applications via the online application form for PhD in Civil Engineering
In the ‘Funding Your Studies’ section, please let us know how you intend to self-fund your studies by selecting the most appropriate option from the drop-down. For example, if you will use your personal or family finances, please select 'Personal/private funds' from the drop-down.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.
Research output data provided by the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
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