Digital Information Management System for facilitating construction and demolition waste management

Waste traceability is one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry. Digital approaches are key to facilitate managing information through the various stages of the built asset, while

improving the circular economy in many situations with the use of digital technologies such as Blockchain or AI. However, these digital solutions are only developed and implemented to address specific problems for particular stakeholders, but an approach to waste management processes and the management of information through the built asset whole life cycle is not developed.

The work proposed is to create a Digital Information Management System that covers the different stages of CDW value chain, enabling an integrated, collaborative digital approach for waste traceability and management where the built asset project information is managed through the whole life cycle.

This work will involve a diverse range of actions to develop and/or participate in the development process, such as (but not limited to) the following:

• To establish a methodology for the data requirements and use of automated material mapping datasets as part of the BIM processes in design, construction and operation for optimised life cycle material and waste management. This will include the management of data and security, input and output structure for different scenarios and results, organising information at different stages of waste traceability, data interaction and results, etc.
• To develop and demonstrate automated waste prediction tool for optimised designing providing information about waste generation and recovery (volume, types) during the project life cycle.
• To integrate waste management relevant data which improve decision making and selection of best strategies for later end of life.
• To develop and demonstrate a smart order delivery logistics during construction processes
• To develop a digital tool for an established assessment tool for construction waste assessment.

This will include the whole life-cycle of built assets (buildings and infrastructure) to address the challenge for the construction industry and wider built environment in Europe to become a zero waste, natural resources responsible, and a low energy consuming sector. The conducted research and final outcomes and developments will be achieved by mitigating and reducing waste where possible, using BIM, datasets, digital twins, AI, etc. as enabling tools, as well as fostering higher added value reuse of CDW materials by automated tools and the digitalisation of processes and decision-making.

We are seeking applicants for a PhD candidate from the areas of BIM and the digital construction/transformation in the built environment, with knowledge/experience on database management and software platforms, tools and analytics/dashboarding/reporting. Additionally, it is desirable to have an understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Engineering and IT System Management to test, validate and integrate innovative solutions and tools for Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) management applications.

This is a Horizon Europe Project. The selected person will contribute in this field and collaborate with other partners. Therefore, good interpersonal and communication skills, self-direction, team working and methodical are essential skills sought.

Additional notes: This PhD is included in a Horizon Europe project. It is funded, covering fees and stipend.

How to apply:

Submit a formal application at this link: http://webapps.ascentone.com/Login.aspx?key=5d4b012a-bb6c-495b-b2e4-b5a56b3ccf00 

 You will need to have the following documents ready to upload to the application site:

• A research proposal (approx. 2000 words) - https://www.salford.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/631686/Writing-a-Research-Proposal-Guidance.pdf 
• Scanned copy of your passport picture page
• Copies of all your relevant certificates and transcripts
• Two references
• CV
• Personal statement

Who to contact for further details: Dr Juan A Ferriz-Papi

Deadline: 3^rd October, 2022