Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.
The PhD will be based in the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying and will be supervised by Dr Stephanie Barnett, Dr Kenneth Awinda and Dr Brett Martinson.
The work on this project could involve:
- Life cycle assessment
- Structural design, including use of computer modelling for design
Project description
This project will evaluate the potential for fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) to reduce embodied energy and CO2 emissions of concrete structures. The project will link together materials performance, structural design and life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the embodied environmental impact of FRC structures compared with normal reinforced concrete. This integrated approach will facilitate the development of the tools necessary for future built assets to be designed with due regard to their impact on the global climate.
A range of structural elements (slabs and beams) will be designed using existing design codes and guidelines. Loading requirements, span, concrete strength and fibre reinforcement will be used as variables. Increased service life requirements, such as the 100-120 years now being specified for major infrastructure projects will also be included in this design phase.
The designs will then be tested for greenhouse gas impact and embodied energy using appropriate UK (PAS2050) and international standards (EN15804). This will enable the quantification of carbon savings for representative structural elements. Suitable functional units based on structural performance will be developed, to replace the more common but unsuitable mass units often quoted in texts. Life-cycle assessment will then be carried out incorporating cradle to grave boundaries including challenges in recycling FRC.
A hierarchy of sources of inventory information ranging from primary data from industrial partners to databases such as the Inventory of Carbon and Energy or Ecoinvent will be used in the analysis. Carbon footprints of elements designed to existing guidelines as well as elements designed for improved service life will be compared to assess the carbon, energy and material saving potential of fibre reinforced concrete structures.
General admissions criteria
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
Specific candidate requirements
You will ideally have experience of applying structural design codes, fibre reinforced concrete or life cycle assessment.
How to Apply
We’d encourage you to contact Dr Stephanie Barnett ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
Please quote project code SCES5870521 when applying.
Continue with Facebook
