Mechanical behaviour and optimisation of laser-cut rebar embedded in cementitious matrix

Application details:
Reference number: UKCRIC/MTC
Start date of studentship: 1 October 2020
Closing date of advert: 31 May 2020
Interview date: tbc

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Sergio Cavalaro
Secondary supervisor: Dr Ana Blanco
Industry supervisor: Mark Ireland

This project is part of the UKCRIC CDT that will develop the doctoral community to boost productivity and efficiency in the delivery, maintenance and adaptation of infrastructure and cities. This studentship is the result of a collaboration with the MTC and will give you the opportunity to work in collaboration with this world-leading centre on manufacturing technology.
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering was ranked first for research environment in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, with 95% of research rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for its influence on society, the economy and policy. The School boasts world class facilities, with £1.4m recently invested in its 3,000m2 laboratory and one of the fastest High-Performance Computer clusters in the UK.

A key part of the School’s ethos is the extensive links with industry. Many research projects are sponsored and applied by organisations in the civil engineering, construction and transport sectors, and Loughborough graduates are highly sought after by industry and commerce world-wide.

Full Project Detail:

Reinforced concrete elements are found in the majority of building and infrastructure. Laser-cutting of rebars enables flexibility in the bar geometry that can enhance the mechanical performance tailored to each application, potentially outperforming equivalent traditional rebar and enabling more efficient production routes. This project aims to understand the influence of the cross-sectional and rib geometry of laser-cut rebar on the mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants with a background in structural or civil engineering are particularly welcomed. A relevant master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage.

Funding information:

The three-year studentship will start in October 2020 and provides a tax-free stipend of £15,285 a year (stipend will rise in line with the level set by the Research Council) for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to sponsor funding restrictions, this studentship is only open to UK/EU applicants.

Contact details:

For information about the project, please contact:

Name: Dr Sergio Cavalaro
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 223 853

For information about the application process, please contact:

Name: Mr Berkeley Young
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 222 611

How to apply:

Applications should be made online at www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/ and must include an outline research proposal. Under programme name, please select Civil and Building Engineering.

Please quote reference number: UKCRIC/MTC