Emerging technologies for lime in construction (RDF17-R/ABE/PESCE)

Since antiquity, lime has been used as a binder for manufacturing mortars, plasters, floors, etc. This led to the accumulation of a large empirical knowledge, allowing the construction of amazing structures such as the dome of the Pantheon in Rome, in the 2nd century CE. However, with the introduction of cement in the 19th century, the use of lime in construction dramatically reduced, and most of the related knowledge went lost.

Cement is a great material and in fact is widely used in the modern society. However, our society faces the need to reduce its carbon footprint and since the cement carbon footprint is larger than lime, this material is now considered a viable alternative to cement for specific applications.

Unfortunately, despite this interest and the long history, because of the limited knowledge currently available and the empirical nature of it, there is still a lack of fundamental understanding for some of the physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics of lime when is used in mixtures.

This studentship aims to advance our scientific knowledge of lime in construction, by exploring one of the aspects of its production and use not yet fully understood (e.g. emerging technologies for modelling chemical reactions in mortars, new uses of lime in the new constructions and/or in the conservation of historic buildings, innovative production processes).

The ideal candidate for this studentship will have:
- a interest in lime as construction material;
- a basic knowledge of the chemistry of lime (and the interest in developing this knowledge further);
- an interest in experimental work within laboratories of civil engineering and/or chemistry;
- a minimum of upper second class honours degree or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities (preference for 1st class honours) in disciplines such as conservation sciences, civil engineering, material science, chemistry, architecture, surveying.
- A Master’s Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered advantageous.
- Language proficiency (appropriate IELTS score, if required).

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.
Deadline for applications: 29 March 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.