EPSRC FIBE3 CDT PhD studentship with Tracey Concrete: Next generation low-carbon crack-resistant precast shaft and tunnel segments

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Vor Ort; GBP 17.000 - 21.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering, invites applications for a four-year PhD studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT). This project is conducted in collaboration with Tracey Concrete to explore low-carbon concretes for shaft and tunnel segments.

Applicants should hold at least a high 2.1 degree in Civil Engineering with strong interest in cementitious materials

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company University of Cambridge Department Department of Engineering Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Architecture » Design Environmental science » Global change Technology » Construction technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 14 Apr 2027 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT). Further details can be found at https://www.net-zero-fibe-cdt.eng.cam.ac.uk/

This project is funded in collaboration with Tracey Concrete, a leading precast manufacturer extending its tunnelling range from jacking pipes and cover slabs into shaft segments and seeking to introduce lower-carbon materials while improving the performance and durability of its products. Precast manufacturing is a key modern method of construction that enables efficient and low-carbon fabrication under factory-controlled conditions that optimise material mix designs, energy use and curing conditions.

Tunnels and shafts, typically 5-25m in diameter, are commonly constructed from a series of interconnected segments. Such shaft segments undergo a demanding manufacturing process as well as aggressive application environments. They are cast in low-workability mixes, demoulded, lifted and handled at an early age, and assembled into rings that must meet millimetre-level dimensional tolerances and remain watertight in aggressive ground and groundwater conditions throughout the service life of the asset. Reducing embodied carbon requires greater use of alternative binder blends and alternatives to steel fibre reinforcement, but neither can be adopted if it leads to increased cracking, length change or surface defects.

The project will investigate a range of commercially available and emerging low-carbon binder blends together with sustainable fibres and advanced additives and admixtures to explore the potential for developing low-carbon crack-resistant concrete mixes for the prefabrication of shaft and tunnel segments. Control of early-age volume change is central. The additives and admixtures will be investigated for their potential to compensate for these changes and reduce the risk of cracking without adversely affecting strength, watertightness or long-term durability.

The project will combine advanced material characterisation, mix development, kinetic and thermodynamic modelling, fibre dispersion, compatibility, workability and surface finish, cracking potential, restrained shrinkage and dimensional stability alongside strength, permeability and durability. Laboratory work will be combined with industrial trials at Tracey Concrete to identify solutions that are both technically effective and suitable for precast manufacture.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a high 2.1 degree preferably at Masters level in Civil Engineering and with strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work.

Please note there is a £20 application fee. Early applications are strongly encouraged as an offer may be made before the stated deadline.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a high 2.1 degree preferably at Masters level in Civil Engineering and with stronginterest in cementitious materials and experimental work.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute FIBE3 CDT, Dept of Engineering, Cambridge University Country United Kingdom State/Province Cambridge/Cambridgeshire City Cambridge Postal Code CB3 0RB Street Roger Needham Building, 7 JJ Thomson Avenue Geofield

Roger Needham Building, 7 JJ Thomson Avenue