Low-carbon and reusable structural systems formed with eco-friendly materials for sustainable infrastructures

This PhD project will focus on the development of eco-friendly and easy-to-reuse structural systems for the next generation infrastructures in a circular economy. Infrastructures, such as bridges, buildings, and electricity transmission towers, play an important role in the society to ensure people’s living quality and the effective operation of various sectors. The demand is increasing with growing population, as revealed by the over £483 billion of investment on infrastructure from UK government (2016 – 2021). However, the infrastructure construction not only generates great challenges for the supply of raw materials and resources, but also causes severe environmental impacts including the CO2 emission during construction materials production and the large quantity of demolition waste generation. <br /> <br /> To overcome the challenges, you will carry out the research to develop and investigate the structural systems that are formed with eco-friendly and high-strength materials (e.g. green concrete made from industry wastes such as Calcined clay and GGBFS) and are also demountable for dis-assembling and reuse in new construction to eliminate waste generation. You will consider the different types of structural components for infrastructures and investigate them under the critical service loading conditions via numerical modelling and physical testing with the state-of-the-art facilities at the George Earle Heavy Structures Laboratory. The expected research outcome will be a meaningful contribution to the Structural Engineering field, industry and society as it brings the potential for sustainable infrastructure by reducing the consumption of new construction materials and the generation of wastes that damage the environment. <br />

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Civil Engineering</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Low-carbon and reusable structural systems for sustainable infrastructures</strong></em> as well as <strong>Dr Han Fang</strong> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p><strong>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</strong></p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application at the point of submission of your application:</strong></p> <p><strong>•    Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date<br /> •    Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project<br /> •    CV</strong></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p> </p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions<br /> e: <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 5057.</p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Han Fang<br /> e: <a href="mailto:h.fang1@leeds.ac.uk">h.fang1@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>