Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Non-funded
- Source of funding
- University of Leeds
- Supervisors
- Dr Han Fang
- Schools
- School of Civil Engineering
- Research groups/institutes
- Cities and Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainable Buildings, Materials and Structures
This project will investigate the feasibility and optimisation of the reuse of deconstruction waste for next generation sustainable infrastructures in the net-zero and circular economic society. Constructing various infrastructures is necessary for the efficient operation of society and servicing the community for good quality of life. However, the construction industry currently adopts the linear model described as ‘take-make-waste’, wherein raw materials are extracted and made into construction materials and once used, the end-of-life buildings are demolished with the elements mainly disposed to the landfill. This practice model causes annual consumption of 50% raw materials and 30% of energy that are generated globally, and 38% of the global CO2 emissions. Besides, the demolition of end-of-life infrastructures also generates a large quantity of demolition wastes that cause environmental burdens. <br /> To address this challenge and realise a closed-loop circular economy for sustainable construction, the reuse of demolition or deconstruction waste to form the new infrastructures is an essential step. In this project, various forms of elements and materials generated from the demolition of buildings will be reviewed. You will then conduct research on the feasibility, cost efficiency and life cycle assessment of using deconstruction wastes in new building or infrastructure construction to understand the benefits, opportunities and challenges for using deconstruction wastes in construction. Furthermore, road map of the deconstructed materials and business models for using deconstruction wastes for sustainable infrastructures will be proposed to realise the net-zero built environment. <br /> For the project, you are expected to have good knowledge in Civil Engineering or Project/Construction Management, be open to advanced numerical studies and interested in research on sustainability, circular economy and net-zero. You will also benefit from the research resources, such as various fund and award schemes, at University of Leeds.
<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 FT,</strong></em> in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Structural systems formed with deconstruction waste</strong></em> as well as <em><strong>Dr Han Fang</strong></em> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly <em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</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 class="MsoNoSpacing">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.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 3 April 2024 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship or 8 April 2024 for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>
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 style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants (open from October 2023). <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> –The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (Now closed for 2024/25 entry). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong> Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under these studentships.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>
<p>For furthert information related to the project, please contact Dr. Han Fang by email to <a href="mailto:H.Fang1@leeds.ac.uk">H.Fang1@leeds.ac.uk</a> </p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p> </p>