Experimental/Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Carbonation- and Chloride-Induced Corrosion on Confinement of Reinforced Concrete Components

Reinforced concrete is the backbone of modern infrastructure, but its long-term performance is increasingly threatened by exposure to aggressive environments. Two of the most important causes of deterioration are carbonation and chloride ingress, both of which can trigger corrosion of the embedded steel reinforcement. While much existing research has focused on reinforcement section loss and bond deterioration, a critical and underexplored issue remains: how corrosion affects the confinement of reinforced concrete and, in turn, its strength, ductility, and structural resilience.<br /> <br /> This PhD project will address this important challenge through a combination of experimental testing and advanced numerical modelling. Laboratory investigations on corroded reinforced concrete specimens will generate new understanding of how carbonation- and chloride-induced corrosion alter the mechanical response of confined concrete. These results will then be used to develop and calibrate a stress-strain model capable of explicitly capturing corrosion-related damage mechanisms.<br /> <br /> The project offers the opportunity to contribute to a highly relevant area of structural and durability engineering, with direct implications for the assessment, maintenance, repair, and retrofit of ageing infrastructure. The outcomes will support the development of more reliable tools for evaluating the residual performance of existing reinforced concrete structures exposed to harsh environments.

<p><strong>Why apply?</strong></p> <p>This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated student to join the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds, working within two outstanding research environments:</p> <ul> <li>the Materials and Structures Group, with its strong expertise in structural behaviour, durability, and performance of construction materials;</li> <li>the Neville Centre, which provides an excellent interdisciplinary research environment focused on infrastructure materials and structural engineering challenges.</li> </ul> <p>The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant and supportive research community, with access to high-quality experimental facilities, expert supervision, and opportunities to develop both laboratory and computational skills. This PhD is particularly well suited to students interested in reinforced concrete, structural durability, corrosion, experimental mechanics, and analytical/numerical modelling.</p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2026/27</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences DTP.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Experimental/Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Carbonation- and Chloride-Induced Corrosion on Confinement of Reinforced Concrete Components</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/15284/dr-francesco-pugliese">Dr Francesco Pugliese</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Civil Engineering</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

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>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship, based in the School of Civil Engineering, providing the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 1 funded places available to UK applicants only. Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate. </li> </ul> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Francesco Pugliese by email to <a href="mailto:F.Pugliese@leeds.ac.uk">F.Pugliese@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>