PhD in Railway Circular Economy

PGR-P-2519

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Friday 30 April 2027
Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Professor David Connolly
Schools: School of Civil Engineering

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Railways present major research challenges as infrastructure networks age and transport demands expand. This research theme focuses on developing sustainable solutions for track infrastructure through the principles of a circular economy. The core area of investigation involves the scalable reprocessing of ballast, sleepers, rails, and other track components to turn millions of tonnes of network waste into high quality secondary commercial materials. Research within this theme can be adapted to match your individual engineering background and technical interests, allowing you to establish a tailored line of inquiry. By bridging the gap between traditional railway engineering, materials science, and resource sustainability, this theme aims to design engineering frameworks that reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of rail transport networks globally.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<h3 data-path-to-node="4">Detailed Description</h3> The rail sector generates vast quantities of waste materials during routine maintenance, track renewals, and infrastructure upgrades. Historically, materials such as degraded track ballast, worn steel rails, and decommissioned concrete or timber sleepers have been downcycled or sent to landfill. This traditional linear approach is increasingly unsustainable due to rising material costs, stricter environmental regulations, and global carbon reduction targets. This research theme explores technical methodologies to transform these waste streams into valuable secondary engineering resources. Research within this theme investigates the structural, mechanical, and environmental performance of reprocessed track components. You mayexplore advanced recycling techniques, automated material sorting, and innovative reprocessing designed to restore the engineering properties of track materials. For instance, the research examines how spent track ballast can be cleaned and/or structurally enhanced. Similarly, you may investigate how recycled plastics or composite materials can be used to manufacture alternative railway sleepers, or how steel components can be safely repurposed. This theme considers life cycle analysis and the performance modeling required to integrate recycled materials back into high demand rail environments safely. <h3 data-path-to-node="7">Why This Research is Important</h3> The preservation of natural resources and the mitigation of embedded carbon are critical priorities for future infrastructure development. Track maintenance and renewals consume millions of tonnes of virgin aggregates and processed materials annually, contributing significantly to industrial carbon emissions and resource depletion. Moreover, managing the logistics and disposal of trackside waste creates a massive financial and environmental burden for transport authorities. This research theme is vital because it addresses the pressing need for asset sustainability within the transport sector. Developing scalable reprocessing methodologies keeps valuable materials within the economic cycle, substantially lowering the demand for virgin resources. By finding safe and durable secondary uses for network waste, this research helps rail operators reduce infrastructure costs, minimize landfill dependency, and meet ambitious net zero targets. Ultimately, this work provides the technical foundation needed to transition rail infrastructure from a linear consumption model to a truly sustainable circular economy. <h3 data-path-to-node="10">Example PhD Research Topics</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="11"> <li> Scalable reprocessing for spent railway ballast </li> <li> Structural performance of alternative railway sleepers manufactured from recycled composite materials </li> <li> Life cycle carbon tracking of reprocessed track components </li> <li> Mechanical characterization and stabilization of secondary materials for rail embankments </li> <li> Automated sorting and quality control systems for track asset waste streams </li> <li> Evaluating the long term durability of recycled railway components under cyclic loading </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="12">Methods and Techniques</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="13"> <li> Laboratory testing of reprocessed material including </li> <li> Finite element modeling of track structures incorporating recycled components </li> <li> Life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis of material waste streams </li> <li> Microstructural analysis of degraded and reprocessed track materials </li> <li> Mechanical testing of composite materials under cyclic and fatigue loading </li> <li> Discrete element modeling to simulate reprocessed ballast behavior </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="14">Suitable Academic Backgrounds</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering </li> <li> Geotechnical Engineering or Materials Science </li> <li> Environmental Engineering or Sustainability Science </li> <li> Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering </li> <li> Applied Chemistry or Chemical Engineering </li> </ul> <h3 data-path-to-node="16">FAQ</h3> <ul data-path-to-node="17"> <li> Can I propose my own PhD topic? Yes, the themes above are a guide only. </li> <li> Can I bring my own funding? Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding. </li> <li> Do I need funding before contacting you? You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application. </li> <li> Can I study interdisciplinary topics? Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines. </li> <li> When can I start? Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website. </li> </ul> Useful links <ul> <li data-path-to-node="15,0,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">University Profile</a> </li> <li data-path-to-node="15,1,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">LinkedIn</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,2,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Google Scholar</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,3,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ResearchGate</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,4,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">ORCID</a></li> <li data-path-to-node="15,5,0" style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline">Scopus</a></li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

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. • For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate. • The admission year for this project is 2027/28 Academic Year. • You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PHP Civil Engineering Full Time. • The project start date for this project is 1 October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. • Please state clearly in the Research Information Section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is PhD in Railway Circular Economy as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly">Professor David Connolly</a> as your proposed supervisor . Please state clearly in the Finance section, the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. 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. We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. 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. If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). 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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding. You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website. Important: Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

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> For further information about this project, please contact Professor David Connolly by email to <a href="mailto:D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk">D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk</a>