PhD Study : 3D printed cementitious architectures to deliver sustainable infrastructure assets with enhanced structural and durability resilience

Apply and key information  

Summary

This project will investigate 3D printed cement-based architectures designed to disrupt behavior typically associated with infrastructure assets. Demand exists for innovative materials and structures with exceptional mechanical properties, durability, constructability, resilience and sustainability, particularly for applications where long-term reliability, productivity, safety, and security is critical. Additive manufacturing offers a promising approach for localised control of the microstructure and properties of cement-based materials - characteristics impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing methods. It is envisioned that application of environmentally responsible cement-based materials via advanced additive manufacturing techniques will play an essential role in delivering emerging infrastructure technologies and, in doing so, enhance future human well-being.

While a majority of research in the field of cementitious 3D printing focuses on the automation of construction processes linked to specific applications, such as domestic housing, lack of fundamental understanding exists on what affect successive layer-deposition has on mechanisms central to desired structural and durability performance. Little is known about relationships between rheological demands, material reaction kinetics and bonding between filament layers for printed cementitious structures. Knowledge of spatial and temporal physical/chemical properties of individual filaments and filament boundaries at the nano- and micro-scale and their dependence on processing conditions are unknown. Understanding of these issues is critical for an ability to design 3D printed cement-based materials with controlled microstructural architectures.

The proposed scope of this project will uncover the ability of additive manufacturing to offer the infrastructure sector unique opportunities to create novel structures with bespoke macro- and micro-engineered architectures, leading to a step change in material functionality and structural behavior.

By considering structural forms not feasible via conventional construction methods with localized material characteristics, preferential spatial arrangement of components, and inherent interstitial flaws, the aim is to enhance load-displacement relationships, specific properties and modes of failure.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Recommended reading

Additive Manufacturing and Performance of Architectured Cement-Based Materials, Moini, M., Olek, J., Youngblood, J., Magee, B. & Zavattieri, P., 22 Oct 2018, In: Advanced Materials. 30, 43, p. 1-11 11 p., 1802123. ADVMATS_18_02597.pdf (ulster.ac.uk)

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 28 February 2022
12:00AM

Interview Date
Mid March 2022

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2022

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Bryan Magee

Other supervisors