PhD Study : Systematic lean design as a strategy to optimise infrastructure sustainability

Summary

​The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) presents a renewed push towards a sustainable future. In response, the UK government is accelerating preparations and urging large business to join the race-to-zero by setting net zero targets for 2050. Based on 2018 figures the largest waste production sector across Europe was Construction and Demolition, contributing 36% to overall figures. Although often associated with good waste recovery rates it is also predominantly associated with low grade reuse such as backfilling (EEA, 2020). Large proportions of the waste are high grade materials which could be reused which would have the knock on effect of reducing consumption of harvested wood or mined materials , both of which are energy and resource intensive, further compounded by the associated transport energy costs to construction and subsequently on to landfill. (Leonard 2015).

The demand for high specification sustainable dwellings and work places is a critical aspect of achieving sustainable development goals (SDG’s) as identified by the United nations. Lean design has the potential to minimize the impact of over consumption in this critically important sector and make significant contributions to the attainment of two key SDG’s, SDG 12 – responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13 – climate action. It has further potential to directly or indirectly impact  on a range of other SDG’s  including – SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing SDG 6  Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean energy SDG 8– Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities .

With the UK construction sector alone reported to consume more than 400 million tons of materials per annum, the construction industry clearly has a key role to play. The negative impact of the construction industry is compounded by its inherent conservativeness, with the limited state design approach presented in the codes and standards imposing a myriad of factors of safety to all stages of design and material use. While serving to attain structural safety and serviceability, the level of conservitiveness currently applied is likely to be having an unnecessary adverse impact on attaining sustainability construction.

Against this background, the aim of this project will be to investigate the origin and appropriateness of limit state design, with a focus on identifying opportunities for easing restrictions and analysing the positive impact of this on associated sustainanbility targets. With lean design describing a way of thinking and delivering value, innovation and growth by doing more with less (less human effort, less equipment, less materials, less time and less space), the anticipated deliverable of this project will be an innovative and systematic lean design strategy to be promoted to the construction community both locally and globally directly in-line with SDG 9. ​

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