FIRE Safety Modular Timber in Modern Method Construction

Summary

The construction industry is one of the largest global contributors to greenhouse gases, accounting for an estimated 39% of emissions. While the operational energy requirements have fallen due to improved building efficiencies and the increased use of renewable energy, the embodied carbon has remained relatively constant.

To meet the legal obligation of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 set by the UK’s Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019, SI 2019/1056, the levels of embodied carbon must be reduced.

The Royal Institute of British Architects has set ambitious targets of reducing the embodied carbon for the built environment by 50-70% by 2030. Based on the Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) data, timber framing can offer reductions of approximately 30% on embodied CO2 levels compared with traditional cavity wall construction, even when bricks are used to clad the finished structure.

The UK Government aims to build and deliver homes both at pace and sustainably with focus on reducing the environmental impact wherever possible. In light of the global challenges posed by climate change, prioritising the use of timber in UK construction offers a sustainable, low-carbon, and renewable resource.

Integrating timber into the construction sector through innovative Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can help address these challenges.

The aim of this project is to develop and assess the impact of innovative solutions to support the development of future safety regulations for volumetric modern methods of construction (VMMC) systems involving timber.

The research methodology will comprise a thorough examination of earlier studies on the application of MMC timber modulars in structures, with an emphasis on VMMC that include timber/wood-based materials.

The goal is to pinpoint information gaps and a lack of direction in current laws concerning fire hazards in Medium and High-Rise Buildings (MHRBs). It is crucial to understand how enclosure fires behave in order to forecast how quickly fires will spread, how they will affect the vertical and horizontal cavities between modular rooms, and how they will affect building façades.

Tests will be carried out to evaluate the material performance and reaction to heat/fire exposure.

Three (3) half-scale structure sections that have various arrangements for the modular timber system need to be tested. Other parametric research not covered in the experimental study and validation of the experimental tests will be done using finite element modelling. Practical advice will be generated by the project's findings to guarantee the appropriate design and installation of often utilized wooden modular systems.

Additionally, the superintendents collaborate extensively with national and international industrial partners, stakeholders, and research organizations. Because of the variety of this study topic, the student will probably pass through these areas.

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.

• Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.