Fire Response of Lime-Based Concrete for Low-Carbon and Resilient Construction

Summary

Concrete is widely used in buildings and infrastructure because it is affordable, versatile, strong and durable. However, most conventional concrete contains Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Cement production is responsible for approximately 7–8% of global human-caused carbon dioxide emissions, creating an urgent need for lower-carbon construction materials.

Lime-based concrete could provide a more sustainable alternative by reducing the amount of OPC required. Lime is produced at lower temperatures than OPC and can reabsorb some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it hardens. Lime-based materials also have a long history of use, with examples found in Roman buildings, bridges, aqueducts and marine structures that have survived for centuries.

Despite these advantages, limited information is available about how lime-based concrete behaves during and after a fire. High temperatures can cause internal physical and chemical changes, potentially leading to cracking, surface damage, loss of strength and, in severe cases, spalling, where pieces of concrete break away from the surface.

This PhD project will investigate the fire response of different lime-based mortar and concrete mixtures. Laboratory experiments will measure changes in mass, density, thermal properties, cracking, spalling and mechanical strength following exposure to elevated temperatures.

Advanced analytical techniques will be used to understand the chemical and microscopic changes occurring within the materials. Conventional OPC-based concrete will also be tested to provide a direct comparison. Selected lime-based concrete mixtures will then be used to construct beams, which will be exposed to fire in a gas-fired furnace.

The research will identify the benefits and limitations of lime-based concrete and explore ways to improve its performance during fire. The findings will support the development of safer, lower-carbon construction materials and benefit researchers, manufacturers, designers and the wider construction industry.

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 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.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

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.

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.