PhD Study : Next generation ‘circular’ net zero carbon concretes for the UK’s offshore wind energy sector

Summary

The UK’s offshore wind energy (OWE) sector is rapidly expanding through the deployment of 130 semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) every year, to meet future green energy demands and net zero carbon emission targets by 2050. The manufacture of each FOWT will require 18,000 tonnes of concrete. However, the continued use of Portland cement in concrete is environmentally unsustainable as its manufacture generates 8-10% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. In addition, the continued large-scale mining of river sand deposits for use as aggregate in concrete to support urbanisation is environmentally irresponsible, as it is leading to a ‘global sand shortage crisis’ and detrimental environmental impacts to river systems.

The future of the UK’s OWE sector must be underpinned by the use of ‘green’ low carbon infrastructure materials, which will: 1) use no Portland cement, 2) provide superior engineering performances to Portland cement-based concretes, 3) increase OWE infrastructure resilience and 4) contribute towards the growth of the circular economy by using and valorising the UK’s reserves of industrial mineral, soil and dredging wastes.

This industry-driven research will focus on the development and  commercial feasibility of industrial waste-based ‘geopolymer’ concretes as: 1) the next generation ‘circular’ concrete and 2) a socially, financially and environmentally responsible strategy for delivering the growth of the UK’s OWE sector. Multiple waste streams will be investigated, which will be sourced from within the UK and have longevity in supply to meet the UK OWE sector’s material demands for the next 30+ years. The research will involve performing a wide range of experimental material characterisation, strength and durability testing of concretes under offshore wind conditions in the laboratory and life cycle analysis. Throughout the project, there will be collaboration with stakeholders from the offshore wind energy sector, industrial waste producers, concrete manufacturers and civil engineering infrastructure designers.

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

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

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 £19,237 (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