PhD Position Turning Waste to Resource through 3D Printed Hybrid Concrete Structures (3DHybCrete)

4 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

31 Jan 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Motivation:

Urgent ideas are needed to reduce the waste stream from construction sector, save earth’s natural resources and provide CO2 neutral construction. Although promising, the crushing of old concrete and creating recycled aggregate that can be reused as raw material for new concrete impairs its long-term properties and durability. Hybrid concrete systems with high-performance materials and new manufacturing technology are the future.

The project will develop a novel system in which the shell, “important” zone in the structure (i.e. critical for durability), is made by newly developed high-quality 3D-Printed Strain Hardening Cementitious Composite, SHCC, with recycled fine aggregates (3DP/Re-SHCC), whereas low quality recycled aggregate concrete is used as “low” demanding infill. The major challenge is defining the relations between (i) long-term structural behaviour and

durability of the hybrid system made from recycled materials and (ii) the fundamental mechanisms on a lower level, related to time-dependent material behaviour, printability and interfaces (i.e. between printed layers in the material, and between shell and infill in the hybrid structure).

In this position, your key research objectives will be to:

(1) correlate the 3DP/Re-SHCC mix designs to printability (i.e. pumpability, extrudability, buildability), and correlate 3DP/Re-SHCC hardened properties (strength, ductility, anisotropy) to its mix design, printing parameters and interfaces between the layers of the circular material

(2) unravel the influence of structural interfaces and coupled hygro-mechanical processes between the 3DP/Re-SHCC shell and the recycled aggregatge concrete infill on the long-term structural behaviour and durability of the hybrid system.

This position is funded by TKI HTSM and supported by several industrial partners. The project is embedded in a cross-departmental collaboration within the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CiTG), including the Department of Engineering Structures (ES) and the Department of Mechanics, Materials, Management and Design (3MD).

You will work in the Microlab, our high-tech laboratory at the CiTG at TU Delft dedicated to characterization and development of cementitios materials, and Macro Mechanics Laboratory, our large-scale structural lab equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for structural testing. You will be embedded in the section of Concrete Structures, in the department of Engineering Structures, which hosts more than 15 PhD-candidates, and work in collaboration with the section of Materials & Environment, within the department of Materials, Mechanics, Management & Design, with more than 30 PhD-candidates.

The research focus of the department Engineering Structures is on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures as well as on the structures for energy transition. The groups are using the unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory for full scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department 3MD focuses on the design, construction and management of civil infrastructures and buildings. A multi-scale research approach is followed, starting at micro-scale (materials), to meso-scale (structures) and to macro-scale (infrastructures/systems). Both ES and 3MD departments deliver a large number of courses both at the BSc and MSc level.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate with:

• A MSc degree in a relevant field, i.e. Civil or Structural Engineering
• Knowledge and interest in solid mechanics, construction materials and concrete structures. Experience with concrete rheology will be an advantage.
• Ability to work both in a project team, but also independently and take leadership and responsibility for research tasks
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Additional Information
Benefits

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Selection process

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 January 2024 via the application button and upload:

• A motivation letter specifically addressing our position;
• Full resume/curriculum vitae includuding a list of all courses and marks;
• A one-page summary of your MSc thesis including publication list (if applicable);
• Two recommendaiton letters (or alternatively the names and email addresses of two references).

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Additional comments

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Mladena Luković, e-mail: [email protected] .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/336341/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Delft University of Technology

Country

Netherlands

City

Delft

Postal Code

2628 CD

Street

Mekelweg 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/336341/phd-position-turning-waste-to-resour…

Contact

City

Delft

Website

http://www.tudelft.nl/

Street

Mekelweg 2

Postal Code

2628 CD

STATUS: EXPIRED