Recent studies have reported that 75% of repaired concrete fails again within ten years, resulting in recurring and costly interventions, material consumption and operational carbon footprint. New strategies emphasizing zero or minimum maintenance are vital to reduce the sector's operational carbon footprint and meet the UK's net-zero target. Self-healing cementitious composites are known to seal crack openings and heal the material before significant damage occurs, thus enhancing the service life and favour life extension strategies.
A novel approach being investigated by the research group at Loughborough University is deploying thin layers of self-healing engineered cementitious composites (ECC) in building components tailored to the likelihood and degree of cracking to optimize and rationalize the use of the self-healing agents. However, this approach requires complementary studies looking at the strength of the interface between the substrate and the self-healing layer.
This project will investigate the bond performance between thin layers of self-healing ECC and a substrate of ultra-high-performance concrete (under different conditions, including different deposition methods (casting, spraying and 3D printing) and deposition times to consider potential cold joints. The research entails practical empirical engineering work in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering laboratory at Loughborough University Loughborough Campus (East Midlands) and potentially in the partner's facilities (West Midlands).
Additional Funding Information
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum for the duration of the studentship, plus tuition fees at the UK rate. International students are welcome to apply and a strong candidate may secure a fee waiver for the difference between UK and International tuition fees.