PhD Studentship: Integrated Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Data Monitoring and Management

Experienced RAAC asset owners such as Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) are continually improving and understanding the behaviour of their RAAC. Patterns will only be realised and understood when the whole stock is analysed. Challenges arise during RAAC data capture, such as inconsistencies, fragmented data, incompatibility and inaccuracy and access. An objective-integrated-longitudinal data capture approach underpinned by digital solutions is recommended for automated change detection.

Our project aims to develop an integrative RAAC data monitoring and management strategy that enables proactive risk and change management. Outputs from this project will enable the proactive detection of RAAC defects (e.g. cracks, moisture, deflection and other features) and facilitate predictive maintenance (when to maintain). This supports the management of risk, extends the lifespan of asset, supports crucial decision making, and reduces the frequency of new construction work, minimising carbon emissions from component manufacturing and construction activities.

This research will develop an ontology for RAAC monitoring and explore and develop non-destructive digital solutions for integrating RAAC conditions and environmental data to facilitate visual inspections, internal monitoring, risk management and occlusion avoidance.

The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

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.