PhD Studentship - Materials and Methods for 3D Concrete Printing

Lead Supervisor: Dr. Mithila Achintha

Description

3D concrete printing provides unprecedented opportunities for enhancing material efficiency in concrete construction industry where significant changes are required in contemporary technologies in order to achieve the required carbon reduction targets and to ensure a sustainable construction industry. Despite the ongoing developments in 3D concrete printing, the technology has not yet become a mainstream construction method. This PhD project aims to close gaps in current knowledge and understanding, namely the development of concrete mix designs, including low carbon and sustainable material options, in combination with printer parameters and rheology characteristics of the materials to deliver reliable and consistent 3D print structures. The project will exploit structural forms that ensure concrete remains in compression under design loads with limited structural or crack-control reinforcement in the forms of 3D FRP geometries. Computational and theoretical solutions developed in the project will be supported with small-scale experiments. The outcome of this project will be a generally validated material and mix design details and structural forms of practical importance for the provision of strong, safe and reliable 3D print concrete structures.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. As the School is committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark and Athena SWAN, we would particularly welcome applications from women and the black and minority ethnic (BME) community, who are both currently under-represented at this grade. All appointments will be made on merit.

Please contact Dr Mithila Achintha ([email protected]) with any expressions of interest or informal queries regarding the research project. Information about how to apply can be found at www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply  and the admissions team can be contacted with any questions about this at [email protected] .

Skills required

Applicants would be expected to hold either (i) First class UK Honours degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Mechanical or Materials Engineering OR (ii) an undergraduate degree at 2:1 in Civil/Structural Engineering or Mechanical or Materials Engineering and Masters award at Merit level in Civil or Structural Engineering. Applicants should have knowledge of and/or ability to become proficient in: Concrete and FRP materials, 3D printing technologies, FRP manufacturing methods, Material characterisation and experimental testing of materials and structural components.

Funding

This is a 3.5 year studentship that will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and provide a tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI rate (£15,609 in the 2021-22 academic session). EU students who hold either settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and meet the residency requirement to be assessed as liable for Home fees are welcome to apply.

Contact for project specific enquiries

Dr. Mithila Achintha ([email protected] )