PhD Studentship: Low-Carbon Crack-Resistant Precast Shaft and Tunnel Segments

About the role

This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT), in collaboration with Tracey Concrete, a precast manufacturer expanding its tunnelling range into shaft segments. The project investigates low-carbon, crack-resistant concrete mixes for the prefabrication of shaft and tunnel segments, which are cast in low-workability mixes, handled at an early age and must stay watertight in aggressive ground and groundwater conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate commercially available and emerging low-carbon binder blends, sustainable fibres and advanced additives and admixtures.
• Control early-age volume change so that cracking, length change and surface defects are avoided without compromising strength, watertightness or durability.
• Combine laboratory work with industrial trials at Tracey Concrete to find solutions suitable for precast manufacture.
• Carry out material characterisation, mix development, kinetic and thermodynamic modelling, and testing of fibre dispersion, workability, cracking potential, restrained shrinkage, dimensional stability, strength, permeability and durability.

Required profile

• A high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level, in Civil Engineering.
• Strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work.
• Eligible home students receive fully funded studentships (fees and maintenance); a limited number of international students may be considered later.

Applications are made online through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating the project title and supervisor's name; there is a £20 application fee and early applications are strongly encouraged.