Carbon-negative concrete produced with innovative artificial aggregates

About this project

Investigate a green engineering solution to stockpiled industrial waste 

If you are interested in forging a career in civil engineering and keen to help develop greener methods of concrete production, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on, cutting-edge project-based PhD within Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM).

To help achieve net-zero carbon emissions in Australia by 2050, our project aims to develop carbon-negative concrete using two typical industrial wastes – recycled powder from construction and demolition waste, and drinking water treatment sludge from the water industry. 

First, we aim to develop innovative artificial aggregates containing sludge-derived biochar and recycled powder under carbonation curing. The developed artificial aggregates with superior carbon absorption capacity will then be used to produce carbon-negative concrete. 

We will comprehensively investigate the properties of artificial aggregates and carbon-negative concrete, seeking to create a green engineering solution to stockpiled industrial wastes.

You will join the vibrant UniSA STEM research community. You will have access to world-class concrete laboratories, along with a wide range of comprehensive microstructure analysis equipment. These include, for example, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence, Atomic Force Microscopy, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, X-ray Computed Tomography, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, and nanoindentation techniques.

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will help develop carbon-negative concrete using two typical industrial wastes. You will gain in-depth knowledge on developing industrial waste materials, learn about sustainable practices, and understand how to work with green construction materials.  

Upon completion of your studies, you will have advanced knowledge of materials and a greater understanding of how technology can assist in sustainable construction activities. These in-demand attributes and your hands-on experience with using sophisticated equipment and technology will place you in a prime position post-graduation.

Where you’ll be based

You will be based at SIRM. We undertake research in physical infrastructure management and the sustainable management of assets. SIRM applies circular economy philosophy and carbon reduction solutions to ensure sustainable communities throughout the world.

SIRM recognises that the challenge of moving to a more sustainable future requires an understanding of the complexity and interactions of human, natural, and built systems. We bring together diverse research expertise to address significant societal challenges at the interface of the natural and built environments at all scales. We offer clients the potential to address real problems using multidisciplinary teams. Our goal is to efficiently use resources to manage the natural and built environments sustainably.

Our members include world-leading researchers in sustainable management and systems analysis, as well as experts in various disciplines of science and engineering ranging from environmental, construction, transportation, food, social, and community. 

We are involved in research construction projects in both water and transport supporting liveable regions / regional economic growth.  We also undertake research in the maintenance aspect of assets (physical infrastructure management), sustainable management of assets in tactical asset management (interface between strategic and operational management), integrating the circular economy philosophy, and applying carbon reduction considerations. We work in ecology, environmental restoration, planning for liveable cities and regions, and building carbon-resilient regenerative communities. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes campus in the north of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Thursday 30 May 2024.