Sludge-derived low carbon biochar concrete through CO2 mineral carbonation curing technology

Investigate the carbon sink potential of ‘green’ concrete 

About this project  

If you are passionate about the environment and water and are seeking to advance a career in the engineering & construction industry, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM), in partnership with Melbourne Water.

This project seeks to assess the carbon sink potential of an innovative green concrete formulated with low carbon emission cement binder incorporating biochar, aligning with the Australian government’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.  

The aim of this project is to develop an innovative concrete material incorporating drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) as biochar to produce carbon neutral concrete and sequestration techniques for infrastructure. Concrete produced with biochar is expected to exhibit favourable CO2 adsorption capacity, which helps to achieve low/zero carbon concrete.  

As the industry transitions to alternative binders to lower the carbon footprint of concrete production, understanding their effects on the long-term carbon absorption capabilities of concrete is crucial.  

This project addresses the critical gap in knowledge regarding the CO2-absorbing properties of concrete that incorporates alternative binders using sludge-derived biochar. Through accelerated CO2 mineral carbonation curing technology development, this research will determine whether these sludge-derived biochar binders reduce carbon intensity solely at the initial stages or they also enhance the carbon dioxide-absorbing capabilities throughout the concretes lifecycle.  

The performance will be compared with traditional GP cement. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of low/zero carbon concrete solutions, reducing landfill of waste generated by Water utilities, and supporting the advancement of Australias long-term emissions reduction plan. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will be working in a highly active research group with 10+ PhD students, one professor and 3 post-doc fellows. In addition to the excellent laboratory facility, the team has a few specific equipment for cementitious materials.  

Upon completion of the project, you will have a literature review, lab testing, and report and paper writing.  

Where you’ll be based 

You will be based within Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM), which undertakes 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.    

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  $38,982 per annum is available to eligible applicants. 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 for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to application from both Domestic and International applicants. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes campus in the north of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

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 Tuesday, 5th November.