Development of low-carbon sewage pipe with enhanced self-healing capacity

About this project 

Develop a novel alternative to current pipeline structures 

If you are interested in a career in advanced manufacturing and keen to generate innovations in the 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 Australasian (iron & steel) Slag Association. 

Many countries are experiencing significant deterioration in their civil infrastructure, notably within the underground sewer system. Aging and deteriorating concrete pipelines are susceptible to cracking as a result of harsh underground conditions. The issue is further compounded by high carbon dioxide concentrations in sewage, which can be markedly higher than the atmospheric concentration.  

Once cracks form, traditional repair methods often involve manually applying carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, epoxy or cement-based liner. Unfortunately, these traditional approaches prove to be both costly and time-consuming due to the inherent challenges associated with detecting cracks and the uncertain effectiveness of manual repair procedures. 

Self-healing technology has emerged as a promising solution to quickly detect and automatically repair defects in concrete. Our project will use steel slag and chitosan to enhance the intrinsic autogenous self-healing properties of cementitious binders in sewage.  

We anticipate our design to enhance crack closure rates and durability in sewage environments. Our research should strengthen underground infrastructure systems and make them more resistant to harsh sewage conditions.  

Our design will have a low carbon footprint because we will use steel slag, an industrial by-product, and chitosan, a cost-effective biopolymer, to reduce reliance on traditional cementitious materials.   

If the successful commercialisation of self-healing sewage pipe can be achieved, it can contribute to Australian and global sustainability goals and open new avenues for research into other waste products and biopolymers for various infrastructure applications.  

You will be based in SIRM. Our dynamic and vibrant research concentration boasts worldclass resources and experts. Our expertise in the construction industry and important collaborative partnerships will provide you with an excellent environment in which to grow and thrive as a researcher. 

What you’ll do 

In this project-based research degree, you will develop and submit your research findings to high-impact, peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the scientific knowledge of self-healing materials.  

With guidance, you will also help develop technical guidelines for the application of steel slag and chitosan in cementitious materials. You will have the opportunity to host a professional workshop to present the findings, to share knowledge with civil engineers and researcher, and gather feedback from participants. 

Where you’ll be based 

You will be based in SIRM. Our future depends on the increased application of sustainable infrastructure and responsible use of our natural resources. SIRM facilitates this goal by conducting research in three main streams:  natural resources and environmental resilience, innovative infrastructure and asset management and smart communities.  

The construction industry is an essential part of our lives, but it is one of the highest contributors to climate emissions.  SIRM is committed to meaningful research that can help re-shape this industry into a leader in sustainable practices.  SIRM also works directly with the resource sector, particularly water and forestry, to inspire innovative management.  

SIRM brings together diverse research expertise to address significant challenges for industries and the society at the interface of the natural and the built environments at both the macro and micro level to sustainably manage natural and built environments by applying innovative and efficient resource use. 

We build resilient ecological and human systems through active engagement of diverse stakeholders and implement circular economy principles (rethink, reduce, re-use, and recycle) and innovative technologies for construction and other built environment sectors. We also promote smart resource recovery and the design and construction of efficient net-zero buildings and support liveable cities and regional communities, tourism and agri-food production. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) 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 applications from both Domestic and International applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Research experience in green construction materials

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 Friday 22 November 2024.