GFRP reinforced concrete residential footings

About the project 

Develop sustainable alternatives to steel 

If you are excited about launching your career in engineering and construction and keen to improve sustainability in this 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 C Cube Constructions Pty Ltd. 

The economic and environmental cost of steel production has increased in recent years due to the processes involved in mining and manufacturing. One of the key problems with steel is its limited service life due to corrosion. This becomes even more problematic if the structure is located in a harsh environment.

Reactive soils can also worsen the situation in residential construction by reducing the lifetime of footings. Footings inspections, maintenance, and refurbishment all add to the life-cycle costs.

However, innovative materials and new technologies are being developed which can potentially substitute conventional products and approaches.

Our project aims to find a cost-effective, durable, and environmentally-friendly alternative for steel for the typical steel-reinforced concrete slabs/footings in residential construction. Our aim is to demonstrate that glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete is an economically viable and sustainable solution to improve the service life of residential footings.

Due to its lightweight and high tensile strength properties, the transportation and labour service-life cost of GFRP-reinforced residential slabs might be comparable or even lower than that of steel.

You will be based in SIRM, located within the Geotechnical Research Team.  You will become part of a vibrant and collegial cohort that is inclusive and supportive. The team currently collaborates with more than 40 local, national and international organisations so you will have opportunities to expand your professional network and engage with experts across the globe.

You will benefit from access to the world-class geotechnical laboratory and learn how to use the advanced testing devices for triaxial, simple shear, direct shear, and other techniques. 

What you’ll do 

In this project-based research degree, you will conduct laboratory tests and computer modelling and undertake field short- and long-term performance monitoring. We will support you to design guidelines and develop tables/curves to facilitate the design of footings for different soil classifications.

You will conduct an economic and environmental cost-benefit life-cycle analysis to assess the suitability of the proposed system for authorities, asset owners and construction managers in the housing industry.

Our project gives you the opportunity to develop skills and expertise in both numerical and laboratory work.

The laboratory work will include advanced material characterisation to large scale cyclic testing to understand the material performance at the structural level. The advanced numerical modelling involves using state-of-the-art software/tools to understand the influence of changes in material behaviour and support conditions.

There may be an opportunity to undertake a 3-month placement with an industry partner/end-user, giving you valuable hands-on industry experience that will position you well post-graduation.

We will support you to attend and present at domestic and international conferences. This will help build your communication skills and your professional platform.

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 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 $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). 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. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

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. 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. 

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 Wednesday, 4 June, 2025.