Development of innovated unfoldable steel timber structural systems for modular buildings

About the project

Revolutionise construction industry building materials

If you are driven to kickstart your career in engineering and construction and passionate about addressing sustainability issues it 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 Bluescope and INNOVIS Consulting.

Prefabricated modular building is a fast, safe, economic and environmentally-friendly modern construction technique. Modular construction could reduce landfill waste, delivery vehicle visits, noise and disruption and reportable accidents, compared with site-intensive construction. However, due to transport limits, the modular construction technique is limited in buildings with relatively small spans. 

Our project proposes a hybrid frame reinforced wall structural system for applications in unfoldable modular buildings, using cold-formed steel and low-value softwood. The wall panels are designed as foldable load-bearing components along vertical folding lines. The system is strong, light-weight, and cost efficient. Most importantly, the folding lines do not affect the strength of the system.

Our goal is to overcome the transport barrier and enable large span structures by proposing an innovative unfoldable structural system, where building components can be compacted into small packages before being transported and then unpacked onsite. Our structural concept will provide obvious structural and economic benefits over existing products in the modular construction market. 

Our new system promotes corewood material for structural applications so it will also deliver obvious economic benefits to both construction and forestry industries.  At the same time, the newly developed product is environmentally friendly through partially replacing steel with wood and will have a reduced carbon footprint.

You will be based within SIRM. Our researchers generate research that translates into critical societal applications. You will benefit from the mentorship and guidance of renowned experts in their fields. You will join a vibrant cohort of collegial and supportive early career and senior researchers and be encouraged to share and receive feedback on your research.

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will first help design and develop a feasible unfoldable modular unit. Then you will conduct experimental and numerical studies to investigate the structural element, connection and system behaviour.

We will support you to develop and submit journal articles to high-ranking, high-impact journals. This research has far-reaching consequences. Upon completion, you will have expertise in a highly active research area and will be in a strong position to launch your career in academia, government or industry. 

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 Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 (2025 rate) per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included for this group. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants will not be eligible to receive the scholarship.

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: 

• master degree in structural engineering and have research expertise in experimental/numerical study on steel/timber structures.

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 Monday 2 December 2024.