PhD Studentship: Unlocking Sustainability for a Thriving Planet: Exploring Innovations in Circular Construction for a Greener Future

Are you passionate about addressing global challenges such as CO2 emissions, resource scarcity, and climate change? Do you have a keen interest in sustainable construction practices? We invite applications for a PhD position focused on "Circular Construction" at the University of Birmingham, Department of Civil Engineering.

The PhD project will delve into the realm of circular construction practices and assess their potential effectiveness in mitigating the environmental impact of the construction industry in the UK and the UAE. As the global population grows and urbanization accelerates, finding sustainable solutions for the built environment is critical. Circular construction offers a promising avenue by rethinking the way we design, build, and manage our structures.

Key Objectives:

• Investigate the impact of circular construction practices on reducing CO2 emissions.
• Assess the feasibility and scalability of innovative technologies in the circular construction sector.
• Examine the role of circular construction in addressing resource scarcity and promoting a more sustainable use of materials.

Research Methodology:

• The research will involve a combination of quantitative analysis, case studies, and the exploration of cutting-edge technologies in construction. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners and contribute to the development of real-world solutions.

Funding notes:

Funding availability
The 125th Anniversary Scholarship for Black British Researchers programme
The University of Birmingham is proud to celebrate its remarkable 125-year journey and announce the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship initiative designed to empower and support Black British researchers in their pursuit of doctoral education.
More information can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/funding/black-british-researchers-scholarship

References:

• Ghaffar, S.,* Burman, M., Braimah, N., (2020), Pathways to circular construction: An integrated management of construction and demolition waste for resource recovery, Journal of Cleaner Production, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118710
• Ghaffar, S.,* Corker, J., Fan, M., (2018), Additive manufacturing technology and its implementation in construction as an eco-innovative solution, Automation in Construction, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.05.005
• Valente, M., Sambucci, M., Chougan, M., Ghaffar, S.,*, (2022), Reducing the emission of climate-altering substances in cementitious materials: A comparison between alkali-activated materials and Portland cement-based composites incorporating recycled tire rubber, Journal of Cleaner Production, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130013
• Chougan, M., Ghaffar, S.,*, et.al., (2020), The influence of nano-additives in strengthening mechanical performance of 3D printed multi-binder geopolymer composites, Construction and Building Materials, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118928
• Al-Noaimat, Y., Ghaffar, S.,*, (2023), Recycled brick aggregates in one-part alkali-activated materials: Impact on 3D printing performance and material properties, Developments in the Built Environment, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2023.100248

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