PhD studentship
(Full-time)
Title: Sustainable Building Construction: Mix Design of Papercrete
Institution: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Department: Industrial Design
PhD supervisor: Dr Derrick Tate (Associate Professor, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)
Co-supervisor: Dr Chee Seong Chin (Associate Professor, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)
Co-supervisor: Dr Steve Jones (Senior Lecturer, University of Liverpool)
Application deadline: Open until the position is filled
Funding Availability: Funded PhD project (for world-wide students)
Project Description
Buildings and construction make up the largest portion in global resource use and pollution emissions.
In OECD countries, it is known that construction accounts for approximately 25-40% of total energy
use, 30% of raw material use, 30-40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and 30-40% of solid waste
generation. Conventional construction materials, such as concrete, steel, and wood, have large
ecological footprints. The production of these materials is energy intensive, while their recycling is
limited. This implies, however, that the construction industry has the substantial potential to help
protect nature and the environment through pursuing more sustainable and innovative construction
technologies. This study will investigate a way to facilitate the use of a natural and/or recycled
construction material, i.e., papercrete, a building material comprised of recycled short-fibre cellulose,
Portland cement, water, and admixture. Papercrete is a construction material composed of recycled
and re-pulped paper bound together with hydraulic Portland cement. Originally patented in 1928, it is
known as an environmentally friendly material, primarily because of the significant use of recycled
content. This PhD research project is targeted to systematically study the range of material and block
properties that are achievable using the papercrete constituents and manufacturing process. The
project tasks will consist of experimental design for manipulation of independent variables (including,
water-cement-additive ratio, paper supply, compaction effort, and coatings); preparation and testing
of physical specimens for strength, thermal, and durability characteristics; adaptation of standard test
methods to be applied to papercrete; and micro-scale characterization of papercrete specimens.
Funding Notes
The position is remunerated for three years at a rate covering tuition fees plus a stipend of 3500 RMB
per month. Supervision as well as resulting publications and theses will be in English. Successful
graduates will receive a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool.
Requirements
The studentship is competitive and the candidates would be expected to demonstrate academic
excellence and outstanding research potential. Candidates will have a first or upper second class
honours degree (or international equivalent qualifications) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Industrial Design, or an appropriate field of study. Candidates with a master's degree
would be an added advantage. Evidence of excellent spoken and written English is also required
for admission. Candidates whose first language is not English should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or
equivalent.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to email the following documents to
DoctoralStudies@xjtlu.edu.cn (please put the project title and primary supervisor’s name in
the subject line).
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CV
Two reference letters
Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or comparable) is required
Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international student, only the
English version is required)
Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international
student, only the English version is required)
We will acknowledge all applications by email. Should you have any questions or queries regarding
your application, please feel free to contact us.
If your native language is not English, proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of 6.5 or
comparable) is required. Further details can be found at http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/ en/admissions/
postgraduate.html
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Derrick Tate (Email: d.tate@xjtlu.edu.cn) or Dr Chee
Seong Chin (Email: Chee.Chin@xjtlu.edu.cn), whose personal profiles are linked below:
http://academic.xjtlu.edu.cn/id/Staff/derrick-tate
http://academic.xjtlu.edu.cn/civeng/Staff/chee-chin