University of Bath URSA project: Recyclability Assessment and Quantification of Earthen Construction Materials

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition, for entry in September 2025.

Early application is encouraged, as excellent candidates may receive an early offer of a funded place before the end of the year. During this fully funded three-and-a-half-years PhD research project, the selected candidate will:

• Conduct a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA methodology to identify testing standards, specimen preparation techniques, and relevant correlation properties suitable for the qualitative assessment and quantification of recyclability of earthen construction materials.
• Design and carry out an experimental campaign with scale specimens subjected to accelerated weathering conditions to quantify the recyclability of earthen construction materials and its effect on key mechanical performance parameters.
• Produce best practice guidelines suitable for practitioners on the recyclability of earthen construction materials.

Candidate requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, an honours degree at 2.1 or 1st (or non-UK equivalent). A Masters degree would be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme’s English language requirement before 01 February 2025 to be considered for funding – no exceptions will be considered.

Highly motivated candidates with a strong background in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Architecture, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Building Conservation/Heritage Conservation, Sustainable Architecture/Construction or Geotechnical Engineering, especially with experience in experimental methods, material testing, sustainable construction techniques, or heritage conservation, would be well-suited to occupy this PhD position.

Funding Notes

Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath (URSA) studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate (£19,237 p/a in 2024/25) and a £1000/annum training budget.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Alejandro Jimenez-Rios - ajr225@bath.ac.uk.