Low Carbon Concrete Modular Pavement Design Kingston University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Kingston University addresses the urgent sustainability challenges posed by concrete use in 21st-century construction, focusing on the high embodied CO2 (ECO2) and over-reliance on natural aggregates. These factors contribute to significant anthropogenic effects, including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, urban heat island phenomena, acid rain, and other environmental risks associated with heat and pollution. The increasing generation and disposal of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) further exacerbate these issues, making waste management a critical concern for the built environment.

The research aims to develop innovative designs for low carbon concrete modular pavement, integrating improved construction methods that comply with the latest British Standards (BS) for paving. Central to the project is the use of recycled materials and low carbon cement, which will offset a significant percentage of primary construction materials, enhancing environmental friendliness and reducing overall costs. The project adopts the '4R approach'—reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover—to address the environmental impact of construction waste and promote sustainable practices in pavement design.

Students will engage with interdisciplinary research spanning civil engineering, architecture, materials science, and environmental science. The project is supervised by Dr H Kew within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative research environment. Funding is available through the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry, which may cover tuition and stipend for successful applicants.

Eligibility requires a strong academic background in civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, materials science, or related fields. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in sustainable construction, recycled materials, and environmental impact assessment. English language proficiency is required according to Kingston University standards.

Applications are open until March 4, 2026. Prospective students should consult the Graduate School Studentships and Faculty research pages for detailed application instructions and prepare their materials accordingly. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about sustainable infrastructure and innovative construction solutions to contribute to impactful research in a leading UK institution.