Abir Al-Tabbaa

[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) available for eligible home students; limited funding for international students may be considered later.] The University of Cambridge is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT), in collaboration with Tracey Concrete. This four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) programme focuses on the development and advancement of low-carbon cements for precast concrete used in aggressive ground conditions, addressing the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure solutions. Tracey Concrete, a leader in precast concrete manufacturing, is actively exploring innovative materials and technologies to achieve zero-carbon construction elements. The construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining long-term infrastructure performance, especially in environments that accelerate material degradation. This project aims to characterise and evaluate the mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of both commercially available and novel cements in precast concrete, specifically targeting buried structures exposed to aggressive ground. Precast concrete offers a controlled environment for material innovation and quality assurance, making it ideal for deploying alternative binders and next-generation low-carbon cements. The research will generate essential data on durability, microstructural development, and long-term behaviour, providing a foundation for performance-based specifications that enable more sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-friendly concrete production. A key motivation is to address the limitations of the BRE Special Digest 1 (SD1), the primary reference for concrete in aggressive ground, which has not been updated since 2005. Advances in low-carbon binder technologies are not reflected in current standards, hindering wider adoption. The project will inform updates to design and specification guidance, focusing on re-evaluating cement contents prescribed in BRE SD1 and investigating the potential for reducing cement content while maintaining or enhancing performance. Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level, in Civil Engineering, with a strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work. Fully-funded studentships (covering fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students, with limited funding for international students considered at a later stage. For project-specific enquiries, contact Prof. Abir Al-Tabbaa at [email protected]. General enquiries can be directed to [email protected]. Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating course code EGEGR3 and the project title. Early applications are encouraged, as offers may be made before the deadline of 15 April 2026. The University supports equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. For further details on the programme, funding, and eligibility, visit the provided links. Join a leading research environment and contribute to the future of sustainable infrastructure.

[Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students. Limited funding for international students may be considered later. Funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment.] The University of Cambridge is offering a four-year EPSRC FIBE3 CDT PhD studentship in collaboration with Tracey Concrete, focusing on the development and deployment of low-carbon cements for precast concrete in aggressive ground conditions. This opportunity is funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT), which aims to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions. The project addresses the urgent need for the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the durability and performance of infrastructure, especially in environments that accelerate material degradation. Tracey Concrete, a leader in precast concrete manufacturing, is actively exploring innovative materials, technologies, and designs to achieve zero-carbon construction elements. The PhD research will focus on characterising and evaluating the mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of both commercially available and novel cements used in precast concrete, specifically in aggressive ground conditions where durability standards are critical. The project is motivated by the limitations of the BRE Special Digest 1, which has not been updated since 2005 and does not reflect recent advances in low-carbon binder technologies. By generating robust scientific evidence, the research aims to inform updates to design and specification guidance, particularly regarding cement contents prescribed in BRE SD1. The successful candidate will investigate the potential for reducing cement content to lower the carbon footprint while maintaining or enhancing mechanical and durability performance. The project will deliver essential data on durability, microstructural development, and long-term behaviour, providing the foundation for performance-based specifications that enable more sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-friendly concrete production. The research environment offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with industry partners, ensuring practical relevance and impact. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain by the start date, at least a high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level, in Civil Engineering, with a strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work. Fully-funded studentships (covering fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students, while a limited number of international students may be considered for funding at a later stage. Further details about eligibility and funding can be found via the provided links. The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all sections of society. Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating course code EGEGR3 and the project title. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as offers may be made before the stated deadline. For project-specific enquiries, contact Prof. Abir Al-Tabbaa at [email protected]. For general enquiries, email [email protected]. There is a £20 application fee.

The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering is offering a funded 1+3 MRes/PhD studentship through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT) . This opportunity sits at the intersection of civil engineering, the built environment, construction technology, and environmental change, with a strong focus on the transition to net zero. The CDT is structured around four major themes: current and disruptive technologies , circularity and whole-life approach , AI-driven digitalisation and data , and risk-based systems thinking and connectivity . The studentship is designed for applicants interested in research that combines engineering, sustainability, infrastructure systems, and innovative construction approaches, and it is run in collaboration with industry. Funding is available for a number of studentships, with fees and maintenance fully covered for eligible home students and a limited number of international students. The position is based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Engineering, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain by the start date, a high 2.1 degree , preferably at master's level , in a relevant engineering or science discipline, with civil engineering specifically highlighted in the requirements. A good level of English is also expected. The application deadline is 14 April 2027 . Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal and consult the FIBE3 CDT website for available studentships and additional admissions information. Technical enquiries may be directed to Professor Abir Al-Tabbaa , and general enquiries to Ella Harding-Rolls .