Abir Al-Tabbaa

This four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship at the University of Cambridge is funded through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT), in collaboration with Tracey Concrete, a leader in precast concrete manufacturing. The project addresses the urgent need for the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining infrastructure performance, especially in environments that accelerate material degradation. The PhD research will develop and advance the use of low-carbon cements in precast concrete for buried structures exposed to aggressive ground conditions. Precast concrete offers a controlled environment for material innovation, making it ideal for deploying alternative binders and next-generation low-carbon cements. The project will characterize and evaluate the mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of both commercially available and novel cements in challenging ground conditions, where durability standards are critical. A key motivation is the limitation of the BRE Special Digest 1, which has not been updated since 2005 and does not reflect advances in low-carbon binder technologies. The research aims to provide scientific evidence to inform updates to design and specification guidance, focusing on re-evaluating cement contents prescribed in BRE SD1. By assessing the relevance of existing requirements to modern low-carbon binders, the project will investigate the potential for reducing cement content to lower the carbon footprint while maintaining or enhancing mechanical and durability performance. The work will deliver essential data on durability, microstructural development, and long-term behavior, supporting performance-based specifications for more sustainable and climate-friendly concrete production. Applicants should have at least a high 2.1 degree, preferably at Masters level in Civil Engineering, and a strong interest in cementitious materials and experimental work. Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students, with limited funding for international students considered later. Applications should be made online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, stating course code EGEGR3 and the project title with Prof. Abir Al-Tabbaa. Early applications are encouraged, and the University supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.