Motivation:

Urgent ideas are needed to reduce the waste stream from construction sector, save earth’s natural resources and provide CO2 neutral construction. Although promising, the crushing of old concrete and creating recycled aggregate that can be reused as raw material for new concrete impairs its long-term properties and durability. Hybrid concrete systems with high-performance materials and new manufacturing technology are the future.

The project will develop a novel system in which the shell, “important” zone in the structure (i.e. critical for durability), is made by newly developed high-quality 3D-Printed Strain Hardening Cementitious Composite, SHCC, with recycled fine aggregates (3DP/Re-SHCC), whereas low quality recycled aggregate concrete is used as “low” demanding infill. The major challenge is defining the relations between (i) long-term structural behaviour and

durability of the hybrid system made from recycled materials and (ii) the fundamental mechanisms on a lower level, related to time-dependent material behaviour, printability and interfaces (i.e. between printed layers in the material, and between shell and infill in the hybrid structure).

In this position, your key research objectives will be to:

(1) correlate the 3DP/Re-SHCC mix designs to printability (i.e. pumpability, extrudability, buildability), and correlate 3DP/Re-SHCC hardened properties (strength, ductility, anisotropy) to its mix design, printing parameters and interfaces between the layers of the circular material

(2) unravel the influence of structural interfaces and coupled hygro-mechanical processes between the 3DP/Re-SHCC shell and the recycled aggregatge concrete infill on the long-term structural behaviour and durability of the hybrid system.

This position is funded by TKI HTSM and supported by several industrial partners. The project is embedded in a cross-departmental collaboration within the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CiTG), including the Department of Engineering Structures (ES) and the Department of Mechanics, Materials, Management and Design (3MD).

You will work in the Microlab, our high-tech laboratory at the CiTG at TU Delft dedicated to characterization and development of cementitios materials, and Macro Mechanics Laboratory, our large-scale structural lab equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for structural testing. You will be embedded in the section of Concrete Structures, in the department of Engineering Structures, which hosts more than 15 PhD-candidates, and work in collaboration with the section of Materials & Environment, within the department of Materials, Mechanics, Management & Design, with more than 30 PhD-candidates.

The research focus of the department Engineering Structures is on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures as well as on the structures for energy transition. The groups are using the unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory for full scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department 3MD focuses on the design, construction and management of civil infrastructures and buildings. A multi-scale research approach is followed, starting at micro-scale (materials), to meso-scale (structures) and to macro-scale (infrastructures/systems). Both ES and 3MD departments deliver a large number of courses both at the BSc and MSc level.

We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate with:

• A MSc degree in a relevant field, i.e. Civil or Structural Engineering
• Knowledge and interest in solid mechanics, construction materials and concrete structures. Experience with concrete rheology will be an advantage.
• Ability to work both in a project team, but also independently and take leadership and responsibility for research tasks
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.