Developing Sustainable Graded Porous Structures

This project aims to pioneer innovations in green civil engineering by developing first-of-its-kind porous structures for Australian sustainable environment. It establishes novel graded porous geometries in cementitious structures for superior stiffness and thermal insulation. The lightweight yet robust structures with minimal cement usage are crucial to mitigating carbon footprints in civil construction and building operation with huge emissions. The project expects to develop new knowledge and advanced simulations in porous composites. This will help Australia growing green civil industries with significant economic benefits and achieving the Net Zero Plan via saving building operation energy and reducing construction emissions and waste.

The candidate will work closely with industrial partners and academics from different Universities/Schools. The success of this project will bring the candidate 1) exceptional research achievements; 2) wide industrial and academic connections; 3) a great career path as a composite engineer/researcher in civil and mechanical engineering.

Funding Type

Living allowance

Tuition Fees

Duration

3.5 years

Residency

Domestic and International PhD applicants

Scholarship

$38,438 per annum (2025 rate) and a Tuition Fee Scholarship. Other supports will also be provided, including opportunities to assist teaching and to attend international conferences.

How to apply

Please email Dr Daniel Chen at daniel.chen7@unsw.edu.au and attach copies of your CV, academic transcripts, and evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).