Available Projects
New low-carbon fire-resistant geopolymer concretes: a journey towards net zero in construction
This project aims to develop new low-carbon fire-resistant and thermal-resistant geopolymer concretes (i.e. concrete without cement) for applications in sustainable construction. Our team has strong collaborations with top research groups on geopolymers around the world (e.g. Monash University), so there is potential for placements and training abroad. Your training package will be tailored and agreed upon once you join our group.
Primary supervisor: Dr Reyes Garcia - Email: Reyes.Garcia@warwick.ac.uk
Project detail:
Concrete production emits 8% of global CO2 emissions, much of which comes from the use of Portland cement. Portland cement (main binder in concrete) is obtained by heating limestone at 1500°C, a process that releases almost 1 ton of CO2 per 1 ton of cement. Worldwide demand for concrete will keep increasing pushed by new construction, and therefore the construction sector is seeking solutions to meet its net zero commitments. In recent years, geopolymers have been proposed as a lower-CO2 binder alternative for concrete. The Low Carbon Concrete Routemap of the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers has identified the use of geopolymers (e.g. metakaolin) in construction as a necessary step towards net zero. Metakaolin is produced by heating kaolinite clay at much lower temperatures (~700°C), thus cutting CO2 emissions significantly. Kaolinite clay is also abundant in the UK (Cornwall, Devon) and Europe, making it the most promising cost-effective material to replace Portland cement in the future.
This project aims to develop new low-carbon fire-resistant and thermal-resistant geopolymer concretes (i.e. concrete without cement) for sustainable building construction. The project involves an experimental component that requires the characterisation of all key constituents, including GGBS, metakaolin, vehicle glass waste (VGW), recycled fibres, as well as evaluating their physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties using advanced techniques such as XRF, XRD, SEM, and TGA. The data will be then used to optimise (via AI and ML) the mix designs and understand the interaction between components in the geopolymer matrix. The mixes will be also assessed in terms of fresh properties (workability) and hardened performance, including compressive strength, flexural strength, and residual strength after exposure to elevated temperatures (up to 900-1000 °C) that simulate a fire in a building. Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) will also determine the environmental credentials of the new mixes.
Applicants should have a strong interest in construction materials and in new computational tools in design.
Questions?: reyes.garcia@warwick.ac.uk
How to apply for admission: www.warwick.ac.uk/pgrengineering
How to apply for a scholarship: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/postgraduate/funding/
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.