PhD in Monitoring of Fresh Cement with Superabsorbent Polymers

Joint Doctoral (PhD) full time position in Non-destructive Testing of Fresh Cementitious Materials between Vrije Universiteit Brussels and Ghent University, Belgium.

Applications are invited for PhD research under the title “Active control of concrete curing by acoustic emission”.

A summary of the project is found below:

Acoustic monitoring has recently significantly contributed to the understanding of processes in fresh cementitious media. The ambition of this project is, for the first time, to use the real time acoustic emission (AE) behavior to control the curing of the material, aiming at better mechanical properties and at the same time use the recorded data to make projections towards the final quality of the hardened medium. Processes like hydration and shrinkage cracking, which are crucial for mechanical properties gain, also produce high amounts of detectable AE during the fresh state. Therefore, acoustic techniques due to their non-invasive and sensitive nature in combination with optical techniques for displacement measurements form an excellent platform to study the material but most importantly to steer the curing during the very delicate phase of hydration taking advantage of the real time information. This obtains even higher importance when considering modern admixtures like superabsorbent polymers and the effort to control their behavior, an aspect that is also treated herein in order to improve the material performance. Optimizing the mechanical properties of a given mix ensures long standing materials, contributing to sustainability of the built environment which is the driving force behind the research. VUB and UGent have strong tradition of cooperation in the field, while contribution from Kyoto University guarantees feedback from a technologically advanced partner.

The project is funded by FWO (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen, Research Foundation-Flanders) and will last four (4) years. The post will preferably start in September/October 2021.

Skills and personal qualities:

Applicants should have a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics or related studies. An independent and well-organized working style, demanding high quality of your own work. Well-developed social skills directed towards working in an interdisciplinary team, excellent interpersonal and communicative skills. Strong motivation to succeed in scientific research, excellent presentation and scientific writing skills, excellent English language skills (verbally and written).

An application must contain the following documents in English: a personal (motivation) letter and curriculum vitae, a copy of degree certificates and associated certificates, and any previous publications and proof of English language skills. At least one letter of support (reference letter) should also be included in the application.

The documents should be sent to Dimitrios.Aggelis@vub.be

Professor Dimitris Aggelis, Department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions (MEMC) - Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Professor Geert De Schutter, Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials, Magnel-Vandepitte laboratory, Ghent University.