Engineering Mineral Layers for Decommissionable Concrete

Nuclear sites contain large volumes of radioactively contaminated concrete. Prior to decommissioning, these concrete structures must be surface decontaminated to minimise the requirement for waste disposal. This involves the removal of highly contaminated surface material either via mechanical scabbling/scraping or high pressure blasting. Both methods are expensive, time consuming and involve the spread of contaminated particulates over large areas. The thickness of the surface-contaminated layer depends on the location and the history of the concrete, but can range from mms to cms.

Recent research at Strathclyde is aiming to develop a new technology for treatment of concrete surfaces to create “decommisionable concrete”. In this technology the cement or concrete surface is covered with a thin layer of hydroxyapatite (HAP). The HAP layer will: (1) have a high adsorption capacity and low permeability to trap radionuclides, significantly reducing their penetration into the bulk concrete; (2) be easily removable from the concrete surface via the application of controlled mechanical, thermal, chemical or electrical processes, once it is no longer needed. Research so far has focussed on optimising HAP layer formation on cement. Testing so far has demonstrated that these HAP layers can prevent contamination of the cement by Sr, U and I.

This new “decommissionable concrete” would remove the requirement for decontamination of contaminated concrete surfaces and reduce the volumes of waste for disposal, decreasing the environmental impacts and cost and improving health and safety.

Research Environment

The Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept at the University of Strathclyde has a very active and diverse cohort of PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers working in the development of novel technologies and materials for nuclear decommissioning and waste treatment and disposal. The student will have access to the Department’s extensive laboratory facilities including: an analytical environmental chemistry laboratory, a radiochemistry laboratory (where active research can be carried out if required), a geomechanics laboratory, and the Faculty of Engineering and CMAC Advanced Materials Research Laboratories. In addition, the University of Strathclyde is home to a National Nuclear Users Facility – PANAMA; this facility provides state-of the-art X-ray analytical techniques for a broad range of materials, including radioactive samples. .

The Department of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde, is a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment known for its friendly and supportive research culture, with a welcoming and enthusiastic cohort of PhD students.   Our supportive culture is reflected in our award of Athena Swan Gold Status (one of only a few engineering units in the UK to hold this award), recognizing our work on gender equality and supporting all staff and students.

Training and Support

During this PhD you will gain valuable skills and knowledge in chemistry, material science and engineering, and a broad range of analytical techniques through our extensive laboratory facilities, both within the dept and across the University. Professional and personal development is also an important part of the postgraduate researcher journey here at Strathclyde. During the PhD you will gain invaluable additional training and development through tailor-made Professional Development programs, developing skills to help you meet your future career aspirations.

Saturn_Nuclear_CDT

Informal enquires about the position are strongly encouraged. Please contact [email protected], [email protected] [email protected]