Investigating the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Using Nanoparticle-Reinforced Recycled Building Materials

Purpose:

The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. Construction delivery and operation accounts for 34% global final energy use and 37% energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst extracting finite resources and destroying natural habitats. As a result, improved methods of construction delivery as well as the evolution of more sustainable building material need to be identified with an emphasis on recycled building material as recommended by the Climate Change Committee and Environmental Audit Committee. To address these issues, there’s a growing interest in the use of recycled building materials in construction. Nanoparticle reinforcement offers the potential to enhance the mechanical properties of recycled building materials, making them more suitable for construction applications. However, there’s a need for a comprehensive assessment of the economic and environmental sustainability of using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction projects.

Research Objectives:

The study aim to evaluate the economic and environmental sustainability of using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction projects. The project objectives are:

• To evaluate the environmental implications of using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials compared to conventional construction materials.
• To assess the economic feasibility of using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction projects.
• To identify the most promising applications of nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction.
• To investigate the potential risks and challenges associated with using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction projects.

Methodology:

Building upon the findings of the extensive review undertaken, the research will use a mixed-methods approach. The research will conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) of selected nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials compared to traditional construction materials. It will also conduct cost-benefit analyses of using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in selected construction projects. Furthermore, the research will carry out case studies of successful applications of nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction.

Expected outcomes:

The outcomes from this will be utilised to inform future supply chain resilience strategies and identify where possible potential construction materials and systems capable of being manufactured from nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials for sustainable built environment delivery. This project will provide important insights into the economic and environmental sustainability of using nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction projects.

This project will develop a comprehensive assessment of the economic and environmental sustainability for nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials application in construction projects. This identification of the most promising applications of nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in construction will promote the adoption of nanoparticle-reinforced recycled building materials in the construction industry. The findings will be useful to policymakers, construction professionals, and researchers working on sustainable construction materials and practices.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Built Environment subject i.e. Civil / Structural Engineering; construction management, Architectural Technology; Sustainable Built Environment or equivalent.

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr. Lina Khaddour ([email protected]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

Contact details

Should you need more information, please email [email protected].

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.