Innovative Digital Textile Reinforced Concretes for Structural or Repair Applications

About the Project

The application of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) for the repair and strengthening of deteriorated existing structures, as well as for the development of new structural components, has recently attracted significant and growing attention. TRCs consist of continuous textile fabrics embedded within a fine-grained cement-based matrix and offer a unique combination of excellent mechanical performance, high durability, low weight, and corrosion-free behaviour. These characteristics make TRCs particularly attractive for applications in a decarbonised construction sector, where material efficiency, extended service life, and reduced maintenance are critical.

Despite their strong potential, the widespread application of TRCs is still at an early stage and requires further in-depth investigation. Key research challenges remain, particularly in the structural design of load-bearing TRC components, their behaviour under complex and multi-axial loading scenarios, and their long-term performance under realistic environmental and service conditions. In addition, the integration of innovative manufacturing technologies—such as concrete 3D printing, automated textile placement, or continuous reinforcement deposition—offers new opportunities but also raises fundamental questions related to material behaviour, structural performance, and design methodologies.

This PhD project aims to address one or some of these open research questions and contribute to advancing the state of the art in Textile Reinforced Concrete. The research may cover topics including, but not limited to:

• Bond behaviour and load transfer mechanisms in Textile Reinforced Concrete
• Structural design and modelling of TRC components under complex loading scenarios
• Development of reliable service-life modelling approaches for such composites
• Integration of digital manufacturing and textile reinforcement
• Novel, natural-based, reinforcement systems or matrices (such as earth-based matrices)

Within this project, the PhD candidate will work on a cutting-edge research topic, receive extensive hands-on training in advanced experimental testing and materials and structural modelling techniques, and collaborate closely with world-renowned academics and experts in the field. The candidate will also have opportunities to engage with key industrial stakeholders and contribute to ongoing international scientific activities in the field, ensuring strong links between fundamental research and practical application.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated home/UK student with good interpersonal skills and a keen interest in research. You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honors degree or a distinction or high merit at MSc level (or international equivalent) in Civil Engineering, mathematics or a related subject. Preference will be given to candidates with educational and/or research experience in engineering. Experience in experimental materials characterisation is essential. The candidate will be expected to have good interpersonal skills. For further details and discussion about the position, please contact Dr Bahman Ghiassi (b.ghiassi@bham.ac.uk).

Funding Notes

This project is only for self-funded students.