Digital Design and Fabrication of Internal Reinforcement and Structural Formwork Systems for New Concrete Structures

Stemming from new concepts developed in previous research by Dr. Spadea et al. and the elaborating on the computational environment offered by the Discrete Element Method, the project will address some of the following research challenges:

To accurately analyse the structural response of geometrically complex concrete structures with woven internal reinforcement under any loading condition;

To combine the novel analysis method based on DEM with an optimisation routine that can propose the external geometry and internal reinforcement arrangement required to meet user-defined performance requirements with the goal of minimum total embodied energy;

To establish a feasible construction solution for both internal reinforcement and structural formwork systems, using digital fabrication techniques, to drive acceptance in industry and enhance sector-wide productivity;

To enhance the durability and resilience of infrastructure through the development of novel materials that are well suited to automated manufacturing techniques;

To embed new construction processes and structural forms in practice, demonstrating feasibility by comparison to current design approaches.

The project lies in between the research interests of Dr. Saverio Spadea in composites manufacturing, concrete structure optimisation and construction automation, and Dr. Matteo Ciantia expertise in Discrete Element Modelling. The successful candidate will have a good background in structural mechanics, evidenced by a good first degree in Civil Engineering, and a keen interest in digital technologies. An aptitude for experimental testing would be an advantage, as would a working knowledge of numerical methods.

The PhD student will contribute to (and benefit from) the success of research project currently developed by the main supervisor, which are strictly related to the objective of this PhD.