Project Information
Applications Close
16 Oct 2024
Study Level
PhD
Applications Open To
Domestic Candidate or International Candidate
All domestic students are eligible for a fee waiver. International students who receive a stipend are eligible for a fee waiver. Find out more about fees and conditions.
Project Stipend:
$32,500 p.a. (2024 rates) available to domestic and international applicants
Steel slag is a typical by-product resulting from steel-making processes. The mineralogy of steel slag preliminary comprises tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), calcium ferrite, calcium aluminoferrite, and RO phases (continuous solid solution formed by MgO, MnO, and FeO). According to a previous study, RO phases, which account for 30% of slag by weight, exhibit virtually no hydraulic reactivity at room temperature, and their reactivity cannot be accelerated even under high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, calcium silicate minerals rich in steel slag display poor hydration activity, therefore rendering steel slag of low hydraulicity. However, steel slag can readily undergo carbonation to form CaCO3 in a CO2-rich environment. Some non-hydraulic phases, e.g., ß-C2S and RO phases, can be efficiently converted into CaCO3, MgCO3, and calcium-silicate hydrates through carbonation. The dissolution of Ca and Mg from slag, along with the diffusion of CO2 through the carbonated layers, are considered the rate-determining steps in the carbonation process.
The objectives are:
- Analyse the chemical and physical properties of steel slag
- Develop various formulations of ultra-high performance cementitious composites incorporating different proportions of steel slag
- Assessing the effect of carbonation curing on the performance of ultra-high performance cementitious composites
- Conducting life cycle assessment of developed low-carbon composites
Where you’ll be based
The Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM) centre at the University of South Australia undertakes research in physical infrastructure management and the sustainable management of assets. SIRM applies circular economy philosophy and carbon reduction solutions to ensure sustainable communities throughout the world. SIRM recognises that the challenge of moving to a more sustainable future requires an understanding of the complexity and interactions of human, natural, and built systems. We bring together diverse research expertise to address significant societal challenges at the interface of the natural and built environments at all scales. We offer clients the potential to address real problems using multidisciplinary teams. Our goal is to efficiently use resources to manage the natural and built environments sustainably.
Supervisory team
This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum (2024 rates). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.
Eligibility and Selection
This project is open to applications from both domestic and international applicants.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria:
- Hold an Honours or Master degree in Civil Engineering, Material Science or a related field
The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes campus in the north of Adelaide.
Essential Dates
Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday 16 October 2024.
How to apply:
Applications must be lodged online, please note UniSA does not accept applications via email.
For further support see our step-by-step guide on how to apply , or contact the Graduate Research team on +61 8 8302 5880, option 1 or email us at research.admissions@unisa.edu.au. You will receive a response within one working day.
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If you wish to develop your own project please review our guidelines and contact the Graduate Research Admissions team if you have any questions.
