PhD Project: Developing new clinker phase dissolution equations for use in thermodynamic cement hydration models

About this position

To model cement hydration, the phase dissolution is calculated using and empirical method first developed in 1984 for Ordinary Portland Cements (OPC). As modern cements are commonly blended with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as limestone, pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast furnace slags (GGBFS) to reduce their environmental impact, these equations are no longer suitable.

Cement hydration modellers continue to use the current method as little quantitative data on the rate of reaction of SCMs is available. Such work is important therefore, to better understand and thermodynamically model their behaviour and the effect on phase assemblage and pore solution chemistries over time.

The research will develop a new set of numerical equations using dissolution curves from a comprehensive suite of quantitative XRD (QXRD) and Rietveld analysis over time. Follow on state-of-the-art thermodynamic model predictions of the solid phase assemblages will be compared with further QXRD measurement to determine the accuracy of the new methodology. This project will use the expertise in cement hydration modelling already in place through the supervisory team and Research Group to disseminate the results widely.

Student Requirements for this Project

2.1 in and Honours Civil or Structural Engineering degree

Self Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student. Materials costs not significant)