Novel timber composites and cross-laminated timber offer potential for sustainable buildings. To date such buildings are largely constructed and fitted out on-site as opposed to taking a manufacturing approach and are more expensive. However, inherent engineering properties of the materials and production methods are not currently utilised to increase efficiency and cost saving. Most notably this is during the manufacturing and transportation stage.

The project will deliver a design and manufacturing process for timber composite buildings that are:  buildings designed for manufacture at low cost and high quality;  produced from sustainable timber composites optimised for advanced manufacturing;  utilise digital design skills coupled with specific factory knowledge to deliver on cost and efficiency.

This project is part of the Queen’s Doctoral Training Programme in Secure Connected Intelligent Design and Manufacturing. Many of today’s industrial approaches require transformative changes to ensure long term societal, economic and environmental resilience and sustainability. PhD projects in this programme explore the potential of emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things, to transform the way we design, manufacture and operate products and services.

The successful candidate will be funded through a DfE studentship at the 2020/21 rate, a stipend of £14,777 and Home/EU fees. The candidate must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years (with no restrictions). EU residents may be eligible for the studentship covering fees-only.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Natural and Built Environment (subject: Civil Engineering)
• State name of the lead supervisor as Dr Daniel McPolin on application
• State ‘DfE Studentship’ as Intended Source of Funding
• To apply, select the ’Visit Website’ link below or visit https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php