About the project
The School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment (EDBE) at Western Sydney University has rapidly become a research leader in Australia for fire engineering research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality.
We are now offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a research group developing novel fire-resistant structural rehabilitation approaches with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. The project is funded by Australian Research Council through the DECRA scheme.
Fire safety is essential in all building design and construction, and the application of FRP composites in structural rehabilitation is sometimes challenged or opposed due to the limitation of its fire resistance. This project aims to solve the fire resistance problem of FRP in column jacketing work using innovative approaches. The proposed scheme will be developed by using advanced materials and mechanical fastening technology. It can ensure structural serviceability of FRP jackets during a fire. And after the fire, the proposed jacketing scheme is reusable by applying a new layer of epoxy. The project is expected to advance the theory and technologies in structural rehabilitation.
The project will be based at EDBE with the opportunity to work with other collaboration institutes. The proposed research will provide significant benefits to the construction industry via sustainable construction.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver and an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Policy
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the School.
Eligibility criteria
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in structural fire engineering. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in civil, mechanical, material, and fire engineering.
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) a Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to civil, mechanical, material, and fire engineering.
- have an understanding of the importance of material characteristics, fire safety and structural rehabilitation.
- be willing to learn material testing related to mechanical, combustion and thermal properties of the materials and fire testing of structural members.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
- have a strong track record in scientific publications.
- possess strong written and oral communication skills in English.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency
How to apply
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
You can contact Dr Cheng Jiang to discuss the project: drjiangcheng@gmail.com
For questions and advice about the application process, please contact the Graduate Research School: grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au.
Applications close 31 August 2021
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Scholarship reference code: PS2021_062_SoEDBE
