Funding

Self-funded

Project code

​ SCS10720529

Department

School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project. 

The PhD will be based in the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying and will be supervised by Dr Muhammad Ali, Prof. Tamsin Bradley, Prof. Hom Dhakal.

This interdisciplinary project aims to field-test and deploy University of Portsmouth (UoP) natural Fibre Reinforced Compressed Earth Block (FRCEB) technology across three South Asian countries: Pakistan, India, and Nepal. By bridging the gap between laboratory testing and real-world application, the project addresses critical deficits in low-cost housing, environmental degradation, and deep-seated social inequalities, specifically the predatory bonded labour systems endemic to the traditional brick kiln industry. Using an innovative mix of physical and social sciences, the research will evaluate the holistic impact of sustainable earth construction on community wellbeing, safety, and socioeconomic equality.

 

The work on this project will include: 

  • Real-World Testing: Moving a laboratory-proven technology (natural jute-fibre reinforced earth blocks) out of the laboratory and into real-world construction.
  • Social & Humanitarian Impact: Targeting the root causes of the traditional brick kiln industry, including the reduction of carbon emissions and breaking the cycle of bonded labour.
  • Interdisciplinary Framework: Uniting materials sciences with development anthropology, measuring improvements to community mental and physical wellbeing.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the research and development of earthen construction, driven by the rising demand for low-cost and environmentally sustainable building materials. Numerous experimental investigations have explored advances in Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs), making it one of the most researched forms of earth construction. While significant attention has been given to the mechanical properties and durability characteristics of CEBs, there has been limited research into the performance & application of CEB construction in the real world. 

 

This research aims to implement UoP natural fibre-reinforced compressed earth block (FRCEB) technology in the field by addressing the pressing issues of low-cost housing, environmental & social concerns, alongside problems related to bonded labour associated with the brick kiln industry in middle and low-income countries. This project will deploy interdisciplinary methods across the social & physical sciences in order to evidence the holistic impact of this technology on mental & physical wellbeing, reductions in inequalities, & better housing. 

 

To deliver this research, three South Asian countries: Pakistan, India, & Nepal have been identified. Fieldwork will be conducted with the support of local project partners. In Pakistan, Ecobricks will manufacture commercial-grade UoP-FRCEBs using locally available materials, explore the possibility of constructing a full-scale trial structure, & fabrication of UoP-CEB machine for the local market. Sulabh International will identify various sites throughout India & provide support for the design of a social science methodology to provide evidence of the holistic benefits of the UoP-FRCEB technology. Whereas, in Nepal, workshops will be organised at a local research institute to train local masons & artisans. These workshops will cover topics such as materials selection, optimum mix-design, production, testing, & use of UoP-FRCEB in construction. Overall, this impactful research will provide practical solutions for developing countries globally, including those affected by natural disasters.

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only – eligibility criteria apply).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. 

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

International students will require a study visa from UKVI to pursue the degree in the UK. If the research is in a sensitive or technological subject, the student may also need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign Office.

 

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Muhammad Ali ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Civil Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

When applying please quote project code SCS10720529.