Title: Optimizing the use of cementitious materials using Machine learning and AI
Brief Description:
Concrete, as the most widely used construction material, is inextricably connected with human development. The main ingredient of concrete is the cement. However, the production of cement is a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions: 8 % of total global CO2 emissions come from the cement production industry. Alternative cementitious materials, such as rice husk ash, coal fly ash, and coal bottom ash, have been identified to reduce the amount of cement used in concrete. Despite conceptual and methodological progress in concrete science, concrete formulation with alternative cementation materials for target properties remains a challenging task due to the ever-increasing complexity of cementitious systems. These include requirements for concrete to meet competing objectives such as mechanical properties, cost, workability, environmental requirements, and durability. This research aims to model decision variables, constraints and objectives using machine learning algorithms. With the ability to tackle complex tasks autonomously, machine learning (ML) / artificial intelligence (AI), this research develops an optimization algorithm for transformative potential.
Supervisors:
UOR supervisors: Prof. Subashi De Silva and Dr. Kushan Sudheera
RMIT supervisors: Dr. Ruwini Edirisinghe and A/Prof. Kate Nguyen
Application deadline: 15th March 2024
Date of commencement: 30th March 2024
Applying with a cover letter, CV and necessary supportive documents before the deadline, to the Program Coordinator Prof. Sudhira De Silva (sudhira@cee.ruh.ac.lk).
Features of the PhD:
- Duration of the PhD is 3-3..5 years on a full-time basis and the candidate will spend a maximum of one year at RMIT, Australia and the remaining time in Sri Lanka.
- The tuition fee is fully waived, and the selected candidate will get the standard scholarships for living stipend during the stay in Sri Lanka and Australia.
- There will be at least one principal supervisor each from RMIT and UOR.
- Degree will be awarded from both institutions acknowledging the joint supervision. You will get separate degree certificates, one each from RMIT and UOR.
Successful candidates should have the following:
- BSc Engineering (Specializing in Civil Engineering) with Second Class Upper Division or higher
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 with each band above 6.0
We are looking for a dynamic candidate who meets the above qualifications.
Note: Only the shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview.
If you have any queries or need any further information, please contact 077-8069856