Low-Carbon Multi-component Marine Cementitious Materials for Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure

The objective of this fellowship is to train Dr Xing Ming, through a research project titled “Low-Carbon Multi-component Marine Cementitious Materials for Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure” (LCMMCMs), to develop sustainable and resilient cementitious materials through the bottom-up approach for marine concrete infrastructures by taking advantages of the research expertise of the Fellow and the hosts. Leveraging the synergistic effects of seawater and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), this project will explore the complex interactions during cement hydration and the resulting structural evolution in the assistance of multi-scale ab-initio calculations and advanced in-situ and ex-situ experiments. The research will quantify these effects to optimise the compositions of LCMMCMs, improving both fresh and hardened properties and significantly enhancing their mechanical performance and durability in harsh marine environments. The project will also develop an advanced durability-coupled life-cycle assessment (LCA) model to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of these materials, supporting the decarbonisation of the construction sector in line with the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. By integrating expertise across materials science, chemistry, physics, civil engineering and environmental engineering, LCMMCMs will address the longstanding challenges of sustainability and durability in marine infrastructures. The project will generate valuable scientific outputs, including new hydration models, sustainable cement formulations, and practical industry applications, all contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 9, 11, 12 and 14) and the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters. The outcomes of LCMMCMs will not only support the development of resilient marine structures but also set a new benchmark for sustainable construction practices globally.