The purpose is to examine different lime-based mortars, and define the least necessary cement content to the mortar, to enable direct reuse of fired clay bricks from masonry. In Denmark today about 450.000 tons of masonry are crushed and used as filling materials for roads each year, while only around 1 % is reused. While the industry is trying to adapt to direct reuse of the fired clay bricks, an increasing amount of the demolished masonry does not qualify as reusable material because the mortar and bricks cannot be separated to a satisfying degree. The challenge is caused by the use of cement-based mortars, which have been used in most Danish masonry after 1955. About 50 % of the current masonry waste is considered too strong to separate without destroying the bricks and the source of directly reusable masonry material is therefore decreasing rapidly.The purpose of this project is to examine different lime-based mortars, and define the least necessary cement content to the mortar, to enable direct reuse of fired clay bricks from masonry. The hypothesis is that it is possible to produce mortars with satisfying material properties while still allowing for reuse at the end of life. The aim is to be able to separate the bricks, remove the mortar, without destroying the bricks and avoid significantly changed material properties of the reused fired clay bricks.In addition, a method must be developed to assess mortars in current masonry to identify whether the mortar is a lime, hydraulic lime or cement mortar, and thereby to assess if the fired clay bricks can be cleaned and reused.Responsibilities and qualificationsWe seek a PhD candidate who has a strong background in lime-based mortars for masonry. Having knowledge on the various lime-based mortar types (air-lime mortars, air-lime cement mortars, air-lime hydraulic-lime mortars) as well as experience in testing mortars in the laboratory is an advantage. Also, a thorough knowledge of the Danish mortar and fired clay brick industry is an advantage.You are highly motivated and self-driven in what you do. You like getting your hands dirty and therefore are capable of understanding analytical and experimental techniques with little or no supervision. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and are unafraid to ask questions.As a PhD student in this project you will engage in: Laboratory work related to optimizing mortar, to define the least necessary cement content, to enable direct reuse of fired clay bricks from masonry Laboratory work related to mortar productionDevelop a method to assess mortars in current masonry to identify whether the mortar is a lime-based, hydraulic lime-based or cement-based mortar, and thereby to assess if the fired clay bricks can be cleaned and reused.Research and teaching efforts at a section and departmental level as appropriate and relevantDissemination of your research through publications and attendance to conferencesTeaching and supervision activities within the field construction materials You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.AssessmentThe assessment of the applicants will be made by Section leader, Professor Lisbeth M. Ottosen, Associate Professor Kurt Kielsgaard Hansen and Senior researcher Inge Rörig-Dalgaard.We offerDTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.Salary and appointment termsThe appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 4 years for ¾-time level of full-time position.You can read more about career paths at DTU here.Further informationFurther information may be obtained from Associate Professor Kurt Kielsgaard Hansen (email: kukh@dtu.dk).You can read more about DTU Sustain at www.sustain.dtu.dkIf you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 June 2023 (Danish time).Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include: A letter motivating the application (cover letter) Curriculum vitae Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.DTU Sustain – Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering – is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.Technology for peopleDTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.Adresse:Brovej2800 Kgs. Lyngby