Callum White (Cohort 3, FIBE2 CDT), who joined the programme in October 2021, has become the first student in his cohort to successfully complete his PhD. His doctoral research, titled “Digital Rheology of Fresh-State Concrete,” focused on improving how concrete is assessed in its fluid state.
Concrete is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. However, emissions can be reduced through the use of alternatives to Portland cement, improved mix design, and reduced material waste. In its early state, concrete behaves as a fluid before hardening into the high-strength material used in critical infrastructure. Assessing this fresh-state performance on construction sites is challenging, often making it difficult to identify problems early. When issues go undetected, they can lead to poor-quality hardened concrete, affecting both infrastructure performance and decarbonisation efforts.
Callum’s research addressed this challenge by combining theoretical principles with experimental work to develop a new digital technology called the "Slump-Rheometer" for testing fluid concrete. This method utilises 3D visuals and accelerometers to enhance traditional tests currently employed on construction sites. The Slump-Rheometer enables accurate differentiation between various concrete mixes, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of existing tests. His research demonstrated that digital tools could deepen our understanding of concrete, thereby supporting better quality control and the development of new, lower-carbon concrete products.
Following the completion of his PhD, Callum has taken up a new role atNational Highways as a Senior Advisor for Net Zero Construction and Maintenance. In this position, he provides expertise in carbon management, focusing on construction, maintenance, innovation, and decarbonisation. He represents the organisation in discussions on net-zero initiatives and standards, communicates technical solutions to diverse stakeholders, and fosters collaboration to advance Net Zero goals. His key areas of focus include low-carbon materials, innovation, asset resilience, carbon data management, and data assurance.
Reflecting on his journey, Callum highlights that the skills and knowledge gained through the FIBE2 CDT have been invaluable in preparing him for this next chapter in his career. He also added: The CDT program was a transformative experience that equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in my research and career. The collaborative environment, access to world-leading academics, and cutting-edge facilities were invaluable, allowing me to fully explore and develop my ideas. The MRes program was crucial in honing the research skills necessary to complete the PhD, and access to a wide range of industrial partners helped me build a strong network, ensuring my research was applicable to real-world practice. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications provided me with a comprehensive understanding of my field. This approach was validated by the interest I received in commercialising my research. I particularly enjoyed visiting conferences supported by the CDT, which enabled me to grow my network across Europe.