Fire Resistance Characterization of Low-Carbon Composite Materials for Underground Infrastructure Rehabilitation

This PhD project focuses on advancing fire-resistant composite materials for underground infrastructure, addressing critical challenges in sustainability, safety, and carbon footprint reduction. The research will explore low-carbon Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) composites, combining mineral matrices, geopolymers, and carbon-free textiles to replace traditional polymer-based materials. The work involves formulating, optimizing, and characterizing these materials under extreme thermomechanical conditions, analyzing degradation mechanisms, and modeling their performance. The project is part of a Campus France-funded initiative and aims to contribute to the rehabilitation of tunnels, sewers, and other critical underground structures while minimizing environmental impact.

• Formulate and optimize low-carbon TRC composite materials for use in underground infrastructure rehabilitation.
• Conduct experimental characterization of thermomechanical resistance under extreme conditions, including fire exposure.
• Analyze degradation mechanisms and failure kinetics of composite materials using hot and residual approaches.
• Develop numerical models to predict the performance and resistance of composite/structural systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate findings into sustainable infrastructure design solutions.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.