Mass timber from plantation Blue Gum

Characteristics of mass timber components laminated from plantation Southern Blue Gum (E. globulus) board

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

This project is part of a program that seek to characterise solid and engineered wood products (EWPs) recovered from Australia's plantation E. globulus resource for the Australian building construction sector. 48% of Australia's plantation hardwood estate is Southern Blue Gum (E. globulus), with most fibre-managed and exported as chips or peelers. This program supports establishment of a supply chain of this material processed domestically to satisfy increasing demand for wood products. Mass timber components, such as glue laminated timber (GLT) and cross laminated timber (CLT) are important EWPs used widely in building construction.

The project involves:

  • Working with industry and research collaborators to grade recovered E. globulus board suitable for an EWP feedstock.
  • Assembling this feedstock in representative mass timber products.
  • Testing and evaluation of the resulting products to determine their properties
  • Establishing connections between the characteristics of the E. globulus resource, its performance in production and the performance of recovered products for their potential in construction.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Prof Greg Nolan

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Equivalence to a Master degree relevant to Architecture, Structural engineering or Wood Science

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Industry-based experience with design or manufacture of wood products

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Prof Greg Nolan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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