Background
As sustainable building methods are gaining prominence, the implementation of viable alternatives is becoming an important focus for research. One overlooked, but very important, aspect for buildings are the upright extensions (oplangers in Dutch) for timber foundational pilings. These components of the foundation piles are typically made of concrete and are subject to fluctuating groundwater levels. Sustainable alternatives for concrete is an extensively researched topic; however, concrete for upright extensions have different criteria regarding properties and parameters. Since these components are underground, the durability and environmental impact(s) are of great importance. The objective of this project is to investigate feasible biobased materials and biobased coatings for timber pile upright extensions.
Assignment Description
As an intern at MNEXT, you will have the opportunity to participate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the project ‘BBF,’ which focuses on investigating the diverse possibilities to replace concrete upright extensions. You will be part of compiling a database of potential biobased materials and coatings, as well as a criteria analysis to determine the most promising options. These options can then be fabricated and tested in our laboratory facilities.
Your main tasks include:
- Literature review study: benchmark the conventional material and catalogue currently available biobased materials and coatings which fit this application
- Database: compile property lists which are designed to analyze and store relevant properties for a material and coating in this application, and include a quantitative criteria analysis to evaluate based on requirements and defined boundaries
- Experimental: conduct property tests based on the material(s) and coating(s) which are the most promising
Starting Date
February 2025. The length of the internship graduation assignment is approximately 20 weeks. The student will get an internship fee of €350- per month.
Desirable Skills/Qualities of the Student
The student should be able to work independently and carry out independent laboratory research (after an introduction). HBO or university students are welcome.