Dr Juan Pablo Gevaudan

Juan Pablo (JP) Gevaudan is a postdoctoral researcher who came to the University of Leeds from Colorado, USA, to continue his research on the durability of low-CO2 concrete materials alongside Professor Susan Bernal Lopez; he is now a Marie Curie Research Fellow at Leeds.

Low-CO2 concrete materials

JP’s research investigates how corrosion takes place in sustainable concrete materials, focusing on the oxidation of steel reinforcement.

“Since graduating from my PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019, I started working at the University of Leeds as a Marie Curie Research Fellow. In this role, I investigate how corrosion of steel reinforcement in sustainable concrete materials occurs,” JP said.

The durability of low-CO2 concrete materials is an important issue due to both economic and environmental issues.

He said: “Firstly, €2.2 trillion are spent globally each year to prevent, mitigate, and repair civil concrete infrastructure damage due to corrosion of steel reinforcement.

“Secondly, because concrete is the most used construction material in the world the development of low-CO2 concrete materials is critical for creating a sustainable society.”

Materials expertise

JP explained the facilities and academic expertise in civil engineering materials are unique at the University of Leeds, making it an excellent choice.

He said: “I came to the University of Leeds to continue my work on the durability of low-CO2 concrete materials with Professor Susan Bernal. Her expertise and the unique facilities in the School of Civil Engineering attracted me to the opportunity of working here.

Susan Bernal's expertise and the unique facilities in the School of Civil Engineering attracted me to the opportunity of working here.

 “I was also fortunate enough to work with Professor Muhammed Basheer; and Dr Greg Gluth from BAM, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, to propose the innovative research we are carrying out at Leeds.”

He added: “Learning from my supervisors, Professors Muhammed Basheer and Susan Bernal, has been an extremely rewarding experience.

Their expertise in the durability of low-CO2 concrete materials elevates the quality and impact of the research questions in my project.

Interdisciplinary research

JP explained the interdisciplinary culture at Leeds accelerates progress in the University’s research community.

“Carrying out the research project involves collaborating with the Institute of Functional Surfaces in Mechanical Engineering as well as the materials concrete, corrosion, and sensors laboratories in Civil Engineering,” JP said.

“The cross-disciplinary project (PERFoRM) which I am working on seeks an innovative, sensor-based approach to understand how environmental conditions can characterise the corrosion of embedded reinforcement in low-CO2 concrete materials.

“As a result, in this project we are synergistically connecting multiple resources to generate a new research direction within the School of Civil Engineering. It is a very exciting position to be in.”

We are synergistically connecting multiple resources to generate a new research direction...

Life as a postdoctoral researcher

As well as being the ideal place to advance JP’s research, Leeds has offered many opportunities for enrichment in life outside work.

JP said: “I am currently involved with the University’s LGBTQ Staff Network, and have participated in the Building Equality joint events at Pride to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity and representation within the construction and building industry.”

I am currently involved with the University’s LGBTQ Staff Network, and... promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity and representation within the construction and building industry.

He continued: “I have enjoyed living in Leeds due to the rich history of the city, especially in concrete materials. Joseph Asdpin, a Leeds bricklayer, invented conventional Portland cement in 21 October 1824. Almost two hundred years later, we are still trying to understand and innovate upon the sustainability of concrete: the most used construction material in the world.”

I have enjoyed living in Leeds due to the rich history of the city, especially in concrete materials.

He added: “I have also enjoyed meeting the international graduate community at the University of Leeds.”

Leeds’ Global Community brings together researchers from all backgrounds to take part in intercultural activities, events, networking opportunities and experiences.