Huyen Tran Vu - Smartcrete

Biography

Huyen Tran Vu is a passionate researcher in sustainable construction materials. She holds a PhD in cement and concrete technology from UTS. Her current work as a postdoctoral research associate at UTS involves projects such as Selecting Low Carbon Concrete for Transport Infrastructures – Now and Future and NSW Government Specifications for Low Carbon Concrete.

She has experience in life-cycle analysis, carbon emission measurement, and applying machine learning to predict durability performance, such as chloride resistance and carbonation. She has worked in both academic and industry settings, including as a lecturer and R&D engineer.

Industry Partners

Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW)
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA)
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA)

Research Organisation

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Academic Mentor

Professor Vute Sirivivatnanon, Dr Nadarajah Gowripalan and Associate Professor Pre De Silva

Publications

Due to the nature of my research field, specifically in commercial and industrial research and development projects, I have had limited freedom for publications due to research outcome disclosure agreements. Nevertheless, related to the opportunities I received; I have demonstrated an excellent track record in publications. Some of the selected publications are as follows.

Journal Papers

Vu, T.H, Sirivivatnanon, V., Yang, Y. & Dang, C.L., 2025, ‘Comparative analysis of chloride and acid resistance in one-part geopolymer and low-carbon concrete’, Magazine of Concrete Research, https://doi.org/10.1680/jmacr.24.00355
Tran, M. V., Vu, T. H. &, Nguyen, T.H.Y. 2023, ‘Simplified assessment for one-part 3D-printable geopolymer concrete based on slump and slump flow measurements’, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Volume 18, 2023, e01889.
Vu, T.H., Dang, L.C., Kang, G. & Sirivivatnanon, V. 2022, ‘Chloride Induced Corrosion of Steel Reinforcement in Alkali Activated Concretes: A Critical Review’, Case Studies in Construction Materials, 16, e01112.
Vu, T.H., Gowripalan, N., de Silva, P., Kidd, P. & Sirivivatnanon, V. 2020, ‘Assessing carbonation in one-part fly ash/slag geopolymer mortar: Change in pore characteristics using the state-of-the-art technique neutron tomography’, Cement and Concrete Composites, 114:103759.
Vu, T.H., Gowripalan, N., de Silva, P., Kidd, P. & Sirivivatnanon, V. 2019, ‘Influence of curing and retarder on early-age properties of dry powder geopolymer concrete’, Concrete in Australia 45(2):41-46.
Vu, T.H, Gowripalan, N. 2018, ‘Mechanism of heavy metal immobilisation using geopolymerization techniques – A review’, Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology 16(3):124-135.

Under review

Vu, T.H, Sirivivatnanon, V., Srivastava, H. & de Silva, P., ‘A Comprehensive Analysis of the Embodied Carbon, Mix Composition and Durability of Alkali-Activated Concrete’, under review of Materials Today Sustainability.

Conference Papers

Vu, T.H., Yang, Y., Nairn, J., Srivastava, H., & Sirivivatnanon, V., ‘Optimizing Mechanical and Environmental Performance of Concrete Using Contemporary Supplementary Cementitious Materials: A Comprehensive Analysis of Strength, Carbon Footprint, and Workability’, Decarbonising Building Industry (DBI) 2024 Conference, Melbourne, Australia.
Yang, Y., Vu, T.H., Khatri, R., Kerley, M. & Thomas, P., ‘Enhancing Chloride Resistance and Reducing Embodied Carbon in Concrete Using Fly Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag’, Decarbonising Building Industry (DBI) 2024 Conference, Melbourne, Australia.
Atputhanathan B.K., Vu T.H., Kandasamy J., Li Y., Sirivivatnanon V.,‘Optimizing Triple Blend Compositions of Fly Ash, Slag, and OPC for Low-Carbon Concrete Performance’, Decarbonising Building Industry (DBI) 2024 Conference, Melbourne, Australia.
Vu, T.H., Gowripalan, N., de Silva, P., Kidd, P. & Sirivivatnanon, V. 2019, ‘Assessing corrosion resistance of powder form of geopolymer concrete’. Proceedings of Concrete 2019, Sydney, Australia, 9-12 September 2019, International fib Congress 2018, Melbourne, Australia.
Vu, T.H., Gowripalan, N., de Silva, P., Kidd, P. & Sirivivatnanon, V. 2018, ‘Carbonation and Chloride Induced Steel Corrosion Related Aspects in Fly Ash/Slag Based Geopolymers – A Critical Review’. Proceedings of the 5th International fib Congress 2018, Melbourne, Australia.
Vu, T.H., Tran, M.V. 2018, ‘A Review on Immobilisation of Toxic Wastes Using Geopolymer Technique’. Proceedings of the 4th Congrès International de Géotechnique – Ouvrages –Structures, Vietnam.

Project name

Selecting Low Carbon Concrete for Transport Infrastructures – Now and Future
NSW Government Specifications for Low Carbon Concrete

Both aim to reduce the embodied carbon of concrete while maintaining or improving durability.

What led you to undertake an industry-led research project?

I undertook industry-led research to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical application. With a strong focus on reducing embodied carbon in concrete, I saw industry collaboration as the most effective way to ensure my research delivers real-world impact. Projects like the NSW Low Carbon Concrete Specifications allow me to contribute directly to sustainable infrastructure and support the construction sector’s net-zero goals.

What have been the highlights of your research?

The highlights of my research include developing eco-friendly geopolymer concrete during my PhD, leading machine learning applications to predict durability performance, and contributing to major industry projects like the NSW Government Specifications for Low Carbon Concrete. I’m especially proud of delivering practical solutions that reduce embodied carbon while maintaining durability, and influencing real-world infrastructure through industry collaboration.

Once you have completed your postdoctorate, what’s next?

After completing my PhD, I’ve continued in research with a strong focus on industry collaboration. In the future, I see myself working at the intersection of research and industry, developing data-driven, low-carbon concrete solutions that are practical. I want to lead impactful projects that shape sustainable construction practices and contribute to achieving net-zero targets in infrastructure.

How does your research benefit Australia’s built environment and concrete ecosystem?

My research supports Australia’s transition to a low-carbon built environment by developing practical solutions that reduce the embodied carbon of concrete without compromising durability. By working closely with industry and government, I help shape performance-based specifications and promote the adoption of sustainable materials. This contributes directly to more resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible infrastructure across Australia.