PhD Student in Civil Engineering
Zicheng Huang is currently undertaking his PhD in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, under the supervision of Dr Ali Hadigheh. His research focuses on the development of sustainable low resistance cementitious matrix and composite anodes for cathodic corrosion protection in bridges. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and Property from the University of New South Wales. Prior to pursuing his PhD, Zicheng gained valuable practical experience in construction project management in China and worked as a quantity surveyor in Australia.
The University of Sydney
Dr Ali Hadigheh
1. Z. Huang, S.A. Hadigheh, Y.Tao (2024). Innovative Sustainable Composite Anodes for Enhanced Cathodic Protection of Bridges. APFIS 2024, Adelaide, Australia.
2. Z. Huang, S.A. Hadigheh, Y.Tao (2024). The development of sustainable and durable composite anodes for cathodic corrosion protection in bridges. CAMS 2024, Adelaide, Australia.
Sustainable and Durable Mortar for Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems
Bridges are an indispensable part of modern transport infrastructure, yet long-term exposure to harsh environments often leads to durability challenges. Reinforced concrete structures, particularly bridges, face significant maintenance issues due to reinforcing steel corrosion, which results in billions of dollars in annual losses and an estimated 3–4% of GDP in industrialised nations. This project addresses these challenges by developing a sustainable, long-lasting mortar for Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems. These systems, critical for preventing rebar corrosion in bridges—especially those in harsh, coastal environments—rely on cementitious matrices that traditionally acidify quickly, leading to repairs every 5–15 years and significant maintenance costs. By incorporating recycled waste and advanced composite materials such as virgin carbon fibres, recycled carbon fibres, ion exchangers, etc., the new mortar is designed to enhance conductivity, durability, and overall performance. Comprehensive laboratory tests and field trials will validate its long-term effectiveness, with the ultimate goal of establishing new guidelines and standards. This innovative approach not only aims to extend the service life of bridges and improve public safety but also to create market opportunities for sustainable construction materials.
I was inspired to undertake an industry-led research project as it provided a distinctive opportunity to combine rigorous academics with real-world engineering challenges. The chance to address practical issues—such as improving the durability of reinforced concrete structures through sustainable innovations—enabled me to bridge the gap between theoretical research and impactful, actionable solutions.
1. Investigate additives for developing novel mortar overlays and composite anodes, and explore their potential applications.
2. Identify and address challenges in implementing mortar overlays and composite anodes in the ICCP system, such as material compatibility, installation challenges, long-term performance, and cost-effectiveness.
3. Examine and test the performance of these mortar overlays and composite anodes, applying them to reinforced concrete specimens.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed ICCP system with mortar overlays and composite anodes in real-world bridge structures.
Upon completing my PhD, I intend to pursue a career in industry, specifically in roles that integrate research and development. My objective is to apply advanced, sustainable construction technologies to address practical engineering challenges. At the same time, I am committed to maintaining strong connections with academia. This dual approach will allow me to harness academic insights for industrial innovation, ensuring that my work not only contributes to real-world solutions but also advances scholarly knowledge in the field. However, this will ultimately depend on the opportunities available at that time.
My research offers multiple benefits to Australia’s built environment and concrete ecosystem. By developing a longer-lasting, sustainable mortar for ICCP systems, we aim to extend the service life of critical infrastructure such as bridges. This reduces the frequency of maintenance and repair interventions, translating into significant cost savings and less disruption to transport networks. Additionally, using recycled waste and advanced composite materials can improve the mortar’s performance, and support environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on virgin resources and lowering the carbon footprint. Furthermore, by establishing new guidelines and specifications, the project encourages widespread industry adoption, spurring innovation in construction practices and enhancing the overall resilience of Australia’s concrete structures.
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