معرفی
Richard Ball is an Associate Professor at the University of Bath in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering. He is affiliated with multiple research centers, including the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT), Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS), Centre for Climate Adaptation & Environment Research (CAER), and Centre for Regenerative Design & Engineering for a Net Positive World (RENEW). He holds leadership roles as President of the West of England Metals and Materials Association and a member of the Bristol Scientific Club. Ball is actively involved in doctoral supervision and welcomes students exploring materials science in construction, particularly in fibrous plaster, lime binders, nanomaterials, sensors, indoor air quality, and waste utilization.
His educational background includes a PhD in materials science from the University of Bath, titled 'Failure Mechanisms in the Valve Regulated Lead/Acid Battery' (2000). Ball has secured significant research funding, including principal investigator roles for Leverhulme Trust and EPSRC grants such as 'An overlooked heritage: revealing the fibrous plaster ceilings of the UK' (Leverhulme Trust), and co-investigator roles in EPSRC projects like 'Aerial Additive Building Manufacturing' and 'Resilient Materials for Life (RM4L)'. He has also received support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, British Council, and Royal Society.
Ball's research focuses on microstructure-macrostructure property relationships of construction materials, with emphasis on cementitious binders, sensors, degradation processes, and indoor air quality improvement. His work addresses sustainable development goals through innovations in 3D printing materials, conservation strategies, and waste utilization. Recent projects include studying fibrous plaster mechanics via synchrotron XRD/CT, optimizing lime-based mortars for freeze-thaw resistance, and developing photocatalytic coatings for pollution control.
Ball has been recognized with the Elsevier Atlas Award (2018) for research on recycled plastic in construction. His contributions extend to collaborative events such as the Historic England-University of Bath Research Workshop (2024) and keynote addresses at the INDO-KOREAN SPARC Symposium (2025). He actively participates in conferences like the 43rd Cement & Concrete Science Conference (2024), emphasizing knowledge exchange in material science and conservation.
Ball’s grants and supervisory work highlight his role in advancing interdisciplinary research. Current projects include aerial additive manufacturing with drones, resilient materials for long-term durability, and moisture dynamics in historic buildings. He has supervised 10 doctoral works, including the notable thesis by Benjamin Dams on fibrous plaster systems. His research outputs and datasets address material performance, environmental impacts, and innovative applications for construction challenges.
