Welcome to my research page! My research group focuses on solving all sorts of pavement engineering and materials related problems. Our research spans from micro and nanoscale materials science of asphalt binders and other viscoelastic materials all the way up to solving large scale, smart, and sustainable pavement infrastructure problems. We focus on all types of research, from the most basic of science findings to immediately implementable research for transportation agencies. Some of the research we are currently involved in includes:

Revised Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Inputs

We are working on revising the inputs for mechanistic-empirical (M-E) design of flexible pavements in Illinois based on the increased usage of new materials including polymer-modified asphalt and recycled asphalt materials. This work is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Pave the way: From Organic waste to Renewable road With Advanced Resource recovery Delineation (FORWARD)

This project will explore the use of hydrothermal liquefaction to convert food waste and agricultural waste to a useable asphalt binder alternative and/or rejuvenator to improve the use of recycling in flexible pavements. We are part of a big interdisciplinary team involving the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at UIUC. This work is funded by the US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Use of Soybean Oil in Asphalt Paving

This research focuses on examining the use of soybean oil derivative products in asphalt binders and mixtures as a rejuvenator and modifier. This technology is critical given the recent allowance of modifiers in Illinois for asphalt binder modification. This work is funded by the Illinois Soybean Association.

Bridge Deck Sensing Technology

We are collaborating with Prof. Ann Sychterz of UIUC, Prof. Lesley Sneed of UIC, and Prof. Eric Shaffer of UIUC to develop a novel sensing technology for damage and other structural health monitoring in reinforced concrete bridges, including those overlaid with asphalt concrete. This research is funded by the Discovery Partners Institute.

Porous Asphalt Applications for the Southern Lake Michigan Region

Our research group is examining the usage of porous asphalt pavement in Illinois at Indiana coastal regions to promote safety and sustainability. We are currently working with Chicago DOT and UIUC facilities to better understand what has been done in the past and what we can do moving forward. This research is sponsored by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.