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.

Investigation of Alternative Solvents for Asphalt Extraction and Recovery

In the face of the EPA new product rule on trichloroethylene, there is an urgent need to identify alternative solvents which can safely and effectively extract all types of asphalt from mixtures. This project is focused on identifying and selecting these and optimizing their use in laboratory settings. This work is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Quarry By-product Fines for Otta Seal Surfacing of Local Roads

We are collaborating with Prof. Erol Tutumluer on developing an Otta Seal mix which can utilize quarry byproduct aggregates to surface local roads in Illinois. This project will contribute to both the safety and durability of lower volume roads by utilizing a byproduct of the aggregate industry, while also implementing this preservation treatment more widely in Illinois. This work is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Amount of Bituminous Surface Lost Each Year

In snowy states like Minnesota, snow plowing is one of the most critical maintenance activities to ensure safe transportation on the road network. However, a recent study showed that one snow plow hit is the equivalent of 1 month of traffic damage when it comes to pavement markings. This study seeks to uncover the impacts of snow plow activities each winter on Minnesota pavement markings, rumble strips, and surface texture. This work is funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).