Key research themes
1. How can composite and semi-flexible pavement systems optimize structural performance and durability under heavy and variable traffic loads?
This theme investigates pavement systems that combine flexible and rigid layers — including semi-flexible pavements where porous asphalt mixtures are grouted with cementitious materials, and composite pavements with flexible asphalt overlays on rigid concrete bases. The focus is on achieving long-life, cost-effective pavement solutions capable of sustaining high and slow traffic loads, improving rutting resistance, mitigating reflective cracking, and ensuring durability under environmental stressors. This area matters because multi-layered pavement designs are increasingly favored for highways and heavy-use urban areas to balance mechanical performance and maintenance costs.
2. What are the impacts of porous and permeable pavement materials on urban water management and environmental sustainability?
This theme centers on the development and evaluation of porous concrete, permeable pavements, and water-permeable paving blocks designed to manage stormwater in urbanized environments. These materials enhance infiltration, reduce runoff and flooding, combat urban heat islands, and support compliance with environmental regulations. This is academically important as climate change increases extreme precipitation events, demanding resilient infrastructure solutions that integrate hydraulic performance with structural adequacy.
3. How do mechanical and material properties influence pavement structural behavior, performance prediction, and maintenance strategies?
This theme examines the characterization of pavement material properties (such as stiffness, durability, rutting, fatigue, and surface texture) and the development and calibration of empirical or mechanistic-empirical models to predict pavement performance over time. These insights are critical for designing durable pavements, optimizing maintenance decisions, and developing cost-effective rehabilitation plans, supported by advances in sensing and monitoring technologies.