Pavement Materials Chemistry

Description

The Pavement Materials Chemistry Program focuses on improving pavements through the study of the chemical properties of the materials used in pavements. Research focuses on improving the durability, safety, and efficiency of pavement materials and structures within both economic and environmental constraints. The goal of one recent project was to develop dependable procedures that are sensitive to age hardening for measuring fatigue cracking and specifications.

Expertise

Researchers in the Pavement Materials Chemistry Program have extensive expertise in the following areas:

• multicomponent solution thermodynamics and diffusion in macromolecular systems,
• physio-chemical properties of asphaltic materials,
• polymers,
• asphalt content,
• gas chromatography, and
• perturbations.

Cooperative Relationships/Sponsors

In addition to the vast capabilities at TTI and Texas A&M, researchers also draw on the resources of several national and international centers located in the division. Established through partnerships with private industry and other institutions, these centers focus on more specific issues in the areas of materials and pavements. These include the International Center for Aggregates Research, the By-Products Utilization and Recycling Research Center, the Center for Infrastructure Engineering, and the Center for Asphalt and Materials Chemistry.

The program has a strong working relationship with and conducts research for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as well as other state highway agencies. Additionally, private industry, municipalities, foundations, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other federal agencies are research sponsors.

For More Information

Fujie Zhou, PE