Mechanistic characterization and modeling of road materials and structures

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Road transport plays a direct role in our economy.  This is particularly the case in resource based jurisdictions - like Saskatchewan.  Recent economic pressures have resulted in the drive towards larger, more cost-effective commerical trucks, which have resulted in increased load spectra by up to 800 percent on some Saskatchewan roads.  However, strengthening significant amounts of the road system using conventional materials and structures is not economically sustainable, nor practical.  In addition, until very recently, phenomological-empirical based methods have been used for the structural design and management of the pavement system.  These traditional methods are limited because they cannot explicitly quantify performance impacts of increasing traffic load spectra, materials advancements, innovative road structures, etc.   Therefore, I am developing mechanistic based road materials and structural analysis methods that will enable road engineers to develop innovative road strengthening systems that significantly improve the cost effectiveness of strengthening roads.  Preserving roads structurally and facilitating efficient commerical transportation, is a primary objective of my research.  My research is dedicated to developing a rational mechanistic based road engineering framework to reliably characterize and model alternative pavement materials and structures, and to integrate advanced lab and field engineering with the latest technologies such as intelligent transportation systems.  The potential benefits of a rational scientific framework to better engineer and manage road systems structurally, and optimize materials resources are significant.  Having the ability to reliably engineer the renewal of existing road systems will also reduce the need for non-renewable quality aggregate sources and improve whole life pavement performance.  Moreover, the economics associated with innovative strengthening of road structures will also reduce energy requirements helping Canada meet its Kyoto committments.