Pavement Performance in Cold Regions and Application of Insulation Layers

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Due to environmental factors and traffic loading, roadways in Canada's coldest regions are deteriorating faster than maintenance can prevent the damage. Road agencies are now facing aging systems with lower serviceability and higher maintenance costs, with increased funding put toward road repair each year. An extensive amount of research has addressed pavement engineering issues in warm to moderate climates, yet these results cannot be applied to Canada's cold regions. I am therefore investigating the impact of cold climates on pavement performance, as well as testing the feasibility of utilizing waste and recycled materials in road construction. My proposed Pavement Performance in Cold Regions and Application of Insulation Layers program will provide further advances in these fields.****The program's goals include advancing the state of knowledge regarding the impact of environmental factors and traffic loading on pavement performance in cold regions; developing comprehensive numerical models for the long-term performance of pavement materials in cold regions; and evaluating the application of waste and recycled material as insulation pavement material in Canada's road system. ****To fulfill the aforementioned goals, I will develop a laboratory program to investigate pavement material properties under controlled freeze-thaw conditions and a comprehensive program to investigate insulation material effectiveness under controlled laboratory conditions. I will also utilize a comprehensive field monitoring system to investigate the properties and performance of pavement material in cold regions.****I expect that the outcomes of this research will improve pavement condition and service life in Canada's cold regions and promote the use of recycled/waste materials in the road industry, resulting in tremendous savings for Canadian road agencies and therefore Canadian taxpayers. Studying waste materials for use in road construction will also increase the sustainability of road infrastructure, thereby preserving Canada's environment. Findings from this study will be published in various journals and technical conferences and will be transferred to other transportation agencies across Canada for evaluation and implementation.**