Research
Graduate and undergraduate students interested in doing research, below you will find topics of interest to me. For some of them there is already some work done, so you would build on what we already learned. For some, there is little or no work done and you would be the first to tackle the problem. In either case, let me know if you are interested:
Use of Recycled Turf Infill as Aggregate for Concrete and Asphalt
This study will look at the properties of recycled synthetic turf infill (a combination of rubber, sand, and fines) and research potential applications in concrete, cold recycled asphalt, and bituminous surface treatments.
Use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement in Rail Applications
This study evaluates the potential use of RAP to replace ballast in rail tracks. Potential collaboration with LA Metro. A literature review was done, next we could explore RAP characterization and comparison with virgin aggregates.
Pavement Condition Index Variability Study
This study evaluates the variability of PCI values reported by pavement inspectors. Preliminary results indicate that the variability observed is higher than what is generally accepted and described in ASTM D6433. Some preliminary results were published in a paper. Further work led to a master's thesis where we used Monte Carlo simulations to better describe PCI variability caused by variance in distress measurements (area, length, count). The next step is to evaluate how the provisions of the ASTM standard in terms of measurements translate into PCI ranges of acceptance.
Green Up: Sustainability Calculator
Green Up is a decision tool that promotes green/sustainable pavement rehabilitation alternatives. An Excel Macro evaluation version of the tool can be downloaded here. Special thanks to our sponsor, the CSU Transportation Consortium and the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University. A copy of our report can be downloaded here. We are currently seeking sponsorship to further improve the tool and make it available online as a web-based application. More work was done on predictive models for GWP of ready-mix concrete. A paper and presentation are available.
Intelligent Deceleration Warning and Signaling
This is an innovative concept aimed at reducing the probability of rear end collisions by adding an “intelligent” dimension to vehicular signaling technology. See our first prototype in this video.
Rider Comfort Index
The scope of this research effort is to develop a metric that will be used to assess the condition of transportation infrastructure - from the perspective of the rider. The Rider Comfort Index is based on the vibration levels felt by drivers and passengers as measured by sensors in their cell phones. A candidate formula for the index has been developed but more analysis is needed.
Gallery of Pavement Distress
The scope of this effort is to develop an online gallery of pavement distress at different severity levels. Students will comb through a large amount of photographs and videos and select the most representative to be organized in collections and shared online with the world. The gallery will become a useful educational tool for educators, consultants, and agencies.
Remote Sensing of Permeable and Cool Pavements
The scope of this effort is to develop methods of identifying permeable and cool pavement surfaces from satellite or drone imagery. Permeable and cool pavements are important tools to make urban infrastructure more sustainable by restoring the natural water cycle and by reducing the heat island effect.
This study evaluates the potential use of RAP to replace ballast in rail tracks. Potential collaboration with LA Metro. A literature review was done, next we could explore RAP characterization and comparison with virgin aggregates.
Pavement Condition Index Variability Study
This study evaluates the variability of PCI values reported by pavement inspectors. Preliminary results indicate that the variability observed is higher than what is generally accepted and described in ASTM D6433. Some preliminary results were published in a paper. Further work led to a master's thesis where we used Monte Carlo simulations to better describe PCI variability caused by variance in distress measurements (area, length, count). The next step is to evaluate how the provisions of the ASTM standard in terms of measurements translate into PCI ranges of acceptance.
Green Up: Sustainability Calculator
Green Up is a decision tool that promotes green/sustainable pavement rehabilitation alternatives. An Excel Macro evaluation version of the tool can be downloaded here. Special thanks to our sponsor, the CSU Transportation Consortium and the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University. A copy of our report can be downloaded here. We are currently seeking sponsorship to further improve the tool and make it available online as a web-based application. More work was done on predictive models for GWP of ready-mix concrete. A paper and presentation are available.
Intelligent Deceleration Warning and Signaling
This is an innovative concept aimed at reducing the probability of rear end collisions by adding an “intelligent” dimension to vehicular signaling technology. See our first prototype in this video.
Rider Comfort Index
The scope of this research effort is to develop a metric that will be used to assess the condition of transportation infrastructure - from the perspective of the rider. The Rider Comfort Index is based on the vibration levels felt by drivers and passengers as measured by sensors in their cell phones. A candidate formula for the index has been developed but more analysis is needed.
Gallery of Pavement Distress
The scope of this effort is to develop an online gallery of pavement distress at different severity levels. Students will comb through a large amount of photographs and videos and select the most representative to be organized in collections and shared online with the world. The gallery will become a useful educational tool for educators, consultants, and agencies.
Remote Sensing of Permeable and Cool Pavements
The scope of this effort is to develop methods of identifying permeable and cool pavement surfaces from satellite or drone imagery. Permeable and cool pavements are important tools to make urban infrastructure more sustainable by restoring the natural water cycle and by reducing the heat island effect.
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