Invention Description Traditional hot-mix asphalt requires high temperatures for production and application, leading to significant energy consumption and environmental impact. In addition, maintaining durability and moisture resistance in harsh climates—especially with exposure to deicing salts—remains a persistent challenge for roadway...

Invention Description The scarcity of fertile land and water, driven by erosion, pollution, and heavy metal toxicity, represents a critical threat to global food security and environmental health. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and persist in the soil for a very long time. With a significant portion of global soil resources at risk by 2050, particularly...

Invention Description Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and can contaminate in ecosystems and the food chain, making them one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Certain industrial practices have resulted in an increase in the amount of heavy metals discharged into wastewater which can then leach into or contaminate other water...

Background In cold climates, phase changes of water-to-ice and ice-to-water in the pore structures of soils significantly challenge the integrity and longevity of infrastructure. Soils in these regions typically undergo substantial volumetric changes because of climate stressors, impacting structures including building foundations, bridges, pipelines,...

Background The construction industry is facing the dual challenges of enhancing sustainability while addressing environmental safety concerns. One promising approach to achieving both goals is the utilization of mine tailings as a raw material in construction. Mine tailings, the residual byproducts of mining operations, are abundant and pose significant...

Background Cement plays a vital role in the stabilization and enhancement of civil infrastructure performance, including foundations, pavement layers, bridges, pipelines, and dams. Its curing process, driven by water through cement hydration, is essential for developing concrete's strength and durability. However, in cold climates, the inherent...

Background Removal and immobilization of metal leachates from various compounds (industrial waste, mine tailings, waste engine oil, etc.) used in construction and the built environment is critical. Specifically, the use of mine tailing in construction of roadway base and sub-base could lead to leaching of metals to surface and ground water. In response...

Background U.S. wood-constructed housing stock accounts for 750 million tons of sequestered carbon and can reduce CO2 emissions by replacing energy intensive materials including cement and steel. Currently popular manufactured woods such as oriented strand board (OSB) and cross laminated timber (CLT) have low durability and require adhesives that are...

Background Asphalt binder is used as an adhesive to hold aggregate materials together to form bituminous composites used in roads, airports, bridge decks, and roofs. The organic nature of binder makes it susceptible to chemical aging during its service life in outdoor settings. The chemical aging of binder is thought to be a result of irreversible...

Background Asphalt binder is organic in nature, which increases its susceptibility to oxidative aging during its service life in outdoor settings. Oxidative aging is one of the critical factors contributing to the deterioration of asphalt’s mechanical properties and performance. Additionally, asphalt-paved surfaces have been reported as an important...