Shadi Saadeh
Title
Advancing Sustainable and Durable Asphalt Pavements: Assessing Low-Carbon Sulfur Polymer Modifiers in Reclaimed Asphalt Mixtures
Abstract
The asphalt industry faces significant challenges, including the demand for more sustainable and longer-lasting pavements due to high environmental impacts and production costs. To address this, modified binders—such as rubber, charcoal, and waste cooking oil—have shown potential in enhancing pavement durability, deformation resistance, and lifespan. Additionally, growing interest from government and industry sectors in adopting recycled and eco-friendly materials aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional asphalt production.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a low-carbon sulfur polymer modifier in conventional hot mix asphalt incorporating 25% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). The modifier was introduced at 10% and 20% by binder weight, achieving CO₂ equivalent reductions of 9.62% and 19.03%, respectively, compared to conventional binders. Fracture and rutting resistance were assessed using the Indirect Tensile Cracking test and Hamburg Wheel Track test. Long-term aging effects were examined through extended thermal and UV aging, following NCHRP Report 973 and Rajib & Fini (2020). Results indicate that incorporating the modifier mitigates aging-induced deterioration while maintaining superior fracture resistance and rutting durability, all while reducing the carbon footprint of the asphalt mixture by up to 20%.
Biography
Dr. Shadi Saadeh is a professor specializing in civil engineering and construction engineering management, with a research focus on highway materials, pavement design, sustainability, life-cycle assessment, and mechanical testing. He has secured over $6.5 million in external funding for research, program development, and workforce training, including the Joint Training and Certification Program (JTCP), which has certified 4,500 technicians for California’s infrastructure sector. Dr. Saadeh has authored over 50 publications and leads the National Center for Transportation, Green Technologies, and Education (TransGET), as well as serving as Assistant Director of the City and County Pavement Improvement Center (CCPIC). He teaches courses in transportation, pavement, and soil mechanics. Before joining CSULB in 2007, he worked at the Texas Transportation Institute and the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.