Paving a Sustainable Future!

ABOUT

PRISM, the Pavement Resilience, and Innovative Sustainable Materials research group, stands as a team committed to advancing the realm of sustainable pavement and material technologies. Established with a dedicated focus on sustainability and resilience, PRISM strives to develop cutting-edge innovative solutions that not only enhance the durability and sustainability of pavement materials but also fortify the resilience of critical infrastructure and communities. Meticulously considering environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness, our lab operates at the forefront of research, leveraging collaborative partnerships with government entities, industries, and academic institutions. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in research and its practical applications, PRISM is positioned to deliver substantial benefits not only to the state but also to the nation at large. PRISM is a pivotal component of the Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Response Center (RIDER) at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and its parent universities; Florida A&M University, an HBCU institute, and Florida State University, a Research-1 institute.

PRISM’s Goals for Developing Technologies for Sustainable and Resilient Pavements:

At PRISM, our overarching goals and objectives are centred around pioneering advancements in sustainable pavement and material technologies. Our primary aim is to develop innovative pavement materials that exceed current industry standards for sustainability. We are dedicated to enhancing the resilience and longevity of pavement structures, ensuring they withstand the test of time and contribute to the overall robustness of critical infrastructure. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, we actively seek to minimize the ecological footprint of pavement construction and maintenance, striving for methods that are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. In tandem with these efforts, our goal is to foster cost-effective solutions in pavement technology, aligning innovation with practicality to address the economic considerations inherent in infrastructure development. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, PRISM is poised to revolutionize the field of pavement technology and contribute to a sustainable and resilient infrastructure landscape.

VISION

At PRISM, we aspire to be at the forefront of innovation, emerging as a leading research group in the field of pavement technology. Our vision is to make substantial contributions to the development of sustainable, durable, and environmentally friendly pavement solutions. By pioneering cutting-edge research and fostering collaborative partnerships, we envision a future where PRISM stands as a beacon of excellence, driving transformative advancements in pavement technology that redefine industry standards. Our commitment extends beyond conventional practices, aiming to set new benchmarks for sustainability and resilience in infrastructure development. Through unwavering dedication to our vision, we aim to shape the trajectory of pavement technology, leaving a lasting impact on the way we build and sustain our infrastructure for generations to come.

MISSION

At PRISM, our mission is to spearhead the advancement of pavement technology through cutting-edge research, collaboration, and education. We are dedicated to conducting innovative research in pavement materials and technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships with industry, government, and academic collaborators, we endeavor to ensure the holistic development and implementation of our research findings. PRISM is committed to being a catalyst for positive change, facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation. In tandem with our research pursuits, we aim to empower the next generation of professionals and enthusiasts through educational and outreach programs that disseminate valuable knowledge and foster a culture of innovation in pavement technology. Our mission is anchored in a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and the transformative impact of our endeavors on the field of pavement technology and infrastructure development.

PRISM Lab: Paving a Sustainable Future!

RESEARCH

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PUBLICATION

Selected Journal Papers:

• Acharjee, P., Souliman, M., Khalifah, R., & Elwardany, M. (2024). Frequency-and temperature-dependent dynamic shear modulus and phase angle prediction models based on existing asphalt binder viscosity data using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Construction and Building Materials, 414(2024), 134772. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061823044938?via%3Dihub doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134772
• Kumbargeri, Y., Planche, Jean-Pascal, Adams, J. J., Rovani, J., & Elwardany, M. (2024). Comprehensive Selection of Base Asphalt Binders for Effective Formulation of Polymer-Modified Asphalts. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03611981231217271 doi:10.1177/03611981231217271
• Veginati, V., Elwardany, M., Mensching, D. J., & Golalipour, A. (2023). Streamlining Asphalt Mixture Dynamic Modulus Testing for Determination of Cyclic Fatigue Index Parameter (Sapp) Based on the Simplified Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Model. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 03611981231165515. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03611981231165515 doi:10.1177/03611981231165515
• Elwardany, M., Veginati, V., Andriescu, A., & Mensching, D. J. (2023). Understanding the Sensitivity of Mixture Cracking Performance Tests to Binder Properties and Long-Term Aging. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 03611981231170629. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03611981231170629 doi:10.1177/03611981231170629
• Aurilio, M., Tavassoti, P., Elwardany, M., & Baaj, H. (2023). Characterization of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS)-Modified Asphalt Binders using the Bending Beam Rheometer and the Asphalt Binder Cracking Device. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, ja. Retrieved from https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjce-2022-0319 doi:https://doi.org/10.1139/cjce-2022-0319
• Apostolidis, P., Elwardany, M., Andriescu, A., Mensching, D. J., & Youtcheff, J. (2023). Study of Phase Behavior of Epoxy Asphalt Binders Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Construction and Building Materials, 369, 130566. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061823002775 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130566
• Kumbargeri, Y., Planche, Jean-Pascal, Adams, J. J., Elwardany, M., & King, G. N. (2023). Effect of Binder Chemistry and Related Properties on the Low-Temperature Performance Parameters of Asphalt Binders. Transportation Research Record, 1-19. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03611981231155173 doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981231155173
• Dongre, R., Andriescu, A., Elwardany, M., Mensching, D. J., & Youtcheff, J. (2023). Exploration of Curing Characteristics of Epoxy-Modified Asphalt. Transportation Research Record, 1-18. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03611981221150445 doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198122115044
• Kommidi, S. R., Elwardany, M. D., Kim, Yong-Rak, & Mensching, D. J. (2023). Finite Element Modeling of FHWA-Accelerated Loading Facility Test Sections With Fatigue Damage Using a Nonlinear Viscoelastic Cohesive Zone Integrated With Gaussian Damage Evolution. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221105067 doi:10.1177/03611981221105067
• Zhou, F., Mogawer, W. S., Elwardany, M., Mensching, D. J., & Mahmoud, E. (2022). Development of a Laboratory Operations-Friendly Long-Term Loose Mix Aging Protocol for New Asphalt Pavements. Transportation Research Record, 1-16. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/03611981221137595 doi:10.1177/03611981221137595
• Ashani, S. S., Varamini, S., Elwardany, M., & Tighe, S. (2022). Investigation of low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures by conducting Disc-Shaped Compact Tension (DC(T)) and Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) tests. Construction and Building Materials, 359, 129275. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061822029312 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129275
• Elwardany, M., Habbouche, J., Andriescu, A., Mensching, D. J., Hajj, E. Y., & Piratheepan, M. (2022). Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of High Polymer-Modified Asphalt Binders Beyond Linear Viscoelastic Rheological Surrogates. Construction and Building Materials, 351, 128902. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061822025582 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128902
• Lesueur, D., Elwardany, M., Planche, Jean-Pascal, Christensen, D., & King, G. N. (2022). Corrigendum to “Impact of the asphalt binder rheological behavior on the value of the ΔTc parameter”[Constr. Build. Mater. 293 (2021) 123464]. Construction and Building Materials, 352, 129031. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061822026861?dgcid=rss_sd_all
• Mensching, D. J., Elwardany, M. D., & Veginati, V. (2022). Evaluating the Sensitivity of Intermediate Temperature Performance Tests to Multiple Loose Mixture Aging Conditions Using the FHWA Accelerated Loading Facility’s RAP/RAS Experiment. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221090237 doi:10.1177/03611981221090237
• Elwardany, M. D., Planche, Jean-Pascal, & King, G. (2022). Proposed Changes to Asphalt Binder Specifications to Address Binder Quality-Related Thermally Induced Surface Damage. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981211065428 doi:10.1177/03611981211065428
• Saleh, N. F., Braswell, E., Elwardany, M. D., Rad, F. Y., Castorena, C., & Kim, Y. R. (2022). Field calibration and validation of a pavement aging model. International Journal of Pavement Engineering. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2022.2027416 doi:10.1080/10298436.2022.2027416
• Porot, L., Mouillet, V., Margaritis, A., Haghshenas, H., Elwardany, M., & Apostolidis, P. (2022). Fourier-Transform Infrared Analysis and Interpretation for Bituminous Binders. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 1-22. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14680629.2021.2020681 doi:10.1080/14680629.2021.2020681
• Aurilio, M., Tavassoti, P., Elwardany, M. D., & Baaj, H. (2021). Impact of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) content on asphalt Binder’s fatigue resistance at various aging levels using Viscoelastic Continuum Damage and fracture mechanics. Construction and Building Materials, 305, 124627. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061821023825 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124627
• Yin, F., Fortunatus, M., Moraes, R., Elwardany, M., Tran, N., & Planche, Jean-Pascal. (2021). Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Mixtures Modified with Recycled Polyethylene via the Wet Process. Transportation Research Record, 2675, 491-502. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03611981211011650 doi:10.1177/03611981211011650
• Lesueur, D., Elwardany, M. D., Planche, Jean-Pascal, Christensen, D., & King, G. N. (2021). Impact of the asphalt binder rheological behavior on the value of the ΔTc parameter. Construction and Building Materials, 293, 123464. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061821012241 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123464
• Elwardany, M. D., Hanna, B. N., & Souliman, M. (2021). Estimating the impact of automated truck platoons on asphalt pavement’s fatigue life using artificial neural networks. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 1-13. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080%2F10298436.2021.1938046 doi:10.1080/10298436.2021.1938046
• Apostolidis, P., Elwardany, M. D., Porot, L., Vansteenkiste, S., & Chailleux, E. (2021). Glass transitions in bituminous binders. Materials and Structures, 54, 1-15. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1617/s11527-021-01726-6 doi:10.1617/s11527-021-01726-6
• Braswell, E., Saleh, N. F., Elwardany, M. D., Rad, F. Y., Castorena, C., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2021). Refinement of Climate-, Depth-, and Time-Based Laboratory Aging Procedure for Asphalt Mixtures. Transportation Research Record, 2675, 207-218. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198120957316 doi:10.1177/0361198120957
• Saleh, N. F., Keshavarzi, B., Rad, F. Y., Mocelin, D., Elwardany, M., Castorena, C., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2020). Effects of Aging on Asphalt Mixture and Pavement Performance. Construction and Building Materials, 258, 120309. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095006182032314X doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120309
• Elwardany, M. D., Planche, Jean-Pascal, & King, G. (2020). Universal and practical approach to evaluate asphalt binder resistance to thermally-induced surface damage. Construction and Building Materials. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119331 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119331
• Elwardany, M., King, G., Planche, Jean-Pascal, Rodezno, C., Christensen, D., Fertig, R. S. I., Kuhn, K. T., & Bhuiyan, F. H. (2020). Internal Restraint Damage Mechanism for Age-Induced Pavement Surface Distresses: Block Cracking and Raveling. Asphalt Paving Technology: Journal of the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists, 88, 1-47. Retrieved from chrome extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://s3.amazonaws.com/amo_hub_content/Association1748/files/Vol88%20TOC.pdf
• Elkashef, M., Elwardany, M. D., Liang, Y., Jones, D., Harvey, J., Bolton, N. D., & Planche, Jean-Pascal. (2020). Effect of Using Rejuvenators on the Chemical, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binders. Energy & Fuels. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b03689 doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b03689
• Elwardany, M. D., Planche, Jean-Pascal, & Adams, J. J. (2019). Determination of Binder Glass Transition and Crossover Temperatures using 4-mm Plates on a Dynamic Shear Rheometer. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0361198119849571 doi:10.1177/0361198119849571
• Adams, J. J., Elwardany, M. D., Planche, Jean-Pascal, Boysen, R. B., & Rovani, J. F. (2019). Diagnostic Techniques for Various Asphalt Refining and Modification Methods. Energy & Fuels. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b03738 doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b03738
• Rad, F. Y., Elwardany, M. D., Castorena, C., & Kim, Y. R. (2018). Evaluation of Chemical and Rheological Aging Indices to Track Oxidative Aging of Asphalt Mixtures. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0361198118784138 doi:10.1177/0361198118784138
• Elwardany, M., Rad, F. Y., Castorena, C., & Kim, Y. R. (2018). Climate-, Depth-, and Time-Based Laboratory Aging Procedure for Asphalt Mixtures. Asphalt Paving Technology: Journal of the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists, 87, 467-512. Retrieved from www.dpi-proceedings.com/index.php/aapt2018/article/view/33815 doi:10.12783/aapt2018/33815
• Rad, F. Y., Elwardany, M. D., Castorena, C., & Kim, Y. R. (2017). Investigation of proper long-term laboratory aging temperature for performance testing of asphalt concrete. Construction and Building Materials. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.04.197 doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.04.197
• Elwardany, M. D., Rad, F. Y., Castorena, C., & Kim, Y. R. (2016). Evaluation of asphalt mixture laboratory long-term ageing methods for performance testing and prediction. Road Materials and Pavement Design. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14680629.2016.1266740 doi:10.1080/14680629.2016.1266740
• Mensching, D. J., Daniel, J. S., Bennert, T., Medeiros, M. S., Elwardany, M. D., Mogawer, W., Hajj, E. Y., & Alavi, M. Z. (2014). Low-temperature properties of plant-produced RAP mixtures in the Northeast. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 15(sup1), 1-27. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2014.926617 doi:10.1080/14680629.2014.926617

Selected Conference Proceedings/Presentations:

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COLLABORATIONS

Our group has been actively engaged in a multitude of collaborative research projects, significantly benefiting communities on both a national and international scale. Our group’s expertise in pavement technology and sustainable materials has led to successful partnerships with a diverse array of organizations and institutions. These collaborations have not only broadened our research horizons but also have strengthened our commitment to developing practical and innovative solutions in the field of pavement resilience. PRISM continues to seek and foster relationships with other institutions, welcoming new opportunities for joint research endeavors.

RECENT FUNDING AGENCIES

• U.S. DOT Small Buissness Innovation Research (SBIR)
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
• Council on Research and Creativity – Florida State University

OUR FACILITIES

• Pavement Resilience & Innovative Sustainable Materials (PRISM) Lab
• Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Responce (RIDER) Center
• High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI) Lab

EVENT & NEWS

• Hosting our first FAMU-FSU College of Engineering reception at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dr. Michael Elwardany received the Fred Burggraf Award for excellence in transportation research from the Transportation Research Board (TRB) with his co-authors David Mensching and Varun Veginati for their paper, “Evaluating the Sensitivity of Intermediate Temperature Performance Tests to Multiple Loose Mixture Aging Temperatures Using the FHWA Accelerated Loading Facility’s RAP/RAS Experiment,” published in the SAGE Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, in 2022. https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/news/civil-engineering-assistant-professor-receives-national-trbnas-award#:~:text=Michael%20Elwardany%20received%20the%20award,Experiment%2C%E2%80%9D%20published%20in%20the%20SAGE
• New high polymer-modified asphalt binder technology by Kraton Polymers and tested by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers may be the answer to more sustainable, durable, and resilient roadways in Florida and beyond.  https://eng.famu.fsu.edu/news/researchers-test-new-high-polymer-modified-asphalt-materials-more-sustainable-and-resilient

OUR TEAM

B.S. Alumni