In December, Oregon Tech Civil Engineering students Serena Moha and Kacie Schmidt presented research findings to industry leaders and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials at the Annual Meeting of the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon (APAO).
Both students are in their fourth year at Oregon Tech and will graduate in 2025 with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering.
The students' presentation focused on early results of their research, which investigates the result of incorporating aramid/polyolefin fibers into asphalt mix.
This ongoing research project is made possible through the technical support of the APAO and its member companies. The research is overseen by Civil Engineering Professor and Department Chair Roger Lindgren, Ph.D.
The study involves performance testing both field- and laboratory-prepared asphalt samples and evaluating their durability in addressing cracking and rutting distresses. Lindgren said their research aligns with an industry shift toward Balanced Mix Designs (BMD) in asphalt pavement, which he says is poised to become the industry standard in the coming years.
"We are proud to support Serena and Kacie in pursuing innovative solutions for the asphalt industry. Their work is driving progress in sustainable infrastructure development," Lindgren said.
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