sustainable materials | National Center for Sustainable Transportation

"Closing-the-loop" for More Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Materials: A framework for maximizing mineral resource usage to advance more sustainable cement-based materials

Principal Investigator Patrick R. Cunningham
University of California, Davis

This dissertation will present an evaluation framework, using material from California as a case study, to prioritize the adoption of SCM by concurrently considering (1) material performance, (2) resource availability, and (3) environmental impact reduction.

Project Status

Complete

A framework for considering resource availability, experimental performance, and environmental impacts to advance alternative mineral admixtures

Research Product Type

Dissertation / Thesis

Insights from material flow analysis, material performance, and environmental impacts were coupled together to evaluate alternative mineral flows in comparison to conventional mineral admixtures (i.e., fly ash, GBFS, limestone, metakaolin, and silica fumes).

Developing A Framework for the Assessment and Implementation of Innovative Concrete Construction Materials

Principal Investigator Somayeh Nassiri, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis

This research will create a comprehensive and streamlined framework that empowers Caltrans to efficiently identify and assess technically sound, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible materials.

Project Status

Complete

Lab2Slab2Practice: A Framework for a Faster Implementation of Innovative Concrete Materials and Technology

Research Product Type

Research Report

This report introduces a structured evaluation framework, “Lab2Slab2Practice,” aimed at accelerating the adoption of new transportation infrastructure materials and technologies.

The California Concrete Pavement Conference

California's first conference on the design and construction of sustainable long-life concrete pavement featured industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss advances in the field.

Apr 16-17, 2025 @ 7:00am - 2:00pm
UC Davis Activities & Recreation Center Ballroom; Pavement Research Center at 3327 Apiary Drive
Event Details

The California Concrete Pavement Conference

The premier West Coast concrete pavement conference focused on the design and construction of resilient, long-life concrete roads, highways, bridges, and parking areas. Individuals had the opportunity to learn from top industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. They discovered impactful innovations in the design and construction of durable and sustainable concrete infrastructure.

Apr 22-23, 2026 @ 7:00am - 1:00pm
Map Link
UC Davis Activities & Recreation Center Ballroom; ARC Conference Center 760 Orchard Rd. Davis, CA 95616
Event Details