Dr Abbas Solouki

Research Interests 

Abbas’s research interests are, but not limited to, the production of geopolymer binder and ultra-low carbon binder alternatives for pavement construction and repair. 

Strategic Themes 

Sustainability 

Development of low carbon concretes via innovative binders and reuse of waste for use in pavement applications. 

Research Project 

The non-stop growth of highway construction and its developments could hugely affect the global supply of natural resources. According to reports in the UK, about 48% of the construction and demolition (C&D) waste is related to mineral by-products. Prevention and reuse are at the top of the waste management hierarchy in the UK, where it is suggested to use fewer natural resources in the design and manufacturing stages. Coupling it with the fact that recycling waste material into pavements could only reduce the use of natural aggregates to some extent, this question arises that can we move towards minimizing or zeroing the produced waste and reducing the need for new aggregates? Could there be the possibility of reusing the extracted materials during repairs and maintenance as a quarry for these operations? 

Title: Zero waste geopolymer pavements 

Theme: Smart Materials 

Abstract:

The expansion of highway construction and repairs poses significant challenges to the global supply of natural resources exacerbated by substantial mineral waste generation from construction activities. Despite efforts via initiatives like warm mix asphalt and waste prevention and recycling, there remains a pressing need to explore innovative solutions to minimize waste and reduce reliance on new aggregates. This study explores the feasibility of transitioning towards zero waste and carbon neutrality in pavement construction by revisiting conventional methods and embracing underexplored alternatives like in-situ recycling and low-carbon binders. Thus, the approach involves a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving zero-waste pavements through utilizing recycled aggregates such as reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) and crushed concrete aggregates (CCA) into rigid pavements with the aid of geopolymer cement. The methodology begins with identifying available resources, waste streams, and potential trial sites, followed by laboratory development focused on designing geopolymer-based binders and concretes using both natural and waste materials. Final section will focus on incorporating the waste aggregates into the geopolymer and understanding it behaviour. The resulting products will undergo testing to meet industry standards, with a life cycle assessment (LCA) to determine the most viable options for potential field trials. 

Preliminary results indicate that a compressive strength of 40 MPa (7-days) is achievable for geopolymer mortars made with natural aggregates and commercial metakaolin (MK). The targeted concrete and binder are expected to achieve strengths of 40-50 MPa after 28 days of curing, which makes the results promising. 

In conclusion, this study presents a promising pathway for sustainable pavement construction by advancing the reuse of RAP and CCA with geopolymer cement. This innovative methodology not only addresses critical environmental issues but also paves the way for economic and technological advancements in sustainable construction. By strategically implementing these solutions, the construction sector can foster a culture of sustainability, reducing resource dependency and waste generation while achieving durable, eco-friendly pavements. 

Alignment with SDG: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action 

Project TRL: TRL 3-6 for start and end period 

Industry secondment needs: Proposing to conduct asphalt-geopolymer compatibility and adhesion studies at University of Nottingham   

Biography 

Dr. Abbas Solouki is an MSCA Future Roads Fellow at Cambridge University, specializing in the field of pavement engineering and sustainable infrastructure. With a strong focus on geopolymer binders, ultra-low carbon alternative concrete, and material characterization, Dr. Solouki is at the forefront of developing smart and resilient pavement solutions. His expertise also extends to high-performance materials for pavements and bitumen rheology. His academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Sistan and Baluchestan University. He pursued his Master's degree in Highway and Transportation Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia and completed his Ph.D. in Pavement Engineering at the University of Bologna. During his Ph.D. studies, he was honored as a Marie Curie Fellow and had the exceptional opportunity to pursue an industrial Ph.D., combining work and study. Throughout his career, Dr. Solouki has undertaken significant projects focused on sustainable practices in pavement engineering. His notable contributions include the development of geopolymer paving blocks and semi-flexible pavements through the recycling of clay and silt waste. Additionally, as a research assistant in Malaysia, he played a vital role in a national project aimed at establishing a comprehensive code for highway construction in the country. His research findings have been published in 13 papers, with him serving as the first author in 10 of them. His dedication to advancing knowledge in his field is further highlighted by his back-to-back Marie Curie fellowships, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and innovation. With his multidisciplinary expertise and a passion for sustainable infrastructure, Dr. Solouki continues to make significant contributions to the field of pavement engineering, paving the way for smarter, greener, and more resilient transportation systems.