Pavement Recycling in Cold Regions
Maicon Basso Dos Santos, a PhD student at ÉTS, received a $20,000 scholarship from the Institute for Research on Resilient and Circular Infrastructure (AdapT) for his project on evaluating the viscoelastic properties of cement-bitumen treated materials (CBTM) for cold regions. A look at his research in five questions.
Can you explain your project?
I’m working on pavement rehabilitation. There are two main cold-recycling techniques: in-place recycling, which only uses the surface layer, and full-depth recycling, which involves both the surface and underlying layers. My work focuses on creating a composite material called CBTM by mechanically, chemically, and bitumen-stabilizing recycled materials. I’m studying their mechanical properties within the context of full-depth recycling. My goal is to improve their resistance to freeze–thaw cycles.
What is the objective of your research?
In Quebec, freeze–thaw cycles are likely to become more frequent due to climate change. The more cycles there are, the more damage materials sustain. Through this research, we’ll be able to better understand how CBTM materials age and deteriorate compared to standard pavement materials used in Quebec.
Furthermore, improving freeze–thaw resistance can build confidence among industry stakeholders and municipalities, encouraging them to adopt this rehabilitation technique.
How did you become interested in this topic?
My interest in pavement rehabilitation goes back 6 to 8 years. In Brazil, where I’m from, I often saw roads being redone without recycling the surface layer. I remember thinking, “This is good material — why not reuse it?” Since then, it’s become a subject I’m passionate about. And I’ve been lucky enough to explore it further through my studies.
What are the potential positive impacts of your work?
The project has economic and environmental benefits. Environmentally, it promotes material reuse, reducing the need for virgin materials. The technique also cuts down on fossil fuel consumption, energy use, and landfill waste, helping to lower the carbon footprint of road rehabilitation.
Economically, the gains come from reduced spending on transporting and purchasing new materials.
How is your research important for a greener future?
My project was selected by AdapT for its relevance to climate change resilience. I believe more and more people are concerned about the environment and want to build a cleaner, greener future.
If, ten years from now — or even sooner — I’m told that the number of recycled roads in Quebec has increased by 30%, 80%, or even 100%, I’ll know my work made a meaningful difference.
