Geologist Andrew Stolba leads research effort across the state as Illinois Department of Transportation Technical Review Panel chair

Illinois Department of Transportation Chief Geologist Andrew Stolba became interested in geology in high school. 

“I had a very good earth science teacher that made learning about how rocks and minerals form fun and entertaining,” Stolba said.

Stolba currently serves as the Technical Review Panel chair on Project R27-182 Size and Shape Determinization of Rip Rap and Large Size Aggregates Using Field Imaging with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Erol Tutumluer and other post-doctoral and graduate student researchers.

“This project explores a less physically demanding and safer way of obtaining a gradation of large size aggregates through image analysis,” Stolba said.

Riprap, or rubble, is used to shield shorelines, bridge abutments, pilings, etc. against scour ― sediment removal or erosion.

Stolba and researchers are developing a “convenient, nonintrusive field evaluation system” based on field image data. The engineer or inspector will be able to take photos in the field, and assess them using a field evaluation kit.

These field images are processed and analyzed against previously collected data applying the user-independent image analysis software. Once the project is implemented, it will save IDOT processing time; additionally it will be affordable, portable, and ideal for data compilation.

“I am looking forward to the results from this research and its impact on the industry related to safety of its employees,” Stolba said.

Stolba serves as a committee member with Principal Investigator Tutumluer and TRP Chair Heather Shoup on ICT-IDOT Project R27-SP38 Durability Aspects of Stabilized Quarry By-product Pavement Applications, which examines the durability of stabilized quarry byproducts through freeze-thaw and wet-dry testing.

Samples of quarry byproduct and quarry byproduct blended with coarse Fractionated Reclaimed Asphalt Pavements/Fractionated Recycled Concrete Aggregates will be collected from base and subbase test sections previously built and tested as part of the recent Project R27-168 Field Performance Evaluation of Sustainable Aggregate Byproduct Applications. Additional test samples will be tested for durability and unconfined compressive strength.

“The use of quarry byproducts provides a market for a material that has demonstrated substantial test results in field study. This sustainable aggregate will create a cost savings for both the aggregate producer and IDOT,” Stolba said.

Stolba earned a bachelor’s of science majoring in geology from the University of Iowa in 2006.

“It is exciting to see the research unfold and how ICT staff have dedicated themselves to improving the transportation industry,” Stolba said. “Working with Erol (Tutumluer) and his team has been a great experience. He truly cares about the work done at ICT and its mission.”