Alessio Grazietta delivers recent Kent lecture

Alessio Grazietta, general manager for Cagliari Airport on the island of Sardinia, presented a lecture, “The Complexity of Airports: The Cagliari Airport Case” as part of ICT’s Kent seminar series on September 25 at ATREL. The focus of his talk was the complex infrastructure of  airports, which are multifaceted systems that can significantly affect the economic and social life of the surrounding communities.

A research project was undertaken with ICT to develop a “smart runway”—a network of 159 sensors arranged in the various layers of runway pavement. So far, the research has produced a number of benefits, including tailored programs for preventive maintenance and new pavement design methodologies. Research continues on additional topics, such as the interactions between runway pavement and the new generation of aircraft tires.

Upcoming speakers and topics are announced on ICT’s website (see News/Events box on home page). Kent lectures are held Thursdays during the academic year at ATREL  and start at 12:30. The seminars are also available live online:

• Join meeting online (use Internet Explorer)
• Join by Phone: 217-332-6338 | 1-888-983-3631
• Conference ID: 51605

The Paul Fraser Kent Memorial Lecture, initiated in 2007, honors outstanding leadership in the field of transportation engineering. Kent was a 1920 graduate of the University of Illinois in civil engineering. As a highway contractor and materials supplier, he owned and operated two Champaign-based companies, General Paving and Builders Supply. Throughout his professional career, he expressed the highest regard and great esteem for the education in civil engineering he received at the University of Illinois. Kent dedicated himself to civic service in Illinois and surrounding states. He was the founder and president of the University of Illinois Civil Engineering Alumni Association and was the recipient of the U of I Loyalty Award and the Civil Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award.