Shedding some light onto "dark matter"

By Bernhard Hofko on 04/25/2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Bernhard Hofko, of the Vienna University of Technology, as he presents in person at the Spring 2024 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, April 25, from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

The Spring 2024 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to modeling and mechanics in transportation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2024.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Meeting 
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/89226656958?pwd=bzRFbnM4Y0hrdlJ5TFZ2M2xlbStUQT09

Meeting ID: 892 2665 6958
Password: 535829

Abstract and Bio

Asphalt binders, with their complex chemical, microstructural, and mechanical characteristics, require more than just an engineering approach to fully understand their behavior and aging phenomena. Utilizing advanced methods like spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical analysis, this study aims to connect information across different observational levels. By implementing realistic, efficient aging methods, it seeks to deepen our understanding of the long-term evolution of binder properties and the effective regeneration of aged binders for recycling. This approach contributes to the development of biogenic alternatives, ensuring that road engineering is sustainable and future-ready.

Hofko, who became a full professor for road engineering at TU Wien in 2021, completed his doctorate there in 2011 and spent a year at UC Davis with Professor John Harvey’s team as a Max Kade Fellow. His team’s focus is on linking chemical, mechanical, and microstructural information from binders and mixtures to enhance understanding of behavior, aging, regeneration, and oxidation inhibition, aiming for a more sustainable future in road engineering.