Deciphering asphalt binder response beyond the linear viscoelastic regime

By Saqib Gulzar on 09/24/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Saqib Gulzar, assistant professor at Colorado State University Pueblo, as he presents via Zoom at the Fall 2026 Kent Seminar Series on Thursday, September 24, from 2:00-2:50 p.m. (CT).

The Fall 2026 Kent Seminar will explore advances in transportation engineering modeling. The 13-speaker series will begin August 27 and end November 19. 

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 Webinar:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81698798883?pwd=dlHgbqirs442ZcdQJoP4bhbeE1mqOq.1

Webinar ID: 816 9879 8883
Passcode: 664625

Abstract and Bio

Asphalt binders exhibit complex, time-dependent responses when loading exceeds the linear viscoelastic regime, including nonlinearity, thixotropy, damage and healing during rest periods. This presentation introduces a unified framework for characterizing, modeling and integrating these interacting mechanisms within a consistent mechanistic approach. The framework is then applied to recycled asphalt binder blends to examine how material composition and recycling agents influence nonlinear response, damage evolution and healing. The work provides a mechanistic basis for interpreting binder behavior under realistic loading conditions while accounting for the complex responses that emerge beyond the linear viscoelastic regime.

Gulzar is a tenure-track assistant professor in the School of Engineering at Colorado State University Pueblo. He also serves as research director of the Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology. Gulzar earned his doctorate from North Carolina State University. His research focuses on pavement mechanics, sustainable materials, transportation safety and infrastructure resilience.