Trends and innovations in airport pavements

By Greg White on 01/29/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Greg White of the University of the Sunshine Coast as he presents via Zoom at the Spring 2026 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, January 29, from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

The Spring 2026 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to innovation trends in aviation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2026 semester.

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://go.illinois.edu/KentSeminar

Meeting ID: 856 1731 4207  
Passcode: 019160

Abstract and Bio

Airport pavements are critical assets that support the highly regulated and risk-averse aviation industry. As a result, the adoption of innovative technologies is often slower than in roadway and other pavement sectors, and resistance to changes in practice remains significant. This presentation provides a snapshot of current trends and innovations in rigid and flexible airport pavement technology and practice. Topics include progress toward lower embodied-carbon materials, advanced structural modeling methods, and improved performance prediction techniques. The presentation concludes that supporting implementation through pilot projects is just as critical as the development of the innovation itself.

White is director of the Airport Pavement Research Program at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He holds multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate, all focused on pavement materials and engineering. His research interests include flexible and rigid airport pavements, innovative and sustainable materials, aircraft skid resistance, expedient construction methods, and advanced structural modeling. His primary focus is on the practical implementation of research that delivers measurable industry impact.