Dr. Jenny Liu, professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering at Missouri S&T, focuses research on innovative additives and recycled materials such as waste plastic for asphalt. Additives called phase-change materials – those that change from liquid to solid, for instance – are used to create thermal adaptive pavement and enhance longevity, thereby saving the cost and labor involved in asphalt maintenance. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T
As America’s infrastructure ages and climate change takes a toll on highways, railroads and bridges, Missouri S&T is researching stronger, longer-lasting materials and innovative technologies as a member of the only national university transportation center focused on improving the durability and extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
“S&T has very strong expertise,” says Dr. Jenny Liu, above, professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering and the center’s primary S&T investigator. “We are doing exciting research using new materials and emerging techniques such as remote sensing and data analytics.”