Workshop Biomaterials 2024

2nd International Workshop on the

Use of Biomaterials in Pavements

23rd and 24th September 2024 - São Paulo, Brazil

about the workshop

The interest in the use of alternative materials for road pavements has increasingly grown in the last decades including the utilisation of recycled and bio materials. Biomaterials are materials coming from renewable sources which can have different roles in pavement materials.

The 2nd International Workshop on the Use of Biomaterials in Pavements is taking place in São Paulo, Brazil on the 23rd and 24th September 2024. The aim of the workshop is to share experience in the use of this type of materials to advance scientific knowledge, encourage transfer and application of this knowledge worldwide. The final purpose is to create a scientific community of experts and interested people on this recently emerged topic and define research needs.

HYBRID EVENT

(Presenters face-to-face)

You can find the photographs of the event here

Why joining?

Like all other large industries, road construction sector has to move towards more sustainable manufacturing technologies. One possible solution is to replace conventional bitumen by bio sourced binders or/and bio-additives. More and more studies are published every day, all over the world. Various experiments have already been undertaken: in lab, full-sclae, on field, using local biomass, employing different ways and processes to adapt these biomaterials to road material specifications.

Now is the time to share experiments to compare solutions, understand the limitations and hopes arising from this new way of thinking about road construction technology. We propose to run up a collaborative platform dedicated to bio materials in road construction. The 2nd International Workshop on the Use of Biomaterials in Pavements will be the opportunity for that. We aim at creating during the workshop, a fruitful environment to discuss and confront approaches, with the aim to finally define the roadmap for biomaterial integration in road materials.

As outcome of the workshop, a white paper or roadmap will be published, putting together and summarising all the contributions, discussions and conclusions obtained during the development of the workshop, aiming at being the reference document for the use of biomaterials in pavements for the next decades. Certificates of attendance will be provided to participants.

If you are working, or are interest, on this topic, you cannot miss the opportunity to be part of this new community!

More information:

Key themes and topics

1. Bio-Based Binders and Additives: Delve into the advancements in using bio-based binders and additives derived from plant oils, bio-resins, and other organic sources, as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based binders. Discover their potential to improve pavement properties while reducing environmental impact.

2. Natural Fibers and Reinforcements: Explore the utilization of natural fibers like jute, coir, and bamboo as reinforcements in pavements. Understand how these biomaterials contribute to enhanced pavement strength, durability, and sustainability, promoting a shift towards eco-friendly construction practices.

3. Recycled Biomass and Waste Materials: Investigate the incorporation of recycled biomass and waste materials, such as rice husk ash, coconut shell ash, and recycled plastics, in pavement construction. Uncover how these materials contribute to sustainability, waste reduction, and improved pavement characteristics.

4. Soil Stabilization: Discuss the application of biomaterials, including bacteria and fungi, for soil stabilization in pavement construction. Explore their potential to enhance soil properties, improve compaction, and mitigate soil erosion, thereby ensuring a more robust and sustainable pavement foundation.

5. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Assessment: Deliberate on the broader environmental impact of integrating biomaterials into pavements. Explore methodologies for assessing and mitigating the environmental footprint associated with the production, use, and disposal of biomaterial-enhanced pavements.

6. Recyclability and Circular Economy: Discuss strategies and technologies for enhancing the recyclability of biomaterial-based pavements, contributing to a circular economy. Explore the potential for reusing and repurposing biomaterials within the pavement lifecycle.

7. Testing Methods and Performance Evaluation: Address the crucial aspect of testing methods and performance evaluation specific to biomaterials in pavements. Highlight innovative testing techniques and protocols that ensure the quality, safety, and durability of biomaterial-enhanced pavements.