May 20, 2025

Transition from MARC to SHRC

The Modified Asphalt Research Center (MARC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has officially transitioned into the Smart Highway Research Center (SHRC) as of June 2025, with formal university approval. This transformation reflects a strategic shift from a sole focus on modified asphalt materials to a broader, interdisciplinary mission encompassing three core areas: (1) Artificial Intelligence & Data Science; (2) Autonomy in Testing, Construction, and Maintenance; (3) Circularity, Sustainability & Low-energy Transportation Infrastructure. SHRC’s updated leadership includes Dr. Hussain Bahia as Director, Dr. Xiaopeng (Shaw) Li as Executive Director, Dr. Runhua Zhang as Associate Director for Infrastructure, and Dr. Sikai (Sky) Chen as Associate Director for AI & Data Science. This new structure empowers SHRC to pursue high-impact research, lead digital and sustainable infrastructure innovation, and educate the next generation of engineers through integrated AI, automation, and systems thinking.

April 25, 2025

SHRC Team Attend 2025 NRRA Pavement Workshop to Foster Innovation and Collaboration

From April 22 to 23, 2025, the SHRC team, led by Prof. Xiaopeng Li and Dr. Runhua Zhang, participated in the 2025 National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) Pavement Workshop held in Shoreview, Minnesota. The event brought together state DOTs, academia, and industry leaders to address pressing issues and advancements in pavement sustainability, performance, and digital construction technologies. This two-day conference covered a wide array of topics, including sustainable concrete and asphalt practices, preventative maintenance strategies, geotechnical innovations, and intelligent construction tools. On the second day, the SHRC team also joined the MnROAD field tour to observe instrumented test sections and engage with MnDOT researchers on future data-driven collaborations. These interactions strengthen SHRC’s strategic focus on integrating AI, sensing, and sustainability into pavement lifecycle management. The participation in NRRA reinforced SHRC’s commitment to advancing smart highway technologies and fostering multi-agency partnerships for resilient infrastructure systems.

February 24, 2025

MARC Hosts Second Future Research Workshop to Drive Smart, Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions

On February 20, 2025, the Modified Asphalt Research Center (MARC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison held its second Future Research Focus Workshop at the Pyle Center, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government to continue shaping the future of road infrastructure. Building on the momentum of the first workshop, this event emphasized sustainable materials and the integration of artificial intelligence, sensing, and automation into pavement engineering. Organized by Drs. Hussain Bahia, Xiaopeng (Shaw) Li, Sikai (Sky) Chen, and Runhua Zhang, the workshop featured keynote remarks by Dr. David Noyce and included presentations from leaders at MnDOT, WisDOT, CRH, WAPA, and UW–Madison. Key discussion topics included AI-driven material design, data infrastructure for collaborative research, predictive modeling, automation in testing and construction, sustainability through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and workforce development. The workshop concluded with a summary of MARC’s transition into the Smart Highway Research Center (SHRC), along with plans to establish an advisory board, working groups, and future workshops to advance innovation in smart and sustainable infrastructure systems. Flyer WhitePaper

February 23, 2024

First MARC Future Research Focus Workshop Convenes at UW–Madison

On February 21, 2024, the Modified Asphalt Research Center (MARC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison hosted its first Future Research Focus Workshop at Union South, bringing together over 40 participants from academia, industry, and government. Organized by Drs. Hussain Bahia, Xiaopeng (Shaw) Li, Sikai (Sky) Chen, and Runhua Zhang, the workshop focused on advancing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in shaping the future of road infrastructure. Key discussions addressed AI-driven material and structural design, autonomous testing, intelligent inspection systems, and digital solutions for construction and maintenance. Participants emphasized the need for data standardization, integration of BIM and GIS, automated QA/QC, and deployment of low-cost sensors. Several strategic research directions were identified along with funding opportunities from USDOT, DOE, FHWA, and others. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration, the establishment of an advisory board, and the organization of regular workshops and forums to drive innovation in infrastructure research. Flyer WhitePaper

MARC Researchers Present Findings at the 100th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting

January 27, 2021

Participants at the 100th TRB Annual Meeting on January 25-27, 2021 were updated on MARC's latest research findings and developments through a number of presentations on topics of research on-going or completed at MARC including the "Use of Blended Binder Tests to Estimate Performance of Mixtures with High RAP/RAS Content" (Poster), "Effect of Recycling Agents on Rutting Resistance and Moisture Susceptibility of Mixtures with High RAP/RAS Content" (Poster), "Extended Aging Performance of High RAP Mixtures and The Role of Softening Oils" (Poster) and "The Role of Binders in Mixture Cracking Resistance Measured by IDEAL-CT Test" (Poster). Please concat MARC if interested in a copy of the presentations and papers of these research items.