IRISE
Dear IRISE Members and Partners,
It is with great excitement that I write to you in SPC’s first year as a member of the IRISE Consortium. At the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, we are proud to join this forward-thinking partnership and contribute to its mission of advancing impactful and resilient transportation infrastructure.
As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for our 10-county region and the City of Pittsburgh, SPC has long supported a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing approach to infrastructure planning. Our work — like IRISE’s — is grounded in innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact. Together, we are better positioned to tackle the major transportation challenges facing our region, including aging assets, landslides and flooding, the need for equitable connectivity, and rapid technological change.
By linking research with real-world implementation, IRISE and SPC can accelerate the development of practical solutions. From advanced materials and smart mobility technologies to resilient construction practices, we have the opportunity to test and scale new ideas through the regional planning framework SPC provides. This collaboration ensures that innovative research doesn’t remain in the lab — it’s put into practice on our roadways and communities.
We’re especially excited by how our partnership strengthens the bridge between academia, public agencies, and private industry. The expertise, data, and insight SPC brings to the table will help shape IRISE research priorities, while IRISE’s groundbreaking work will inform and enhance SPC’s planning efforts. Together, we are creating a more connected, forward-looking region — one that can serve as a model for infrastructure innovation across the country.
Thank you for the warm welcome to the IRISE community. We look forward to many years of collaboration ahead.
Sincerely,
Executive Director Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
GREETINGS
Research is a cornerstone of innovation in the transportation industry. The Impactful Resilient Infrastructure Science and Engineering (IRISE) Consortium believes research is fundamental to advancing the transportation systems that support our communities and economies. Since its founding in 2018, the IRISE Consortium has brought together public agencies, private industry, and academic researchers to address the complex challenges facing our nation’s infrastructure. Together, we transform ideas into action through collaborative research that is practical, forward-thinking, and grounded in the needs of our members.
With research areas spanning safety, materials, pavement performance, structures, geotechnical systems, and stormwater management, IRISE continues to deliver insights and solutions that shape resilient, sustainable infrastructure in Pennsylvania and beyond. The recognition our work has received at national conferences such as the Transportation Research Board, and by leading professional organizations and media outlets, reflects the relevance and quality of our research portfolio.
In the past year, we’ve welcomed the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as our newest member, expanding the depth and breadth of expertise within the Consortium. We also launched our inaugural IRISE Student TRI-PRO Competition, providing students with hands-on experience working alongside transportation professionals. Student engagement continues to be a vital part of our mission, as we help prepare the next generation of engineers, planners, and innovators.
Augmented and virtual learning, continue to shape the transportation industry, IRISE remains committed to integrating these technologies into our research. We also remain focused on implementation — ensuring that the research we conduct can be translated into real-world improvements across infrastructure systems.
On behalf of the entire IRISE team, we want to express our sincere appreciation to our members. Your time, support, and shared vision make our progress possible. With your continued engagement, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry and to lead with solutions that improve safety, sustainability, and performance for years to come.
Sincerely,
Joe Szczur, PE Director, IRISE
Dana Vidic Associate Director, IRISE
WHY IRISE?
The Impactful Resilient Infrastructure Science and Engineering (IRISE) Consortium at the University of Pittsburgh is advancing the future of transportation infrastructure through collaborative, applied research. By uniting academia, public agencies, and industry leaders, IRISE tackles critical infrastructure challenges with a focus on developing resilient and sustainable solutions that can be implemented in the real world.
IRISE is guided by two core principles:
• Innovative solutions are best achieved through collaboration between infrastructure owners, designers, builders, and researchers.
• Research must lead to practical, implementable outcomes that meet the needs of public and private stakeholders.
IRISE members benefit from a strong community of experts, access to state-of-the-art research, and opportunities to shape and participate in projects with direct impact. Through knowledge-sharing and active engagement, IRISE ensures that scientific discoveries lead to measurable improvements in transportation systems.
Since its founding in 2018, IRISE has leveraged just under $8 million in member contributions to fund 42 research projects. These projects have produced innovative tools and solutions in areas such as bridge deck corrosion and condition assessment, pavement design and construction, construction worker safety, landslide risk mitigation, stormwater management, new materials development, and infrastructure performance evaluation.
IRISE PARTNERSHIPS
The University of Pittsburgh is joined by four public agencies, three private companies and one association that comprises the IRISE consortium partnership. The Federal Highway Administration also serves as an ex-officio member.
Each organization is represented on the IRISE Steering Committee. The individuals on the committee contribute towards defining each year’s research program and appoint representatives from their organizations to individual project panels to help define each project’s detailed scope, to keep the research relevant as it proceeds, and to build interest in implementing the resulting innovations.
IRISE has brought together industry, owners, and academia to investigate, through cutting edge research, new solutions to improve infrastructure durability and other issues impacting the transportation industry. We must continue to challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of what is possible to deliver the best, most effective infrastructure solutions for the benefit our communities.
– Dan Cessna, President
CDR Maguire Engineering
Michael Baker International’s participation in the IRISE consortium is vital in advancing solutions to current and future infrastructure challenges. The level of collaboration and insights within this consortium is unprecedented and will be instrumental in advancing transportation technologies, methods and materials.
– John Robinson, Office Executive
Michael Baker International
IRISE provides a novel approach for solving infrastructure problems and for promoting innovation by capitalizing on the knowledge and ingenuity of private industry, academia and owners’ representatives together as a team.
– Chuck Niederriter, Chief Operating Officer
Golden Triangle Construction
IRISE STEERING COMMITTEE
Rich Barcaskey Executive Director
Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania
Steve Shanley Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works
H. Daniel Cessna President CDR Maguire Engineering
Joe Sutor Planning and Design Services Manager Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Ryan Gordan Transportation Program Development Manager Southwestern PA Commission
John Tricini Vice President, Transportation Practice Executive
Michael Baker International
Chuck Niederriter Chief Operating Officer Golden Triangle Construction
Brian Wall Research Division Manager Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
ACTIVITIES
The graphic is a depiction of the framework that illustrates the IRISE research mission. The following sections contain capsule descriptions of the individual projects that IRISE completed in 2024-2025, are ongoing or that will be initiated in 2026.
Project Funding Distribution
Knowledge
• Sensors
• Crowd sourcing
• Forecasting
MISSION
Intervention
• Worker safety
• Repair technology
• Maintenance practices
• Digital twin
• Automated assessments
Engineering Resilient,
Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions
• Cost effective
• Limited disruptions
• Design and construction efficiency
• Safety
Decision Making
• Public Policy
• Timing of intervention
• Selection of intervention
• Minimize life cycle cost
Design of Materials and Assets
• Multi-functional (ie., energy harvesting)
• Integrated
• Durable
• Efficient
• Resilient
• Sustainable
COMPLETED PROJECTS – 2024-2025
More information on each of these projects can be found on the IRISE website: https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/subsites/consortiums/irise/research/completed/
Development of a Regional Landslide Inventory to Advance Hazard and Risk Estimates for Southwestern Pennsylvania
A comprehensive, standardized landslide inventory for Southwestern Pennsylvania was developed by integrating over 7,400 records from 12 agencies and data sources. Spatial and environmental parameters such as topography, geology, soils, weather, and mining activity are included. Designed for compatibility with modern geotechnical tools and accessible to stakeholders, this resource provides critical data to support proactive landslide hazard assessment and risk mitigation. The database will be housed with the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center (WPRDC), ensuring long-term access and usability for researchers, planners, and public agencies.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Dan Bain
A Novel Immersive VR Platform for H&S Training of Construction Workers
An interactive virtual reality (VR) platform was developed to enhance health and safety (H&S) training for the construction industry. Using laser-scanned data from an active highway construction site, immersive, scenario-based simulations were created for hazard recognition and risk mitigation. The VR environment enables construction workers and inspectors to engage realistically with site hazards. The study assessed VR training effectiveness compared to traditional methods and integrated eye-tracking technology for attention analysis. Findings demonstrated improved knowledge retention and situational awareness, supporting the broader adoption of immersive VR training in construction safety programs.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Alessandro Fascetti
Scan for Completed Projects
Developing Light-Weight and HighPerformance Metamaterial Concrete
A lightweight concrete (LWC) technology incorporating mechanical metamaterials to achieve superior strength-to-weight ratios was developed for use in pavement systems, bridge decks, and prefabricated bridge elements. Researchers designed and validated innovative polymeric and fully cementitious metamaterial structures using an AI-driven optimization framework. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimized metamaterial concrete achieved up to a 22% reduction in weight compared to traditional concrete while maintaining comparable compressive strength.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Amir Alavi
Joint Design Optimization
This project focused on improving the long-term performance of joints in jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCPs) by optimizing sealant types and joint reservoir designs through extensive laboratory testing simulating a 42-year service life. Recommendations from this study highlight the importance of activating joints prior to sealing, selecting appropriate sealant materials, and designing reservoirs to accommodate realistic joint movements for enhanced pavement longevity.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Julie Vandenbossche
Prediction of Dowel Corrosion and Effect on Performance of Concrete Pavements
This study included a laboratory component to evaluate the load carrying and corrosion characteristics of standard epoxy coated steel dowels as well as of dowels constructed with alternative corrosion resistant materials used for long-life concrete pavement designs. Results informed the development of a new faulting prediction model that can account for degradation due to both mechanical loading and corrosion.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Julie Vandenbossche
Seal Coat for Asphalt Pavements: Best Practices and Experience
A best practices manual was developed for seal coat applications on asphalt pavements, focusing on enhancing pavement preservation across Pennsylvania. Through a comprehensive evaluation of current state and local practices, literature reviews, surveys, and stakeholder interviews, researchers identified optimal materials, timing, and construction techniques for seal coating. Key recommendations included standardized application guidelines, improved material specifications, and strategies to maximize the lifespan and effectiveness of seal coat treatments for pavement preservation.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eshan Dave (University of New Hampshire)
ONGOING PROJECTS
More information on each of these projects can be found on the IRISE website: https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/subsites/consortiums/irise/research/active-projects/
BRIDGE PROJECTS
A Novel Methodology for Structural Optimization of Bridge Decks Against Corrosion
Advanced predictive modeling tools are being established to better understand and mitigate bridge deck corrosion through detailed simulation of chloride ingress and resulting damage. Efforts include validating numerical models against field data, quantifying corrosion mitigation effectiveness, and integrating findings into optimization frameworks. The project is concurrently formulating operational guidelines aimed at extending bridge deck service life through improved corrosion management strategies.
Principal Investigator: Dr. John Brigham
Bridge Load Ratings
Current tee beam bridge load ratings in Pennsylvania are being evaluated to determine if they are overly conservative. By comparing simplified and detailed finite element models under various load scenarios, the study aims to validate streamlined analysis methods and create a software tool to help engineers assess bridge postings more accurately, potentially reducing unnecessary restrictions and closures.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piervincenzo Rizzo
GEOTECHNICAL/STORM WATER PROJECTS
Analysis of Reoccurring Landslides in SWPA to Advance Hazard and Risk Estimates
This research is examining the causes and patterns of reoccurring landslides in southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on the interactions between environmental conditions and human landscape modifications. By conducting spatial analyses and developing conceptual mechanistic models, the project aims to pinpoint factors that differentiate stable slopes from those prone to recurring failure. Results will guide targeted mitigation strategies, identify high-risk areas, and inform recommendations for cost-effective, long-term landslide repair and prevention.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Daniel Bain
Scan for Active Projects
Advancing Regional Comprehensive Stormwater Management through Cross-Jurisdictional Coordination and Cooperation
This project addresses stormwater management challenges related to transportation infrastructure in Southwestern Pennsylvania through structured coordination and training. It includes targeted educational sessions, stakeholder meetings, and a regional symposium with transportation professionals, local officials, stormwater experts and the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory to overcome jurisdictional barriers and enhance collaboration.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Daniel Bain
Common Sense Compaction for Soils/Embankments
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) and Lightweight Deflectometer (LWD) technologies are being evaluated as alternatives to current nuclear gauge-based compaction methods in Pennsylvania. The project includes a review of practices from other state DOTs, comparative field testing under local conditions, and developing recommendations for implementing accurate, cost-effective, and nonradioactive quality control practices. Results aim to inform updated compaction specifications for the subgrade and pavement layers.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lev Khazanovich and Dr. Lucio Salles de Salles
Improved Collection of Earthwork Quantities Utilizing UAV-Based LiDAR
The accuracy of earthwork quantity estimations on large-scale construction projects will be enhanced through this project, utilizing UAV-mounted LiDAR and RGB sensors. The project includes a workshop covering state-of-the-art practices in UAV-based 3D reconstruction and modeling, and a hands-on field demonstration in collaboration with industrial partners.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Alessandro Fascetti
MATERIALS PROJECTS
Material Compatible Repairs Evaluation
This project evaluates partial-depth concrete repairs by comparing performance-engineered repair materials (PERM) to standard repair mixtures. Utilizing ultrasonic tomography, repair dimensions and bond integrity are assessed both pre- and post-construction. The study includes a multi-year field evaluation, aiming to refine repair methods, improve durability, and validate ultrasonic technology as a reliable alternative to traditional techniques. The outcomes will provide recommendations for improving the performance of partial-depth repairs.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephen Sachs
Concrete Mixtures with Half the Carbon Footprint
This project aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of PennDOT concrete paving mixtures by investigating sustainable alternatives using locally available industrial by-products and novel materials identified through an extensive literature review. Laboratory testing will assess mixture performance against current PennDOT standards, and will be complemented with a predictive performance analysis using Pavement ME and life-cycle cost and carbon assessments.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Vikas Khanna and Dr. Julie Vandenbossche
PAVEMENT PROJECTS
Design and Construction of Two-lift Concrete Pavements
Guidelines are being developed to optimize the design and construction of two-lift concrete pavements tailored to Pennsylvania. The research evaluates concrete mixes focusing on durability and performance in the top layer, and sustainability in the bottom layer. A planned experimental pavement section will document construction challenges, evaluate bonding through non-destructive testing, and inform structural design modifications in the PittRIGID software. Cost savings and carbon footprint reductions are also being assessed.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lev Khazanovich
Adaptation of a Language Model for Generation of Expert-like Responses to Pavement-related Questions
An AI-powered platform is being developed to generate expert-like responses to pavement engineering inquiries, leveraging advanced Large Language Models (LLMs). Upon completion, the tool will enable interactive knowledge retrieval, scenario simulations, and training exercises to support pavement design, construction, maintenance, and testing activities. Validation testing with pavement engineering experts will ensure the accuracy and practical utility of the system.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lev Khazanovich
Self-heating Pavement Systems with Surface-Mounted Heating Elements
Surface-mounted heating elements are being evaluated for automated snow and ice removal on concrete pavements, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. The research includes optimizing graphite-based conductive concrete mixtures and assessing alternative polymeric heating materials. Laboratory testing and a small-scale demonstration will validate heating efficiency, durability, and practical implementation strategies, providing guidelines suitable for both new and existing pavement infrastructure.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Amir Alavi
Concrete Pavement Life Cycle Assessment Tool
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool tailored specifically for concrete pavements in Pennsylvania is currently under development to quantify carbon emissions. The project involves identifying concrete pavement archetypes relevant to Pennsylvania, developing comprehensive life cycle inventories for materials and processes, and integrating the LCA functionality into the existing PittRigid pavement design tool. Ultimately, a web-based tool will be created to support the efficient evaluation of environmental impacts and to inform sustainable pavement design and maintenance decisions.
Proposed Principal Investigator: Dr. Melissa Bilec and Dr. Lev Khazanovich
SAFETY PROJECTS
AI Safety Assistant
An AI-driven “Safety Assistant” tool is being developed to strengthen safety management in highway construction. Utilizing advanced natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs), the tool will support daily hazard communication, inspection practices, and improve the quality of accident reporting. The assistant aims to streamline safety workflows, enhance risk assessment accuracy, and significantly reduce accidents through improved data quality and communication.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lev Khazanovich
OTHER PROJECTS
Supervised Learning for Classification of High-Resolution
LiDAR Point Clouds
Novel classification tools for high-resolution LiDAR point clouds are being developed to enhance accuracy and efficiency in civil infrastructure surveying. Leveraging supervised learning and advanced computer vision, the project aims to automate the segmentation of LiDAR data, specifically focusing on bridge and pavement applications. The research will streamline the translation of complex point cloud data into structural design and assessment software, improving the workflow and precision of infrastructure evaluations.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Alessandro Fascetti
Developing and Applying Methodologies to Quantify the Benefits of IRISE Projects
This project is developing methodologies to quantify the practical benefits of selected completed and ongoing IRISE research projects. It focuses on analyzing the implementable outcomes of five high-impact projects and creating unique frameworks to measure their economic and operational benefits.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Mark Magalotti and Mr. David Snively
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
MON-FAYETTE EXPRESSWAY
Test Bed for Climate Resilient Infrastructure
As part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Sustainable, Climate Resilient Corridor initiative, IRISE is leading the research and development of four innovative infrastructure test beds along the Mon-Fayette Expressway extension. Through an additional $2.6 million investment from the Turnpike, IRISE researchers are deploying transformative technologies aimed at building smarter and more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
The test bed includes:
• Digital Twin Development: A high-fidelity virtual replica of a selected section of the Mon-Fayette Expressway is being developed to mirror the built environment in real-time. This digital twin will simulate aging, maintenance needs, and environmental responses, enabling predictive analytics and more effective infrastructure management over the expressway’s lifecycle.
• Multifunctional Acoustic Concrete Metamaterial Wall with Noise Cancellation and NOx Reduction Functionalities: Design and testing of a noise barrier wall composed of metamaterial concrete that provides dual benefits: noise and nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction. This multifunctional solution aims to address both environmental and public health concerns.
• Sustainable and Multifunctional Geogrids made from Recycled Materials for Energy Harvesting and Active Sensing: Integration of energy harvesting systems — such as piezoelectric and thermoelectric technologies — for future applications including in-road wireless EV charging, snow/ice melting, and power generation for lighting and signaling systems. The project will assess both technological feasibility and long-term implementation strategies.
• Electrified Roadways Strategic Plan: In collaboration with public and private partners, a roadmap to guide the deployment of in-road electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by evaluating policy, funding, and design considerations for scaling electrified roadway solutions across Pennsylvania has been developed.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to its core research initiatives, IRISE has facilitated and participated in several key outreach and engagement activities this year, including the events listed below.
ACPA/PA Concrete Conference
IRISE participated in the 2024 ACPA/PA Concrete Conference by hosting an exhibit that showcased IRISE concrete research and innovations. The event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with national experts, share project outcomes, and highlight ongoing efforts to improve pavement durability and performance.
PennDOT Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
For the second consecutive year, IRISE hosted PennDOT’s ELDP participants for a full-day program focused on innovation in transportation. The event included university lab tours to highlight cutting-edge infrastructure research, interactive student poster sessions, and a panel discussion featuring industry experts on advancing innovation. The program emphasized the value of collaboration between academia, government, and industry in addressing emerging transportation challenges.
2025 Annual Transportation Forum
Held in partnership with ASHE and WTS, the 2025 IRISE Annual Transportation Forum drew record attendance and focused on the theme “Transitioning Research into Practice.” The event featured presentations from university researchers and transportation professionals and included a keynote address by PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. The forum served as a platform to showcase research implementation, promote networking, and explore strategies to improve infrastructure performance statewide.
5th Advanced International Workshop on Concrete Pavements
IRISE sponsored the reception for the 5th Advanced International Workshop on Concrete Pavements. The theme of the workshop was Innovations and Modeling to Reimagine Concrete Pavements. The workshop brought together 29 participants from eight countries, including experts from academia, government, and industry to discuss innovations in pavement materials, joint design, performance, and sustainability. The workshop featured keynotes, student posters, and technical sessions aimed at bridging research and practice.
PLANNED YEAR 8 PROGRAM
The IRISE annual work program planning process for this year began last fall with a brainstorming session, held on November 7, 2024. Research ideas were presented and discussed with representatives. IRISE staff subsequently identified the ideas that generated the most interest. Problem statements for these topics were prepared and discussed with the IRISE Steering Committee.
The project ideas below emerged from that process. Once the final scopes of work are approved by the IRISE Steering Committee, work on the projects will begin in late 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
Efficacy of One-Step Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck Repairs
A study will be performed to evaluate whether durable overlay materials like latexmodified concrete (LMC), polyester polymer concrete (PPC), and hybrid composite synthetic concrete (HCSC) can be used as structural one-step repairs for reinforced concrete bridge decks. Material compatibility, structural performance, and thermal behavior will be assessed to determine the feasibility of eliminating traditional two-step repair methods, with the goal of simplifying construction, reducing downtime, and maintaining deck integrity.
Proposed Principal Investigator: Dr. Kent Harries
Joint Activation in Concrete Pavements
A process will be developed to assess the timing of joint activation in jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCPs) and its impact on pavement performance. Through modeling and field testing, the research aims to identify key factors ensuring joint activation to reduce the risk of premature failure and poor joint sealant performance.
Proposed Principal Investigator: Dr. Julie Vandenbossche
Advancing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Pavement Inspection
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) will be evaluated for its effectiveness and limitations in pavement inspection, with the goal of developing practical guidance for implementation. Results will be disseminated through two targeted webinars, one on network-level and one on project-level applications — to help agencies improve their pavement assessment strategies.
Proposed Principal Investigator: Dr. Lev Khazanovich and Dr. Lucio Salles de Salles
Geothermal Slab Deicing
This project will investigate the feasibility of geothermal heating systems for roadway and bridge deck deicing by developing and testing a modular system in the lab. The study will evaluate key design parameters — such as soil volume, pipe layout, and embedment depth — and perform simulations to support scalable applications. Findings will inform the design of potential pilot installations in Pennsylvania and guide future field deployment strategies for structures and pavements.
Proposed Principal Investigator: Dr. Andrew Bunger
Virtual Reality-Based Training for Work Zones Around Live Traffic
Building on previous IRISE research, this project will develop a next-generation immersive virtual reality
PEOPLE OF IRISE
STUDENT AND POSTDOC INVOLVEMENT
The students below were financially supported and directly involved in IRISE projects. In total 11 undergraduate students, 22 graduate students, and one postdoc were supported by IRISE. Project involvement led to students coauthoring papers and making presentations at conferences of organizations such as the American Concrete Pavement Association, the ASCE Conference on Transportation and Development, the International Conference on Concrete Pavements and the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
Undergraduate Students
• Nicole Adams
• Gianna Bergin
• Trey Blystone
• Emanuela Esposito
Graduate Students
• Abiodun Ayo-Bali
• Shayan Baktash
• Zachary Brody
• Clement Campbell
• Megan Darnell
• Charles Donnelly
• Bashear El-Hajj
• Kevin Ghaemian
• Brendon Hallisey
• Spencer Landon
• Michael Makowski
• Jack Parkhurst
• Luke Wilson
• Makenzie Zagroba
POSTDOCS
• Majid Eshraghi
• Edmund Jermyn
• Dongge Jia
• Wenyun Lu
• Jianzhe Luo
• Trevor Neece
• Emrah Özpolat
• Ethan Rihn
• Gabriela Salach
• Mason Smetana
• Igor Sukharev
• Xiangdong Yan
• Yingbo Zhu
Daeik Jang, PhD has been leading several IRISE projects: Self-heating concrete pavements systems with surface-mounted heating elements, Multifunctional acoustic concrete metamaterial wall with noise cancellation and NOx reduction functionalities, PA Turnpike electrified roadways strategic plan, and Sustainable and multifunctional geogrids made from recycled materials for energy harvesting and active sensing.
In addition to research, students benefited from participating in IRISE events such as the
Brainstorming session, Transportation Forum, and the inaugural TRI-PRO Student Competition. IRISE members also provide co-op and internship opportunities and exposure to engineering projects in the region.
IRISE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
IRISE TRI-PRO STUDENT COMPETITION
Launched in Fall 2024, the inaugural IRISE TRI-PRO (Transportation Infrastructure Problem) Student Competition offered students an opportunity to tackle a real-world infrastructure challenge in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Designed to inspire interest in careers related to transportation infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance, the competition paired student teams with a site-specific problem identified by IRISE partners. The selected issue for this year’s challenge involved improving slope stability, preserving roadway integrity/ safety and access for emergency services in an active landslide location on a Allegheny County roadway adjacent to a hospital.
Teams participated in a guided field view of the project site with IRISE partners to better understand the technical and logistical complexities. Each team developed a conceptual solution addressing safety, mobility, sustainability, and constructability. Submissions included written documentation and schematic drawings, with evaluation criteria covering innovation, feasibility, completeness, sustainability, presentation, and responses to questions.
Final presentations were delivered at the IRISE Annual Brainstorming Session, where teams presented their ideas to a panel of transportation infrastructure professionals from IRISE member organizations. The competition fostered meaningful student engagement, real-world problem-solving experience, and collaboration between students and industry leaders. Prizes of $3,000, $2,000 and $500 were awarded to the teams. A total of seven students participated.
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Team Pitt Pavers: Tyler Jacobson and Alan Zuchelli
Team Beavers: Lily Leh and Otavio Wilkinson-Baldauf
Team Paving Pioneers: Hadley Hellgren, Mae Cook, and Joseph Bujdos
FACULTY
1. Joe Szczur, PE serves as the IRISE Consortium Director. His leadership reflects a unique perspective on challenges facing the industry having worked for over 35 years for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and served for over 16 years as the District Executive for PennDOT’s Engineering District 12 in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
2. Dana Vidic serves as the IRISE Associate Director, where she leads research coordination, member engagement, and communications. She holds a BS in Environmental Engineering with a Certificate in Sustainability from the University of Pittsburgh. Her previous consulting work in stormwater design, permitting, and sustainability directly supports IRISE’s mission of advancing resilient, applied infrastructure research.
3. Julie Vandenbossche, PhD, PE serves as the IRISE Director of Research serving as a conduit between IRISE and Pitt faculty members. She served as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the Joint Design Optimization and Dowel Corrosion projects. She currently serves as the PI for the Low Carbon Concrete project. Her research interests are concrete pavement analysis, design, evaluation, rehabilitation, and construction, including Instrumentation and advanced material characterization.
4. Amir Alavi, PhD served as the PI for the Metamaterial Concrete project. He also currently serves as the PI for the Self-Heating Pavements project and the MonFayette Test bed Multifunctional Acoustic Concrete Metamaterial Wall with Noise Cancellation and NOx Reduction Functionalities project, Sustainable and Multifunctional Geogrids made from Recycled Materials for Energy Harvesting and Active Sensing project, and the Electrified Roadways Strategic Plan project. His research interests include structural health monitoring, smart civil infrastructure systems, deployment of advanced sensors and engineering informatics.
5. Andrew Bunger, PhD will serve as the PI on the proposed Geothermal Pavement Deicing project. His research interests include core discing, fracture mechanics, hydraulics fracturing, porolasticity, emplacement mechanics of magma intrusions, and interaction between shale formations and drilling fluids.
6. Daniel Bain, PhD served as the PI for the Landslide Inventory and Analytical Tool project. He currently serves as the PI for the Reoccurring Landslides and Comprehensive Stormwater Management projects. Bain is in the University’s Department of Geology and Environmental Science. His research focuses on human driven changes in environmental systems.
7. David Snively, PE, serves as the PI for the ongoing Benefits Project. He has 24 years of transportation design and construction experience, covering a full range of transportation projects including bridge replacements/rehabilitations, roadway widening/rehabilitations, innovative/conventional interchanges, and intersections, limited access highways, and toll facilities. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in PA, DE, MA, MD, NC, VA, and WV and has a BS in Civil Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.
8. Melissa Bilec, PhD is the co-director of the University’s Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation. She serves as a Co-PI on the Pavement LCA Tool project. Her research focuses on exploring how the built environment can be an integral part of climate change solutions.
9. John Brigham, PhD serves as the PI for the Structural Optimization of Bridge Decks Against Corrosion project. He provides expertise in computational diagnostics and inverse mechanics related to the testing of materials.
10. Eshan Dave, PhD, served as the PI for the Asphalt Pavement Seal Coating Best Practices project. He is a professor at the University of New Hampshire. His research interests include performance evaluation of pavements and materials, performance-based
specifications, resilient design, climate variability impacts and life cycle assessment.
11. Alessandro Fascetti, PhD, served as the PI for the Virtual Reality Health & Safety Training of Construction Workers project. He is currently the PI for the Improved Collection of Earthwork Quantities Utilizing UAV-Based LiDAR project and the Supervised Learning for Classification of High-Resolution LiDAR Point clouds project. He also serves as the PI for the Mon-Fayette Test Bed Digital Twin Technology for a Climate Resilient Corridor project. He will serve as the PI for the VR Training Platform in Live Work Zones. His research interests revolve around the physical processes that contribute to the degradation of civil infrastructure systems.
12. Kent Harries, PhD, P. Eng. contributed ideas on bridge research needs during the 2024 Brainstorming session. He is the proposed PI for the Efficacy of One-Step Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck Repairs project. He is also involved in the Bridge component of the Mon-Fayette Test Bed Digital Twin project. His research interests include the use of nonconventional materials in civil infrastructure.
13. Anthony Iannacchione, PhD, PE, PG served as a Senior Advisor participating in the Landslide Inventory and Analytical Tool project. He is currently a Senior
Advisor for the Reoccurring Landslide project. His expertise is in the design of underground facilities with minimal risk of environmental or workplace harm.
14. Lev Khazanovich, PhD currently serves as the PI for the Two-lift Pavement, Pavement LLM, and AI Safety Assistant projects. He is also the Co-PI for the Common Sense Compaction project and the Pavement LCA Tool project. He will serve as the Co-PI for the proposed GPR for Pavement Inspection project. His research has featured performance prediction modeling, nondestructive testing, and finite element modeling.
15. Mark Magalotti, PhD, PE serves as a Senior Advisor to IRISE leadership and as the PI for the ongoing Benefits Analysis project. His research interest is multimodal transportation planning and technology transfer of research products.
16. Piervincenzo Rizzo, PhD serves as the PI for the Bridge Load Ratings project. His research interests are structural health monitoring, nondestructive evaluation, and smart structures.
17. Steven Sachs, PhD is the PI for the Materials Compatible Repairs Evaluation project. His research interests include pavement design and analysis, finite element modeling, and experimental characterization of structures and materials.
18. Lucio Salles de Salles, PhD serves as the Co-PI on the Common Sense Compaction project. He will serve as a Co-PI on the proposed GPR for Pavement Inspection project. His research interests include full-scale and non-destructive pavement testing, finite element modeling and simulation, road markings, and pavement design and performance. He is currently an assistant professor at the Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
19. Eitan Shelef, PhD participated in the Landslide Inventory and Analytical Tool project. He is currently advising on the Reoccurring Landslides project. He is in the University’s Department of Geology and Environmental Science. His research interests include linking climate change with hill slope processes and modeling landscape evolution by various types of erosive processes.
20. Vikas Khanna, PhD serves as the Co-PI on the Low Carbon Concrete project. He research interests include complex systems, industrial ecology, life cycle assessment, and sustainability science and engineering.
THE FUTURE
As we build upon our past achievements, IRISE continues to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in transportation infrastructure research. Our future initiatives focus on addressing critical industry challenges, enhancing member engagement, and broadening the impact of our research.
KEY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
1. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:
• Advance low-carbon concrete and eco-friendly construction practices.
• Develop life-cycle assessment tools to optimize sustainability.
2. Infrastructure Resilience and Safety:
• Innovate materials and methods to extend asset longevity.
• Enhance predictive tools for corrosion, landslides, and pavement distress.
3. Advanced Technologies Integration:
• Expand AI, digital twin, and LiDAR applications.
• Promote the adoption of UAVs and automated monitoring systems.
4. Workforce Safety and Efficiency:
• Develop immersive and AI-driven safety training platforms.
• Promote safer construction practices through cutting-edge technology.
5. Strategic Collaboration and Implementation:
• Strengthen partnerships with public and private industry members.
• Increase research-to-practice initiatives, ensuring practical implementation.
6. Education and Workforce Development:
• Expand scholarships and training opportunities for students and professionals.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange through workshops, webinars, and forums.
At the 2025 Strategic Planning Meeting, IRISE members reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to applied, implementable research, while exploring ways to strengthen relevance and impact. Key takeaways included expanding the mission to explicitly prioritize research implementation, enhancing report structures with clear recommendations, and hosting annual workshops focused on translating research into practice. The group also emphasized increased student engagement, professional development opportunities, and targeted membership growth. These outcomes will guide IRISE’s continued evolution as a leader in resilient and sustainable infrastructure innovation.
Through these efforts, IRISE is poised to enhance transportation infrastructure’s sustainability, resilience, and safety, directly benefiting communities and stakeholders across Pennsylvania and beyond.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
IRISE remains dedicated to its core mission: creating impactful, resilient infrastructure solutions that enhance public safety, protect the environment, and promote economic efficiency.
Guided by strategic goals and driven by collaboration and innovation, we are confident in our ability to continue shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Pennsylvania and beyond.
