Bio-Binder project is a TII funded research project, lead by Arup in partnership with: Revolution Road Ltd., Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Gustave Eiffel University and Eiffage S.A.. The aim of the project was to investigate performance of Bio-binders, specifically: Lignin and Biofalt – an Eiffage product, as a bitumen (a crude oil product) substitute in a typical asphalt mix.
Revolution Road Ltd. conducted a literature review on bitumen substitute materials (bio-binders) and on the availability of biomass for the production of bio-binders in Ireland. The review report describes and discusses alternative asphalt binder products, including: non-renewable, renewable and recycling alternative products. The report outlines the benefits and drawbacks of each alternative product. The report aims to inform road owners (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) and industry on alternative products currently available in Ireland. The report emphasises that the most environmentally and economically sustainable alternatives to bitumen are bio-based, renewable, products.
Amir is a Materials Engineer who holds a PhD in Civil/Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. He has over 18 years’ experience in asphalt pavement research. During that time, he has been awarded two Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships: (1) the SHARP project – Self-healing Asphalt for Road Pavements (SHARP) and (2) in 2020 for the ASAP Project – Advanced Solutions for Asphalt Pavements (ASAP). He is currently PI and technical expert on two Transport Infrastructure Ireland funded projects investigating the use of bio-inspired technology (self-healing and bio-bitumen) in asphalt mix design. His research focuses on the development of bio-inspired systems for asphalt pavements. He has published widely on this subject. He also works to define and evaluate standards for evaluating self-healing asphalt internationally with the RILEM committee (the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures) and nationally with the National Standards Authority Ireland. His career goal is to introduce bio-inspired technology into asphalt pavement design and maintenance processes, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. He is currently seeking to commercialise two bio-inspired technologies: i) extrinsic self-healing system and ii) Eco-bind a bio-based product, for asphalt pavement construction and maintenance.
