Research Ben Moins

Abstract

This project explores innovative approaches for AI-guided transportation infrastructure asset management through two complementary research paths: (i) health monitoring of road structural condition, and (ii) detection of erosion on cut-and-fill slopes. Both areas address pressing challenges in maintaining resilient transport systems and provide the foundation for future large-scale studies. For the road monitoring component, a field test section equipped with embedded sensors will be used to collect structural response data under real traffic and environmental conditions. The project will support the acquisition of additional hardware required for reliable and continuous data acquisition and remote monitoring. In the first phase, data collected for 3-4 months will be analyzed to refine AI-based processing techniques and assess the robustness of the data management process. In the second phase, the project will investigate alternative global sensing strategies that move beyond traditional point-based measurements. The goal is to conceptualize sensing approaches that can provide broader insights into structural performance and early signs of deterioration over the entire length of the road. The erosion component of the project focuses on the use of AI-enabled image analysis to identify and characterize erosion features on soil and rock slopes. Building on previous work on erosion processes, the study will explore the development of shape and texture metrics from image data. A central question is the suitability of different image sources for this task: whether satellite imagery provides sufficient resolution for erosion detection at scale, or whether higher-resolution UAV-based field imagery is required. The project will include the acquisition of relevant imagery and three months of focused methodological development. The outcomes of the project will include: • A functioning data acquisition and monitoring setup for a sensor-instrumented road section. • Preliminary analysis of local sensing data and conceptual exploration of global sensing approaches. • A set of candidate image-based metrics for erosion detection, tested on satellite and/or UAV imagery.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hernando David
• Co-promoter: Moins Ben
• Co-promoter: Ranyal Eshta
• Co-promoter: Van den bergh Wim

Research team(s)

• Sustainable Pavements and Asphalt Research (SuPAR)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

+C2Fue-LS aims to develop a direct cold plasma-catalysis pathway, combined with hybrid bio-/nano-catalysis, to efficiently produce alcohols from CO2 recycling, green hydrogen, and renewable electricity. The project focuses on the challenging CO2 plasmahydrogenation to formaldehyde, followed by its selective conversion to alcohols of precise lengths using a novel formate carboxylase paired with advanced bimetallic nanocatalysts. These catalysts are encapsulated within porous Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and manufactured as digitally structured modules with hierarchical porous structures, enhancing plasma formation and facilitating substrate and product migration during the CO2-to-alcohol conversion. +C2Fue-LS targets high-efficient and selective production of aviation and shipping fuels operating under mild conditions (≤100 ºC, ambient pressure). By leveraging plasma effects—pioneering in room temperature catalysis—and encapsulating hybrid bio-, chemo-, and nano-catalysts within MOFs and digitally structured modules, the project will significantly reduce the energy barriers and boosts process efficiency and selectivity, producing alcohols as fuels and chemicals without the need of additional purification steps. The project's modular approach allows for the selective synthesis of various alcohols, including ethanol, under sustainable and energy-efficient conditions. +C2Fue-LS encompasses several key objectives, as (I) Development of innovative plasma-, bio-, nano-, and chemo-catalysts, (II) the design of advanced catalyst carriers with controlled active site distribution, (III) advanced characterization by ex- and in- situ/operando techniques for mechanistic understanding, (IV) lab-scale validation of the technology, including safety assessments, (VI) comprehensive environmental, techno-economic, and socio-economic evaluations. All in all, +C2Fue-LS represents a breakthrough technology in CO2 conversion into valuable alcohols as fuels and added value chemicals.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hadermann Joke
• Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
• Co-promoter: Meysman Jasmine
• Co-promoter: Moins Ben

Research team(s)

• Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In an era where sustainability is increasingly crucial, access to appropriate tools at every decision-making level is essential. Micro and macro-economic evaluations are paramount at policy and sector levels, while businesses must monitor the overall impact of their activities, including products and services, necessitating thorough life cycle and cost analyses. The proposed future service platform, B.Cycle+, for sustainability at the business level, from the University of Antwerp, encompasses various invaluable intellectual assets crucial for supporting sustainable decision-making. These assets are designed to equip academic and industrial partners with the necessary tools, information, and resources to make scientifically informed and future-proof decisions regarding sustainability. Furthermore, all companies will have to comply with the sustainability reporting mandated by the European Commission within the framework of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) between now and 2029, an obligation many companies currently struggle to meet. This is where B.Cycle+ will provide support. This is crucial because compliance with these reporting requirements is essential for maintaining competitiveness, meeting regulations, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship. Businesses face the challenge of translating policy into concrete actions while aligning core activities with sustainability objectives. This task may seem complex, making it difficult to maintain an overview. To tackle these challenges, a comprehensive approach is needed. Existing tools already provide support at the product and service levels, which is the focus of the existing B. Cycle service platform. "However, for a complete integration and translation of policy into concrete improvement actions at the business level, the objective measurability and reporting of the results is crucial, a growing need that B.Cycle+ strongly addresses. The proposed future service platform for sustainability at the business level of the University of Antwerp can address these challenges due to its accumulated expertise, comprising an extensive content database of scientific research and best practices, advanced analysis tools and models, comprehensive training, and consultancy services. By combining these assets, the platform aims to enable users to make well-informed decisions that not only meet current sustainability requirements but also address future challenges. The platform facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders and implements monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to continuously improve impact and effectiveness. The expertise and dedication present will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to a more sustainable future for all involved.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
• Co-promoter: Buyle Matthias
• Co-promoter: Meysman Jasmine
• Co-promoter: Moins Ben

Research team(s)

• Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in new roads ensures a circular approach and increases the sustainability. In general, there are three applications for RAP: asphalt mixtures, cement bound base layer mix and unbound material. However, the selection process for any application is currently not optimized. Recent laboratory research also shows that the addition of RAP in new structures does not negatively affect the mechanical properties if the mixture and/or the structural design is optimized. However, it is important to note that these optimizations can have a major impact on the economic and environmental impact of our roads. Therefore, it is important to assess these effects at an early stage so that the most sustainable solution can be chosen. This research will implement life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) in road design to analyse the environmental and economic impact of the use of RAP in new roads. The first part will focus on the recycling potential of RAP. It will optimize the recycling process and determines the salvage value of RAP as a resource. Next, RAP will be used in a new cycle and the impact on the whole life cycle of roads will be examined. Finally, the LCA and LCCA will be combined and an optimization process will be designed which can be implemented in road design so the most sustainable material flow for RAP can be determined.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
• Co-promoter: Van den bergh Wim
• Fellow: Moins Ben

Research team(s)

• Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings

Project type(s)

• Research Project