Seyed Reza Omranian principal research fellow

Research Seyed Reza Omranian

Research team

Expertise

During his master's and Ph.D., Seyed Reza Omranian concentrated mainly on asphalt mixture behavior, aging, bituminous materials characterization in terms of rheological, chemical, and mechanical performance, as well as pavement structure and mix designs. He was also involved in studies where warm mix additives were incorporated to produce asphalt mixtures in order to promote long-lasting pavements that produce at a lower energy consumption rate. Dealing with the challenges of using/replacing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in newly built pavements and investigating on the materials' recyclability instead of consuming all non-renewable resources was another side of his research. Considering the recent pavement performance challenges posed by climate change and demands for resilient pavement, Reza has expanded his research domain. He is now concentrating on the utilization of new technologies during pavement execution such as smart pavers and intelligent compactors to construct uniform and more durable pavements. His research also focuses on innovative approaches to constructing resilient roads that can withstand the effects of climate change. This promising strategy can maintain the continuity of pavements’ performance and recovery to the desired function throughout their designated service life. He has extended his horizon by reinforcing bituminous materials using different types of fibers. Investigation on the interface adhesive layer to enhance the bonding between pavement layers is also part of his research. Last but not least Omranian is currently working on a project to eliminate/reduce pollutants using photocatalytic semiconductor nanoparticles such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in/on asphalt pavements without compromising bitumen and mixture performance.

SuPAR-C: SuPAR Technology and Innovation Consult Service Platform 01/05/2026 - 30/04/2027

Abstract

SuPAR (Sustainable Pavement and Asphalt Research) is a multidisciplinary research group within the Faculty of Applied Engineering at the University of Antwerp, with internationally recognised expertise in sustainable and resilient pavement structures, particularly asphalt technology and materials. The group has a strong track record in national and international research projects and maintains extensive academic and industrial networks. While SuPAR's research output has reached high technology readiness levels (TRLs), the valorisation of these results into market-oriented services requires a more structured organisational approach. A key strength of this proposal is that SuPAR already delivers services; the proposed platform enables scaling, professionalisation, and internationalisation, particularly by addressing the gap between published research results and their implementation in industry. This is especially relevant for multidisciplinary challenges combining performance, sustainability, and life-cycle assessment. This Proof-of-Concept (PoC) project aims to launch SuPAR-C, a dedicated Service Platform that facilitates consultancy projects, industrial engagement, and valorisation activities. The PoC project will focus on the design, implementation, and validation of the platform through real-life pilot cases with Benelux stakeholders, building on existing expertise and tools. The platform will provide low-threshold access to SuPAR's expertise, testing facilities, and tools; enable structured knowledge transfer and consultancy for the pavement and construction sectors; and serve as a scalable vehicle for the valorisation of high-TRL research outcomes. The Service Platform will be supported by SuPAR experts and enhanced through a secure website and digital portal to increase visibility and accessibility. Through this portal, external service requests and digital tool data exchange will be managed in a structured and transparent manner. Expertise is organised into four clusters, each supervised by academic staff: Innovative and Sustainable Asphalt Mixtures and Structures – consultancy, testing, and validation of innovative materials and designs, including Green Public Procurement tools (planned launch in 2026). Digitalisation and AI Technologies – support for digital, AI-driven, and data-centric solutions in pavement and infrastructure engineering. Construction Process Quality and Road Asset Management – data-driven tools and consultancy for pavement monitoring and network management (e.g. ROAD_IT tools and sensor-based systems). Bitumen and Asphalt Laboratory – one of the most advanced academic pavement laboratories in Europe, providing specialised testing beyond current standards. The Service Platform builds on expertise and tools developed in past and ongoing projects. It formalises existing service activities through a dedicated legal and organisational structure, enabling faster response times, clearer market access, and professional service delivery. The development of fundamentally new tools is not within the scope of this project and would be addressed through separate PoC initiatives, external funding, or internal investments if required. By the end of the PoC phase, SuPAR-C will demonstrate technical feasibility, organisational readiness, and market relevance. The platform will establish a sustainable pathway for long-term valorisation, enable broader involvement of early-career researchers in industry-facing activities, and form the basis for international upscaling in alignment with initiatives such as the SURPAVE Erasmus Mundus programme and the CRIPI COST Action.

Researcher(s)

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Studies on the replacement ability of bitumen with bio-materials based on multi-performance compatibility analysis (BIOBIT). 01/01/2026 - 31/12/2029

Abstract

Asphalt mixture is normally produced using non-renewable, petroleum-based bitumen. However, current sustainability concerns demand a drop in crude oil use. Incorporating bio-based additives from natural origin or industrial byproducts from renewable resources such as bio-oils and lignin offers potential/partial replacement of traditional binders. Nonetheless, the impacts of replaced materials on the final product require a thorough evaluation framework. This project explores 3 areas: applicability, design/performance, and aging/durability of bio-based modified bitumens. It initially examines the extent to which bio-components can replace traditional bitumens, maintaining critical properties. Assessing chemical, mechanical, and rheological performance, as well as emissions is the second key criterion. Finally, identifying their aging, durability, recyclability, and ecotoxicity behavior completes the puzzle of replacing conventional binders. A trans-scale, multilevel analysis framework identifies central facets and establishes compatibility criteria, ensuring required standards are met. The joint effort between Warsaw University of Technology, Antwerp University, and Technical University Wien with expertise in various pavement engineering areas such as characterization of bio-components, bitumens, miscibility, and blending behavior as well as aging, durability, and environmental aspects guarantees the project scientific impact in advancing green/ sustainable road construction.

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  • Research Project

Enhancing Pavement Quality Through AI-Guided Compaction (EPAIC). 01/09/2025 - 31/08/2026

Abstract

Early damage on asphalt pavements is a high and avoidable social and economic cost. Research has shown that only 20% of early pavement failures are due to material defects, , while the remaining 80% can be attributed to the poor construction process itself. Currently these defects are only detected afterwards through core drilling and analysis. Too late, because the road surface has been realized. The innovative EPAIC project aims to the road construction industry in delivering more reliable and sustainable execution of the asphalt compaction process, which better meet established quality standards through the use of spatial and elevation monitoring technologies during road construction. EPAIC is introducing a digitised, AI-driven compaction system capable of continuously monitoring critical construction parameters, along with climatic conditions, during asphalt road construction. By analysing this data in real time using advanced AI algorithms, the system activates a smart alert mechanism that helps operators adjust key process variables during the process, such as the number, speed and frequency of rolling passes. As a result, optimal compaction quality is pursued. This proactive, real-time guidance helps prevent inferior quality on site, which currently can only be determined after the fact. EPAIC thus ensures an extended service life and no accelerated and unforeseen maintenance. EPAIC technology aims to become a market leader and addresses the persistent problem of an asphalt road that does not meet pre established quality standards, contributes to reduced infrastructure maintenance costs, a sustainable environment, reduced emissions and improved public health; factors that today's road construction industry is looking for. With a strong foundation of broad, technical expertise within the SuPAR Group, EPAIC is well positioned to move from concept to commercialisation and implement this technology in modern road construction.

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  • Research Project

IMproved Photocatalytic Activity of asphalt pavements with modified TiO2 Nano Technology (IMPATiO2NT). 01/10/2022 - 30/09/2026

Abstract

Industrial activities and road traffic are the main causes of the emission of pollutants such as SO2, NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to the World Health Organization, more than 90% of the world's population lives in places where pollutant concentrations exceed their limits. Devoted to the field of environmental remediation, heterogeneous photocatalysis mediated by semiconductors, such as TiO2, has recently attracted significant interest due to its capacity to efficiently convert solar energy into chemical energy which can photodegrade harmful pollutants. Several research studies achieved promising results related to the degradation of different pollutants emitted by fossil fuels used by road vehicles. Due to the huge surface area of photocatalytic asphalt pavements and its vicinity to the exhaust gases from automobiles, they are quoted as promising surfaces for the reduction of SO2, NOx, hydrocarbons and other VOCs present in the atmosphere, but also to photodegrade soot as the accumulation of cars' fuel combustion in areas with heavy traffic. For TiO2, this only occurs in the presence of Ultraviolet (UV) light from sun irradiation and moisture/O2. However, the sunlight is mostly composed of visible and infrared photons, with only about 3%–5% of the solar spectrum comprising the UV range. In this sense, one of the most important concerns reported in recent literature to obtain improved photocatalytic materials is the doping of TiO2 particles with different materials, such as Ce, Cu, and Fe. To obtain photocatalytic asphalt mixtures, three main techniques can be mentioned for applying the semiconductor materials to the asphalt mixtures: (i) spray coating, (ii) volume incorporation, and (iii) binder modification. Spray coating is most likely the most efficient functionalization technique, as it uses smaller amounts of semiconductor material that are all situated at the surface of the pavement. However, the immobilization of the semiconductor particles over the asphalt mixtures surface is still a major challenge. Binder modification leads to a lower photocatalytic efficiency, but it will provide a better immobilization and also improved rheological properties. A significant concern that should be considered as well in both application methods, is the dispersion of the TiO2 nanoparticles. Otherwise, they may agglomerate and, consequently, decrease the photocatalytic efficiency even further. In conclusion, the main objective of this project is to study the major challenges towards a solar-active photocatalytic asphalt mixture which is both efficient and durable. This includes implementing the latest developments regarding modified TiO2 nanoparticles and studying important aspects as dispersion and immobilization.

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project