From Molecules to Performance: Interdisciplinary Bitumen Characterization by Dr Johannes Mirwald

Speaker: Dr Johannes Mirwald, TU Wien, Austria Host: Prof. Prannoy Suraneni, University of Miami, United States Title: From Molecules to Performance: Interdisciplinary Bitumen Characterization Bitumen is an essential construction material for modern society, as it plays a key role in infrastructure such as asphalt roads, transport networks, and waterproofing systems. It is a highly complex material whose performance is governed by interactions across molecular, microstructural, and macroscopic length scales. Recent research has shown that meaningful characterization requires the combination of chemical analysis, microscopy, and mechanical testing to understand ageing and structure-property relationships in bituminous materials. This ROC&TOK webinar will highlight how interdisciplinary approaches can connect molecular-level changes to engineering performance, with particular attention to ageing mechanisms. By bringing together chemistry and engineering perspectives, the session aims to show how integrated characterization can improve our understanding of bitumen behavior and support the design of more durable pavement materials. ABOUT RILEM: The mission of RILEM is to advance scientific knowledge related to construction materials, systems and structures and to encourage transfer and application of this knowledge world-wide. This mission is achieved through collaboration of leading experts in construction practice and science including academics, researchers, testing laboratories and authorities.