Kevin Bell: Expected to graduate in December 2022
Kevin Biel has worked for PEPG Consulting as an engineering intern for three years. His basic education has involved some of UAPA’s basic classes like a past Asphalt 101 class, the recent E-ticketing Brunch and Learn, and the UAPA Fall Conference in St. George, where he learned specifics about Fiber reinforced asphalt. As his education continues to progress, he will be more involved with leading and contributing to evaluating the general performance of asphalt.
After graduation, Kevin intends to use his education as a materials engineer to effectively troubleshoot asphalt pavement issues before and after construction, add to the body of knowledge that already exists on this subject, and educate those unfamiliar with asphalt in his workplace.
Gerald Street: Expected to graduate in April 2023
Gerald Street began working In the spring of 2000 as an entry-level maintenance worker in the Streets division with the City of West Jordan. He was 18.
Gerald is now working as an Asphalt Maintenance Crew Supervisor. He said, “It is incredible to see how our asphalt maintenance program has evolved from crews repairing small patches by hand to having a full-scale and highly skilled paving crew.” Gerald plays a significant role in every aspect of the program. He supports improved safety and efficiency through training, and he works to pass along his knowledge to the next generation of employees. In 2020, Gerald was deeply honored to receive the “Manager of the Year” award.
Gerald enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University in March 2021 to obtain an associate degree in Business Administration. He wants to advance his career and responsibilities within the Streets Division. His future goals include teaching employees the skills he has learned, maintaining a safe and welcoming work environment, and positively impacting West Jordan for years to come.
Abdullah Al Mamun: Expected to graduate in January 2024
Abdullah Al Mamun is a civil engineering graduate, a university instructor and a researcher. He is working on a Ph.D. in engineering and helping develop a sustainable road system that recycles pavement materials for cold-weather regions like Utah. The project is a joint effort between the University of Utah and the Utah Department of Transportation.
Abdullah’s work is relevant to the asphalt industry because of the expected costs to rehabilitate more asphalt roads. Repair costs could increase by $37.3 billion per year through 2032. Using a higher percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) improves sustainability and reduces costs. However, the additional stiffness of RAP incorporated mixtures is challenging for cold-weather regions like Utah.
The project Abdullah is working on analyzes laboratory-aging and natural-aging of asphalt mixtures to improve low-temperature performance. Suitable solutions could then be applied to counteract the adverse effects of oxidative aging. The study also uses an AI-based RT model to determine the relation between oven aging and the observed changes from natural aging.
