The University of Illinois was awarded a $300,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program on January 15, 2025. The grant will fund a project to evaluate the use of biochar, a byproduct of waste timber pyrolysis, as a replacement for fine aggregate in asphalt concrete mixtures. The goal is to reduce the greenhouse gas footprint and emissions associated with traditional asphalt production and construction. The project will assess the performance of biochar-modified asphalt materials compared to current roadway solutions, as well as analyze the economic and environmental feasibility of this approach. The project will also develop a framework for full-scale testing to accelerate the adoption of this more sustainable asphalt technology.
Generated 3/4/25, 5:15 AM