Revealing Mask Research

ECU construction management professors earn honors at conference

Three researchers in the East Carolina University Department of Construction Management received a pair of awards during the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction’s triennial World Building Congress in West Lafayette, Indiana.

From left, Drs. Carol Massarra, George Wang and Tianjiao Zhao

Drs. Carol Massarra, George Wang and Tianjiao Zhao explored the use of integrating disposable, single-use face masks that became prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic in asphalt production. Their research paper — “Beyond COVID-19: Integrating Face Masks in Asphalt to Combat Plastic Waste and Improve Pavement Resilience” — received the Best Paper Award as well as an Emerald Award at the conference.

Composed mostly of non-biodegradable polypropylene, the masks present waste management challenges and contribute to plastic pollution worldwide. Their research explored an approach to mitigate that environmental impact by repurposing the masks as an additive in hot mix asphalt.

The process involved shredding masks and adding them to hot mix asphalt to enhance the mechanical performance of asphalt pavements and reduce rutting, depressions in road surfaces caused as vehicles travel across the same lanes continuously.

Testing of asphalt created with the shredded masks showed improved resistance to rutting. The researchers then conducted a life cycle cost analysis to evaluate the economic feasibility of the mask-modified asphalt by comparing its long-term costs to conventional pavements. The findings indicated that the masks improved pavement durability and delivered long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance of the pavement.

The research tackled the issue of plastic pollution through a sustainable and cost-effective solution that also improved road quality.

Zhao also received recognition during the American Society for Engineering Education conference in Montreal, Canada. She teamed with Kenneth Sands of Auburn and Xi Wang of Drexel on a paper called “Use of AI in a Graduate Construction Estimating Course.” It received the Best Paper Award in the Construction Engineering Division during the conference.

Earlier this year, ECU received the R1 research designation from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The recognition represents the highest level of research excellence an institution can receive. It’s awarded to schools with the most funding, faculty-led research and graduate programs, and places ECU among just 5% of institutions in the nation that hold the R1 designation.