UROP Project

***Pavement Performance Simulation

Fatigue Cracking, Pavement Performance, Predictive Models
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Research Mentor: Dr. Michael Elwardany, He/him/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: melwardany@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Other Engineering Majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU Buss Services
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8 hours a week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

As machine learning increasingly becomes a transformative tool in engineering research, high-quality datasets are essential for training robust, predictive models. In pavement engineering, predictive models can significantly improve decision-making related to design, performance, and maintenance. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive datasets capturing the effects of material properties and environmental conditions on pavement cracking behavior.

This project aims to use FlexPAVE, a finite element-based pavement analysis software, to simulate cracking performance in flexible pavements constructed with various asphalt mixtures. The primary objective is to systematically run simulations across a wide matrix of material and environmental conditions to generate a large and consistent dataset for future machine learning applications. While the long-term goal involves predictive modeling, the current focus is solely on simulation design, execution, and structured data collection.


Research Tasks: Literature review
Data analysis
Documentation and reporting of outcomes


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
Basic research skills
Basic data analysis skills
Basic Excel
Recommended:
Coding skills

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe undergraduate research should be an enjoyable and motivating experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and independence. My approach emphasizes regular weekly meetings to provide structure, guidance, and feedback, while also celebrating progress and keeping students engaged. I encourage students to take ownership of their projects, develop problem-solving skills, and see research as both a process of discovery and a source of personal growth. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I aim to help students enjoy the research journey, stay motivated through challenges, and build transferable skills that will serve them in graduate school, professional practice, and beyond.

Additional Information

UROP Research Mentor meeting by appointment. Please email me at melwardany@fsu.edu

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=bCev1f8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate