AustStab is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals and organisations interested in contributing to current and future research and development projects focused on pavement recycling, rehabilitation and stabilisation across Australia.
The AustStab R&D Project List has been developed to help connect industry, researchers and emerging professionals with practical research opportunities that support the future of sustainable road infrastructure.
The list identifies a range of current and proposed research topics aligned with industry challenges, innovation priorities and future pavement performance outcomes. These projects are intended to encourage collaboration across industry, government and academia, while supporting the development of practical, evidence-based solutions for the Australian road sector.
Current R&D Projects Open for Expressions of Interest
The current AustStab R&D Project List includes practical research topics designed to address real industry challenges across pavement recycling, stabilisation, rehabilitation, materials performance and construction practice.
Projects currently available for Expressions of Interest include:
- Comparing 7-day and 28-day UCS results for cementitious treated materials
- Assessing the effect of field density variations in cementitious stabilised materials
- Quantifying binder requirements for stabilisation rework situations
- Developing subgrade in-situ CBR guidelines for stabilisation equipment support
- Assessing time delays between lime and bitumen incorporation in foamed bitumen stabilisation
- Understanding foamed bitumen working time with cementitious supplementary binders
- Investigating pavement temperature effects during foamed bitumen operations
- Developing material sampling guidelines for previously stabilised pavements
- Reviewing the effect of sampling techniques on host material properties
- Foamed bitumen stabilisation of previously cementitiously stabilised materials
- Foamed bitumen stabilisation of previously foamed bitumen stabilised materials
- Establishing reliable indicators for host material suitability for foamed bitumen
- Validating two-pass mixing for base course stabilisation treatments
- Developing a rapid UCS test method with curing of less than seven days
- Assessing post-stabilisation uniformity where existing roadway materials vary
- Understanding highly expansive clay treatment in light traffic situations
- Quantifying airborne dust and binder levels during construction activities
- Developing a working time catalogue for stabilisation binders
- Petrographic assessment of source rock factors influencing foamed bitumen modulus
- Determining bulking factors for stabilised materials across material types and mix designs
- Comparing subgrade stabilisation practices across Australian jurisdictions
- Comparing UCS results from laboratory-mixed and field-mixed stabilised materials
- Analysing four-point bending beam data for long-term bitumen stabilised pavement performance
- Comparing laboratory-produced and field-extracted modulus results for foamed bitumen materials
- Quantifying density and modulus variation with layer thickness in foamed bitumen materials
- Assessing the effect of bitumen on NDM density determination
- Quantifying the accuracy of bitumen extraction testing for foamed bitumen treated materials
- Assessing rework of foamed bitumen treated materials after various time periods
These projects are suited to students, graduates, researchers, academics and industry professionals looking to contribute to practical, evidence-based outcomes for the pavement recycling and stabilisation sector.
Who Should Apply?
We encourage Expressions of Interest from:
- University students (undergraduate, honours, masters and PhD)
- Researchers and academics
- Graduate engineers
- Individuals studying pavement engineering or transport infrastructure
- Industry professionals seeking collaborative R&D opportunities
- Organisations interested in partnering on research initiatives
This initiative is particularly suited to individuals looking to gain exposure to real-world pavement recycling and stabilisation challenges, while contributing to meaningful industry outcomes.
What Areas May Be Covered?
Projects may include topics relating to:
- Pavement recycling and rehabilitation
- In-situ stabilisation
- Foamed bitumen stabilisation
- Sustainable pavement design
- Circular economy initiatives
- Asset resilience and disaster recovery
- Performance monitoring and pavement behaviour
- Materials innovation and reuse
- Carbon reduction and environmental outcomes
- Construction methodologies and operational efficiencies
Why Get Involved?
By participating in AustStab’s R&D initiatives, applicants may have the opportunity to:
- Contribute to nationally relevant industry research
- Collaborate with experienced industry professionals
- Access practical case study opportunities
- Strengthen industry networks and career pathways
- Support innovation in sustainable infrastructure delivery
- Help shape the future direction of pavement recycling and stabilisation in Australia
Call to Action
Interested in contributing or learning more?
Submit an Expression of Interest via the link below:
Please note that submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee placement on a project. AustStab will review submissions and connect applicants with relevant opportunities as they arise.