TARS - Thermo-Active Roads for Sustainable Heating and Cooling

Objective

Asphalt pavements absorb significant amounts of solar energy, but their potential as renewable energy sources remains largely untapped. By embedding fluid-circulating pipes, similar to underfloor heating, pavements can be transformed into thermo-active road systems that function as large-scale seasonal energy exchangers. These systems offer dual benefits: harvesting heat in summer for storage or direct use and supplying it in winter, while also extending pavement service life. Nevertheless, their long-term performance, mechanical durability, and life-cycle sustainability have yet to be thoroughly investigated. This project will develop the first integrated framework for thermo-active road performance, using a comprehensive multi-physics, multi-scale methodology. The research objectives are to 1) develop a validated coupled thermo-mechanical framework 2) build surrogate metamodel for long-term thermal performance and 4) conduct cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment. The overarching goal is to address fundamental scientific challenges to demonstrate how thermo-active roads can deliver renewable energy, extend pavement service life, thus contributing to European climate-resilient infrastructure goals. The proposed project combines a multidisciplinary approach, including geomaterial modelling, energy geostructures, material science, and sustainability, with advanced training in laboratory testing, pavement characterisation, and numerical and surrogate modelling at the host institution and two secondments. The fellowship will also equip Dr Ghalandari with advanced expertise, interdisciplinary collaborations, and transferable skills to become a leading independent researcher in climate-resilient energy geostructures and sustainable pavement systems. Supervision will be provided by Prof. Anh Minh Tang at ENPC, whose extensive experience and expertise in mentoring researchers will ensure high-quality guidance, training, and continuous support throughout the project.