ASCE has honored Eyad A. Masad, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, with the 2019 James Laurie Prize for definite and transformative contributions to the advancement of transportation engineering through his continuing innovative research on asphalt concrete micromechanical modeling.
Masad’s research spans from topics that result in the creation of new fundamental knowledge to topics that provide solutions to immediate problems being faced by engineers in the transportation industry. He has authored and coauthored over 180 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including several papers that have received prestigious awards. He always initiates innovative ideas and applies them to the hot-mix asphalt and pavement fields. For example, his pioneering work on the automatic aggregate imaging system (AIMS) has completely revolutionized the way in which mineral aggregates are evaluated and qualified for use in highway infrastructure. This has a direct implication for the serviceable life of highways and has potentially saved highway agencies in the United States millions of dollars in maintenance costs.
Another example of his pioneering research is the use of x-ray computed tomography (x-ray CT) to evaluate the microstructure of composite materials used in highway construction. He also developed a theoretical model to predict damage evolution in asphalt pavements.
Masad is also an excellent educator. Whether in the classroom, as a one-on-one mentor to graduate students, or as a seminar or workshop speaker, his in-depth command of his subject is effective in establishing the confidence of his audience. He is a very talented, skilled, and progressive-minded academic who holds himself to strict standards of performance and professionalism. He is one of the top pavement scientists/engineers in the country.
The James Laurie Prize recognizes contributions to the advancement of transportation engineering in research, planning, design, or construction
