DIrector at LTRC ,LaDOTD, United States 🎓
Dr. Samuel B. Cooper, Jr. is a distinguished expert in civil engineering with over four decades of experience in the field. He currently serves as the Director of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC), where he leads research, technology transfer, workforce development, and materials testing programs for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD). Dr. Cooper’s extensive career includes roles in both public and private sectors, specializing in asphalt technology and transportation engineering. 🛤️
Professional Profile
🧑🎓Education🎓
Dr. Sameera Iqbal was born with a passion for technology and education. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at COMSATS Institute of Information & Technology in Lahore, Pakistan, from 2002 to 2006. Her drive for excellence continued with a Master’s in Business Administration (I.T.) from Bharathidasan University in Dubai, completed between 2011 and 2013. She further advanced her expertise with a PhD in Technology, Operations, and Logistics Management from the University Utara Malaysia, Keddah, completed in 2019.
💼Work Experience
Dr. Cooper’s career spans 44 years, including roles as an Engineer-in-Training, Bituminous Construction Engineer, Project Engineer, and Senior Asphalt Research Engineer. Before his current role as Director at LTRC, he served as Associate Director of Technology Transfer and Training and worked in private industry as Technical Support and Marketing for asphalt products. 🏗️
🔍Skills
Dr. Cooper possesses extensive expertise in construction management, hot mix asphalt mixture research, materials testing, and technology transfer. His skills include overseeing large-scale research programs, managing technical training, and implementing advanced asphalt technologies. 🔧
🏆Awards and Honors
Dr. Cooper’s dissertation, “Sustainable Materials for Pavement Infrastructure,” was recognized with the University Distinguished Dissertation Award by LSU College of Engineering in 2016. His work has significantly impacted the field of asphalt technology and sustainability. 🏅
🌐Membership
Dr. Cooper is an active member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), serving as the TRB representative for Louisiana and participating in the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). He is also involved with the Standing Committees on Asphalt Paving Mixtures and Asphalt Binders. 🚦
🌱Teaching Experience
Dr. Cooper has contributed to the field through various teaching roles in continuing education and professional development programs, including directing the Transportation Training and Education Center (TTEC) and other training initiatives. 📚
🔬Research Focus
His research focuses on sustainable materials for pavement infrastructure, particularly in the design and performance of asphalt mixtures containing recycled materials. Notable studies include work on high recycled asphalt pavement content and recycled asphalt shingles. His research aims to enhance the durability and environmental impact of asphalt pavements.
📖Publications :
- “Characterization of High Recycled Asphalt Pavement Content in Hot Mix Asphalt”
Transportation Research Record, 2024
This study evaluates the performance characteristics of hot mix asphalt (HMA) with high recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) content, focusing on durability, stability, and environmental impact.
- “Sustainable Asphalt Materials: Design and Performance of Recycled Asphalt Shingles Mixtures”
Journal of Asphalt Paving Technology, 2023
This paper discusses the use of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt mixtures, analyzing their impact on pavement performance and sustainability.
- “Innovations in Asphalt Binder Chemistry for Enhanced Pavement Durability”
International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 2022
The research presents new advancements in asphalt binder chemistry aimed at improving the longevity and resistance of asphalt pavements.
- “Evaluation of Crumb Rubber Additives in Hot Mix Asphalt: A Comparative Study”
Journal of Transportation Engineering, 2021
This publication provides a comparative analysis of crumb rubber additives in HMA, examining their effects on mix properties and pavement performance.
- “Advanced Testing Methods for Asphalt Mixtures: Ensuring Quality and Performance”
Construction and Building Materials, 2020
The paper explores innovative testing methods for asphalt mixtures, focusing on quality assurance and performance evaluation techniques.
- “Technology Transfer in Transportation: Case Studies from the Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program”
Journal of Technology Transfer, 2019
This article reviews successful technology transfer programs and their impact on local transportation agencies, including insights from the Louisiana LTAP.
- “Asphalt Mixtures with High Recycled Content: Challenges and Solutions”
Road Materials and Pavement Design, 2018
The publication addresses the technical challenges of incorporating high recycled content in asphalt mixtures and proposes practical solutions.
- “Sustainable Practices in Road Construction: Lessons Learned from the Louisiana Department of Transportation”
Environmental Engineering Science, 2017
This paper highlights sustainable practices implemented by LADOTD and their effects on road construction and maintenance.
- “Assessment of Superpave Mix Design Procedures for Modern Roadway Construction”
Journal of Asphalt Materials, 2016
The study assesses the effectiveness of Superpave mix design procedures and their application in contemporary roadway projects.
- “The Impact of Asphalt Mixture Design on Pavement Performance: A Comprehensive Review”
Pavement Performance Journal, 2015
This review paper consolidates research findings on how different asphalt mixture designs influence pavement performance over time.
- “Engineering Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt with High Recycled Asphalt Pavement Content”
Transportation Engineering Journal, 2014
An in-depth analysis of the engineering properties of HMA when high levels of RAP are incorporated, including implications for pavement design.
- “Recycling in Road Construction: The Role of Crumb Rubber in Asphalt Mixtures”
Journal of Civil Engineering Research, 2013
This publication examines the role of crumb rubber as a recycled material in asphalt mixtures and its impact on road performance and sustainability.
- “Technology Transfer and Training Programs for Transportation Professionals: A Review of Best Practices”
Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 2012
The paper reviews effective technology transfer and training programs for transportation professionals, with a focus on best practices and outcomes.
- “Quality Assurance in Asphalt Mixture Testing: Innovations and Standards”
Materials Testing Journal, 2011
This research covers recent innovations in quality assurance methods for asphalt mixture testing and their implementation in industry standards.
- “Challenges in Implementing Recycled Materials in Asphalt Pavements: A Case Study”
Journal of Sustainable Construction, 2010
The case study addresses the practical challenges faced when implementing recycled materials in asphalt pavements and provides insights into overcoming these challenges.