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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science multiphysics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
77455 Marne La Vallee Cedex 2
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.