Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Somayeh Nassiri, Associate Professor of UC Davis and Principal Investigator at the University of California Pavement Research Center
Lab2Slab2Practice presents a comprehensive risk management framework for accelerating the adoption of low-carbon concrete into standard practice based on systematic evaluation. The framework draws upon social behavioral models, including Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, Diffusion of Innovations (DOI), and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to help identify and manage risks. These methods help to guide the novel technology integration process by addressing early adopters, building performance expectancy, reducing perceived user effort, leveraging social influence, and facilitating conditions.
By reliable, fast throughput experimentation at laboratory and slab scales, engaging all stakeholders, the framework aims to manage risks related to performance, scalability, and environmental impact, and reduce the adoption timeline for low-carbon materials from over 10 years to fewer years. Ultimately, this approach aims to institutionalize low-carbon concrete into state departments of transportation’s specifications and building codes, thereby contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in infrastructure projects.
Somayeh Nassiri is a faculty member at the UC Pavement Research Center (UCPRC). She is interested in pavement materials and structural design techniques to improve pavement sustainability. These strategies include using more sustainable materials and construction practices for long-lasting and durable pavements. Others are to improve pavement structural design for new and rehabilitation projects and to optimize repair jobs in terms of materials, timing, and construction to extend the life cycle of pavements, among others. Dr. Nassiri teaches courses on the materials, design, repair, rehabilitation, and management of asphalt and concrete pavements.