An Innovative Achievement in Engineering from IGU: TÜBİTAK Funds Innovative Asphalt Project

The project titled "Sustainable Road Pavement Technology: Freeze Delay and Reduction of Ice-Related Accidents in Asphalt Concrete with Expanded Vermiculite," led by Asst. Prof. Mustafa Yurdabal Apak from the Civil Engineering Department of Istanbul Gelisim University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEA), has been selected for support under the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye’s (TÜBİTAK) 1002-A Fast Support Program. This important achievement once again highlights IGU's strong academic infrastructure and research capacity in developing innovative engineering solutions. Istanbul Gelisim University management congratulates Asst. Prof. Mustafa Yurdabal Apak on this valuable project selected for TÜBİTAK 1002-A Fast Support Program funding, and wishes him continued success in his academic work.

Smart and Safe Road Technology against Winter Conditions

The project aims to develop an innovative solution to the freezing and icing problems frequently encountered during winter months. By incorporating expanded vermiculite into asphalt concrete, the project seeks to delay surface freezing and reduce traffic accidents caused by icy conditions.
This approach will not only improve driving safety but also contribute to minimizing environmental harm by reducing the use of chemicals in road maintenance.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Infrastructure

Focused on sustainable road pavement technologies, the project centers on engineering applications that minimize environmental impact. Given the damage caused to nature by the de-icing chemicals commonly used in winter, this new material approach offers a significant eco-friendly alternative for infrastructure solutions.

The project is also expected to generate economic advantages by contributing to the development of long-lasting and durable road systems.

Strong Research through Inter-Institutional Collaboration

The project also draws attention for the inter-university collaboration it brings to IGU's academic strength. With Assoc. Prof. Halil İbrahim Yumrutaş from Karabük University serving as a researcher, the study aims to produce more comprehensive and effective results by combining the knowledge and expertise of different institutions. This collaboration once again underscores the importance of synergy and co-production in scientific projects.

Asst. Prof. Mustafa Yurdabal Apak: “We Produce for Science, Society, and Nature”

Asst. Prof. Mustafa Yurdabal Apak, the project's principal investigator from the Civil Engineering Department of IGU's FEA, offered the following assessment on the innovation and societal benefit dimensions of the study:

“The ultimate purpose of scientific research is to produce sustainable solutions that directly touch human life and nature. This project we are bringing to life brings together the innovative possibilities offered by materials science and the goal of public safety and eco-friendly infrastructure. The integration of advanced engineering materials such as expanded vermiculite into transportation networks will not only prevent accidents; it will also provide a valuable dataset for building smart and resilient urban infrastructure. I am deeply proud to be carrying out this high-quality study within our university.”

IGU's Scientific Vision and Societal Contribution Continue to Grow

Istanbul Gelisim University continues to increase its academic output and translate scientific knowledge into societal benefit through its funded projects.

This project, receiving TÜBİTAK 1002-A support, demonstrates that IGU stands out not only for its academic achievements, but also for its vision of building safe, sustainable, and innovative cities.