The Sampoerna University Sustainable Pavement Research and Innovation Center (SU-SPRIC) recently hosted a study visit for the Mechanical Engineering Cohort of 2025, bridging the gap between foundational engineering and sustainable real-world applications. During the visit, students went beyond the classroom to observe our laboratory’s latest plastic waste processing technology, learning how valueless materials are transformed into high-performance asphalt modifiers. The highlight of the visit was a hands-on practicum where freshmen actively performed a suite of essential material tests, including Penetration, Marshall, and Ductility tests, to evaluate the structural integrity of recycled plastic-bitumen mixtures. This immersive experience provided these future engineers with a direct look at how mechanical principles are driving the next generation of green infrastructure and circular economy solutions.
Sophomore Students from our Mechanical Engineering major visit the lab to gain hands-on experience and insights into the innovative process of creating asphalt mixtures with plastic. During these visits, students learn about the entire procedure, from material selection and preparation to the mixing process. They also participate in testing the asphalt mixtures to understand the impact of plastic on their properties and performance. These activities provide students with practical knowledge and skills that complement their academic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable engineering solutions.