Mr. K Bhavinlal: Doctoral scholar at Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, India
Bhavinlal K. is a dedicated Doctoral Scholar in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, where his research focuses on the development of bio-asphalt using rice husk ash (RHA) as a binder for flexible pavements. His work is driven by the need to find sustainable solutions in the field of transportation infrastructure, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of construction materials. With a strong foundation in transportation engineering, Bhavinlal’s research is exploring how bio-based materials like rice husk ash can improve asphalt performance while offering eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based products. His current work, involving laboratory experiments and statistical analysis, seeks to optimize the performance of RHA-modified asphalt by understanding how blending parameters influence its temperature susceptibility.
Online Profiles
Citations
Since 2020, Bhavinlal’s research has accumulated 8 citations, reflecting the growing impact of his work in the field of sustainable transportation engineering. His publications have started to gain attention for their innovative approach to bio-based asphalt, particularly in the context of rice husk ash-modified asphalt.
h-index
Bhavinlal’s h-index is 2, indicating that at least two of his papers have been cited at least twice. This is a positive indicator of the relevance and academic impact of his work, especially considering that he is still early in his research career.
Education
Bhavinlal completed his Master of Technology in Transportation Engineering and Management from the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy, in 2019. His master’s thesis laid the groundwork for his ongoing Ph.D. research by focusing on the optimization of transportation infrastructure. He gained extensive knowledge in the areas of road materials, pavement management, and sustainability during his academic tenure, which further fueled his interest in finding greener alternatives for conventional construction materials.
Research Focus
Bhavinlal’s current research focuses on the development of bio-asphalt, specifically using rice husk ash (RHA) to replace traditional petroleum-based asphalt binders. RHA, a byproduct of rice milling, is being investigated as a potential bio-modifier that can not only improve the performance and durability of asphalt but also minimize environmental impact. His work explores how different blending parameters—such as RHA dosage, blending duration, blending temperature, and shear rate—affect the temperature susceptibility and overall performance of modified asphalt. This research contributes to the growing field of sustainable construction and highlights the potential of agricultural waste in the development of eco-friendly materials for infrastructure.
Research Experience
Over the last four years, Bhavinlal has contributed significantly to the field of sustainable transportation by investigating the use of rice husk ash in asphalt modification. His doctoral research at IIT Palakkad has involved extensive laboratory experiments to understand how various blending parameters impact the properties of rice husk ash-modified asphalt (RMA). Through his research, Bhavinlal has developed a deeper understanding of the interaction between RHA and asphalt, utilizing techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze their molecular interactions. His work has led to important findings on how RHA can reduce temperature susceptibility and improve the rheological properties of asphalt, making it a viable alternative to conventional binders.
Research Timeline & Activities
Bhavinlal’s research timeline spans several important milestones, with a focus on both experimental analysis and data-driven statistical methods. From 2023 to 2025, he has presented his findings at numerous prestigious international conferences, such as the International Road Federation (IRF) Global R2T Conference in Arizona, USA, and the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials (RILEM) Conference in Milan, Italy. His participation in these conferences has helped him engage with leading experts in the field and share his findings with a wider audience. Alongside these conferences, Bhavinlal has been working on publishing several papers and book chapters on the topic of bio-based asphalts. His ongoing research activities involve refining experimental techniques and optimizing the use of rice husk ash in asphalt production.
Awards & Honors
Bhavinlal’s dedication to advancing sustainable transportation engineering has earned him recognition at both national and international levels. His work has been presented in multiple global forums, such as the International Road Federation (IRF) and the RILEM conferences, where it was well-received for its innovative approach to asphalt modification. In addition to these academic accolades, Bhavinlal has been awarded various scholarships and fellowships during his doctoral research, underscoring his commitment to excellence in research. His work on bio-asphalt has also opened doors for collaboration with industry partners interested in sustainable construction practices.
Top Noted Publication
One of Bhavinlal’s top publications is “Influence of Blending Parameters on Temperature Susceptibility of Rice Husk Ash Modified Asphalt,” published in Transportation in Developing Economies in June 2025. This paper presents comprehensive research on how different blending parameters, such as RHA dosage and blending temperature, affect the temperature susceptibility of modified asphalt. The research findings provide valuable insights into how RHA can be used to create more durable and high-performing pavements, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional asphalt. This paper is one of the key contributions to the field of sustainable infrastructure, offering a roadmap for the broader application of bio-based materials in construction.
Non-Newtonian Fluid Coupling Media for Wearable Ultrasound Imaging Systems Using Rigid Linear Sensor Array
Authors: PH Gopalakrishnan, MR Panicker
Journal: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
Volume: 376, 115588
Year: 2024
Citations: 5
Summary: This study explores the use of non-Newtonian fluid coupling media in wearable ultrasound imaging systems, proposing a new solution for enhancing the performance of rigid linear sensor arrays. The work addresses challenges in coupling efficiency and sensitivity for medical imaging applications.
Exploring Production and Performance of Popular Bio-Oil Modified Asphalts: A State-of-the-Art Research Review
Authors: K Bhavinlal, V Venudharan
Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
Volume: 9 (10), 403
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
Summary: This review article provides a comprehensive examination of bio-oil modified asphalts, focusing on their production, properties, and performance. The authors assess the potential of bio-oil as a sustainable binder and its advantages over conventional asphalt, emphasizing environmental and economic benefits.
Rice Husk Ash Modified Asphalt: A High-Performing Bio-Binder for Asphalt Pavements
Authors: K Bhavinlal, V Venudharan
Event: International Conference on Innovative Methods and Practical Applications
Year: 2023
Citations: 1
Summary: Presented at the IMPACTS 2023 conference, this paper discusses the use of rice husk ash (RHA) as a bio-binder for asphalt pavements. It highlights RHA’s potential as a high-performing, sustainable alternative to petroleum-based binders, with a focus on improving pavement durability and performance.
Influence of Blending Parameters on Temperature Susceptibility of Rice Husk Ash Modified Asphalt
Authors: K Bhavinlal, V Venudharan
Journal: Transportation in Developing Economies
Volume: 11 (2), 26
Year: 2025
Citations: 8
Summary: This paper investigates the influence of various blending parameters on the temperature susceptibility of rice husk ash modified asphalt (RMA). Using experimental data and statistical analysis, the study concludes that blending parameters play a vital role in optimizing the performance of RMA, making it a viable alternative to traditional asphalt.
Cognizant Transportation Systems: Challenges and Opportunities: Select Proceedings of IMPACTS 2023
Editors: A Veeraragavan, S Mathew, P Ramakrishnan, H Madhavan
Publisher: Springer Nature
Year: 2024
Summary: This book compiles the proceedings of the IMPACTS 2023 conference, which focuses on the challenges and opportunities in cognizant transportation systems. It includes a range of papers on innovative methods and practical applications in transportation engineering.
Rice Husk Ash Modified Asphalt: A Sustainable Alternative Binder to Petroleum Asphalt
Authors: K Bhavinlal, V Venudharan
Event: RILEM Spring Convention and Conference
Pages: 481-490
Year: 2024
Summary: This paper, presented at the RILEM conference, explores the use of rice husk ash as an alternative binder to petroleum-based asphalt. It discusses the environmental and performance advantages of RHA-modified asphalt, aiming to pave the way for more sustainable infrastructure development.
Strength for the Best Innovator Award
Bhavinlal K.’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the field of civil engineering, particularly in transportation infrastructure, has positioned him as a strong contender for the Best Innovator Award. Below are five key topics that highlight his contributions and strength as an innovator:
1. Development of Bio-Asphalt Using Rice Husk Ash (RHA)
Bhavinlal’s most notable contribution lies in his innovative work on bio-asphalt, where he uses rice husk ash (RHA) as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based binders. By focusing on the recycling of agricultural waste, his research addresses the urgent need for eco-friendly and durable alternatives in road construction. This work is pivotal in reducing the environmental impact of traditional asphalt production, which is highly dependent on fossil fuels.
2. Advancing Sustainable Materials in Pavement Engineering
Through his research on RHA-modified asphalt (RMA), Bhavinlal has pioneered a new class of bio-binders that could revolutionize pavement engineering. His experiments, coupled with statistical analysis, demonstrate how RHA can improve the rheological properties of asphalt and reduce its temperature susceptibility, contributing to longer-lasting roads and highways. This research shows his innovative approach in exploring waste products for high-performance construction materials.
3. Laboratory Experiments and Data-Driven Insights
Bhavinlal’s research is deeply rooted in rigorous laboratory experimentation. His use of advanced techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to understand the molecular interactions between asphalt and rice husk ash demonstrates his scientific rigor and innovation. These experiments allow him to optimize blending parameters, such as dosage, temperature, and shear rate, to refine the characteristics of RHA-modified asphalt, further validating his work as both innovative and practical.
4. Contributions to Global Research Conferences
Bhavinlal has actively participated in numerous prestigious international conferences such as the International Road Federation (IRF) and RILEM Spring Convention. His papers and presentations on bio-asphalt solutions have been recognized for their groundbreaking approach to sustainability in transportation. This global engagement not only underscores his innovative thinking but also establishes him as a thought leader in the field of sustainable transportation engineering.
5. Impactful Publications on Sustainable Infrastructure
Bhavinlal has published multiple papers in high-impact journals and conferences, including Transportation in Developing Economies, Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, and RILEM conferences. His articles like “Influence of Blending Parameters on Temperature Susceptibility of Rice Husk Ash Modified Asphalt” have garnered attention for their relevance to both the academic community and industry, demonstrating the real-world application of his research. His publications reflect his forward-thinking approach and continuous drive to innovate within the infrastructure sector.